[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3495-S3501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 2031. Mr. CRAPO (for himself, Ms. Stabenow, and Mr. Risch)
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S.
4049, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end of division A, add the following:
TITLE XVII--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE
SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITION.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the
``Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational,
Vocational, and
[[Page S3496]]
Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act'' or ``IMPROVE
Transition for Servicemembers Act''.
(b) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this
Act, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 1702. RECODIFICATION, CONSOLIDATION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF
CERTAIN TRANSITION-RELATED COUNSELING AND
ASSISTANCE AUTHORITIES.
(a) Recodification, Consolidation, and Improvement of
Authorities.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 58 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by striking sections 1142 and 1144 and
inserting after section 1141 the following new section 1142:
``Sec. 1142. Transition-related counseling and services:
Transition Assistance Program
``(a) Program Required.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast
Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy
shall, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, carry out a program to furnish
individual counseling, information and services described in
paragraph (2) to members of the armed forces under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of
Homeland Security, as applicable, whose retirement,
separation, or release from active duty is anticipated as of
a specific date, and to the spouses of such members. The
program shall be known as the `Transition Assistance
Program'.
``(2) Counseling, information, and services.--The
counseling, information, and services furnished under the
program (in this section referred to as `covered counseling,
information, and services') shall include the following in
connection with the transition from military life to civilian
life:
``(A) Information on the topics described in subsection
(f).
``(B) Training, employment assistance, and other related
information and services, including as described in
subsection (h).
``(C) Such other counseling, information, and services as
the Secretaries referred to in paragraph (1) consider
appropriate to assist members of the armed forces, and their
spouses, in the transition from military life to civilian
life.
``(3) Agreement.--The Secretaries referred to in paragraph
(1) (in this section referred to as the `administering
Secretaries') shall enter into a detailed agreement to carry
out this section.
``(4) Certain responsibilities.--In carrying out the
program, the administering Secretaries shall do the
following:
``(A) Work together to develop and revise necessary
training documents, resources, and curriculum for the
purposes of the program.
``(B) In providing information in connection with
preseparation counseling under subsection (f)(4), use
experience obtained from implementation of the pilot program
under section 408 of Public Law 101-237.
``(C) Work with military and veterans' service
organizations and other appropriate organizations to promote
and publicize job fairs for members furnished covered
counseling, information, and services under the program.
``(D) In the case of members furnished covered counseling,
information, and services under the program who have a
spouse--
``(i) include the spouse in such counseling, information,
and services, at the election of the member and the spouse;
and
``(ii) provide job placement counseling for the spouse in
connection with the transition of the member from military
life to civilian life.
``(b) Participation of Members Required.--The Secretary of
Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require
the participation in the program under this section of all
members eligible for assistance under the program.
``(c) Service Required Before Furnishing of Preseparation
Counseling.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
concerned shall not furnish preseparation counseling under
the program under this section to a member who is being
discharged or released before the completion of the first 180
continuous days of active duty of the member.
``(2) Retirement or separation for disability.--Paragraph
(1) shall not apply in the case of a member who is being
retired or separated for disability.
``(3) Determination of duration of service.--For purposes
of calculating the days of active duty of a member under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall exclude any day
as follows:
``(A) Any day on which the member performed full-time
training duty or annual training duty.
``(B) Any day on which the member attended, while in the
active military service, a school designated as a service
school by law or by the Secretary concerned.
``(d) Commencement and Completion.--
``(1) Commencement.--
``(A) Retiring members.--In the case of a member who is
retiring from the armed forces, the furnishing of covered
counseling, information, and services to such member under
the program under this section shall commence as early as
possible during the 24-month period preceding the anticipated
retirement date.
``(B) Members separated or released.--In the case of a
member who is being separated or released from the armed
forces (other than by retirement), the furnishing of
counseling, information, and services to such member under
the program shall commence not later than 365 days before the
anticipated separation or release date.
``(C) Deadline for commencement.--Except as provided in
paragraph (4), under no circumstances shall the furnishing of
covered counseling, information, and services to a member
under the program commence later than 365 days before the
date of retirement, separation, or release of the member from
the armed forces.
``(2) Completion.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the
furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services
to a member under the program shall be completed as follows:
``(A) In the case of a member retiring from the armed
forces, by not later than 120 days before the date of
retirement.
``(B) In the case of a member otherwise being separated or
released from the armed forces, by not later than 90 days
before the date of separation or release.
``(3) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection may be
construed to prohibit the furnishing of covered counseling,
information, and services to a member under the program, or
other counseling, assistance, and information and services
similar to covered counseling, information, and services, at
times other than the times provided for by paragraphs (1) and
(2).
``(4) Unanticipated retirement, separation, or release in
connection with preseparation counseling.--In the event that
a retirement or other separation or released from the armed
forces is unanticipated until there are 90 or fewer days
before the anticipated retirement or separation or release
date, or in the event a member of a reserve component is
being demobilized under circumstances in which (as determined
by the Secretary concerned) operational requirements make the
120-day or 90-day requirement under paragraph (2) unfeasible,
preseparation counseling under the program shall begin as
soon as possible within the remaining period of service.
``(e) Furnishing on In-Person Basis.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
covered counseling, information, and services under the
program under this section shall be furnished to a member on
an in-person basis.
``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary
of Homeland Security, as applicable, may waive the
requirement in paragraph (1) with respect to a particular
member if such Secretary determines, using a system
established by such Secretary for purposes of this paragraph,
that the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and
services on an online, other electronic, or other basis,
rather than on an in-person basis, is necessary to avoid
extraordinarily significant impediments to immediate mission
needs. In issuing any such waiver, such Secretary shall
specify, in writing, the grounds for such waiver.
``(f) Topics Covered by Program.--The preseparation
counseling furnished a member under the program under this
section shall include the following:
``(1) Financial planning assistance, including information
on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes.
``(2) An explanation of the procedures for and advantages
of affiliating with the Selected Reserve.
``(3) Information on programs and benefits related to
veteran status, including--
``(A) a description of health care and other benefits to
which the member may be entitled under the laws administered
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and information
regarding the means by which the member can receive
additional counseling regarding the member's actual
entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits;
``(B) educational assistance benefits to which the member
is entitled under the Montgomery GI Bill and other
educational assistance programs because of the member's
service in the armed forces;
``(C) a description of the compensation and vocational
rehabilitation benefits to which the member may be entitled
under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
if the member is being medically separated or is being
retired under chapter 61 of this title;
``(D) information on home loan services and housing
assistance benefits available under the laws administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and counseling on
responsible borrowing practices;
``(E) a description, developed in consultation with the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of the assistance and support
services for family caregivers of eligible veterans under the
program conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
pursuant to section 1720G of title 38, including the veterans
covered by the program, the caregivers eligible for
assistance and support through the program, and the
assistance and support available through the program; and
``(F) information, including appropriate training, on
eligibility for enrollment and disenrollment in the Survivor
Benefit Plan under chapter 73 of this title and other
survivor benefits available under the laws administered by
the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
[[Page S3497]]
``(4) Information on civilian employment, occupational
requirements, and related assistance, including--
``(A) labor market information;
``(B) instruction in resume preparation;
``(C) job analysis techniques, job search techniques, job
interview techniques, and salary negotiation techniques;
``(D) certification and licensure requirements that are
applicable to civilian occupations, including State-submitted
and approved lists of military training and skills that
satisfy occupational certifications and licenses;
``(E) civilian occupations that correspond to military
occupational specialties;
``(F) information on the requirements under section 1143(a)
of this title for the Department of Defense and the
Department of Homeland Security to provide proper
certification or verification of job skills and experience
acquired while on active duty that may have application to
employment in the civilian sector for use in seeking civilian
employment and in obtaining job search skills;
``(G) information on government and private-sector programs
for job search and job placement assistance, and information
on the placement programs established under sections 1152 and
1153 of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers Program;
``(H) priority of service for veterans in the receipt of
employment, training, and placement services provided under
qualified job training programs of the Department of Labor;
``(I) veterans small business ownership and
entrepreneurship programs of the Small Business
Administration and assistance to members in their efforts to
obtain loans and grants from the Small Business
Administration and other Federal, State, and local agencies;
``(J) employment and reemployment rights and obligations
under chapter 43 of title 38;
``(K) veterans preference in Federal employment and Federal
procurement opportunities;
``(L) disability-related employment and education
protections; and
``(M) career and employment opportunities available to
members with transportation security cards issued under
section 70105 of title 46.
``(5) Information related to transition and relocation,
including--
``(A) information on the geographic areas in which such
members will relocate after separation from the armed forces,
including, to the degree possible, information about
employment opportunities, the labor market, and the cost of
living in those areas (including, to the extent practicable,
the cost and availability of housing, child care, education,
and medical and dental care);
``(B) Federal, State, and local programs, and programs of
military and veterans' service organizations, that may be of
assistance to such members after separation from the armed
forces;
``(C) counseling (for the member and dependents) on the
effect of career change on individuals and their families and
the availability to the member and dependents of suicide
prevention resources following separation from the armed
forces;
``(D) the availability of mental health services and the
treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety
disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, or other mental
health conditions associated with service in the armed forces
and information concerning the availability of treatment
options and resources to address substance abuse, including
alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse;
``(E) the availability of medical and dental coverage
following separation from active duty, including the
opportunity to elect into the conversion health policy
provided under section 1145 of this title; and
``(F) information on the required deduction, pursuant to
subsection (h) of section 1175a of this title, from
disability compensation paid by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs of amounts equal to any voluntary separation pay
received by the member under such section.
``(g) Counseling Pathways.--Each Secretary concerned shall,
in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs, establish at least three pathways for
members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of such
Secretary concerned to receive individualized counseling
under this section. The pathways shall address the needs of
members based on the following factors:
``(1) Rank.
``(2) Term of service.
``(3) Gender.
``(4) Whether the member is a member of a regular or
reserve component of an armed force.
``(5) Disability.
``(6) Anticipated characterization of retirement,
separation, or release from the armed forces (including
expedited discharge and discharge under conditions other than
honorable).
``(7) Health (including mental health).
``(8) Military occupational specialty.
``(9) Whether the member intends, after retirement,
separation, or release, to--
``(A) seek employment;
``(B) enroll in a program of higher education;
``(C) enroll in a program of vocational training; or
``(D) become an entrepreneur.
``(10) The educational history of the member.
``(11) The employment history of the member.
``(12) Whether the member has secured--
``(A) employment;
``(B) enrollment in a program of education; or
``(C) enrollment in a program of vocational training.
``(13) Whether the member has a spouse or any dependents.
``(14) Such other factors the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the
Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
consider appropriate.
``(h) Specific Components of Covered Counseling,
Information, and Services.--The covered counseling,
information, and services furnished to a member under the
program under this section shall include the following:
``(1) Preliminary meeting.--Before the commencement of the
furnishing of such counseling, information, and services
under the program to the member, the member shall meet in
person or by video conference with a counselor, during
which--
``(A) the counselor shall furnish to the member--
``(i) a self-assessment jointly designed by the Secretaries
concerned (in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) to ensure that the
Secretary concerned places the member in the appropriate
counseling pathway under subsection (g);
``(ii) information regarding reenlistment in the armed
forces;
``(iii) information regarding organizations, entities, and
resources (including resources regarding military sexual
trauma) for individuals who are retired, separated, or
released from the armed forces that are located in the
community in which the member will reside after retirement,
separation, or release, including programs described in
subsection (f)(5)(B) and resources through State veterans
agencies as described in section 3(a) of the Improving
Preseparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and
Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act;
``(iv) a military-civilian equivalency review designed to
determine what licensing, credentialing, and other
requirements for occupations in the civilian sector align
with or would be satisfied by the military occupational
specialty (MOS) and other military skills and experience of
the member;
``(v) an individualized, personality-based skills and
career assessment designed to determine the individual and
personal strengths and career interests of the member; and
``(vi) assistance in developing an individual transition
plan for the member to attempt to achieve the educational,
training, employment, and financial objectives of the member
and, if the member has a spouse, the spouse of the member;
and
``(B) the member may elect one or both of the following:
``(i) To have the Secretary concerned (in consultation with
the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs)
provide the contact information of the member to the
organizations, entities, and resources described in
subparagraph (A)(iii).
``(ii) To have the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs transmit information on the member from
Department of Defense Form DD-2648 to State veterans agencies
for transmittal to community-based organizations and related
entities that provide or connect veterans to benefits and
services in accordance with section 3 of the Improving
Preseparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and
Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act.
``(2) General instruction.--A course of general
instruction, of at least one day, on such topics specified in
subsection (f), or otherwise specific to the armed force
concerned, as the administering Secretaries consider
appropriate.
``(3) Instruction on specific post-service pathways.--A
course of instruction, of not less than two consecutive days,
on one of the following matters, as elected by the member:
``(A) Employment.
``(B) Education.
``(C) Entrepreneurship.
``(D) Career and technical training.
``(E) Such other matters as the administering Secretaries
consider appropriate.
``(4) Instruction on professional development and
employment assistance.--A course of instruction, of at least
one day, on general professional development and employment
assistance, including resume-writing, interviewing skills,
and such other matters as the administering Secretaries
consider appropriate.
``(5) Instruction on veterans benefits.--A course of
instruction, of at least one day, on the benefits and
services available under the law administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including the manner of
application for receipt of such benefits and services and
such other matters in connection with such benefits and
services as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers
appropriate.
``(6) Participation in apprenticeship programs.--For a
member otherwise eligible to participate in such a program,
participation in an apprenticeship program registered under
the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50
et seq.), or a pre-apprenticeship program that provides
credit toward a program registered
[[Page S3498]]
under such Act, that provides education, training, and
services necessary to transition to meaningful employment
that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
``(7) Order of counseling and instruction.--A member shall
receive the counseling and instruction required by paragraphs
(2) and (3) before any other instruction required by this
subsection. A member may undertake any other instruction
required by this subsection at a pace and order satisfactory
to the member, subject to the requirement to complete all
such instruction by the deadline provided in subsection
(d)(2).
``(8) Frequency of training.--The Secretary concerned shall
ensure, to the extent practicable and subject to urgent
mission needs, that members who elect to undergo additional
training or counseling under this subsection are able to do
so--
``(A) before the time periods established under subsection
(d); and
``(B) in addition to such training and instruction required
during such time periods.
``(i) Record of Receipt of Covered Counseling, Information,
and Services in Service Records.--A notation on the receipt
of counseling and instruction on each matter specified in
subsections (f) and (h) in connection with the furnishing of
covered counseling, information, and services under the
program under this section, signed by the member concerned,
shall be placed in the service record of each member
receiving such counseling and instruction.
``(j) Use of Personnel and Organizations.--In carrying out
the program under this section, the administering Secretaries
may--
``(1) provide for the use of disabled veterans outreach
program specialists, local veterans' employment
representatives, and other employment service personnel
funded by the Department of Labor to the extent that the
Secretary of Labor determines that such use will not
significantly interfere with the provision of services or
other benefits to eligible veterans and other eligible
recipients of such services or benefits;
``(2) use military and civilian personnel of the Department
of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security;
``(3) use personnel of the Veterans Benefits Administration
of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate
personnel of that Department;
``(4) use representatives of military and veterans' service
organizations;
``(5) enter into contracts with public entities;
``(6) enter into contracts with private entities,
particularly with qualified private entities that have
experience with instructing members of the armed forces
eligible for covered counseling, information, and services
under the program on--
``(A) private sector culture, resume writing, career
networking, and training on job search technologies;
``(B) academic readiness and educational opportunities; and
``(C) such other matters in connection with the program as
the administering Secretaries consider appropriate; and
``(7) take such other actions to develop and furnish
information and services to be provided under the program as
the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.
``(k) Reports and Notice in Connection With Participation
of Members.--
``(1) Information within executive branch.--The Secretary
of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each
ensure that information on participation in the program under
this section by members under the jurisdiction of such
Secretary (including timeliness of receipt of covered
counseling, information, and services, rates of participation
on an in-person basis and an online or other electronic
basis, and number of waivers (if any) issued pursuant to
subsection (e)(2)) is made available by electronic means to
the following:
``(A) Commanders at all levels of command at the
installations concerned.
``(B) All counselors and managers of counseling under the
program.
``(C) The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, and the heads of any other departments and agencies
of the Federal Government involved in the furnishing of
counseling and other assistance under the program.
``(2) Annual report to congress.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall each submit to Congress
each year a report on the furnishing of covered counseling,
information, and services under the program to members of the
armed forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary during
the preceding year. Each report shall include, for the year
covered by such report, the following:
``(i) The number of members eligible for covered
counseling, information, and services under the program.
``(ii) The number of members furnished covered counseling,
information, and services under the program.
``(iii) The number of members eligible for covered
counseling, information, and services under the program who
did not participate in the program.
``(iv) An assessment of the extent to which such
counseling, information, and services were furnished within
the times provided for by paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subsection (d).
``(v) Rates of participation on an in-person basis and an
online or other electronic basis, and number of waivers (if
any) issued pursuant to subsection (e)(2).
``(vi) The number of members placed into each counseling
pathway established under subsection (g).
``(vii) The number of members who received instruction in
each of the post-service pathways described in subsection
(h)(3).
``(viii) The number of members who participated in an
apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program described in
subsection (h)(6).
``(ix) The number of participants in the programs under
subsection (e) of section 1143 of this title (commonly
referred to as `Job Training, Employment Skills,
Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST-AI)' or `Skill
Bridge').
``(x) Such other information as is required to provide
Congress with a comprehensive description of the
participation of members in the program.
``(B) Presentation of information.--Information in each
report under subparagraph (A) shall be broken out--
``(i) by armed force, and by component of the armed forces;
``(ii) by basis of separation from the armed forces
(whether retirement or other separation and whether voluntary
or involuntary); and
``(iii) by characterization of discharge from the armed
forces.
``(l) Transmittal of Medical Information to Department of
Veterans Affairs.--In the case of a member being medically
separated or being retired under chapter 61 of this title,
the Secretary concerned shall ensure (subject to the consent
of the member) that a copy of the member's service medical
record (including any results of a Physical Evaluation Board)
is transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 60
days of the separation or retirement.
``(m) Joint Service Transcript.--The Secretary concerned
shall provide a copy of the joint service transcript of a
member of the armed forces to the following:
``(1) The member--
``(A) at the preliminary meeting with a counselor under the
program under this section pursuant to subsection (h)(1); and
``(B) on the day the member retires, separates, or is
released from the armed forces.
``(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the day the
member retirees, separates, or is released from the armed
forces.''.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 58 of such title is amended--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 1142 and
inserting the following new item:
``1142. Transition-related counseling and services: Transition
Assistance Program.''; and
(B) by striking the item relating to section 1144.
(b) Deadline for Implementation of Revised Program.--
(1) In general.--The administering Secretaries shall take
appropriate actions to carry out any modifications to the
Transition Assistance Program under section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code, that are required by reason of the
amendments made by subsection (a) by not later than the date
that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act
in order to ensure that the furnishing of covered counseling,
information, and services to members of the Armed Forces
under the Program is fully implemented as of such date.
(2) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the administering Secretaries shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on
specific actions to be taken to implement any modifications
to the Transition Assistance Program under section 1142 of
title 10, United States Code, that are required by reason of
the amendments made by subsection (a).
(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms
``administering Secretaries'' and ``covered counseling,
information, and services'' have the meanings given such
terms for purposes of section 1142 of title 10, United States
Code, as amended by subsection (a).
SEC. 1703. PERSONNEL MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Minimum Number of Dedicated Personnel.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall take
appropriate actions to ensure that the minimum number of
full-time equivalent personnel of the Department of Defense
dedicated to counseling and other activities under the
Transition Assistance Program at each military installation
each year is not less than one for every 250 members of the
Armed Forces generally projected to be eligible for
participation in the Transition Assistance Program and their
spouses at such military installation in such year. The
Secretary may not satisfy the requirement in this paragraph
through the use of contractor personnel.
(2) Applicability.--The Secretary shall comply with the
requirement in paragraph (1) commencing not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Minimum Civilian Workplace Requirement.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of providing counseling under
and otherwise administering the Transition Assistance
Program, the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate
actions to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable,
each individual employed by the Department of Defense to
[[Page S3499]]
provide counseling under the Transition Assistance Program
has both prior military experience and not less than two
years of experience in civilian employment at the time of
employment by the Department for such purposes.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that,
in employing individuals to provide counseling under the
Transition Assistance Program, the Secretary should consider
affording a preference to individuals with longevity of
experience in civilian employment at the time of employment
by the Department for that purpose.
(3) Applicability.--The Secretary shall comply with the
requirement in paragraph (1) commencing not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Report on Implementation.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the actions
taken to implement this section, including--
(1) the actions taken to implement subsection (b);
(2) the number of individuals employed by the Department
under subsection (b);
(3) the percentage of individuals employed in connection
with the Transition Assistance Program who meet the
requirement in subsection (b)(1); and
(4) such other information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(d) Transition Assistance Program Defined.--In this
section, the term ``Transition Assistance Program'' means the
program of counseling, information, and services under
section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by
section 1702 of this Act).
SEC. 1704. SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING PARTICIPATION IN TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
(a) Systems for Tracking Participation.--
(1) In general.--Commencing not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each
establish and maintain an electronic tracking system and
database, applicable across the Armed Forces, in order to
collect, assemble, and make available as described in
paragraph (2) information on the participation and progress
of members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such
Secretary in the Transition Assistance Program at the
individual, installation, and total forces levels, including
information on the following:
(A) Compliance with the commencement and completion
timeframes of the Transition Assistance Program required by
subsection (d) of section 1142 of title 10, United States
Code (as amended by section 1702 of this Act).
(B) Participation and completion by members of the specific
elements of the Transition Assistance Program described in
subsection (h) of such section 1142.
(C) Notes made by counselors in connection with the
provision of casework and other services under the Transition
Assistance Program.
(D) Such other matters in connection with participation and
progress of members in the Transition Assistance Program as
such Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Availability of information.--Information in the
tracking systems and databases required by paragraph (1),
other than information described in paragraph (1)(C), shall
be available as follows:
(A) To members of the Armed Forces undergoing the
transition from military life to civilian life, for the
personal information of members.
(B) To commanders of members of the Armed Forces at all
levels of command for members under their command.
(C) To all counselors and managers of counseling under the
Transition Assistance Program for members they serve.
(D) To the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, and the heads of any other departments and agencies
of the Federal Government involved in the furnishing of
counseling and services under the Transition Assistance
Program.
(b) Digital Portal.--
(1) In general.--Commencing not later than two years after
the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary
concerned shall establish and maintain an interactive,
Internet-based platform for members of the Armed Forces under
the jurisdiction of such Secretary to act as a portal for
members undergoing counseling under the Transition Assistance
Program in order to permit such members to do the following:
(A) View information on and track progress of the member
concerned in the required instruction and counseling of the
Transition Assistance Program.
(B) View the individual assessments of the member concerned
taken pursuant to clauses (i) and (v) of subsection (h)(1)(A)
of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended
by section 1702 of this Act).
(C) View and make changes to the transition plan of the
member concerned as described in subsection (h)(1)(A)(vi) of
such section 1142.
(D) Access information on the programs and resources
available to members of the Armed Forces and their spouses at
the military installation concerned in connection with the
Transition Assistance Program.
(E) Access information and resources related to the topics
under subsection (f) of such section 1142.
(F) Access the online version of the curriculum of
instruction under the Transition Assistance Program.
(G) Access and download a digital copy of the Joint Service
Transcript of the member concerned.
(H) Schedule, view, or change appointments with counselors
in connection with the Transition Assistance Program.
(I) Take the surveys conducted pursuant to section 1705(a).
(J) Access such other digital information and resources in
connection with the Transition Assistance Program as the
Secretaries concerned and the administering Secretaries
jointly consider appropriate.
(2) Protection of privacy.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretaries concerned shall take all
necessary and appropriate actions to protect the personal
privacy of individual members of the Armed Forces as required
by law.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``Transition Assistance Program'' means the
program of counseling, information, and services under
section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by
section 1702 of this Act).
(2) The term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given
that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States
Code.
(3) The term ``administering Secretaries'' has the meaning
given that term for purposes of section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code (as so amended).
SEC. 1705. SURVEYS ON MEMBER EXPERIENCES WITH TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COUNSELING AND SERVICES AND
IN TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE.
(a) Surveys on Member Experiences With Transition
Assistance Program Counseling, Information, and Services.--
(1) In general.--Each Secretary concerned shall conduct
surveys of members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction
of such Secretary at the conclusion of the receipt by such
members of counseling, information, and services under the
Transition Assistance Program in order to assess the
experiences of such members, and their spouses (if
applicable), in the receipt of such counseling, information,
and services.
(2) Elements.--The surveys under paragraph (1) shall be
designed to obtain information on the Transition Assistance
Program as follows:
(A) Member assessments of the quality of instruction.
(B) Member satisfaction with the scope and quality of
courses and services, including courses under paragraphs (2),
(3), and (4) of subsection (h) of section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code (as amended by section 1702 of this Act).
(C) Member assessments of the adequacy of courses and
services to meet member transition needs.
(D) Obstacles or barriers confronted by members in
accessing counseling and services.
(E) Whether members participated in the curriculum of the
Transition Assistance Program on an in-person basis or an
online, other electronic, or other basis.
(F) Such other matters as the administering Secretaries
shall specify for purposes of this subsection.
(3) Commencement.--Each Secretary concerned shall commence
the conduct of surveys pursuant to paragraph (1) by not later
than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Pilot Program on Surveys on Member Experiences in
Transition to Civilian Life.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary
of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Education, and the
Secretary of Labor, conduct a pilot program to assess the
feasibility and advisability of surveying veterans who have
been retired, discharged, or released from the Armed Forces
for at least one year, and not longer than four years, at the
time of a survey in order to assess the experiences of such
veterans in the transition from military life to civilian
life.
(2) Manner of conduct.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
may conduct the survey under the pilot program through a
contract with a qualified non-governmental organization
selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.
(3) Elements.--The survey under the pilot program shall be
designed to obtain the information on the following:
(A) Current employment status, and employment history since
retirement or separation.
(B) Receipt, whether currently or in the past, of
unemployment benefits.
(C) Educational attainment after military service.
(D) Participation of or membership in a veterans' service
organization or other support or other group oriented towards
veterans.
(E) Satisfaction with transition, including satisfaction
with counseling and assistance received in connection with
transition (whether pursuant to the Transition Assistance
Program or a program under any other provision of law).
(F) Whether veterans participated in the curriculum of the
Transition Assistance Program on an in-person basis or an
online, other electronic, or other basis.
(G) Challenges faced during transition.
(H) If married at the time of transition--
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(i) participation of spouse in the counseling and
assistance described in subparagraph (E); and
(ii) satisfaction of spouse with the counseling and
assistance described in subparagraph (E), if any,
participated in by the spouse.
(I) Whether veterans felt sufficiently prepared for a
career, education, or other advancement after military
service as a result of participation in the Transition
Assistance Program.
(J) Recommendations for improvements to the counseling and
assistance furnished in connection with transition, or for
other mechanisms to ease and facilitate transition.
(K) Such other matters as the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in consultation with the other Secretaries referred
to in paragraph (1), considers appropriate.
(4) Survey results.--The results of the survey under the
pilot program shall be broken out by number of years post-
separation of the veterans covered by the survey.
(5) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the pilot program. The report shall set forth the
following:
(A) The results of the survey conducted under the pilot
program.
(B) An assessment by the Secretary of the feasibility and
advisability of continuing surveys such as the survey under
the pilot program on a permanent basis, as frequently as once
every two years or such other frequency as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
(c) Protection of Privacy.--In carrying out this section,
the administering Secretaries, the Secretary of Education,
and the Secretaries concerned shall take all necessary and
appropriate actions to protect the personal privacy of
individual members of the Armed Forces and veterans as
required by law.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``Transition Assistance Program'' means the
program of counseling, information, and services under
section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by
section 1702 of this Act).
(2) The term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given
that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States
Code.
(3) The term ``administering Secretaries'' has the meaning
given that term for purposes of section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code (as so amended).
SEC. 1706 COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES REPORT ON
PARTICIPATION IN TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
AT SMALL AND REMOTE MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of
the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on a review, conducted by the
Comptroller General for purposes of the report, on the
participation in covered transition assistance programs of
members of the Armed Forces assigned to small military
installations and remote military installations in the United
States.
(b) Covered Transition Assistance Programs.--For purposes
of this section, covered transition assistance programs are
the following:
(1) The Transition Assistance Program.
(2) The programs under section 1143(e) of title 10, United
States Code (commonly referred to as ``Job Training,
Employment Skills, Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST-
AI)'' or ``Skill Bridge'').
(3) Any other program of apprenticeship, on-the-job
training, or internship offered at a small military
installation or remote installation that the Comptroller
General considers appropriate for inclusion in the review
under this section.
(c) Small Military Installations; Remote Military
Installations.--For purposes of this section:
(1) A small military installation is an installation at
which are assigned not more than 10,000 members of the Armed
Forces.
(2) A remote military installation is an installation that
is located more than 50 miles from any city with a population
of 50,000 people or more (as determined by the Office of
Management and Budget).
(d) Scope of Review.--In conducting the review, the
Comptroller General shall evaluate participation in covered
transition assistance programs at a number of small military
installations and remote military installations that is
sufficient to provide a complete understanding of the
participation in such programs of members of the Armed Forces
at such installations throughout the United States.
(e) Elements.--The review under this section shall include
the following:
(1) Rates of participation of members of the Armed Forces
in covered transition assistance programs at small military
installations and remote military installations in the United
States.
(2) In the case of the Transition Assistance Program, the
following:
(A) Compliance with the deadlines for participation
provided for in subsection (d) of section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code (as amended by section 1702 of this Act).
(B) A comparison between rates of participation in person
and rates of participation on line.
(C) The average ratio of permanent, full-time equivalent
program staff to participating members at small military
installations and at remote military installations.
(D) The average number of program staff (including full-
time equivalent staff and contractor staff) physically and
permanently located on installation at small military
installations and at remote military installations.
(3) Such other matters with respect to participation in
covered transition assistance programs of members assigned to
small military installations and remote military
installations as the Comptroller General considers
appropriate.
(f) Transition Assistance Program Defined.--In this
section, the term ``Transition Assistance Program'' means the
program of counseling, information, and services under
section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by
section 1702 of this Act).
SEC. 1707. EDUCATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON CAREER
READINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Programs of Education Required.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 101 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 2015 the
following new section:
``Sec. 2015a. Education of members on career readiness and
professional development
``(a) Program of Education Required.--The Secretary of
Defense shall carry out a program to provide education on
career readiness and professional development to members of
the armed forces.
``(b) Elements.--The program under this section shall
provide members with the following:
``(1) Information on the transition plan as described in
section 1142(h)(1)(A)(vi) of this title.
``(2) Information on opportunities available to members
during military service for professional development and
preparation for a career after military service, including--
``(A) programs of education, certification, training, and
employment assistance (including programs under sections
1143(e), 2007, and 2015 of this title); and
``(B) programs and resources available to members in
communities in the vicinity of military installations.
``(3) Instruction on the use of online and other electronic
mechanisms in order to access the education, training, and
assistance and resources described in paragraph (2).
``(4) Such other information, instruction, and matters as
the Secretary shall specify for purposes of this section.
``(c) Timing of Provision of Information.--Subject to
subsection (d), information, instruction, and other matters
under the program under this section shall be provided to
members at the times as follows:
``(1) Upon arrival at first duty station.
``(2) Upon arrival at any subsequent duty station.
``(3) Upon deployment.
``(4) Upon promotion.
``(5) Upon reenlistment.
``(6) At any other point in a military career specified by
the Secretary for purposes of this section.
``(d) Single Provision of Information in a Year With
Multiple Events.--A member who has received information and
instruction under the program under this section in
connection with an event specified in subsection (c) in a
year may elect not to undergo additional receipt of
information and instruction under the program in connection
with another such event in the year, unless such other event
is arrival at a new duty station.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 101 of such title is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 2015 the
following new item:
``2015a. Education of members on career readiness and professional
development.''.
(b) Report on Implementation.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report on the program of education required by
section 2015a of title 10, United States Code (as added by
subsection (a)), including the following:
(1) A comprehensive description of the actions taken to
implement the program of education.
(2) A comprehensive description of the program of
education.
SEC. 1708. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
AND OTHER TRANSITION-RELATED ASSISTANCE FOR
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
It is the sense of Congress--
(1) to acknowledge that the Armed Forces face significant
and often competing pressures in carrying out its essential
and fundamental mission to defend the nation;
(2) that ensuring the effective transition of members of
the Armed Forces from military life to civilian life
represents an essential component of this mission,
contributing directly to the long-term success of the United
States military and its missions through its effects on--
(A) the long-term success and well-being of current and
former members of the Armed Forces and their families;
(B) the perception of the Armed Forces by the American
public; and
(C) the civilian-military partnership integral to the
United States military;
(3) that the program of counseling, information, and
services under section 1142 of
[[Page S3501]]
title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1702 of
this Act), while effective in the worthy goal of reducing the
need for unemployment assistance among former members of the
Armed Forces, should be designed and carried out for the
holistic benefit, in both good and bad economic climates, of
members of the Armed Forces participating in the program, and
not simply as a metric or tool for employment;
(4) to support and commend efforts by the Department of
Defense, the Department of Labor, and other agencies of the
Federal Government in coordinating Federal and State efforts
to assist members of the Armed Forces in identifying civilian
equivalences for military occupational skills, but also to
urge the Department of Defense to ensure that the Transition
Assistance Program also provides members the tools and
assistance for reinventing themselves during the transition
from military life to civilian life, even when their new
personal and professional goals do not align with their
military occupations;
(5) to commend and further encourage efforts to incorporate
metrics for compliance with Transition Assistance Program
requirements into leadership assessments and criteria for
promotion of commanding officers in the Armed Forces;
(6) to encourage the Secretary of Defense to assign
accountability and responsibility for compliance with
Transition Assistance Program requirements to the lowest
level of command appropriate and to establish uniform, Armed
Forces-wide policy on the individuals at unit level who are
responsible for monitoring compliance of members of the Armed
Forces with such requirements;
(7) that the Secretary of Defense should seek to enhance
collaboration and access to transition-related services by
members of the Armed Forces by seeking to co-locate Federal,
State, and local officials and contractors who administer the
Transition Assistance Program and State and local officials
and partner, non-governmental entities associated with the
Transition Assistance Program or who offer transition-related
services in the same or proximate physical locations, when
possible;
(8) that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Labor should seek to minimize subjectivity in career
readiness metrics under the Transition Assistance Program in
accordance with recommendations of the Comptroller General of
the United States; and
(9) to encourage the Department of Defense, the Department
of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and appropriate
State agencies to work together, and with veterans service
organizations, to establish in States or locales, as
appropriate, local points of contact responsible for--
(A) at the election of members of the Armed Forces
relocating to such State or locale after military service,
contacting the members before separation from the Armed
Forces;
(B) providing members of the Armed Force with employment,
education, and other appropriate information about the State
or locale to assist in relocation; and
(C) coordinating services for members of the Armed Forces
and the spouses who relocate to the State or locale after
military service.
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