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SEC. 344. MATTERS RELATING TO BRIEFINGS ON SHIPYARD 
INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM 
OF THE NAVY. 
(a) MODIFICATION
TO BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.— 
Section 355(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 8013 
note) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) A risk analysis of how the schedule for 
such project affects the availability schedule for 
submarines and aircraft carriers, including the 
following: 
‘‘(i) A timeline for the completion of 
such project, including construction dates 
and dates of planned maintenance at each 
shipyard under such project. 
‘‘(ii) Contingency maintenance plans 
if such project is delayed, including any 
backup location for maintenance availabil-
ities determined by the Chief Naval Officer 
and any resulting alteration in plans or 
schedules for maintenance. 
‘‘(iii) The effect on public shipyards 
should a delay to such project result in the 
implementation of a contingency plan pur-
suant to clause (ii), including the effect on 
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the workforce and workload capacity at the 
public shipyard with respect to which such 
project is conducted. 
‘‘(iv) A cost-benefit analysis of the po-
tential for private shipyards to assist with 
such workload should such project be de-
layed, including an identification of any 
gaps in the capability of private shipyards 
to conduct the maintenance described in 
clause (ii). 
‘‘(v) An assessment of whether greater 
flexibilities in authorities are necessary to 
better support fleet maintenance needs and 
the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization 
Program.’’. 
(b) BRIEFING
ON IMPLEMENTATION STATUS.—Not 
later than February 1, 2024, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing 
on the status of the implementation of the Shipyard Infra-
structure Optimization Program of the Department of the 
Navy. Such briefing shall include, with respect to each cov-
ered project, the information specified in each of subpara-
graphs (A) through (D) of section 355(b)(2) of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, as amended 
by subsection (a). 
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SEC. 345. PILOT PROGRAM ON OPTIMIZATION OF AERIAL 
REFUELING AND FUEL MANAGEMENT IN CON-
TESTED 
LOGISTICS 
ENVIRONMENTS 
THROUGH 
USE 
OF 
ARTIFICIAL 
INTEL-
LIGENCE. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and 
Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, 
in collaboration with the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Acquisition and Sustainment and the Chief of Staff of the 
Air Force, shall commence a pilot program to optimize the 
logistics of aerial refueling and fuel management in the con-
text of contested logistics environments through the use of 
advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence. 
(b) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the pilot program 
under subsection (a) shall include the following: 
(1) Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of 
artificial intelligence-driven approaches in enhancing 
aerial refueling operations and fuel management 
processes. 
(2) Identifying opportunities to reduce fuel con-
sumption, decrease operational costs, and minimize 
the environmental impact of fuel management while 
maintaining military readiness. 
(3) Evaluating the interoperability and compat-
ibility of artificial intelligence-enabled systems with 
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the existing logistics infrastructure of the Department 
of Defense. 
(4) Enhancing situational awareness and deci-
sion-making capabilities through real-time data anal-
ysis and predictive modeling. 
(5) Addressing potential challenges and risks as-
sociated with the integration of artificial intelligence 
and other advanced digital technologies, including 
challenges and risks involving cybersecurity concerns. 
(c) COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION.—In carrying 
out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Chief Dig-
ital and Artificial Intelligence Officer shall— 
(1) coordinate the activities carried out under 
such pilot program with the Commander of the 
United States Transportation Command and the 
Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand, to ensure such pilot program aligns with exist-
ing operational requirements; and 
(2) seek to consult with relevant experts in the 
fields of artificial intelligence, logistics, aviation, and 
fuel management. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial 
Intelligence Officer shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
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Senate a report on the initial findings and planned future 
activities of the pilot program under subsection (a). Such 
report shall include an assessment of the potential oper-
ational efficiencies and benefits derived from the artificial 
intelligence-driven approaches employed under such pilot 
program. 
(e) TERMINATION.—The authority to conduct the pilot 
program under subsection (a) shall terminate on January 
1, 2027. 
SEC. 346. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PEND-
ING QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON AVAILABILITY 
OF AMPHIBIOUS WARSHIPS. 
(a) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal 
year 2024 for Administration and Servicewide Activities, 
Operation and Maintenance, Navy, not more than 50 per-
cent may be obligated or expended until a period of 30 days 
has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of 
the Navy provides the first briefing required under sub-
section (b). 
(b) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and once every 
90 days thereafter until September 30, 2026, the Sec-
retary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional 
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(C) The expected completion date for any 
maintenance for the amphibious warship that is 
in progress as of the date of the briefing, includ-
ing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. 
(D) An update on any delays in the comple-
tion of such scheduled or unscheduled mainte-
nance, and on any casualty reports, of the am-
phibious warship, affecting— 
(i) scheduled unit-level well-deck or 
flight-deck operations training of the Ma-
rine Corps; 
(ii) scheduled mission essential task 
certifications of the Marine Corps, includ-
ing with respect to mobility, communica-
tions, 
amphibious 
well-deck 
operations, 
aviation operations, and warfare training; 
or 
(iii) the composition, or deployment 
dates, of Amphibious Ready Group-Marine 
Expeditionary Units that are deployed or 
scheduled to be deployed. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘amphibious warship’’ means a 
ship that is included in the battle force inventory of 
the Department of the Navy in accordance with the 
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instruction from the Secretary of the Navy published 
on June 28, 2022, titled ‘‘General Guidance for the 
Classification of Naval Vessels and Battle Force Ship 
Counting Procedures’’ (SECNAVINST 5030.8), or 
any successor instruction, and is classified pursuant 
to such instruction as— 
(A) a general purpose amphibious assault 
ship; 
(B) a multi-purpose amphibious assault 
ship; 
(C) an amphibious transport dock; or 
(D) a dock landing ship. 
(2) The term ‘‘Amphibious Ready Group-Marine 
Expeditionary Unit’’ includes a minimum of three 
amphibious warships, of which— 
(A) one is a general purpose amphibious as-
sault ship or a multi-purpose amphibious as-
sault ship; and 
(B) at least one is an amphibious transport 
dock in the Flight I generation. 
SEC. 347. REQUIREMENT FOR SECRETARY OF NAVY TO COM-
PLETE COMMON READINESS MODELS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than December 31, 
2025, the Secretary of the Navy shall complete the establish-
ment of common readiness models for each maritime or 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
aviation major weapon system of the Department of the 
Navy. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of the Navy shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
report that details the metrics and models used by the Sec-
retary of the Navy for determining the readiness of each 
maritime or aviation major weapon system of the Depart-
ment of the Navy. 
(c) ELEMENTS.—The report under subsection (b) shall 
include, at a minimum, and with respect to the applicable 
major weapon system— 
(1) detailed information on— 
(A) the metrics used by the Secretary of the 
Navy to assess the effect of variations in funding 
for the system (by dollar amount) on the readi-
ness of the system, to inform budgetary decisions; 
and 
(B) the modeling capabilities that take into 
account and optimize predictive maintenance, 
supply, and manpower resources and are used by 
the Secretary of the Navy to inform decisions re-
lating to the readiness of the system; and 
(2) an assessment of the extent to which such 
metrics and modeling capabilities account for the de-
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tailed requirements and design of the system, includ-
ing by providing for, as appropriate, interface with 
the digital thread and digital twin of the system. 
(d) MAJOR WEAPON SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘major weapon system’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 3455(f) of title 10, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 348. PLAN REGARDING CONDITION AND MAINTE-
NANCE OF PREPOSITIONED STOCKPILES OF 
ARMY. 
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
Army shall develop a plan to improve the required inspec-
tion procedures for the prepositioned stockpiles of the Army, 
for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and conducting 
maintenance repairs at levels necessary to ensure such 
prepositioned stockpiles are mission-capable. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date on which the Secretary completes the development 
of the plan under subsection (a), and not less frequently 
than twice each year thereafter, the Secretary shall inspect 
the prepositioned stockpiles of the Army in accordance with 
the procedures under such plan. 
(c) BRIEFINGS.— 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(1) BRIEFING
ON
PLAN.—Not later than 120 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congres-
sional defense committees a briefing on the plan devel-
oped under subsection (a). 
(2) BRIEFINGS ON STATUS OF PREPOSITIONED 
STOCKPILES.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days there-
after, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees a briefing on the sta-
tus and condition of the prepositioned stockpiles of the 
Army. 
Subtitle E—Reports and Other 
Matters 
SEC. 361. MODIFICATION TO JOINT SAFETY COUNCIL. 
Title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating the second section 184 (re-
lating to the Joint Safety Council) as section 185; 
(2) in section 185(d), as so redesignated— 
(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(7) 
through (9) as paragraphs (8) through (10), re-
spectively; 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (7): 
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‘‘(7) Ensuring each military department has in 
place, for the safety management system and program 
described in paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively, of 
that military department— 
‘‘(A) a resolution plan that identifies spe-
cific corrective and preventative actions to ad-
dress the causes of mishaps; and 
‘‘(B) an implementation plan for such sys-
tem and program.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘the safety man-
agement systems described in paragraphs (9) 
and (10)’’ and inserting ‘‘the safety management 
system and program described in paragraphs (5) 
and (6), respectively’’; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
‘‘(11) Not later than one year after the initial 
identification of corrective and preventative actions 
by a military department pursuant to a resolution 
plan under paragraph (7)(A), and periodically there-
after, reviewing and validating each such identified 
corrective and preventative action to ensure the action 
is effective. 
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‘‘(12) Ensuring any related change in methods, 
tactics, or procedures necessary for the conduct of 
such identified corrective and preventative actions 
have been implemented.’’. 
SEC. 362. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE OF MILITARY WORK-
ING DOGS. 
Section 1125 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—’’ 
before ‘‘The Secretary of Defense’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) RECOGNITION OF SERVICE OF MILITARY WORK-
ING DOGS.—The Secretary of Defense shall create a decora-
tion or other appropriate recognition to recognize military 
working dogs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that 
are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious 
or courageous act in service to the United States.’’. 
SEC. 363. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO END-TO-END TRAV-
EL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) TERMINATION AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFENSE 
TRAVEL SYSTEM.—Except as provided in subsection (b)— 
(1) the Secretary of Defense shall— 
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(A) terminate the end-to-end travel manage-
ment system of the Department of Defense known 
as the ‘‘Defense Travel System’’ on December 31, 
2025; and 
(B) establish and maintain a program to 
replace the system specified in subparagraph (A) 
with a new system for end-to-end travel manage-
ment of the Department of Defense (including the 
management of travel related expense processes) 
that is a fully integrated commercial system, for 
the purpose of improving efficiency and customer 
satisfaction with respect to Department travel; 
and 
(2) not later than December 21, 2025, the Sec-
retary of each military department shall complete the 
transition to the replacement system specified in 
paragraph (1)(B), including by ensuring the enter-
prise resource planning system of that military de-
partment is integrated into such replacement system 
by such date. 
(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may issue a 
waiver for the termination and transition deadlines under 
subsection (a) if the Secretary— 
(1) determines such waiver necessary; and 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(2) submits to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a noti-
fication and justification of such determination. 
(c) BRIEFINGS.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days there-
after until the date on which the respective requirement has 
been completed— 
(1) the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a briefing on the efforts 
and progress of the Department of Defense with re-
spect to the requirements under subsection (a)(1); and 
(2) the Secretary of each military department 
shall provide to such committees a briefing on the ef-
forts and progress of that military department with 
respect to the requirements under subsection (a)(2). 
(d) LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING 
BRIEFING.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by 
this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 
for the Defense Travel Management Office, not more than 
20 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on 
which the Secretary of Defense provides to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a briefing on the plan of the Secretary to complete 
the requirements under subsection (a)(1). 
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SEC. 364. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PERSONNEL 
GRADE CAP. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the military de-
partment concerned may not appoint to, or otherwise em-
ploy in, any position with a duty described in subsection 
(b) a military or civilian employee with a rank or grade 
in excess of GS–10 not adjusted for locality. 
(b) COVERED DUTIES.—A duty described in this sub-
section is the following: 
(1) Developing, refining, and implementing di-
versity, equity, and inclusion policy. 
(2) Leading working groups and councils to de-
veloping diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and 
objectives to measure performance and outcomes. 
(3) Creating and implementing diversity, equity, 
and inclusion education, training courses, and work-
shops for military and civilian personnel. 
(c) APPLICABILITY TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES.—Any 
military or civilian employee appointed to a position with 
a duty described in subsection (b) who holds a rank or grade 
in excess of that authorized under subsection (a) shall be 
reassigned to another position not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
SEC. 365. PROHIBITION ON ELIMINATION OF CAISSON PLA-
TOON AND SUPPORT BY SUCH PLATOON OF 
MILITARY FUNERAL SERVICES AT ARLINGTON 
NATIONAL CEMETERY. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the De-
partment of the Army an equine unit, to be known as the 
Caisson Platoon, assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment of 
the Army, for the purpose of conducting military and State 
funerals and for other purposes. 
(b) PROHIBITION ON ELIMINATION.—The Secretary of 
the Army may not eliminate the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd 
Infantry Regiment of the Army established under subsection 
(a). 
(c) BRIEFING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less fre-
quently than every 180 days thereafter until March 
31, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to 
the congressional defense committees a briefing on the 
health, welfare, and sustainment of military working 
equids. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under paragraph 
(1) shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of the ability of the Cais-
son Platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the 
Army to support military funeral operations 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
within Arlington National Cemetery, including 
milestones associated with achieving full oper-
ational capability for the Caisson Platoon. 
(B) An update on the plan of the task force 
of the Army on military working equids to pro-
mote, support, and sustain animal health and 
welfare. 
(C) An update on the plan of such task 
force to ensure that support by the Caisson Pla-
toon of Arlington National Cemetery and State 
funerals is never suspended again. 
SEC. 366. ASSESSMENT ON USE OF CERTAIN AREAS IN 
SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES FOR TEST-
ING AND TRAINING IN SUPPORT OF PACIFIC 
DETERRENCE INITIATIVE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall con-
duct an assessment of the capacity of the Department of 
Defense to routinely train, test, evaluate, and qualify the-
ater-level operations in support of the Pacific Deterrence 
Initiative using test or training areas located in the south-
eastern region of the United States, for the purpose of in-
creasing the capacity and rate of force readiness with re-
spect to deterrence and defense at theater-level distances. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment under subsection (a) 
shall include the following: 
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(1) An assumption, for purposes of evaluating 
the capacity described in such subsection, that the 
Secretary of Defense will conduct at least one tabletop 
exercise per fiscal quarter to inform and advance 
operationally relevant testing and training in the Pa-
cific context (across domains), employing test or 
training areas located in the southeastern region of 
the United States. 
(2) An identification of any test or training area 
located outside of the area of responsibility of the 
United States Indo-Pacific Command (and in par-
ticular, in the southeastern region of the United 
States) with the potential to be used to expand the ca-
pacity and persistence of theater-level operations, in-
cluding any such areas owned or operated by any 
Federal department or agency, State, institution of 
higher education, or commercial entity. 
(3) An analysis of the combined capability of the 
total test or training areas identified under para-
graph (2) to simulate various public, private, and 
academic initiatives in support of the Pacific Deter-
rence Initiative while advancing military readiness. 
(4) An identification of the coordination, sched-
uling, reimbursement processes, and other require-
ments necessary for the potential use of such test or 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
training areas to advance the challenge of distance in 
the area of responsibility of the United States Indo- 
Pacific Command and accelerate development in such 
area or responsibility (across domains). 
(5) With respect to missions conducted in the 
area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pa-
cific Command, an analysis of— 
(A) the estimated frequency of use, sched-
uling lead time, cost, and other requirements as-
sociated with each test or training area located 
in the southeastern region of the United States 
and identified under paragraph (2) for purposes 
of such missions; and 
(B) any other permissions required to in-
crease force readiness levels using such test or 
training areas in support of stated national 
strategic objectives. 
(6) A review of any test or training areas identi-
fied under paragraph (2) that may enhance efforts of 
the Department to train at scale and range, when 
persistently networked into a live, virtual and con-
structive Pacific environment. 
(7) An assessment of any cost savings or time 
savings that may result from the use of test or train-
ing areas located in the southeastern region of the 
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United States to advance force readiness with respect 
to operations in the area of responsibility of the 
United States Indo-Pacific Command. 
(8) A recurring assessment of training and oper-
ations necessary to fulfill integrate priority list line 
items. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report containing the findings 
of the assessments under subsection (a). 
(d) TEST OR TRAINING AREA DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘test or training area’’ includes any range 
or other facility that may be used by the Secretary of De-
fense for testing or training purposes. 
TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL 
AUTHORIZATIONS 
Subtitle A—Active Forces 
SEC. 401. END STRENGTHS FOR ACTIVE FORCES. 
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active 
duty personnel as of September 30, 2024, as follows: 
(1) The Army, 452,000. 
(2) The Navy, 347,000. 
(3) The Marine Corps, 172,300. 
(4) The Air Force, 324,700. 
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(5) The Space Force, 9,400. 
Subtitle B—Reserve Forces 
SEC. 411. END STRENGTHS FOR SELECTED RESERVE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Armed Forces are authorized 
strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve com-
ponents as of September 30, 2024, as follows: 
(1) The Army National Guard of the United 
States, 325,000. 
(2) The Army Reserve, 174,800. 
(3) The Navy Reserve, 57,200. 
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 33,600. 
(5) The Air National Guard of the United 
States, 108,400. 
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 69,600. 
(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000. 
(b) END STRENGTH REDUCTIONS.—The end strengths 
prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any 
reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by— 
(1) the total authorized strength of units orga-
nized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such 
component which are on active duty (other than for 
training) at the end of the fiscal year; and 
(2) the total number of individual members not 
in units organized to serve as units of the Selected 
Reserve of such component who are on active duty 
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(other than for training or for unsatisfactory partici-
pation in training) without their consent at the end 
of the fiscal year. 
(c) END STRENGTH INCREASES.—Whenever units or 
individual members of the Selected Reserve of any reserve 
component are released from active duty during any fiscal 
year, the end strength prescribed for such fiscal year for 
the Selected Reserve of such reserve component shall be in-
creased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of 
such units and by the total number of such individual mem-
bers. 
SEC. 412. END STRENGTHS FOR RESERVES ON ACTIVE 
DUTY IN SUPPORT OF THE RESERVES. 
Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), 
the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, 
as of September 30, 2024, the following number of Reserves 
to be serving on full-time active duty or full-time duty, in 
the case of members of the National Guard, for the purpose 
of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or 
training the reserve components: 
(1) The Army National Guard of the United 
States, 30,845. 
(2) The Army Reserve, 16,511. 
(3) The Navy Reserve, 10,327. 
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,355. 
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(5) The Air National Guard of the United 
States, 25,713. 
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,070. 
SEC. 413. END STRENGTHS FOR MILITARY TECHNICIANS 
(DUAL STATUS). 
The minimum number of military technicians (dual 
status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2024 for the reserve 
components of the Army and the Air Force (notwith-
standing section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall 
be the following: 
(1) For the Army National Guard of the United 
States, 22,294. 
(2) For the Army Reserve, 7,990. 
(3) For the Air National Guard of the United 
States, 9,830. 
(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,882. 
SEC. 414. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF RESERVE PERSONNEL AU-
THORIZED TO BE ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR 
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT. 
During fiscal year 2024, the maximum number of 
members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who 
may be serving at any time on full-time operational sup-
port duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United States 
Code, is the following: 
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(1) The Army National Guard of the United 
States, 17,000. 
(2) The Army Reserve, 13,000. 
(3) The Navy Reserve, 6,200. 
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000. 
(5) The Air National Guard of the United 
States, 16,000. 
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 14,000. 
Subtitle C—Authorization of 
Appropriations 
SEC. 421. MILITARY PERSONNEL. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Funds are 
hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 
for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and 
agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not oth-
erwise provided for, for military personnel, as specified in 
the funding table in section 4401. 
(b) CONSTRUCTION OF AUTHORIZATION.—The author-
ization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes 
any other authorization of appropriations (definite or in-
definite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2024. 
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TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL 
POLICY 
Subtitle A—Officer Personnel Policy 
SEC. 501. REMOVAL OF EXEMPTION RELATING TO ATTEND-
ING PHYSICIAN TO THE CONGRESS FOR CER-
TAIN DISTRIBUTION AND GRADE LIMITA-
TIONS. 
Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking subsection (f); and 
(2) by redesginating subsection (g) as subsection 
(f). 
SEC. 502. NUMBER OF GENERAL OFFICERS AND FLAG OFFI-
CERS ON ACTIVE DUTY. 
(a) INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED STRENGTH FOR THE 
SPACE FORCE.—Subsection (a)(5) of section 526a of title 
10, United States Code, is amended in by striking ‘‘21’’ 
and inserting ‘‘25’’. 
(b) EXPANSION OF EXCLUSION FOR THE SPACE FORCE 
FOR JOINT DUTY REQUIREMENTS.—Subsection (b)(2)(E) of 
such section is amended by striking ‘‘6’’ and inserting ‘‘10’’. 
(c) TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL JOINT POOL ALLOCA-
TION.—Section 501(a)(3) of the National Defense Author-
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 
U.S.C. 525 note) is amended— 
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(1) by striking ‘‘positions authorized by para-
graph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘positions designated under 
subsection (b)(1) of section 526a of title 10, United 
States Code’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘30’’ and inserting ‘‘22’’. 
SEC. 503. PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS BETWEEN COMPO-
NENTS OF CERTAIN ARMED FORCES OR TO 
OTHER CERTAIN ARMED FORCES. 
(a) PROMOTION AND TRANSFER OF A WARRANT OFFI-
CER BETWEEN COMPONENTS OF AN ARMED FORCE OR TO 
ANOTHER ARMED FORCE.—Section 578 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection: 
‘‘(g)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (d), and subject to 
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in the 
case of a warrant officer in a covered armed force who is 
selected for promotion by a selection board convened under 
this chapter, and who, before the placement of the warrant 
officer’s name on the applicable promotion list, is approved 
for transfer to another component of the same covered armed 
force or to another covered armed force, the Secretary of 
the military department concerned may place the warrant 
officer’s name on a corresponding promotion list of the new 
component or covered armed force without regard to the 
warrant officer’s competitive category. 
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‘‘(2) A promotion under this subsection shall be made 
pursuant to section 12242 of this title. 
‘‘(h) In this section, the term ‘covered armed force’ 
means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force.’’. 
(b) OFFICERS TRANSFERRED TO RESERVE ACTIVE- 
STATUS LIST.—Section 624 of such title is amended by add-
ing at the end the following new subsections: 
‘‘(e)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), in the case 
of an officer in a covered armed force who is selected for 
promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter, 
and, prior to the placement of the officer’s name on the ap-
plicable promotion list, is approved for transfer to the re-
serve active-status list of the same covered armed force or 
another covered armed force, the Secretary of the military 
department concerned may place the officer’s name on a 
corresponding promotion list on the reserve active-status 
list without regard to the officer’s competitive category. 
‘‘(2) An officer’s promotion under this subsection shall 
be made pursuant to section 14308 of this title. 
‘‘(f)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3), in the case 
of an officer who (1) is placed on an all-fully-qualified-offi-
cers list, and (2) is subsequently approved for transfer to 
the reserve active-status list, the Secretary of the military 
department concerned may place the officer’s name on an 
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appropriate all-fully-qualified-officers list on the reserve ac-
tive status list. 
‘‘(2) An officer’s promotion under this subsection shall 
be made pursuant to section 14308 of this title. 
‘‘(g) In this section, the term ‘covered armed force’ 
means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force.’’. 
(c) DATE OF RANK.—Section 14308(c) od such title 
is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
graph (4); and 
(2) by inserting, after paragraph (2), the fol-
lowing new paragraph (3): 
‘‘(3) The Secretary of the military department con-
cerned may adjust the date of rank of an officer whose name 
is placed on a reserve active-status promotion list pursuant 
to subsection (e) or (f) of section 624 of this title.’’. 
SEC. 504. MODIFICATION TO GRADE OF ATTENDING PHYSI-
CIAN TO THE CONGRESS. 
Section 715 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 715. Attending Physician to the Congress: grade 
‘‘An officer serving as Attending Physician to the Con-
gress, while so serving, holds the grade of O–6.’’. 
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SEC. 505. VERIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL INDEPEND-
ENCE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNSELORS 
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) VERIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE.— 
Section 992 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A)— 
(A) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(B) in clause (ii)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘may’’ and inserting 
‘‘shall’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘installation by any 
means elected by the Secretary from among 
the following:’’ and inserting ‘‘installa-
tion—’’; 
(iii) in subclause (I)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Through’’ and in-
serting ‘‘through’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘Defense.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Defense;’’; 
(iv) in subclause (II)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘By contract’’ and 
inserting ‘‘by contract’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘Internet.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Internet; or’’; and 
(v) in subclause (III)— 
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(c) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ shall have the mean-
ing given to such term in section 101 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 506. RETIRED GRADE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF ADMIS-
SIONS OF A SERVICE ACADEMY. 
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 
7342 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘, or the Director of Admis-
sions,’’ before ‘‘of the United States Military Acad-
emy’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘as such a professor’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘in such position’’. 
(b) UNITED
STATES
NAVAL
ACADEMY.—Section 
8470a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘and subject 
to paragraph (3),’’ after ‘‘subsection (b),’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(3) Upon retirement, an officer of the Navy or Marine 
Corps serving as a permanent professor, or the Director of 
Admissions, of the United States Naval Academy in the 
grade of captain or colonel, and whose service in such posi-
tion has been long and distinguished, may, in the discretion 
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of the President, be retired in the grade of rear admiral 
(lower half) or brigadier general.’’. 
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 
9342 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘, or the Director of Admis-
sions,’’ before ‘‘of the United States Air Force Acad-
emy’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘as such a professor’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘in such position’’. 
SEC. 507. ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON OF 
THE SPACE FORCE. 
Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by inserting, after section 9023, the following new sec-
tion:— 
‘‘§ 9023a. Legislative Liaison of the Space Force 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is a Legislative Liaison 
of the Space Force. 
‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Legislative Liaison shall per-
form legislative affairs functions under the direction of the 
Chief of Space Operations.’’. 
Subtitle B—Reserve Component 
Management 
SEC. 511. GRADES OF CERTAIN CHIEFS OF RESERVE COM-
PONENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— 
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(1) CHIEF OF ARMY RESERVE.—Section 7038(b) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by strik-
ing paragraph (4) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(4) The Chief of Army Reserve, while so serving, holds 
the grade of lieutenant general.’’. 
(2) CHIEF OF NAVY RESERVE.—Section 8083(b) 
of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(4) The Chief of Navy Reserve, while so serving, holds 
the grade of vice admiral.’’. 
(3) COMMANDER, MARINE FORCES RESERVE.— 
Section 8084(b) of such title is amended by striking 
paragraph (4) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(4) The Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, while so 
serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.’’. 
(4) CHIEF
OF
AIR
FORCE
RESERVE.—Section 
9038(b) of such title is amended by striking para-
graph (4) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(4) The Chief of Air Force Reserve, while so serving, 
holds the grade of lieutenant general.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall take effect on the day that is one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to 
appointments made after such date. 
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SEC. 512. REMOVAL OF PROHIBITION ON ACTIVE DUTY 
MEMBERS OF THE AIR FORCE RESERVE POL-
ICY COMMITTEE. 
Section 10305 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘not on active duty’’ each place 
it appears; and 
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘of the reserve 
components’’ after ‘‘among the members’’. 
SEC. 513. REMOVAL OF PROHIBITION ON ACTIVE DUTY 
MEMBERS OF THE AIR FORCE RESERVE POL-
ICY COMMITTEE. 
Section 10305 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘not on active duty’’ each place 
it appears; and 
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘of the reserve 
components’’ after ‘‘among the members’’. 
SEC. 514. GRADE OF VICE CHIEF OF THE NATIONAL GUARD 
BUREAU. 
Section 10505 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(c) GRADE.—(1) The Vice Chief of the National 
Guard Bureau shall be appointed to serve in the grade of 
general. 
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‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall designate, pursu-
ant to subsection (b) of section 526 of this title, the position 
of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau as one of the 
general officer and flag officer positions to be excluded from 
the limitations in subsection (a) of such section.’’. 
SEC. 515. TRANSFERS OF OFFICERS BETWEEN THE ACTIVE 
AND INACTIVE NATIONAL GUARD. 
Section 303 of title 32, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting after subsection (c) the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(d) ARMY NATIONAL GUARD.—Under regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary of the Army— 
‘‘(1) an officer of the Army National Guard who 
fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the 
Army National Guard may be transferred from the 
active Army National Guard to the inactive Army 
National Guard; 
‘‘(2) an officer of the Army National Guard 
transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pur-
suant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the 
inactive Army National Guard to the active Army 
National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recog-
nized unit; 
‘‘(3) a warrant officer of the Army National 
Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized 
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unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred 
from the active Army National Guard to the inactive 
Army National Guard; and 
‘‘(4) a warrant officer of the Army National 
Guard transferred to the inactive Army National 
Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred 
from the inactive Army National Guard to the active 
Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally 
recognized unit. 
‘‘(e) AIR NATIONAL GUARD.—Under regulations pre-
scribed by the Secretary of the Air Force— 
‘‘(1) an officer of the Air National Guard who 
fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the 
Air National Guard may be transferred from the ac-
tive Air National Guard to the inactive Air National 
Guard; and 
‘‘(2) an officer of the Air National Guard trans-
ferred to the inactive Air National Guard pursuant 
to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive 
Air National Guard to the active Air National Guard 
to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.’’. 
SEC. 516. AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREGUARD PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Chapter 5 of title 32, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section: 
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‘‘§ 510. Authorization for FireGuard Program 
‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary of Defense may 
use members of the National Guard to carry out a program 
to aggregate, analyze, and assess multi-source remote sens-
ing information for interagency partnerships in the detec-
tion and monitoring of wildfires, and to support any emer-
gency response to such wildfires. Such a program shall be 
known as the ‘FireGuard Program’. 
‘‘(b) RESOURCES; LIMITATION.—If the Secretary car-
ries out a program under this section, the Secretary— 
‘‘(1) shall transfer the functions, personnel, as-
sets, and capabilities of the FireGuard Program, in 
existence on the day before the date of enactment of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2024, to the FireGuard Program authorized 
under this section; 
‘‘(2) may direct the Director of the National 
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to provide such assist-
ance as the Secretary determines necessary to carry 
out the FireGuard Program; and 
‘‘(3) may not reduce support, or transfer respon-
sibility for support to an interagency partner, for the 
FireGuard Program authorized under this section.’’. 
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(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following new item: 
‘‘510. Authorization for FireGuard Program.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117– 
81) is amended by striking section 515. 
SEC. 517. DESIGNATION OF AT LEAST ONE GENERAL OFFI-
CER OF THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE AS A 
JOINT QUALIFIED OFFICER. 
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that at least one 
general officer of the Marine Corps Reserve is designated 
as a joint qualified officer. 
SEC. 518. REPORT ON FOREIGN DISCLOSURE OFFICER AND 
FOREIGN MILITARY SALES OFFICER BILLETS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—Congress— 
(1) recognizes the critical importance of the Aus-
tralia-United Kingdom-United States (hereinafter re-
ferred to as ‘‘AUKUS’’) trilateral agreement; 
(2) believes that appropriate staffing in the De-
partment of Defense must be committed to ensuring 
its success; 
(3) finds that more seamless and expedient 
transfer of advanced defense technologies both to and 
from allies and partners is— 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(A) in the national security interest of the 
United States; and 
(B) critical to ensuring retention of a tech-
nological edge over adversaries; 
(4) exhorts the Secretary of Defense to commit 
resources to ensuring full-time equivalents and billets 
for foreign disclosure officers as well as foreign mili-
tary sales officers in the Department are fully staffed 
to support the fulsome review and expedient transfer 
of defense articles to AUKUS parties; and 
(5) encourages the Secretary of Defense to 
prioritize the hiring and retention of individuals in 
these roles. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
a report identifying gaps in the level of staffing necessary 
to accomplish AUKUS-related efforts in the Department of 
Defense, including those described in subsection (a). The re-
port shall also include— 
(1) an assessment of any personnel shortfalls; 
(2) a detailed plan for ensuring that existing po-
sitions described in subsection (a) are prioritized for 
hiring and retention; 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(3) an assessment of future staffing needs to en-
sure the noted goal of more rapid technology transfer 
to AUKUS parties; 
(4) a plan for the implementation of the rec-
ommendations included in the report, including an 
explanation of any additional funding, authorities, or 
organizational changes needed for the implementation 
of such recommendations; and 
(5) any other matters determined appropriate by 
the Secretary. 
Subtitle C—General Service 
Authorities and Military Records 
SEC. 521. REQUIREMENT TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN PERSONS 
AS UNACCOUNTED FOR FROM WORLD WAR II 
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. 
Section 1509 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection 
(g); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (e), the following 
new subsection: 
‘‘(f) REINVESTIGATION
OF CERTAIN REMAINS.—(1) 
With respect to a person described in subsection (a)(1) 
whom the designated Agency Director determined is ac-
counted for, such designated Agency Director shall deter-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
mine such person to be unaccounted for if the identification, 
by a practitioner of an appropriate forensic science, of re-
mains as those of such person, demonstrated discrepancies. 
‘‘(2) Upon request of the primary next of kin of a per-
son whom the designated Agency Director determined unac-
counted for pursuant to paragraph (1), the designated 
Agency Director shall— 
‘‘(A) exhume the remains of such person; and 
‘‘(B) direct the senior medical examiner assigned 
or detailed under subsection (b)(2) to investigate such 
remains using state-of-the-art technology.’’. 
SEC. 522. AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN SEPARATED 
MEMBERS OF THE AIR FORCE AS HONORARY 
SEPARATED MEMBERS OF THE SPACE FORCE. 
Chapter 933 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 9254. Authority to designate certain separated 
members of the Air Force as honorary sep-
arated members of the Space Force 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the Air Force may 
prescribe regulations that authorize an eligible individual 
to be designated as an honorary separated member of the 
Space Force. An eligible individual so designated may be 
referred to as a ‘Legacy Guardian’. 
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‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—Regulations prescribed under this 
section may include the following elements: 
‘‘(1) Eligibility criteria, including applicable 
dates of service and constructive service credit, for 
designation under this section. 
‘‘(2) An application process through which an el-
igible individual, or a survivor of a deceased eligible 
individual, may apply for such designation of such 
eligible individual. 
‘‘(3) A certificate, approved device, or other in-
signia of such designation. 
‘‘(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Designation of an eli-
gible individual under this section shall not be construed 
to entitle such eligible individual to any benefit in addition 
to those established by this section or pursuant to regula-
tions prescribed under this section. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘eligible individual’ means an individual— 
‘‘(1) whom the Secretary of the Air Force deter-
mines served in support of space operations as a 
member of the Air Force; and 
‘‘(2) who separates (or previously separated) 
from the armed forces as a member of the Air Force.’’. 
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SEC. 523. MILITARY PERSONNEL: RECRUITING; MERIT- 
BASED DETERMINATIONS. 
(a) RECRUITING.—Not later than September 30, 2024, 
the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations that any 
effort to recruit an individual to serve in a covered Armed 
Force may not take into account the race or gender of such 
individual. 
(b) MERIT-BASED DETERMINATIONS.—Not later than 
September 30, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
regulations that, with regards to a military accession, as-
signment, selection, or promotion— 
(1) a determination shall be made on the basis 
of merit in order to advance those individuals who ex-
hibit the talent and abilities necessary to promote the 
national security of the United States; 
(2) a candidate shall be evaluated on the bases 
of qualifications, performance, integrity, fitness, 
training, and conduct; 
(3) no determination may be based on favoritism 
or nepotism; and 
(4) no quota may be used. 
(c) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the following: 
(1) The Army. 
(2) The Navy. 
(3) The Marine Corps. 
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(4) The Air Force. 
(5) The Space Force. 
SEC. 524. IMPROVEMENTS TO MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR 
ACCESSION TO CERTAIN ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IMPROVEMENTS.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and every two years there-
after, the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) conduct an assessment of the prescribed med-
ical standards and medical screening processes re-
quired for the appointment of an individual as an of-
ficer, or enlistment of an individual as a member, in 
each covered Armed Force; 
(2) taking into account the findings of such as-
sessment— 
(A) update such standards and processes, as 
may be necessary; and 
(B) take such steps as may be necessary to 
improve the waiver process for individuals who 
do not meet such prescribed medical standards; 
and 
(3) submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a re-
port containing, with respect to the most recently con-
ducted assessment under paragraph (1)— 
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(A) the findings of that assessment and a 
description of the actions carried out pursuant to 
paragraph (2); and 
(B) recommendations by the Secretary for 
any legislative action the Secretary determines 
necessary to further improve such standards and 
processes. 
(b) COVERED ARMED FORCE.—In this section, the 
term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, Navy, Air 
Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force. 
SEC. 525. PROTECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF CERTAIN ARMED 
FORCES WHO REFUSE TO RECEIVE VACCINA-
TIONS AGAINST COVID-19. 
(a) PROHIBITION
ON ADVERSE ACTION.—The Sec-
retary of the military department concerned may not take 
any adverse action against a member of a covered Armed 
Force solely on the basis that such member refuses to receive 
a vaccination against COVID-19. 
(b) REINSTATEMENT.— 
(1) REQUEST; CONSIDERATION.—At the request 
of a covered individual during the two years following 
the date of the involuntary separation of the covered 
individual, the Secretary of the military department 
concerned shall consider reinstating such covered in-
dividual— 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(A) as a member of the covered Armed 
Force concerned; and 
(B) in the grade held by such covered indi-
vidual immediately before the involuntary sepa-
ration of the covered individual. 
(2) TREATMENT OF PERIOD BETWEEN SEPARA-
TION
AND
REINSTATEMENT.—The Secretary of the 
military department concerned shall treat the period 
of time between the involuntary separation of a cov-
ered individual and the reinstatement of such covered 
individual under paragraph (1) as a period of inac-
tivation from active service under the following provi-
sions of section 710 of title 10, United States Code: 
(A) Subsection (b). 
(B) Subparagraphs (B) through (D) of 
paragraph (2) of subsection (f). 
(C) Paragraph (4) of subsection (f). 
(D) Subsection (g). 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the 
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means an in-
dividual involuntarily separated from a covered 
Armed Force solely on the basis of the refusal of such 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
individual to receive a vaccination against COVID- 
19. 
SEC. 526. REVIEWS OF CHARACTERIZATION OF ADMINIS-
TRATIVE DISCHARGES OF CERTAIN MEMBERS 
ON THE BASIS OF FAILURE TO RECEIVE 
COVID-19 VACCINE. 
(a) MANDATORY REVIEW.—A board established under 
section 1553 of title 10, United States Code, shall grant a 
request pursuant to such section to review the characteriza-
tion of a discharge or dismissal of a former member of a 
covered Armed Force if such discharge or dismissal was 
solely based on the failure of such former member to obey 
a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19. 
(b) PRIORITY.—A board described in subsection (a) 
shall consider a request described in such subsection before 
any other request on the docket of such board. 
(c) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, 
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. 
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SEC. 527. CERTAIN MEMBERS DISCHARGED OR DISMISSED 
ON THE SOLE BASIS OF FAILURE TO OBEY A 
LAWFUL ORDER TO RECEIVE A VACCINE FOR 
COVID-19: COMMUNICATION STRATEGY RE-
GARDING REINSTATEMENT PROCESS. 
(a) COMMUNICATION STRATEGY REQUIRED.—Not later 
than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secre-
taries of the military departments, shall communicate, to 
a covered individual, the current, established, process by 
which a covered individual may be reinstated in the covered 
Armed Force concerned. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate a report on implementa-
tion of the communication strategy under subsection (a). 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means an in-
dividual discharged or dismissed from a covered 
Armed Force on the sole basis of failure to obey a 
lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the 
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
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SEC. 528. PILOT PROGRAM ON CARDIAC SCREENINGS FOR 
MILITARY ACCESSIONS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot pro-
gram to provide an electrocardiogram to individuals who 
undergo military accession screenings. Each such electro-
cardiogram shall be provided— 
(1) on a mandatory basis; 
(2) at no cost to the recipient; and 
(3) in a facility of the Department of Defense or 
by a member or employee of the military health sys-
tem. 
(b) PURPOSES.—In carrying out the pilot program, 
the Secretary shall— 
(1) determine the costs (including protocols and 
personnel and equipment for each military entrance 
processing station) and benefits to the Department of 
providing an electrocardiogram to every individual 
who undergoes a military accession screening; 
(2) develop and implement appropriate processes 
to assess the long-term impacts of electrocardiogram 
results on military service; and 
(3) consult with experts in cardiology to develop 
appropriate clinical practice guidelines for cardiac 
screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
on which the pilot program terminates, the Secretary shall 
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a briefing on the pilot 
program. Such briefing shall include the following: 
(1) The results of all electrocardiograms provided 
to individuals under the pilot program— 
(A) disaggregated by Armed Force, race, 
and gender; and 
(B) without any personally identifiable in-
formation. 
(2) The rate of significant cardiac issues detected 
pursuant to electrocardiograms provided under the 
pilot program, disaggregated by Armed Force, race, 
and gender. 
(3) The number of individuals, if any, who were 
disqualified from accession based solely on the result 
of an electrocardiogram provided under the pilot pro-
gram. 
(4) The cost of carrying out the pilot program. 
(d) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall terminate 
after three years after its implementation. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
Subtitle D—Military Justice 
SEC. 531. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS RE-
GARDING COURTS-MARTIAL. 
Section 837 of title 10, United States Code (article 37 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(e)(1) No court-martial convening authority, nor any 
other commanding officer, may provide a briefing con-
cerning a pending court-martial, or allegations that may 
lead to a court-martial, to any subordinate who may be 
selected to serve as a member of such court-martial. 
‘‘(2) The prohibition in paragraph (1) shall not apply 
to a briefing provided in the course of a court-martial pro-
ceeding to a member of the armed forces who is partici-
pating in such proceeding.’’. 
SEC. 532. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO 
THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. 
(a) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO GUILTY 
PLEAS FOR MURDER.—Section 918 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice), is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘he’’ each place it appears and 
inserting ‘‘such person’’; and 
(2) in the matter following paragraph (4), by 
striking the period and inserting ‘‘, unless such per-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
son is otherwise sentenced in accordance with a plea 
agreement entered into between the parties under sec-
tion 853a of this title (article 53a).’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING
TO
THE 
MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE 
AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022.— 
(1) ARTICLE 16.—Subsection (c)(2)(A) of section 
816 of title 10, United States Code (article 16 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by 
striking ‘‘by the convening authority’’. 
(2) ARTICLE 25.—Section 825 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 25 of the Uniform Code of Mili-
tary Justice), is amended— 
(A) in subsection (d)— 
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘may, after the findings are announced and 
before any matter is presented in the sen-
tencing phase, request, orally on the record 
or in writing, sentencing by members’’ and 
inserting ‘‘shall be sentenced by the military 
judge’’; and 
(ii) by amending paragraph (2) to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(2) In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of 
an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the ac-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
cused to death, the accused shall be sentenced in accordance 
with section 853(c) of this title (article 53(c)).’’; 
(B) in subsection (e)— 
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘him’’ and inserting ‘‘the member being 
tried’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (2)— 
(I) in the first sentence, by strik-
ing ‘‘his opinion’’ and inserting ‘‘the 
opinion of the convening authority’’; 
and 
(II) in the second sentence, by 
striking ‘‘he’’ and inserting ‘‘the mem-
ber’’; and 
(C) in subsection (f) in the second sen-
tence— 
(i) by striking ‘‘his authority’’ and in-
serting ‘‘the authority of the convening au-
thority’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘his staff judge advo-
cate or legal officer’’ and inserting ‘‘the staff 
judge advocate or legal officer of the con-
vening authority’’. 
(c) AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL WITH 
RESPECT TO CERTAIN OFFENSES OCCURRING BEFORE EF-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
FECTIVE DATE OF MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS ENACTED 
IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FIS-
CAL YEAR 2022.— 
(1) AUTHORITY.—Section 824a of title 10, 
United States Code, as added by section 531 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1692), is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(d) SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL AUTHORITY OVER CER-
TAIN OTHER OFFENSES.— 
‘‘(1) OFFENSES OCCURRING BEFORE EFFECTIVE 
DATE.—A special trial counsel may, at the sole and 
exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, exer-
cise authority over the following offenses: 
‘‘(A) An offense under section 917a (article 
117a), 918 (article 118), section 919 (article 
119), section 920 (article 120), section 920b (ar-
ticle 120b), section 920c (article 120c), section 
928b (article 128b), or the standalone offense of 
child pornography punishable under section 934 
(article 134) of this title that occurred on or be-
fore December 27, 2023. 
‘‘(B) An offense under section 925 (article 
125), section 930 (article 130), or section 932 
(article 132) of this title that occurred on or 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
‘‘(B) KNOWN OR RELATED OFFENSES.—If a 
special trial counsel exercises authority over an 
offense pursuant to paragraph (1), the special 
trial counsel may exercise the authority of the 
special trial counsel under subsection (c)(2)(B) 
with respect to other offenses described in that 
subparagraph without regard to the date on 
which the other offenses occur.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT
TO
EFFECTIVE 
DATE.—Section 539C(a) of the National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 
117-81; 10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended by striking 
‘‘and shall’’ and inserting ‘‘and, except as provided in 
section 824a(d) of title 10, United States Code (article 
24a(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
shall’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsection (b) and subsection (c)(1) shall take effect imme-
diately after the coming into effect of the amendments made 
by part 1 of subtitle D of title V of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117– 
81) as provided in section 539C of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 
note). 
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SEC. 533. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN RECORDS OF CRIMINAL 
INVESTIGATIONS. 
(a) GUIDANCE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall develop and implement uniform guidance providing 
for the modification of titling and indexing systems to en-
sure that a record identifying a member or former member 
of the Armed Forces as the subject of a criminal investiga-
tion is removed from such system if that member or former 
member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection 
(d). 
(b) REVIEW AND DOCUMENTATION.—Not later than 60 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Sec-
retary concerned, pursuant to the guidance issued by the 
Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) and in consulta-
tion with the appropriate Judge Advocate General, shall— 
(1) review the titling and indexing systems of the 
defense criminal investigative organizations under the 
jurisdiction of such Secretary to identify each record 
in such system that pertains to a member or former 
member of the Armed Forces who has been cleared of 
wrongdoing as described in subsection (d); 
(2) notify the defense criminal investigative or-
ganization involved of each record identified under 
paragraph (1); and 
(3) direct the head of the organization to remove 
the record in accordance with subsection (c). 
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(c) DEADLINE FOR REMOVAL.—The head of a defense 
criminal investigative organization that receives a notice 
under subsection (b)(2) with respect to a record in a titling 
or indexing system shall ensure that the record is removed 
from such system by not later than 30 days after the date 
on which the notice is received. 
(d) DISPOSITION OF INVESTIGATIONS.—A member or 
former member of the Armed Forces who is the subject of 
a criminal investigation shall be considered to have been 
cleared of wrongdoing for purposes of subsection (a) if— 
(1) the member or former member is found not 
guilty at military or civilian trial for the alleged of-
fense; 
(2) an investigation conducted by defense crimi-
nal investigative organization or another Federal or 
civilian law enforcement agency determines that— 
(A) the member or former member is not re-
sponsible for the alleged offense; or 
(B) was mistakenly identified as a subject; 
(3) the alleged offence was addressed through 
non-judicial punishment imposed under section 815 
of title 10, United States Code (article 15 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice) and the involuntary 
separation of the member was not required or rec-
ommended as part of such punishment; 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(4) the investigation into the alleged offense has 
been open for 10 years or more and charges have not 
been filed; 
(5) the member or former member is pardoned; 
(6) the reasons specified for the charges are un-
supported by the evidence of the offense a for which 
the member or former member was under investiga-
tion as determined by— 
(A) a court-martial or other proceeding 
brought under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice). 
(B) an administrative proceeding within 
the Department of Defense or the Armed Force 
concerned. 
(C) a civilian court; or 
(7) the Government makes a final determination 
not to prosecute the member or former member for the 
criminal offense for which the member or former 
member was under investigation. 
(e) PROHIBITION ON INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION.—No 
member of an Armed Force may be involuntarily separated 
solely for— 
(1) an offense for which the member is cleared of 
wrongdoing as described in subsection (d); or 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(2) an offense for which the punishment of sepa-
ration was not specifically recommended— 
(A) by a court-martial under chapter 47 of 
title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code 
of Military Justice); or 
(B) by a commander pursuant to the com-
mander’s authority to impose non-judicial pun-
ishment under section 815 of such chapter (arti-
cle 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(f) EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.—The requirements of this 
section are in addition to any requirements imposed under 
section 549 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263). This section shall 
supercede any provision of section 549 of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 
117–263) that is inconsistent with this section, but only to 
the extent of the inconsistency. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘defense criminal investigative or-
ganization’’ means— 
(A) the Army Criminal Investigation Com-
mand; 
(B) the Naval Criminal Investigative Serv-
ice; 
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(C) the Air Force Office of Special Inves-
tigations; 
(D) the Coast Guard Investigative Service; 
(E) the Defense Criminal Investigative 
Service; and 
(F) any other organization or element of the 
Department of Defense or an Armed Force that 
is responsible for conducting criminal investiga-
tions. 
(2) The term ‘‘promotion board’’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 628 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘selection board’’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 1558 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(5) The term ‘‘titling and indexing system’’ 
means any database or other records system used by 
a defense criminal investigative organization for pur-
poses of titling and indexing (as those terms are de-
fined in section 549(g) of the National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
117–263)), including the Defense Central Index of In-
vestigations (commonly known as ‘‘DCII’’). 
SEC. 534. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR RE-
LOCATION OF ARMY CID SPECIAL AGENT 
TRAINING COURSE. 
(a) LIMITATION.—None of the funds authorized to be 
appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for 
fiscal year 2024 for the Army may be obligated or expended 
to relocate an Army CID special agent training course until 
each of the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and 
(2) of section 548(a) of the James M. Inhofe National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 
117–263) have been met. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘relocate’’ 
and ‘‘Army CID special agent training course’’ have the 
meanings given those terms in section 548(b) of the James 
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263). 
Subtitle E—Other Legal Matters 
SEC. 541. SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF CERTAIN ACTIONS 
OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS 
FOR THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF 
APPEALS FOR THE ARMED FORCES.— 
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(1) IN
GENERAL.—Section 1259 of title 28, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘or de-
nied’’ after ‘‘granted’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘or de-
nied’’ after ‘‘granted’’. 
(2) 
TECHNICAL
AND
CONFORMING
AMEND-
MENTS.— 
(A) TITLE 10.—Section 867a(a) of title 10, 
United States Code (article 67a of the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking 
‘‘The Supreme Court may not review by a writ 
of certiorari under this section any action of the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed 
Forces in refusing to grant a petition for re-
view.’’. 
(B) TIME FOR APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF 
CERTIORARI.—Section 2101(g) of title 28, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(g) The time for application for a writ of certiorari 
to review a decision of the United States Court of Appeals 
for the Armed Forces, or the decision of a Court of Criminal 
Appeals that the United States Court of Appeals for the 
Armed Forces refuses to grant a petition to review, shall 
be as prescribed by rules of the Supreme Court.’’. 
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(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), the 
amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect 
upon the expiration of the 180-day period beginning 
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall 
apply to any petition granted or denied by the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces 
on or after that effective date. 
(2) AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE RULES.—The au-
thority of the Supreme Court to prescribe rules to 
carry out section 2101(g) of title 28, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a)(2)(B) of this sec-
tion, shall take effect on the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 542. STUDY ON REMOVAL OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM 
ADVOCATES FROM THE CHAIN OF COMMAND 
OF VICTIMS. 
(a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a 
study to determine— 
(1) the feasibility and advisability of requiring 
that any Sexual Assault Victim Advocate assigned to 
a victim under section 1565b of title 10, United 
States Code, be from outside the chain of command of 
the victim; and 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(2) the potential effects of such a requirement on 
the ability of the Armed Forces to implement sexual 
assault prevention and response programs. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a report on the results 
of the study conducted under subsection (a). 
Subtitle F—Member Education 
SEC. 551. MILITARY EDUCATION FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS 
FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 167 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended as follows: 
(1) In subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the 
following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(K) Providing for the education of members of 
the special operations forces at degree-granting insti-
tutions of higher military education.’’. 
(2) In subsection (g)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period 
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
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‘‘(3) joint special operations-peculiar education, 
leader preparation, and leader development, including 
payment of tuition fees for members attending degree- 
granting education programs.’’. 
(3) By adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(m) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘degree-granting institutions of 
higher military education’ means— 
‘‘(A) the professional military education 
schools; 
‘‘(B) the senior level service schools; 
‘‘(C) the intermediate level service schools; 
‘‘(D) the joint intermediate level service 
school; 
‘‘(E) the Naval Postgraduate School; 
‘‘(F) the United States Air Force Institute 
of Technology; and 
‘‘(G) the Service Academies. 
‘‘(2) The terms ‘intermediate level service school’, 
‘joint intermediate level service school’, and ‘senior 
level service school’ have the meaning given such 
terms in section 2151 of this title. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
‘‘(3) The term ‘professional military education 
schools’ means the schools specified in section 2162 of 
this title. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘Service Academy’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 347 of this title. 
‘‘(5) The term ‘special operations-peculiar aca-
demic education’ means education at degree-granting 
institutions of higher military education that involves 
or impacts the United States Special Operations 
Command.’’. 
(b) AUTHORITY TO EXPEND CERTAIN FUNDS.—Con-
sistent with such regulations as the Secretary of Defense 
may prescribe to carry out the amendments made this sec-
tion, the Commander of the United States Special Oper-
ations Command may expend funds appropriated for Major 
Force Program 11 for fiscal year 2024 or subsequent fiscal 
years to support special operations-peculiar academic edu-
cation at degree-granting institutions of higher military 
education. 
SEC. 552. EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO SERVE 
AS ADMINISTRATORS AND INSTRUCTORS IN 
THE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING 
CORPS. 
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
‘‘(C) officers and noncommissioned officers who 
are in an active status; or 
‘‘(D) officers and noncommissioned officers— 
‘‘(i) who are under 60 years of age; 
‘‘(ii) who but for age, would be eligible for 
retired pay for non-regular service under section 
12731 of this title; and 
‘‘(iii) whose qualifications are approved by 
the Secretary of the military department con-
cerned and the institution concerned. 
‘‘(2) Employment under this subsection shall be subject 
to the following conditions: 
‘‘(A) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a 
joint service instructor pay scale system to pay ad-
ministrators and instructors employed under this sub-
section. 
‘‘(B) Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary 
of the military department concerned shall pay to an 
institution that employs an administrator or instruc-
tor under this subsection an amount equal to one-half 
of the pay paid by the Secretary of the military de-
partment concerned to such individual for any pe-
riod. 
‘‘(C) The Secretary of the military department 
concerned may pay the institution more than the 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
amount set forth in subparagraph (B) if the Sec-
retary concerned determines that— 
‘‘(i) the institution is in an educationally 
and economically deprived area; and 
‘‘(ii) such action is in the national interest. 
‘‘(D) Payments by the Secretary of the military 
department concerned under this subsection shall be 
made from funds appropriated for such purpose. 
‘‘(E) The Secretary of the military department 
concerned may require an individual employed under 
this subsection to transfer to the Individual Ready 
Reserve.’’. 
SEC. 553. PROHIBITION OF ESTABLISHMENT OR MAINTE-
NANCE OF A UNIT OF THE JUNIOR RESERVE 
OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS AT AN EDU-
CATIONAL INSTITUTION OWNED, OPERATED, 
OR CONTROLLED BY THE CHINESE COM-
MUNIST PARTY. 
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, as amend-
ed by section 552, is further amended by adding at the end 
the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) No unit may be established or maintained at an 
educational institution that is owned, operated, or con-
trolled by a person that— 
‘‘(1) is the People’s Republic of China; 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
‘‘(2) is a member of the Chinese Communist 
Party; 
‘‘(3) is a member of the People’s Liberation 
Army; 
‘‘(4) is identified by the Secretary of Defense 
under section 1260H(a) of the William M. (Mac) 
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) as a Chinese 
military company; 
‘‘(5) is included in the Non-SDN Chinese Mili-
tary-Industrial Complex Companies List published by 
the Department of the Treasury; or 
‘‘(6) is owned by or controlled by or is an agency 
or instrumentality of any person described in para-
graphs (1) through (5).’’. 
SEC. 554. INCLUSION OF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROGRAMS 
AT 
CERTAIN 
INSTITUTIONS 
OF 
PROFES-
SIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION. 
(a) UNITED STATES ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL 
STAFF COLLEGE.—Chapter 751 of title 10, United States 
Code is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section: 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
‘‘§ 7423. Establishment of advanced research program 
at the United States Army Command and 
General Staff College 
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the 
Army, the President of the United States Army Command 
and General Staff College shall establish, within the College, 
an advanced research program that examines the character 
of near-future operational-tactical warfighting at the high 
end of the conflict spectrum in East Asia. The program 
shall use wargaming, operations research, and systems 
analysis as the primary methodologies for developing sce-
narios for analysis under the program.’’. 
(b) NAVAL WAR COLLEGE.—Chapter 859 of title 10, 
United States Code is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section: 
‘‘§ 8596. Establishment of advanced research program 
at the Naval War College 
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the 
Navy, the President of the Naval War College shall establish, 
within the College, an advanced research program that ex-
amines the character of near-future operational-tactical 
warfighting at the high end of the conflict spectrum in East 
Asia. The program shall use wargaming, operations re-
search, and systems analysis as the primary methodologies 
for developing scenarios for analysis under the program.’’. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(c) AIR UNIVERSITY.—Chapter 951 of title 10, United 
States Code is amended by inserting after section 9420 the 
following new section: 
‘‘§ 9421. Establishment of advanced research program 
at the Air University 
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the 
Air Force, the Commander of the Air University shall estab-
lish, within the University, an advanced research program 
that examines the character of near-future operational-tac-
tical warfighting at the high end of the conflict spectrum 
in East Asia. The program shall use wargaming, operations 
research, and systems analysis as the primary methodolo-
gies for developing scenarios for analysis under the pro-
gram.’’. 
(d) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than February 1 
of each year, the President of the United States Army Com-
mand and General Staff College, the President of the Naval 
War College, and the Commander of the Air University 
shall each provide to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on 
wargaming outcomes and force structure recommendations 
resulting from activities conducted under the advanced re-
search programs established under sections 7423, 8596, and 
9421 of title 10, United States Code, respectively. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
SEC. 555. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ENLISTED MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMY AND THE NAVY TO ATTEND THE 
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—During fiscal year 2024, the 
Secretaries of the Army and the Navy shall each implement 
a pilot program to send enlisted members of the Army and 
the Navy, respectively, to earn master’s degrees at NPS, in 
programs determined appropriate by each such Secretary 
in coordination with the President of NPS. 
(b) ELIGIBILITY.—A member of the Army or Navy 
shall be eligible to participate in such a pilot program on 
the same bases as a member of the Marine Corps pursuant 
to the MCGEP-E Pilot. 
(c) PARTICIPANTS: SELECTION; NUMBER.—The Sec-
retary concerned shall select a member who applies to par-
ticipate in such a pilot program on the same bases used 
to select a member of the Marine Corps pursuant to the 
MCGEP-E Pilot. Each Secretary concerned shall select a 
number of participants that equals the number of officers 
of the Armed Force concerned who attend NPS at the same 
time. 
(d) PROMOTION OF PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary 
concerned shall promote a pilot program under this section 
to encourage members to apply. 
(e) DUTIES OF PARTICIPANTS.—The Secretary con-
cerned shall ensure that the duties of a member selected to 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
participate in such a pilot program are performed by an-
other member of the Armed Force concerned until the par-
ticipant returns to such duties. 
(f) TERMINATION.—Each such pilot program shall ter-
minate six years after commencement. 
(g) REPORT.—Not more than one year after the com-
pletion of a pilot program, each Secretary concerned, in co-
ordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and Senate a report on the pilot program. Each 
such report shall include the following: 
(1) The evaluation of the Secretary concerned of 
the effects of the pilot program on— 
(A) the career trajectories of participants 
(including effects on pay); 
(B) retention of participants; 
(C) recruitment; 
(D) job performance of participants; 
(E) merit-based promotions of participants; 
and 
(F) objectives outlined in the 2022 National 
Defense Strategy to modernize the Armed Forces, 
spur innovation, and outpace and outthink ad-
versaries of the United States; 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(2) The recommendation of the Secretary con-
cerned regarding whether to make the pilot program 
permanent. 
(3) An estimate of funding and any legislation 
necessary to make the pilot program permanent. 
(4) Other matters the Secretary concerned deter-
mines appropriate. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘MCGEP-E Pilot’’ means the Fis-
cal Year 2023 Marine Corps Graduate Education 
Program – Enlisted Pilot Program. 
(2) The term ‘‘NPS’’ means the Naval Post-
graduate School. 
Subtitle G—Member Training 
SEC. 561. INCREASE IN ACCESSION BONUS FOR NURSE OF-
FICER CANDIDATES. 
Section 2130a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$20,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$40,000’’; and 
(2) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$10,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$20,000’’. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
SEC. 562. SERVICE ACADEMIES: NUMBERS OF NOMINA-
TIONS BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND AP-
POINTMENTS BY THE SECRETARIES OF THE 
MILITARY DEPARTMENTS. 
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 
7442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following 
paragraph (10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘15 persons’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and 
inserting ‘‘250’’. 
(b) UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8454 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following 
paragraph (10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘15 persons’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and 
inserting ‘‘250’’. 
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 
9442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following 
paragraph (10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘15 persons’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and 
inserting ‘‘250’’. 
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SEC. 563. INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NOMINEES FROM 
GUAM TO THE SERVICE ACADEMIES. 
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 
7442 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 
562, is further amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking 
‘‘Four’’ and inserting ‘‘Five’’. 
(b) UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8454 
of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 562, 
is further amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking ‘‘Four’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Five’’. 
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 
9442 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 
562, is further amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking 
‘‘Four’’ and inserting ‘‘Five’’. 
SEC. 564. EXEMPTION OF CADET OR MIDSHIPMAN WHO RE-
FUSES TO RECEIVE A VACCINATION AGAINST 
COVID–19 FROM REQUIREMENT TO REPAY 
TUITION AT MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY. 
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 
7448(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘A cadet’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a cadet or 
former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the agreement 
as specified under subsection (a), or the alternative obliga-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
tion imposed under subsection (b), because such cadet or 
former cadet was not tendered an appointment as a com-
missioned officer on the sole basis that the cadet or former 
cadet refused to receive a vaccination against COVID–19.’’. 
(b) UNITED
STATES
NAVAL
ACADEMY.—Section 
8459(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘A midshipman’’; 
and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a midshipman 
or former midshipman who does not fulfill the terms of the 
agreement as specified under subsection (a), or the alter-
native obligation imposed under subsection (b), because 
such midshipman or former midshipman was not tendered 
an appointment as a commissioned officer on the sole basis 
that the midshipman or former midshipman refused to re-
ceive a vaccination against COVID–19.’’. 
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 
9448(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘A cadet’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a cadet or 
former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the agreement 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
as specified under subsection (a), or the alternative obliga-
tion imposed under subsection (b), because such cadet or 
former cadet was not tendered an appointment as a com-
missioned officer on the sole basis that the cadet or former 
cadet refused to receive a vaccination against COVID–19.’’. 
(d) RETROACTIVE APPLICABILITY.—The amendments 
made by this section shall have retroactive effect and apply 
to a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy 
who, on or after January 1, 2020, was not tendered an ap-
pointment as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces 
on the sole basis that such cadet or midshipman refused 
to receive a vaccination against COVID–19. 
SEC. 565. TRAINING ON THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY 
FOR MEMBERS OF CERTAIN ARMED FORCES. 
(a) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of the military de-
partment concerned shall develop training to provide, to 
members of each Armed Force under the jurisdiction of such 
Secretary, an unclassified, comprehensive overview of the 
National Defense Strategy, including— 
(1) the security environment facing the United 
States as outlined in the National Defense Strategy; 
and 
(2) defense priorities outlined in the National 
Defense Strategy. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(b) PROVISION; FREQUENCY.—Such training shall be 
provided to a member of the Armed Forces— 
(1) during initial entry training; 
(2) at least once a year; 
(3) during a period of unit-level professional 
military education leadership training; and 
(4) at any other time determined by the Sec-
retary of the military department concerned. 
(c) SURVEY AND REPORT.—The Director of the Defense 
Manpower Data Center shall include in the annual status 
of forces survey a survey regarding the awareness of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces of the mission of the Department 
of Defense in the National Defense Strategy. The results of 
such survey— 
(1) shall be submitted by the Secretary of Defense 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives in a report; and 
(2) shall be used by the Secretary of a military 
department as a benchmark to evaluate and update 
training developed and provided under this section. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
SEC. 566. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR 
CERTAIN TRAINING OR EDUCATION THAT 
PROMOTES CRITICAL RACE THEORY. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—No funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act may be used to promote critical race 
theory— 
(1) at a Service Academy; 
(2) in training provided to a member of the 
Armed Forces; or 
(3) in professional military education. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘critical race theory’’ means the 
theory that individuals, by virtue of race, ethnicity, 
color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are 
inherently responsible for actions committed in the 
past by other individuals of such race, ethnicity, 
color, or national origin. 
(2) The term ‘‘Service Academy’’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 347 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 567. SEX-NEUTRAL HIGH FITNESS STANDARDS FOR 
ARMY CLOSE COMBAT FORCE MILITARY OC-
CUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES. 
(a) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
Army shall implement sex-neutral fitness standards on the 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
Army Combat Fitness Test that are enhanced in each tested 
category for members in the following military occupational 
specialties or areas of concentration: 
(1) 11A. 
(2) 11B. 
(3) 11C. 
(4) 12A. 
(5) 12B. 
(6) 13A. 
(7) 13F. 
(8) 18A. 
(9) 18B. 
(10) 18C. 
(11) 18D. 
(12) 18E. 
(13) 18F. 
(14) 18Z. 
(15) 19A. 
(16) 19D. 
(17) 25C assigned to infantry, calvary, and engi-
neer line companies or troops in brigade combat 
teams and infantry battalions. 
(18) 68W assigned to infantry, calvary, and en-
gineer line companies or troops in brigade combat 
teams and infantry battalions. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army pro-
vide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and House of Representatives describing the method-
ology used to establish standards under subsection (a). 
SEC. 568. COSTS OF TRAINING ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than May 1, 2024, and 
annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to Congress a report on, with regards to training on critical 
race theory provided by the Secretary during the previous 
calendar year— 
(1) the number of hours spent by members of the 
Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Depart-
ment of Defense; and 
(2) total costs to the Department. 
(b) CRITICAL RACE THEORY DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘critical race theory’’ means an ideology 
based on the following premises: 
(1) Race is a socially constructed category that 
is used to oppress and exploit people of color. 
(2) The law and legal institutions of the United 
States are inherently racist insofar as they function 
to create and maintain social, economic, and political 
inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially 
African Americans. 
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SEC. 569. PUBLICATION OF TRAINING MATERIALS OF THE 
DEFENSE 
EQUAL 
OPPORTUNITY 
MANAGE-
MENT INSTITUTE. 
Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary of 
Defense shall publish all materials created by the Defense 
Equal Opportunity Management Institute for the purpose 
of training members of the Armed Forces on the website 
of such Institute. 
Subtitle H—Member Transition 
SEC. 571. AMENDMENTS TO PATHWAYS FOR COUNSELING 
IN THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘Dis-
ability’’ and inserting ‘‘Potential or confirmed dis-
ability’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘Char-
acter’’ and inserting ‘‘Potential or confirmed char-
acter’’. 
SEC. 572. SKILLBRIDGE: STAFFING; BUDGETING; OUT-
REACH; REPORT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1143(e) of title 10, United 
States Code is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The Secretary 
concerned’’; and 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) The Secretary of a military department shall 
carry out one or more programs under this subsection.’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as 
paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing new paragraphs: 
‘‘(3) To carry out this subsection, the Secretary con-
cerned shall— 
‘‘(A) assign not fewer than two full-time equiva-
lent positions; and 
‘‘(B) develop for each fiscal year a funding plan 
that includes funding lines across the future-years de-
fense program under section 221 of this title. 
‘‘(4) For any program under this subsection, the Sec-
retary concerned shall, on an annual basis— 
‘‘(A) circulate, to members serving on active 
duty under the jurisdiction of such Secretary con-
cerned, information about the program (including eli-
gibility requirements and the application process); 
and 
‘‘(B) conduct outreach to inform potential em-
ployers about Skillbridge, participating members, and 
how the program operates, and to increase the number 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
of, and types of, employers that hire program partici-
pants.’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of a military department shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report regarding Skillbridge in such military 
department (disaggregated by Armed Force, in the case of 
the Departments of the Navy and the Air Force). Such re-
port shall include the following: 
(1) The office with primary responsibility for 
Skillbridge, including the number of personnel as-
signed to Skillbridge in such office. 
(2) The anticipated funding amount. 
(3) The annual number of participants during 
fiscal years 2019 through 2023. 
(4) How such Secretary selects members to par-
ticipate. 
(5) How long it takes for a member to receive 
approval to participate. 
(6) How many members, disaggregated by rank, 
who, after participating, receive a job offer from a 
participating employer. 
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SEC. 573. TROOPS-TO-TEACHERS PROGRAM: EXPANSION; 
EXTENSION. 
Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘; 
and’’ and inserting a semicolon; 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) as administrators and instructors of 
the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps 
under section 2031(d) of this title.’’; 
(2) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by redesignating subparagraph (D) 
as subparagraph (E); and 
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph 
(C) the following new subparagraph (D): 
‘‘(D) If a member of the armed forces is apply-
ing for the Program to receive assistance for place-
ment as an administrator or instructor of the Junior 
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the Secretary shall 
require the member to meet the requirements in sec-
tion 2031(d) of this title.’’; and 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(B) in paragraph (4)(A)(ii)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘(I)’’ before ‘‘agree’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 
‘‘; or’’ and 
(iii) by adding at the end the following 
new subclause: 
‘‘(II) agree to seek employment as ad-
ministrators or instructors under the Jun-
ior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in sec-
ondary schools or in other schools under the 
jurisdiction of a local educational agency: 
and’’; 
(3) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), by inserting 
‘‘administrator or instructor of the Junior Re-
serve Officers’ Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘or ca-
reer’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by inserting 
‘‘administrator or instructor of the Junior Re-
serve Officers’ Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘or ca-
reer’’; 
(4) in subsection (f)(1)(B), by inserting ‘‘admin-
istrator or instructor of the Junior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘or career’’; 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(5) in subsection (h)(2)(A), by inserting ‘‘admin-
istrators or instructors of the Junior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘and career’’; and 
(6) in subsection (k), by striking ‘‘2025’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2027’’. 
SEC. 574. REPORT ON THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than April 1, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report on the effectiveness, timeliness, and 
execution of TAP. The report under this section shall in-
clude the following elements: 
(1) The average length of time before separation 
when a member of an Armed Force, eligible for TAP, 
begins 
preseparation 
counseling 
under 
TAP, 
disaggregated by— 
(A) Armed Force; and 
(B) whether such member is an enlisted 
member or an officer. 
(2) The timeline and plan of action to imple-
ment the recommendations in GAO-23-104538, De-
cember 2022. 
(3) Steps the Secretary plans to take, and the re-
lated timeline for such steps, to address the finding in 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
the report cited in paragraph (2) that approximately 
70 percent of members did not begin preseparation 
counseling under TAP at least one year before separa-
tion. 
(4) The feasibility of ensuring that, by January 
1, 2025, at least 75 percent of members eligible for 
TAP begin preseparation counseling under TAP at 
least one year before separation. 
(5) The feasibility of implementing a pilot pro-
gram to provide grants to non-Federal entities that 
provide industry-recognized certifications, job place-
ment assistance, and related employment services to 
members eligible for TAP and spouses of such mem-
bers. 
(6) The feasibility of a pilot program that would 
require the military transition assistance teams of the 
Department of Defense to contact a veteran at least 
twice during each of the first three months after the 
veteran separates from an Armed Force, regarding— 
(A) transition to civilian life, including em-
ployment, access to benefits administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, education, and 
family life; and 
(B) concerns regarding such transition. 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(7) Recommendations of the Secretary (including 
legislation) to improve the long-term effectiveness of 
TAP and the well-being of veterans. 
(8) Other information the Secretary determines 
necessary to provide such Committees with a com-
prehensive description of the participation of the 
members in TAP and any other program adminis-
tered by the Secretary that assists in the transition 
of members of the Armed Forces to civilian life. 
(b) TAP DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘TAP’’ 
means the Transition Assistance Program of the Depart-
ment of Defense under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 575. SKILLBRIDGE: APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than September 30, 2024, the 
Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of 
the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, 
shall conduct a study to identify the private entities partici-
pating in Skillbridge that offer positions in registered ap-
prenticeship programs to covered members. 
(b) RECRUITMENT.—The Secretary shall consult with 
officials and employees of the Department of Labor who 
have experience with registered apprenticeship programs to 
facilitate the Secretary entering into agreements with enti-
ties that offer positions described in subsection (a) in areas 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
where the Secretary determines few such positions are avail-
able to covered members. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered member’’ means a member 
of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge. 
(2) The term ‘‘registered apprenticeship pro-
gram’’ means 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.). 
(3) The term ‘‘Skillbridge’’ means an employ-
ment skills training program under section 1143(e) of 
title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 576. FEMALE MEMBERS OF CERTAIN ARMED FORCES 
AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE IN STEM. 
(a) STUDY; REPORT.—Not later than September 30, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report containing the results of a study on 
how to— 
(1) increase participation of covered individuals 
in positions in the covered Armed Forces or Depart-
ment of Defense and related to STEM; and 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
(2) change Skillbridge to help covered individ-
uals eligible for Skillbridge find civilian employment 
in positions related to STEM. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the 
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means a fe-
male— 
(A) member of a covered Armed Force; or 
(B) civilian employee of the Department of 
Defense. 
(3) The term ‘‘Skillbridge’’ means an employ-
ment skills training program under section 1143(e) of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘STEM’’ means science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics. 
SEC. 577. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REPORT ON THIRD- 
PARTY JOB SEARCH TECHNOLOGY. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress 
a report on potential partnership opportunities with com-
panies that provide third-party job search digital solutions 
to assist active duty service members and veterans up to 
two years post-separation from the military find employ-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
ment following their active duty service. Such report shall 
include the potential use and effectiveness of any such part-
nerships. 
Subtitle I—Decorations and Awards 
SEC. 581. EXTENSION OF TIME TO REVIEW WORLD WAR I 
VALOR MEDALS. 
(a) EXTENSION.—Section 584(f) of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 
116–92; 10 U.S.C. 7271 note) is amended by striking ‘‘six’’ 
and inserting ‘‘eight’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall take effect as if enacted on the date of the 
enactment of such Act. 
SEC. 582. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF 
HONOR TO MARCELINO SERNA FOR ACTS OF 
VALOR DURING WORLD WAR I. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—Notwithstanding the time limi-
tations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States 
Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the 
awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the 
Armed Forces, the President may posthumously award the 
Medal of Honor under section 7272 of such title to 
Marcelino Serna for the acts of valor described in the sub-
section (b). 
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(b) ACTS OF VALOR DESCRIBED.—The acts of valor 
described in this subsection are the actions of Marcelino 
Serna as a private in the Army during World War I, for 
which he was previously awarded the Distinguished-Service 
Cross. 
Subtitle J—Other Personnel 
Matters, Reports, and Briefings 
SEC. 591. ARMED FORCES WORKPLACE SURVEYS. 
Subsection (c) of section 481 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) 
as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) Indicators of the assault (including un-
wanted sexual contact) that give reason to believe that 
the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or 
both, for a status in a group.’’. 
SEC. 592. ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION FOR MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES. 
Section 1044a of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(e)(1) A person named in subsection (b) may exercise 
the powers described in subsection (a) through electronic 
means, including under circumstances where the individual 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
with respect to whom such person is performing the notarial 
act is not physically present in the same location as such 
person. 
‘‘(2) A determination of the authenticity of a notarial 
act authorized in this section shall be made without regard 
to whether the notarial act was performed through elec-
tronic means. 
‘‘(3) A log or journal of a notarial act authorized in 
this section shall be considered for evidentiary purposes 
without regard to whether the log or journal is in electronic 
form.’’. 
SEC. 593. DUE DATE FOR REPORT ON EFFORTS TO PRE-
VENT AND RESPOND TO DEATHS BY SUICIDE 
IN THE NAVY. 
Section 599A(c) of the James M. Inhofe National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 
117–263) is amended by striking ‘‘180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 
2024’’. 
SEC. 594. POSTING OF PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE 
988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE AT MILI-
TARY INSTALLATIONS. 
The Secretary of the military department concerned 
shall post promotional materials (including brochures, post-
ers, and informational sheets) for the 988 Suicide and Cri-
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
sis Lifeline at each military installation under the jurisdic-
tion of such Secretary. 
SEC. 595. PROHIBITION ON DRAG SHOWS AND DRAG QUEEN 
STORY HOUR. 
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
Act may be obligated or expended for a drag show, drag 
queen story, or similar event. 
SEC. 596. DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY 
AND INCLUSION: REPORT; SUNSET. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and House of Representatives a report regarding how the 
Secretary appointed members to the Defense Advisory Com-
mittee on Diversity and Inclusion, including how the mem-
bership was fairly balanced consistent with section 
1004(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code. 
(b) SUNSET.—Consistent with section 1013(a)(2) of 
title 5, United States Code, the Defense Advisory Committee 
on Diversity and Inclusion shall terminate not later than 
September 19, 2024. 
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SEC. 597. FORCE STRUCTURE AND PERSONNEL REQUIRE-
MENTS OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES: 
REVIEW; BRIEFING; REPORT. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED; ELEMENTS.—Not later than 
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
covered officials shall conduct a coordinated review of force 
structure and personnel requirements for special operations 
forces under the jurisdictions of the covered officials to carry 
out special operations activities regarding the following: 
(1) Operational and campaign plans of the com-
mander of a combatant command. 
(2) The National Defense Strategy of 2022. 
(3) The Joint Concept for Competing (dated Feb-
ruary 10, 2023) and any additional relevant Joint 
Operating Concepts. 
(4) Any Executive orders related to strategic 
competition. 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the com-
mencement of the review under subsection (a), the Secretary 
of Defense shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and House of Representatives on the initial find-
ings of the review. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after completion 
of the review under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
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•HR 2670 RH1S 
Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes 
the following: 
(1) A summary of the findings of the review. 
(2) Details of any proposed changes to force 
structure and personnel requirements. 
(3) The costs associated with any changes identi-
fied in paragraph (2) and the time required to exe-
cute such changes. 
(4) If the Secretary proposes a reduction in spe-
cial operations forces force structure or personnel re-
quirements, effects of such reductions on the ability to 
carry out plans described in subsection (a)(1). 
(d) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Defense may not 
make any reduction in force structure, personnel require-
ments, or staffing levels to a special operations force until 
after the Secretary submits the report under subsection (c). 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered official’’ means the fol-
lowing. 
(A) The Secretary of the Army. 
(B) The Secretary of the Navy. 
(C) The Secretary of the Air Force. 
(D) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for 
Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. 
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(E) The Commander of United States Spe-
cial Operations Command. 
(2) The term ‘‘special operations activities’’ 
means the activities described in section 167(k) of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘special operations forces’’ means 
the forces described in section 167(j) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘force structure’’, when used with 
respect to an organization, means the type of organi-
zation, the mission of the organization, the personnel 
required to operate the organization, and the equip-
ment required to execute the mission of the organiza-
tion. 
SEC. 598. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE COUNTERING EX-
TREMISM WORK GROUP. 
No funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act 
may be used to fund the Department of Defense Countering 
Extremism Work Group. 
SEC. 599. DIGITAL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM OF THE NAVY: 
CESSATION; REPORT; RESTART. 
(a) CESSATION.—The Secretary of the Navy shall cease 
all activities of the digital ambassador program of the Office 
of Information of the Department of the Navy. The Sec-
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‘‘§ 2164a. Rights of parents of children attending 
schools operated by the Department of De-
fense Education Activity 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The parent of a child who attends 
a school operated by the Department of Defense Education 
Activity has the following rights: 
‘‘(1) The right to review the curriculum of the 
school. 
‘‘(2) The right to be informed if the school or De-
partment of Defense Education Activity alters the 
school’s academic standards or learning benchmarks. 
‘‘(3) The right to meet with each teacher of their 
child not less than twice during each school year. 
‘‘(4) The right to review the budget, including all 
revenues and expenditures, of the school. 
‘‘(5) The right to review all instructional mate-
rials and teacher professional development materials 
used by the school. 
‘‘(6) The right to inspect a list of the books and 
other reading materials contained in the library of 
the school. 
‘‘(7) The right to address the school advisory 
committee or the school board. 
‘‘(8) The right to information about the school’s 
discipline policy and any violent activity in the 
school. 
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‘‘(2) The term ‘space force inactive status’ means 
the status of a member of the Space Force who is des-
ignated by the Secretary of the Air Force, under regu-
lations prescribed by the Secretary, as being in a 
space force inactive status. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘space force retired status’ means 
the status of a member of the Space Force who— 
‘‘(A) is receiving retired pay ; or 
‘‘(B) but for being under the eligibility age 
applicable under section 12731 of this title, 
would be eligible for retired pay under chapter 
1223 of this title. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘sustained duty’ means full-time 
duty by a member of the Space Force ordered to such 
duty by an authority designated by the Secretary of 
the Air Force— 
‘‘(A) in the case of an officer— 
‘‘(i) to fulfill the terms of an active- 
duty service commitment incurred by the of-
ficer under any provision of law; or 
‘‘(ii) with the consent of the officer; 
and 
‘‘(B) in the case of an enlisted member, 
with the consent of the enlisted member as speci-
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