136 
(8) A report on total cost on an annual basis 
to procure technical data that the Government could 
eventually use, as needed and depending upon the 
circumstances, to promote vendor competition and 
increase Government control over specific elements 
of sustainment. 
(c) OPTIONAL ELEMENTS.—The strategy under sub-
section (a) may include the following: 
(1) Identification of how intellectual property 
may be used to enhance the innovation capabilities 
of the Department of Defense to neutralize the ef-
fects of intellectual property theft by competitors of 
the United States. 
(2) An innovation warfare strategy to promote 
the creation of new and emerging technologies to se-
cure the dominant economic and security position of 
the United States against adversaries, which may in-
clude strategies to— 
(A) further develop the technological base 
of the Department of Defense and create intel-
lectual property security tools needed to outpace 
adversaries and prevent technological over-
match; 
(B) develop machine learning tools to iden-
tify possible future technologies;
137 
(C) ensure that Federal research and de-
velopment spending spur innovation as directed 
in the 2022 National Defense Strategy; 
(D) secure positions that give the United 
States strategic advantages with respect to the 
acquisition, procurement, distribution, and pro-
tection of new and emerging technologies; and 
(E) identity and develop cross-functional 
capabilities— 
(i) for the implementation of the 
strategy under subsection (a); and 
(ii) to facilitate the coordination of ef-
forts to the extent feasible. 
(3) Guidance to link priorities, goals, and in-
vestments with respect to intellectual property rights 
with individuals and entities that are critical to the 
functioning of specific programs of the Department 
of Defense, including by— 
(A) developing and reinforcing relation-
ships with academia, the acquisition workforce 
(as defined in section 101 of title 10, United 
States Code), the defense industry, and the 
commercial sector to create scalable solutions 
that are protected through intellectual property 
rights;
138 
(B) developing a marketing strategy to 
make members of a covered Armed Force aware 
that the members may be able to patent inven-
tions the members create while serving; and 
(C) identifying funding, investments, per-
sonnel, facilities, and relationships with other 
departments and agencies of the Federal Gov-
ernment without which defense capabilities 
would be severely degraded. 
(4) Methods to support the coordination of ac-
quisition priorities, programs, and timelines to meet 
requirements and security objectives of each covered 
Armed Force and the combatant commands with the 
research and engineering activities of the Depart-
ment. 
(5) Recommendations for changes to statute, 
regulations, or policies to support the achievement of 
the goals set forth in the strategy. 
(6) Processes to inform senior leaders of the 
Department and Members of Congress of the poten-
tial effects of the intellectual property strategy on 
the development of policies and regulations guiding 
strategic competition with adversaries of the United 
States in the military and technology domains.
139 
(7) Methods to support the efficient implemen-
tation of the strategy to address near-term, mid- 
term, and long-term capability gaps, with an empha-
sis on spurring innovation and overcoming, to the 
extent practicable, the gap between the research and 
development of emerging capabilities and tech-
nologies and the procurement and fielding of such 
capabilities and technologies. 
(8) Methods to support the issuance and en-
forcement of patents within the Department of De-
fense. 
(9) An assessment the potential supporting 
roles of military education institutions and science 
and technology reinvention laboratories (as des-
ignated under section 4121(b) of title 10, United 
States Code), including roles relating to encouraging 
innovation, raising awareness of intellectual property 
rights , and the conceptualization, development, test-
ing, and implementation of innovative solutions for 
emerging capabilities and technologies. 
(d) ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL DEFENSE STRAT-
EGY.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the 
strategy developed under subsection (a) aligns with the 
National Defense Strategy under section 113(g) of title 
10, United States Code.
140 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than February 1, 2024, the 
Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Sen-
ate and the House of Representatives a report on the intel-
lectual property strategy developed under subsection (a). 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘intellectual property’’ has the 
meaning given the term ‘‘IP’’ in Department of De-
fense Instruction 5010.44 titled ‘‘Intellectual Prop-
erty (IP) Acquisition and Licensing’’ (issued October 
16, 2019). 
(3) The term ‘‘intellectual property rights’’ has 
the meaning given the term ‘‘IP rights’’ in Depart-
ment of Defense Instruction 5010.44 titled ‘‘Intellec-
tual Property (IP) Acquisition and Licensing’’ 
(issued October 16, 2019). 
SEC. 264. STUDY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRALIZED 
PLATFORM FOR DEVELOPMENT AND TEST-
ING OF AUTONOMY SOFTWARE. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense, in 
coordination with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
141 
ligence Officer, shall conduct a study to assess the feasi-
bility and advisability of establishing a centralized plat-
form for the development and testing of autonomy soft-
ware. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) 
shall include, at a minimum, the following: 
(1) An assessment of the status of efforts to re-
source and integrate autonomy software into sys-
tems of the Department of Defense, including sys-
tems in use by the Department as of the date of the 
study and systems that may be used in the future. 
(2) Identification of systems of the Department 
of Defense which are, or can be, integrated with au-
tonomy software to enable the continuous oper-
ational capability of such systems in GPS- or com-
munications-denied environments, including those 
systems identified in the report required under sec-
tion 246 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry Na-
tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2022 (Public Law 116–283; 135 Stat. 1622). 
(3) An assessment of any gaps in— 
(A) program funding relating to the acqui-
sition of autonomy software; 
(B) acquisition processes, including the 
planning, programming, budgeting, and execu-
142 
tion process for acquiring and integrating au-
tonomy-enabling capabilities across relevant 
programs of record; 
(C) training capabilities relating to auton-
omy software; 
(D) capabilities for testing, evaluating, 
verifying, and validating autonomy software in 
all environments, including virtual and real- 
world environments; and 
(E) efforts to test, resource, and scale 
commercially available autonomy software for 
use by the Department. 
(4) A plan to address, to the extent practicable, 
the gaps assessed in paragraph (3), including— 
(A) updated procedures to plan for the po-
tential costs of autonomy software at the onset 
of the acquisition life cycle; 
(B) plans to include, in greater detail, the 
projected costs of autonomy software for appli-
cable programs of record in the future-years de-
fense program submitted to Congress under 
section 221 of title 10, United States Code; and 
(C) plans to standardize the acquisition of 
autonomy software for programs of record 
across the Armed Forces.
143 
(c) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Represent-
atives a report on the results of the study conducted under 
subsection (a). 
(d) CDAO DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 846(b) of the James 
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263). 
SEC. 265. ANNUAL REPORT ON INCREMENTAL AND TRANS-
FORMATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOP-
MENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 10 days after the 
date on which the budget of the President is submitted 
to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
States Code, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, 
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engi-
neering shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report that identifies— 
(1) the number of incremental research and de-
velopment projects that are in progress within the 
Department of Defense as of the date of the report
144 
and the total amount of funding allocated to such 
projects; and 
(2) the number of transformational research 
and development projects that are in progress within 
the Department of Defense as of the date of the re-
port and the total amount of funding allocated to 
such projects. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘incremental research and devel-
opment project’’ means a covered research activity 
that is in the research and development phase as of 
the date of the submittal of the report under sub-
section (a) and that is expected to achieve initial 
operational capability by not later than five years 
after such date. 
(2) The term ‘‘transformational research and 
development project’’ means a covered research ac-
tivity that is in the research and development phase 
as of the date of the submittal of the report under 
subsection (a) and that is expected to achieve initial 
operational capability by not earlier than five years 
after such date. 
(3) The term ‘‘covered research activity’’ means 
a program, project, or other activity of the Depart-
ment of Defense designated as budget activity 1
145 
(basic research), budget activity 2 (applied re-
search), or budget activity 3 (advanced technology 
development), as such budget activity classifications 
are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the Depart-
ment of Defense Financial Management Regulation 
(DOD 7000.14-R). 
SEC. 266. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POLICY ON AU-
TONOMY IN WEAPON SYSTEMS. 
Not later than 30 days after making a modification 
to Department of Defense Directive 3000.09 (relating to 
autonomy in weapon systems) the Secretary of Defense 
shall provide to the congressional defense committees a 
briefing that includes— 
(1) a description of the modification; and 
(2) an explanation of the reasons for the modi-
fication. 
SEC. 267. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DUAL USE INNOVATIVE 
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE ROBOTIC COMBAT 
VEHICLE OF THE ARMY. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) The Army is developing the Robotic Combat 
Vehicle using a sound and innovative acquisition 
strategy. The Robotic Combat Vehicle program is
146 
leveraging dual-use commercial innovation for its au-
tonomous driving system. 
(2) The Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle Soft-
ware Pathways program will take an agile and 
phased approach to the ultimate solution, which is 
an autonomous, artificial intelligence-based naviga-
tion software. The technical focus will be on devel-
oping robust software pathways for the Army to con-
duct vehicle navigation in increasingly complex ter-
rain, diverse operational conditions, and GPS-chal-
lenged environments, while still providing the ability 
to remotely operate the vehicle. 
(3) The Army’s acquisition strategy for the 
Robotic Combat Vehicle is smartly separating the 
platform ground combat vehicle prototypes from the 
autonomous software system. This approach is 
standard in the private sector and modern product 
development. With this approach, the Robotic Com-
bat Vehicle program is establishing a blueprint for 
future autonomous development programs of the De-
partment of Defense. 
(4) By using this dual acquisition approach, the 
Army will receive the best value for the taxpayer as 
it will leverage private sector investments made on
147 
autonomous software and create an interoperable 
software stack for use on future applications. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the Army should continue to use the soft-
ware acquisition pathway approach and leverage 
dual-use, innovative commercial technology for the 
Robotic Combat Vehicle program; 
(2) the Army should consider a similar frame-
work for future ground vehicle programs, such as 
the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program 
and the Common Tactical Truck program; and 
(3) the other Armed Forces should consider 
using a similar dual acquisition approach for their 
autonomous ground vehicle programs. 
SEC. 268. FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
SMART CONCRETE MATERIALS. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, 
development, test, and evaluation, Army, as specified in 
the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for ap-
plied research, ground technology (PE 0602144A), line 
012, is hereby increased by $2,600,000 (with the amount
148 
of such increase to be used for the research and develop-
ment of smart concrete materials). 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 301 for operation and main-
tenance, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding 
funding table in section 4301, for administration and serv-
ice-wide activities, Office of the Secretary of Defense, line 
490, is hereby reduced by $2,600,000. 
SEC. 269. ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY FOR USE OF OPEN- 
ARCHITECTURE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING 
FOR CERTAIN ITEMS AND COMPONENTS. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
assess the capacity of the Department of Defense to test, 
evaluate, and use additive fabrication technology to sup-
plement maintenance parts in support of weapon systems 
and associated support equipment, including obsolete 
parts, tools, jigs, fixtures, and other such items and com-
ponents. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment under subsection 
(a) shall include the following: 
(1) Consideration of existing in-garrison and 
expeditionary base infrastructure and logistics sup-
port components of the Department that use exist-
ing open-architecture additive manufacturing com-
149 
mercial technology (commonly referred to as ‘‘3D 
Printing’’), related capital equipment, and associated 
manufacturing media. 
(2) An identification of any fabrication capabili-
ties relevant to the capacity described in subsection 
(a) that may be provided by public-private partner-
ship programs, departments and agencies of the 
Federal Government, academic institutions, and 
small business concerns. 
(3) An identification of the coordination, sched-
uling, reimbursement processes, and requirements 
needed for the potential use of a network of commu-
nity based, private-public facilities to enable the ad-
vanced fabrication capacity described in subsection 
(a). 
(4) An analysis of the frequency, scheduling 
lead time, fabrication cost, and capacity of each fa-
cility relating to the fabrication of obsolete parts, 
tools, jigs, fixtures or other parts as required for the 
Department to ensure agile combat employment. 
(5) A review of contractor-owned, commercial 
open-architecture additive and advanced manufac-
turing fabrication facilities that could enhance ef-
forts to improve reliability, availability and maintain-
ability of legacy weapons systems, in-garrison infra-
150 
structure, expeditionary basing, and agile combat 
employment. 
(6) An assessment of any cost- and time-sav-
ings, as well as budgetary savings that would result 
from using open-architecture additive and other ad-
vanced manufacturing technologies identified in the 
strategy under subsection (c). 
(c) STRATEGY.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a strategy to fund and coordi-
nate the potential use of a network of domestic, 
community-based, fabrication facilities for the fab-
rication of items and components as described in 
subsection (a). 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The strategy under paragraph 
(1) shall— 
(A) be based on the assessment conducted 
under subsection (a); 
(B) identify existing commercially derived, 
open-architecture additive manufacturing solu-
tions for enabling agile combat employment 
doctrine and point-of-need support;
151 
(C) to the maximum extent practicable, in-
corporate the use of emerging small business 
capabilities and non-traditional partners; 
(D) address how the Secretary will coordi-
nate with other departments and agencies of 
the Federal Government, including the Depart-
ment of Commerce and Small Business Admin-
istration, to plan for and schedule the potential 
use of community based facilities , as available, 
to improve reliability, maintainability, and 
availability of existing weapon and infrastruc-
ture support systems of the Department of De-
fense; 
(E) to the extent practicable, define the 
situations in which the Secretary can use com-
munity-based additive manufacturing facili-
ties— 
(i) to address shortages in obsolete 
parts and maintenance tools; 
(ii) to accelerate overall weapon sys-
tem readiness levels; and 
(iii) to provide supply chain relief to 
the Department; 
(F) identify—
152 
(i) the requirements needed to accel-
erate the process for creating ‘‘digital 
twins’’ of existing obsolete or diminishing 
parts, including critical and non-critical 
parts, jigs, fixtures, molds, and other such 
items and components; 
(ii) the requirements, approval proc-
esses, and resources needed to enhance, as 
appropriate, the just-in-time fabrication ca-
pabilities supporting overall weapon system 
readiness, in coordination with the heads 
of relevant departments and agencies of 
the Federal Government; 
(iii) investments that the Secretary 
can make to incorporate, contractor-owned, 
community-based fabrication capacity into 
the Department of Defense; and 
(iv) any preferences that may be ap-
plied to community-based or private public 
partnerships that have used commercial ca-
pacity to supplement or support peacetime 
or wartime mobilizations; and 
(G) address all advanced or emerging tech-
nologies that could shorten timelines and reduce 
costs for weapons systems logistics, mainte-
153 
nance and readiness, including with respect 
to— 
(i) 3D printing of non-critical parts, 
jigs, fixtures, tooling, molds and other rel-
evant components; 
(ii) expeditionary use and integration 
of open-architecture additive manufac-
turing to enable or support agile combat 
employment; and 
(iii) other relevant technologies to 
train, equip and prepare warfighters to ef-
fectively employ additive manufacturing 
techniques in both garrison and expedi-
tionary environments. 
SEC. 270. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE CONTINUING NEED 
FOR INNOVATION IN THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that Congress encourages the Armed Forces to con-
tinue innovating, including by using technological methods 
that incorporate artificial intelligence, quantum informa-
tion science, advanced air mobility, and counter-UAS sys-
tems to ultimately maintain, bolster, and augment military 
readiness, wartime preparedness, and ensure the overall 
national security of the United States. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
154 
(1) The term ‘‘advanced air mobility’’ means a 
transportation system that transports people and 
property by air between two points in the United 
States using aircraft with advanced technologies, in-
cluding electric aircraft or electric vertical take-off 
and landing aircraft, in both controlled and uncon-
trolled airspace. 
(2) The term ‘‘artificial intelligence’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 5002 of the Na-
tional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 
(15 U.S.C. 9401). 
(3) The term ‘‘counter-UAS system’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 44801(5) of title 
49, United States Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘quantum information science’’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the 
National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801). 
SEC. 271. FUNDING FOR CYBER SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MAN-
AGEMENT. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, 
development, test, and evaluation, Navy, as specified in 
the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for sys-
tem development and demonstration, information tech-
155 
nology development (PE 0605013N), line 156, is hereby 
increased by $1,000,000 (with the amount of such in-
crease to be used in support of cyber supply chain risk 
management). 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 201 for research, develop-
ment, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in 
the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for sys-
tem development and demonstration, trusted and assured 
microelectronics (PE 0605294D8Z), line 143, is hereby 
reduced by $1,000,000. 
SEC. 272. FUNDING FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE EDUCATION 
PROGRAM. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, 
development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as speci-
fied in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, 
for basic research, National Defense Education Program, 
line 006, is hereby increased by $5,000,000. 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 301 for operation and main-
tenance, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding
156 
funding table in section 4301, for administration and serv-
ice-wide activities, Washington Headquarters Services, 
line 530, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000. 
SEC. 273. UPDATES TO NATIONAL BIODEFENSE STRATEGY. 
(a) UPDATES REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
revise and update the most recent version of the national 
biodefense strategy and associated implementation plan 
required under section 1086 of the National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114– 
328; 6 U.S.C. 104). In revising and updating the strategy 
and implementation plan, the Secretaries shall address— 
(1) current and potential biological threats 
against the United States, both naturally occurring 
and man-made, either accidental or deliberate; 
(2) the potential for catastrophic biological 
threats; and 
(3) such other matters as the Secretaries deter-
mine appropriate. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of Defense and 
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly 
submit to the appropriate congressional defense commit-
tees the updated strategy and implementation plan re-
quired under subsection (a).
157 
(c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congres-
sional committees’’ has the meaning given that term in 
section 1086(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 
104). 
SEC. 274. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECTRUM CERTIFI-
CATION. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) use of Link 16 is vitally important to na-
tional defense; 
(2) the 2002 Memorandum of Agreement 
signed between the Department of Defense and De-
partment of Transporatation regarding Link 16 use 
in the 960–1215 MHz frequency band, resulted in 
the Departments jointly developing a methodology to 
facilitate Electromagnectic Compatability Features 
(EMCF) certification which ensures frequency 
deconfliction of Link 16 from air traffic systems; 
(3) in 2009 the Department of Defense was en-
dorsed to certify all future Link 16 terminals, elimi-
nating the need for NTIA EMCF demonstrations; 
(4) recent issues between Department of De-
fense and Federal Aviaiton Administration coordina-
158 
tion over Electromagnetic Compatability Features 
along with the expanded use of software defined ra-
dios and agile software practices within the Depart-
ment of Defense have caused significant delays to 
needed national security capabilities, detremintal 
training impacts, Department of Defense safety 
risks that adversely impact national security, incur 
excess taxpayer expense, and make current certifi-
cation processes incompatable with maintaining 
spectrum dominance over adversary nations; 
(5) the Department of Defense is responsible 
for the testing of numerous systems and has the 
requesit knowledge, experience, and expertise to con-
duct self-certification of Department radio systems 
and are currently performing the testing required to 
support radio system certification; 
(6) only those changes, hardware or software 
based, that impact EMCF of a Department of De-
fense radio should require recertification IAW Ap-
pendix A of The Department of Defense and De-
partment of Transportation Memorandum of Agree-
ment Regarding the 960–1215 MHz Frequency 
Band and that the weapon system program manager 
is best positioned to make the determination of any 
impacts hardware or software changes may have;
159 
(7) the Joint Tactical Information Distribution 
System/Multi-Function 
Information 
Distribution 
System (Link 16) Certification of Spectrum Support 
and NTIA Manual of Regulations for Federal Radio-
frequency Spectrum Management grants approval 
for uncoordinated operations of Link 16 systems if 
meeting certain restrictions; authorizing the Depart-
ment of Defenese to internally manage Link 16 use 
on certified systems subject to documented restric-
tions; 
(8) Link 16 use not meeting requirements for 
uncoordinated operations can be approved if coordi-
nated with the FAA; 
(9) in over 45 years of use, there are no re-
corded instances of Department of Defense use of 
Link 16 causing interference with air traffic sys-
tems; and 
(10) as agreed to by both the Department of 
Defense and Federal Aviation Administration, Link 
16 policies must be updated to keep pace with agile 
development practices and ensure safe and effective 
spectrum dominance for national defense. 
(b) POLICIES REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall develop and implement policies to adapt Link 16 sys-
160 
tem management and certification to align with agile de-
velopment practices. 
(c) ELEMENTS.—The policies required by subsection 
(b) shall include the following: 
(1) A standardized process through a Chair-
man, Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual, to allow Link 16 
frequency use within approved special use airspaces 
for the purpose of testing radio systems and associ-
ated software that have not completed electro-
magnetic compatibility features certification. 
(A) Such processes shall at minimum en-
sure routine and continued approval for test op-
erations of developmental systems in the Ne-
vada Test and Training Range, Restricted Area 
2508, Warning Area 151/470, Warning Area 
386, and the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Com-
plex. 
(B) Standardized mitigations that enable 
routine approval including effective radiated 
power settings and coordination for rapid test 
termination may be considered. 
(2) Processes to streamline approval or denial 
of temporary frequency assignment for Link 16 op-
erations to not more than 15 days for test, training, 
and large-scale exercises.
161 
(A) Such processes shall cover operations 
in excess of uncoordinated operations time slot 
duty factor limits, inclusion of foreign partici-
pants, and participation of non-stage 4 ap-
proved terminals or platforms. 
(B) Consideration shall be given to delega-
tion of sole authority for temporary frequency 
assignment to the Department of Defense and 
the automation of such decision-making proc-
ess. 
(3) Delegation of authority to the system pro-
gram manager to determine when new software 
within Department Link 16 terminals affect electro-
magnetic compatibility features and requires recer-
tification. 
(4) The self-certification of Department radio 
compliance with electromagnetic compatibility fea-
tures. 
(5) Processes to internally manage Link 16 un-
coordinated operations that enable approval for test, 
training, and exercises that does not exceed 15 days 
for systems holding an active radio frequency au-
thorization or temporary frequency assignment. 
(d) INFORMATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
162 
Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense com-
mittees— 
(1) a briefing on the policies developed pursu-
ant to subsection (b), along with a timeline for im-
plementation; and 
(2) a list of such additional resources or au-
thorities as the Secretary determines may be re-
quired to implement such policies. 
(e) TESTING REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Department of Defense 
shall conduct, sponsor, or review testing and analysis 
that determines if any effects on commercial air 
traffic systems are possible due to Link 16 terminals 
which have not completed electromagnetic compat-
ibility features certification and quantifies any such 
effects. Such testing shall evaluate Link 16 trans-
mission within plus or minus 7 megahertz of the 
1030 and 1090 megahertz frequency bands to deter-
mine if effects on commercial air traffic systems are 
possible, under what conditions such effects could 
occur, and the impact of such effects. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall provide the congressional defense committees a 
report on the results of the testing conducted pursu-
163 
ant to paragraph (1), with an emphasis on proce-
dures that can and will be implemented to negate 
harmful effects on commercial air traffic from the 
use of Link 16 terminals or platforms that have not 
completed electromagnetic compatibility features cer-
tification, within special use airspace. 
SEC. 275. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ARMY ARTIFICIAL 
INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION CENTER. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Army Artificial Intelligence Integration 
Center has proven effective at accelerating the de-
ployment of cutting edge capabilities by integrating 
research and education across multiple functions and 
personnel levels and facilitating close collaboration 
with leading universities and both traditional and 
non-traditional firms; 
(2) Congress and the Department of Defense 
should continue to pursue the efforts described in 
paragraph (1) as part of the modernization strategy 
of the Army; and 
(3) Congress encourages the Army to continue 
to scale up those efforts.
164 
SEC. 276. REPORT ON RESEARCH RELATING TO LIGHT-
WEIGHT ADVANCED CARBON MATERIALS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that the Department of Defense should support de-
velopment-stage research of lightweight advanced carbon 
materials such as coal-derived graphite and carbon foam 
for use in electromagnetic interference shielding, signature 
reduction, aerospace tooling, and other defense applica-
tions. 
(b) REPORT.—No later than March 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on any research efforts of the Depart-
ment of Defense relating to the potential use of light-
weight advanced carbon materials for defense applications. 
Such report shall include an explanation of any research 
demonstrating the potential use of coal-derived carbon 
foam as— 
(1) a passive heat exchanger for jet blast 
diverters on aircraft carriers, electromagnetic inter-
ference shielding and signature reduction; 
(2) aerospace tooling; and 
(3) high-temperature insulation. 
SEC. 277. FUNDING FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOFT-
WARE FACTORIES. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
165 
thorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, 
development, test, and evaluation, Air Force, as specified 
in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for 
management support, acquisition workforce-cyber, net-
work and business systems (PE 0605829F), line 115, is 
hereby increased by $10,000,000 (with the amount of such 
increase to be used in support of Department of Defense 
software factories). 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 301 for operation and main-
tenance, Navy, as specified in the corresponding funding 
table in section 4301, for administration and service-wide 
activities, administration, line 450, is hereby reduced by 
$10,000,000. 
TITLE III—OPERATION AND 
MAINTENANCE 
Subtitle A—Authorization of 
Appropriations 
SEC. 301. 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 otherwise provided for, for operation and
166 
maintenance, as specified in the funding table in section 
4301. 
SEC. 302. AIR FORCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EDU-
CATION. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
thorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation 
and Maintenance specified in the corresponding funding 
table in section 4301 for the Operation and Maintenance, 
Air Force—Training and Recruiting—Line Number 
330—Professional Development Education is hereby in-
creased by $2,000,000. 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Main-
tenance specified in the corresponding funding table in 
section 4301 for the Operation and Maintenance, Navy— 
Administration—Line Number 450 is hereby reduced by 
$2,000,000.
167 
Subtitle B—Energy and 
Environment 
SEC. 311. EQUIVALENT AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT CER-
TAIN PROJECTS AT FACILITIES OF THE NA-
TIONAL GUARD AND THE AIR NATIONAL 
GUARD. 
(a) REVISION OF DEFINITION.—Section 2700(4) of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘State-owned’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘owned and operated by a State 
when such land is’’; and 
(3) by striking ‘‘even though such land is not 
under the jurisdiction of the Department of De-
fense’’ and inserting: ‘‘without regard to— 
‘‘(A) the owner or operator of the facility; 
or 
‘‘(B) whether the facility is under the ju-
risdiction of the Department of Defense or a 
military department.’’. 
(b) INCLUSION UNDER DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL 
RESTORATION
PROGRAM.—Section 2701 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘State- 
owned’’;
168 
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(D), by striking ‘‘State- 
owned’’; and 
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting ‘‘or at a 
National Guard facility’’ after ‘‘Secretary’s jurisdic-
tion’’. 
(c) ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION ACCOUNTS.— 
Section 2703(g)(1) of such title is amended by inserting 
‘‘, a National Guard facility,’’ after ‘‘Department of De-
fense’’. 
(d) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) REPEAL OF PROVISION.—Section 2707 of 
such title is amended by striking subsection (e). 
(2) REFERENCE UPDATE.—Section 345(f)(1) of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1646; 10 
U.S.C. 2715 note) is amended by striking ‘‘facility 
where military activities are conducted by the Na-
tional Guard of a State pursuant to section 2707(e) 
of title 10, United States Code’’ and inserting ‘‘Na-
tional Guard Facility, as such term is defined in sec-
tion 2700 of title 10, United States Code’’. 
SEC. 312. MODIFICATIONS TO PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF 
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL. 
Section 324(g) of the James M. Inhofe National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law
169 
117–263; 136 Stat. 2518; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 2922) is 
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the fol-
lowing new paragraphs: 
‘‘(2) The term ‘applicable material’ means the 
following: 
‘‘(A) Monoglycerides, diglycerides, and 
triglycerides. 
‘‘(B) Free fatty acids. 
‘‘(C) Fatty acid esters. 
‘‘(D) Municipal solid waste. 
‘‘(E) Renewable natural gas. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘biomass’ has the meaning given 
such term in section 45K(c)(3) of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘lifecycle greenhouse gas emis-
sions reduction percentage’ means, with respect to 
non-petroleum-based jet fuel, the percentage reduc-
tion in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions achieved 
by such fuel as compared with petroleum-based jet 
fuel, as determined using the following: 
‘‘(A) The most up-to-date Carbon Offset-
ting and Reduction Scheme for International 
Aviation which has been adopted by the Inter-
national Civil Aviation Organization with the 
agreement of the United States.
170 
‘‘(B) The most up-to-date determinations 
under the model known as the ‘Greenhouse 
gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in 
Transportation’ model developed by Argonne 
National Laboratory, or any successor model. 
‘‘(5) The term ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ means 
the portion of liquid fuel that is not kerosene and 
that— 
‘‘(A) meets the requirements of— 
‘‘(i) ASTM International Standard 
D7566; or 
‘‘(ii) the Fischer Tropsch provisions of 
ASTM International Standard D1655, 
Annex A1; 
‘‘(B) is not derived from coprocessing an 
applicable material (or materials derived from 
an applicable material) with a feedstock which 
is not biomass; 
‘‘(C) is not derived from palm fatty acid 
distillates or petroleum; and 
‘‘(D) has a lifecycle greenhouse gas emis-
sions reduction percentage of at least 50 per-
cent.’’.
171 
SEC. 313. REQUIRED DETERMINATION ON AVAILABILITY OF 
CHARGING STATIONS PRIOR TO REPLACE-
MENT OF NON-TACTICAL VEHICLE FLEET OF 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) DETERMINATION REQUIRED.—Section 328 of the 
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2519) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘and the de-
termination described in subsection (c)’’ after ‘‘the 
report described in subsection (b)’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as 
subsections (e) and (f), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol-
lowing new subsections: 
‘‘(c) DETERMINATION.—The determination described 
in this subsection is a determination by the Secretary of 
Defense that, with respect to the potential replacement of 
the existing non-tactical vehicle fleet of the Department 
with an exclusively electric non-tactical vehicle fleet, there 
is infrastructure to support such electric non-tactical vehi-
cle fleet (such as charging stations) available in each cov-
ered command area of operations at a level sufficient— 
‘‘(1) to ensure that military logistics and oper-
ational requirements within such area would not be
172 
negatively affected as a result of a lack of such in-
frastructure in peacetime; and 
‘‘(2) to ensure that military logistics and oper-
ational requirements within such area would not be 
negatively affected as a result of a lack of such in-
frastructure in the event of a conflict (including a 
conflict in which an adversary may target electric 
grid requirements within such area). 
‘‘(d) ASSESSMENTS.—On an annual basis until such 
time as the Secretary is able to make the determination 
described in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate an assessment as to 
whether such determination may be made.’’; and 
(4) in subsection (f), as redesignated by para-
graph (2)— 
(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(3) 
through (8) as paragraphs (4) through (9), re-
spectively; and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) The term ‘‘covered command area of oper-
ations’’ refers to the area of operations of each of 
the following:
173 
‘‘(A) The United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand. 
‘‘(B) The United States European Com-
mand. 
‘‘(C) The United States Central Command. 
‘‘(D) The United States Africa Command. 
‘‘(E) The United States Northern Com-
mand. 
‘‘(F) The United States Southern Com-
mand.’’. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR FIRST ASSESSMENT.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees the first assessment required under 
section 328(d) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (as amended by 
subsection (a)). 
SEC. 314. MODIFICATION TO PROTOTYPE AND DEMONSTRA-
TION PROJECTS FOR ENERGY RESILIENCE 
AT CERTAIN MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. 
(a) MODIFICATION TO COVERED TECHNOLOGIES FOR 
PROTOTYPE AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.—Section 
322(c)(6) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–
174 
263; 136 Stat. 2511; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note) is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) Hydrogen creation, storage, and 
power generation using natural gas or renew-
able electricity.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—This section and the amend-
ments made by this section shall apply with respect to cov-
ered prototype and demonstration projects (as defined in 
section 322(k) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117– 
263; 136 Stat. 2511; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note)) commencing 
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 315. AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER CERTAIN FUNDS AS 
PAYMENT RELATING TO NAVAL AIR STATION, 
MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER FUNDS.— 
(1) TRANSFER AMOUNT.—The Secretary of the 
Navy may transfer an amount of not more than 
$438,250 to the Hazardous Substance Superfund 
established under subchapter A of chapter 98 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in accordance with 
section 2703(f) of title 10, United States Code. Any 
such transfer shall be made without regard to sec-
tion 2215 of such title.
175 
(2) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Any transfer under 
this subsection shall be made using funds authorized 
to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2024 
for the Department of Defense Base Closure Ac-
count established by section 2906(a) of the Defense 
Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 
U.S.C. 2687 note). 
(b) PURPOSE OF TRANSFER.—A transfer under sub-
section (a) shall be for the purpose of satisfying a stipu-
lated penalty assessed by the Environmental Protection 
Agency on May 4, 2018, regarding former Naval Air Sta-
tion, Moffett Field, California, under the Federal Facility 
Agreement for Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, which 
was entered into between the Navy and the Environmental 
Protection Agency in 1990 pursuant to section 120 of the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 
and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620). 
(c) ACCEPTANCE OF PAYMENT.—If the Secretary of 
the Navy makes a transfer under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator for the Environmental Protection Agency shall 
accept the amount transferred as payment in full of the 
penalty referred to in subsection (b).
176 
SEC. 316. REQUIREMENT FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO 
DEVELOP PLAN FOR TRANSITION OF JOINT 
TASK FORCE RED HILL. 
(a) PLAN FOR TERMINATION REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in 
consultation, to the maximum extent practicable, 
with appropriate Federal, State, and local stake-
holders, shall develop a plan for the termination of 
and transition from the Joint Task Force Red Hill. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Under such plan, the Sec-
retary shall— 
(A) subject to subsection (b), determine 
the date on which the Joint Task Force Red 
Hill (or any successor organization) shall be 
terminated; 
(B) designate appropriate officials or enti-
ties to be responsible for— 
(i) engaging and communicating with 
communities in proximity to the Red Hill 
Bulk Fuel Storage Facility following such 
termination; 
(ii) communicating, in a clear and 
consistent manner, with the heads of rel-
evant Federal and State agencies and such 
communities with respect to all operations
177 
involving the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage 
Facility; and 
(iii) ensuring the attendance of appro-
priate experts and public relations profes-
sionals at any public meeting or event re-
lating to such operations; 
(C) coordinate and communicate with such 
communities and the heads of applicable State 
regulatory authorities with respect to— 
(i) such termination; and 
(ii) the responsibilities designated 
under subparagraph (B); 
(D) ensure adequate resourcing and per-
sonnel to meet continued community engage-
ment requirements and priorities of the Depart-
ment of Defense; and 
(E) provide for or update any plan relating 
to the defueling of the Red Hell Bulk Fuel 
Storage Facility and removal of other potential 
contaminants stored at such facilities following 
such termination. 
(3) DEADLINE.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees the plan under paragraph (1).
178 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF PLAN.—The Secretary shall 
make such plan and any supporting documents available 
to the public and State and local elected officials. 
(c) RESTRICTION ON TERMINATION AUTHORITY.— 
The Secretary of Defense may not terminate the Joint 
Task Force Red Hill before the date that is 30 days after 
the date on which the Secretary submits to the congres-
sional defense committees such report. 
SEC. 317. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR 
COORDINATION OF RENEGOTIATION OF CER-
TAIN LAND LEASES OWNED BY DEPARTMENT 
OF DEFENSE IN HAWAI’I. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall designate an official to be responsible for, in coordi-
nation with appropriate officials from the covered military 
departments and the United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand— 
(1) coordinating Department of Defense-wide 
efforts relating to the renegotiation of land leases 
owned by the Department of Defense in the State of 
Hawai’i expiring between 2029 and 2031; 
(2) representing the Department of Defense 
during any such renegotiation; and
179 
(3) ensuring clear and consistent communica-
tion to such State, State and local elected officials, 
and the public of the needs and priorities of the De-
partment of Defense with respect to joint land use 
in such State. 
(b) SELECTION.—In making the designation under 
subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may appoint an 
individual with a significant background and expertise 
in— 
(1) relevant legal and technical aspects of land 
lease issues; and 
(2) working with State and local elected offi-
cials and the public in such State. 
(c) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after the 
Secretary of Defense makes such designation, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees and the Governor of Hawai’i a notification that in-
cludes the name and contact information of the individual 
designated under subsection (a). 
(d) COVERED MILITARY DEPARTMENT DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘‘covered military department’’ 
means— 
(1) the Department of the Army; 
(2) the Department of the Navy; and 
(3) the Department of the Air Force.
180 
SEC. 318. PROHIBITION AND LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY 
OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN ENERGY PROGRAMS 
OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to 
be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available 
for the Department of Defense for any operational energy 
program (including an operational energy program that 
uses renewable energy) may be provided to an entity 
owned or controlled by the Russian Federation or the Chi-
nese Communist Party. 
(b) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be ap-
propriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
Sustainment, not more than 50 percent may be obligated 
or expended until the Assistant Secretary submits to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Represent-
atives and the Senate a report on operational energy pro-
grams of the Department of Defense that includes— 
(1) a list of all operational energy programs of 
record; 
(2) a description of— 
(A) how each such program improves read-
iness or capabilities; 
(B) how each such program shall be sus-
tained (including in a contested environment); 
and
181 
(C) the life-cycle costs of each such pro-
gram, including cost avoidance over such life- 
cycle. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘operational energy’’— 
(A) has the meaning given that term in 
section 2924 of title 10, United States Code; 
and 
(B) includes renewable energy used by 
nontactical power systems and generators de-
ployed to a contested environment. 
(2) The term ‘‘renewable energy’’ includes elec-
tricity generated from solar energy and energy 
stored in a lithium battery. 
SEC. 319. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR BATTLEFIELD 
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC 
POWER. 
(a) ANALYSIS.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
Army shall conduct an analysis of potential alternatives 
to systems for the storage and distribution of electric 
power, for prospective use by the Army on the battlefield 
or in other austere environments. 
(b) SCOPE.—
182 
(1) STUDY GUIDANCE.—In conducting the anal-
ysis of potential alternatives under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall develop study guidance under 
which such analysis is required to include for consid-
eration as such potential alternatives the full range 
of military and commercially available capabilities 
for the storage and distribution of electric power. 
(2) OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS.—The Secretary 
shall ensure that, for each potential alternative ana-
lyzed pursuant to subsection (a), such analysis in-
cludes a detailed evaluation of the cost and capabili-
ties thereof, including with respect to the following: 
(A) The per-unit cost of the potential al-
ternative. 
(B) The mobility of the potential alter-
native. 
(C) The capability of the potential alter-
native to store and distribute electric power 
necessary for the charging of soldier-worn de-
vices of members of the Army on the battlefield. 
(D) The capability of the potential alter-
native to store electric power for, or distribute 
electric power to, multiple systems (including 
through a network or microgrid), to sustain tac-
tical command posts.
183 
(E) Any other capabilities the Secretary 
determines necessary to meet operational re-
quirements. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
on which the Secretary completes the analysis under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report containing the following: 
(1) The results of such analysis, including the 
results of— 
(A) consideration of the full range of capa-
bilities specified in subsection (b)(1); and 
(B) the evaluations required under sub-
section (b)(2). 
(2) An assessment of the types of analyses the 
Secretary conducted under this section to determine 
the costs and benefits associated with the prospec-
tive use by the Army on the battlefield or in other 
austere environments of commercially available po-
tential alternatives referred to in subsection (b)(1), 
including— 
(A) an identification of whether, and to 
what extent, the Secretary— 
(i) conducted such analyses using best 
practices;
184 
(ii) fully addressed concerns with such 
prospective use relating to acquisition, 
operational requirements, or user commu-
nities; and 
(iii) evaluated such prospective use 
based on total cost, capabilities, and inter-
operability with existing or planned sys-
tems of the Army; and 
(B) a description of how the Secretary— 
(i) determined the requirements appli-
cable to such commercially available poten-
tial alternatives (including pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(E)); and 
(ii) evaluated the cost of, delivery and 
operability schedule of, risks posed by, and 
other considerations (including those listed 
in subsection (b)(2)) relating to each such 
potential alternative. 
(d) MICROGRID DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘microgrid’’ has the meaning given that term in section 
323 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263).
185 
SEC. 320. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON ACCELERA-
TION 
AND 
IMPROVEMENT 
OF 
ENVIRON-
MENTAL 
CLEANUP 
OF 
VIEQUES 
AND 
CULEBRA, PUERTO RICO. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comp-
troller General of the United States shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report containing the 
results of a study conducted by the Comptroller General 
on the status of the Federal cleanup and decontamination 
process in the island-municipalities of Vieques and 
Culebra, Puerto Rico. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The study shall include a com-
prehensive analysis of the following: 
(1) The pace of ongoing cleanup and environ-
mental restoration efforts in the former military 
training sites in Vieques and Culebra. 
(2) Any potential alternatives to accelerate the 
completion of such efforts, including their associated 
costs. 
(3) Any effects such alternatives might have on 
the public health and safety of island residents and 
steps that can be taken to mitigate risks. 
(4) The views of residents of Vieques and 
Culebra regarding actions that should be taken to
186 
achieve the cleanup process more expeditiously and 
successfully. 
(5) Any adverse health outcomes resulting from 
toxic matter at the sites or cleanup procedure in and 
avenues to compensate local communities for eco-
nomic losses and medical costs incurred. 
(6) The economic impact that the cleanup proc-
ess has had on local residents due to restricted use 
of land for tourism and other activities and avenues 
to compensate local communities for economic losses. 
Subtitle 
C—Treatment 
of 
Perfluoroalkyl Substances and 
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 
SEC. 331. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO EXPOSURES TO 
PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES. 
(a) INCLUSION OF EXPOSURE TO PERFLUOROALKYL 
AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AS PART OF PERI-
ODIC HEALTH ASSESSMENTS AD DEPLOYMENT ASSESS-
MENTS.— 
(1) PERIODIC
HEALTH
ASSESSMENTS.—The 
Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any periodic 
health assessment provided to a member of the 
Armed Forces includes an evaluation of whether the 
member has been—
187 
(A) based or stationed at a military instal-
lation identified by the Department of Defense 
as a location with a known or suspected release 
of perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl 
substances during the period in which the mem-
ber was based or stationed at the military in-
stallation; or 
(B) exposed to such substances, including 
by evaluating any information in the health 
record of the member. 
(2) 
DEPLOYMENT
ASSESSMENTS.—Section 
1074f(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(E) An assessment of whether the member 
was— 
‘‘(i) based or stationed at a military instal-
lation identified by the Department as a loca-
tion with a known or suspected release of 
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances during the period in which the member 
was based or stationed at the military installa-
tion; or
188 
‘‘(ii) exposed to such substances, including 
by assessing any information in the health 
record of the member.’’. 
(b) PROVISION OF BLOOD TESTING TO DETERMINE 
EXPOSURE
TO
PERFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES
OR 
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.— 
(1) PROVISION.—If a covered evaluation of a 
member of the Armed Forces results in a positive 
determination of potential exposure to perfluoroalkyl 
substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to that member, dur-
ing that covered evaluation, blood testing to deter-
mine and document potential exposure to such sub-
stances. 
(2) INCLUSION IN HEALTH RECORD.—The re-
sults of blood testing of a member of the Armed 
Forces conducted under paragraph (1) shall be in-
cluded in the health record of the member. 
(c) 
DOCUMENTATION
OF
EXPOSURE
TO 
PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES OR POLYFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES.— 
(1) REGISTRY.— 
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall establish a registry of members of 
the Armed Forces who have been exposed to, or
189 
are suspected to have been exposed to, 
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances. 
(B) INCLUSION
IN
REGISTRY.—The Sec-
retary shall include a member of the Armed 
Forces in the registry established under sub-
paragraph (A) if a covered evaluation of the 
member establishes that the member— 
(i) was based or stationed at a loca-
tion identified by the Department of De-
fense as a location with a known or sus-
pected release of perfluoroalkyl substances 
or polyfluoroalkyl substances during the 
period in which the member was based or 
stationed at the location; or 
(ii) was exposed to such substances. 
(C) BLOOD TESTING.—The results of any 
blood test conducted under subsection (b)(1) 
shall be included in the registry established 
under subparagraph (A) for any member of the 
Armed Forces included in the registry. 
(D) ELECTION.—A member of the Armed 
Forces may elect not to be included in the reg-
istry established under subparagraph (A).
190 
(2) PROVISION
OF
INFORMATION.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to a member of the 
Armed 
Forces 
additional 
information 
on 
perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances and the potential impact of exposure to such 
substances if a covered evaluation of such member 
establishes that the member— 
(A) was based or stationed at a location 
identified by the Department of Defense as a 
location with a known or suspected release of 
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances during the period in which the member 
was based or stationed at the location; or 
(B) was exposed to such substances. 
(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection may be construed to preclude eligibility of 
a veteran for benefits under the laws administered 
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by reason of 
the exposure of the veteran to perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances or polyfluoroalkyl substances not being re-
corded in a covered evaluation. 
(d) COVERED EVALUATION DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered evaluation’’ means the following: 
(1) A periodic health assessment conducted in 
accordance with subsection (a)(1).
191 
(2) A deployment assessment conducted under 
section 1074f(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, 
as amended by subsection (a)(2). 
SEC. 332. PRIZES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY 
FOR 
THERMAL 
DESTRUCTION 
OF 
PERFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES 
OR 
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES. 
(a) PRIZES.—Section 330 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116– 
283; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note prec.), as amended by section 
343 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 
Stat. 2530), is further amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) Technology for the thermal destruction of 
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘October 1, 
2024’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Department of De-
fense for fiscal year 2024 $1,000,000 to carry out this 
section.
192 
SEC. 333. RESTRICTION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AC-
QUISITION OF COVERED ITEMS CONTAINING 
OR PRODUCED USING CERTAIN SUBSTANCES. 
(a) MODIFICATION.—Section 333 of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 
116–283; 10 U.S.C. 3062 note; 134 Stat. 3531) is amend-
ed to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 333. RESTRICTION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AC-
QUISITION OF COVERED ITEMS CONTAINING 
OR PRODUCED USING CERTAIN SUBSTANCES. 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITION BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2023.— 
‘‘(1) PROHIBITION.—During the period begin-
ning on April 1, 2023, and ending on April 1, 2025, 
the Secretary of Defense may not acquire any cov-
ered item that contains perfluorooctane sulfonate 
(PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). 
‘‘(2) COVERED ITEM DEFINED.—In this sub-
section, the term ‘covered item’ means— 
‘‘(A) nonstick cookware or cooking utensils 
for use in galleys or dining facilities; and 
‘‘(B) upholstered furniture, carpets, and 
rugs that have been treated with stain-resistant 
coatings. 
‘‘(b) PROHIBITION BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2025.— 
‘‘(1) PROHIBITION.—Beginning on April 1, 
2025, the Secretary of Defense may not acquire any
193 
covered item that contains or is produced using any 
of the following: 
‘‘(A) Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). 
‘‘(B) Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). 
‘‘(C) Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). 
‘‘(D) Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). 
‘‘(E) Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). 
‘‘(F) Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). 
‘‘(G) 
Perfluorohexanesulfonic 
acid 
(PFHxS). 
‘‘(H) 
Perfluoroheptane 
sulfonic 
acid 
(PFHpS). 
‘‘(I) Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). 
‘‘(J) Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA). 
‘‘(K) Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA). 
‘‘(L) Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA). 
‘‘(M) Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA 
or FOSA). 
‘‘(N) Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO) 
Dimer Acid (GenX). 
‘‘(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—In carrying out this 
subsection, the Secretary shall include the prohibi-
tion under paragraph (1) as a term in any contract 
or other agreement entered into on or after April 1,
194 
2025, by the Secretary for the acquisition of a cov-
ered item. 
‘‘(3) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this subsection shall be construed as— 
‘‘(A) requiring the disposal of, or otherwise 
affecting, covered items acquired by the Sec-
retary of Defense prior to April 1, 2025; or 
‘‘(B) imposing an obligation on the Sec-
retary to test covered items to confirm the ab-
sence 
of 
perfluoroalkyl 
substances 
or 
polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) The term ‘covered item’ means— 
‘‘(i) non-stick cookware or food service 
ware for use in galleys or dining facilities; 
‘‘(ii) food packaging materials; 
‘‘(iii) cleaning products, including 
floor waxes; 
‘‘(iv) carpeting; 
‘‘(v) rugs, curtains, or upholstered 
furniture; 
‘‘(vi) sunscreen; 
‘‘(vii) shoes and clothing for which 
treatment with a perfluoroalkyl substance
195 
or polyfluoroalkyl substance is not nec-
essary for an essential function; and 
‘‘(viii) such other items as may be de-
termined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) The term ‘perfluoroalkyl substance’ 
means a man-made chemical of which all of the 
carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon 
atoms. 
‘‘(C) The term ‘polyfluoroalkyl substance’ 
means a man-made chemical containing at least 
one fully fluorinated carbon atom and at least 
one nonfluorinated carbon atom.’’. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
(1) REPORTS.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate a report containing 
a detailed description of the following: 
(A) Steps taken to identify covered items 
acquired by the Secretary of Defense that con-
tain or are produced using perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances or polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
(B) Steps taken to limit the acquisition by 
the Secretary of covered items that contain or
196 
are produced using perfluoroalkyl substances or 
polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
(C) Planned steps of the Secretary to limit 
the acquisition of covered items that contain or 
are produced using perfluoroalkyl substances or 
polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection, the 
terms ‘‘covered item’’, ‘‘perfluoroalkyl substance’’, 
and ‘‘polyfluoroalkyl substance’’ have the meanings 
given those terms in section 333(b) of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
(Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 3062 note; 134 
Stat. 3531), as amended by subsection (a). 
Subtitle D—Logistics and 
Sustainment 
SEC. 341. REPEAL OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW RE-
QUIREMENT RELATING TO CORE LOGISTICS 
CAPABILITIES. 
Section 2464(e) of title 10, United States Code, is 
repealed.
197 
SEC. 342. DISAGGREGATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION IN 
ANNUAL REPORT RELATING TO PERFORM-
ANCE OF DEPOT-LEVEL MAINTENANCE. 
Section 2466(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting ‘‘, including an analysis of such 
information disaggregated by depot’’ after ‘‘sectors’’. 
SEC. 343. FOREIGN MILITARY SALES EXCLUSION IN CAL-
CULATION FOR CERTAIN WORKLOAD CARRY-
OVER OF DEPARTMENT OF ARMY. 
Section 377 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117– 
263; 136 Stat. 2542; 10 U.S.C. 2476 note) is amended 
by striking ‘‘that applies’’ and inserting ‘‘that—’’ 
‘‘(1) applies a material end of period exclusion; 
and 
‘‘(2) excludes from the calculated carryover 
amount the proceeds of any foreign military sale.’’. 
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:
198 
‘‘(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 
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
199 
gaps in the capability of private shipyards 
to conduct the maintenance described in 
clause (ii). 
‘‘(v) An assessment of whether great-
er flexibilities in authorities are necessary 
to better support fleet maintenance needs 
and the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimiza-
tion 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 Ship-
yard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Depart-
ment of the Navy. Such briefing shall include, with respect 
to each covered project, the information specified in each 
of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 355(b)(2) of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2022, as amended by subsection (a). 
SEC. 345. PILOT PROGRAM ON OPTIMIZATION OF AERIAL 
REFUELING AND FUEL MANAGEMENT IN 
CONTESTED 
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
200 
and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of 
Defense, in collaboration with the Under Secretary of De-
fense 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 man-
agement in the context of contested logistics environments 
through the use of advanced digital technologies and arti-
ficial intelligence. 
(b) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the pilot pro-
gram 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 
the existing logistics infrastructure of the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
(4) Enhancing situational awareness and deci-
sion-making capabilities through real-time data anal-
ysis and predictive modeling.
201 
(5) Addressing potential challenges and risks 
associated with the integration of artificial intel-
ligence and other advanced digital technologies, in-
cluding challenges and risks involving cybersecurity 
concerns. 
(c) COORDINATION
AND CONSULTATION.—In car-
rying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Chief 
Digital 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 ex-
isting 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 Artifi-
cial Intelligence Officer shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
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
202 
intelligence-driven approaches employed under such pilot 
program. 
(e) TERMINATION.—The authority to conduct the 
pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on Jan-
uary 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 ap-
propriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fis-
cal year 2024 for Administration and Servicewide Activi-
ties, Operation and Maintenance, Navy, not more than 50 
percent may be obligated or expended until a period of 
30 days has elapsed following the date on which the Sec-
retary of the Navy provides the first briefing required 
under subsection (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 Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the con-
gressional defense committees a briefing on the oper-
ational status of the amphibious warship fleet of the 
Armed Forces.
203 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under para-
graph (1) shall include, with respect to each amphib-
ious warship, the following: 
(A) The average operational availability of 
the amphibious warship during the 90-day pe-
riod preceding the date of the briefing. 
(B) The number of days the amphibious 
warship was underway during such period for 
the following purposes (disaggregated by pur-
pose): 
(i) Training for the purpose of sup-
porting mission essential tasks of the Ma-
rine Corps, including— 
(I) unit-level well-deck or flight- 
deck operations training of the Marine 
Corps; and 
(II) integrated training for Am-
phibious Ready Groups and Marine 
Expeditionary Unit. 
(ii) Deployment (not inclusive of 
scheduled or unscheduled in-port mainte-
nance). 
(C) The expected completion date for any 
maintenance for the amphibious warship that is 
in progress as of the date of the briefing, in-
204 
cluding scheduled and unscheduled mainte-
nance. 
(D) An update on any delays in the com-
pletion of such scheduled or unscheduled main-
tenance, and on any casualty reports, of the 
amphibious 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 
instruction from the Secretary of the Navy published 
on June 28, 2022, titled ‘‘General Guidance for the
205 
Classification of Naval Vessels and Battle Force 
Ship 
Counting 
Procedures’’ 
(SECNAVINST 
5030.8), or any successor instruction, and is classi-
fied 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-Ma-
rine Expeditionary Unit’’ includes a minimum of 
three amphibious warships, of which— 
(A) one is a general purpose amphibious 
assault ship or a multi-purpose amphibious as-
sault ship; and 
(B) at least one is an amphibious trans-
port dock in the Flight I generation. 
SEC. 347. REQUIREMENT FOR SECRETARY OF NAVY TO 
COMPLETE COMMON READINESS MODELS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than December 31, 
2025, the Secretary of the Navy shall complete the estab-
lishment of common readiness models for each maritime 
or aviation major weapon system of the Department of 
the Navy.
206 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the 
Secretary 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 Secretary of the Navy for determining the readiness 
of each maritime or aviation major weapon system of the 
Department of the Navy. 
(c) ELEMENTS.—The report under subsection (b) 
shall include, at a minimum, and with respect to the appli-
cable 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 readiness of the system, to inform budg-
etary 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 deci-
sions relating to the readiness of the system; 
and 
(2) an assessment of the extent to which such 
metrics and modeling capabilities account for the de-
tailed requirements and design of the system, includ-
207 
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 in-
spection procedures for the prepositioned stockpiles of the 
Army, for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and con-
ducting 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 develop-
ment of the plan under subsection (a), and not less fre-
quently 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.— 
(1) BRIEFING ON PLAN.—Not later than 120 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
208 
Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congres-
sional defense committees a briefing on the plan de-
veloped 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 
thereafter, the Secretary of the Army shall provide 
to the congressional defense committees a briefing 
on the status and condition of the prepositioned 
stockpiles of the Army. 
SEC. 349. RESPONSIVENESS TESTING OF DEFENSE LOGIS-
TICS 
AGENCY 
PHARMACEUTICAL 
CON-
TRACTS. 
The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall 
modify Defense Logistics Agency Instructions 5025.03 
and 3110.01— 
(1) to require Defense Logistics Agency Troop 
Support to coordinate annually with customers in 
the military departments to conduct responsiveness 
testing of the Defense Logistics Agency’s contin-
gency contracts for pharmaceuticals; and 
(2) to include the results of that testing, as re-
ported by customers in the military departments, in 
the annual reports of the Warstopper Program.
209 
SEC. 350. CERTIFICATION AND COMPTROLLER GENERAL 
REPORT 
RELATING 
TO 
PREPOSITIONED 
STOCKS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) CERTIFICATION.— 
(1) SUBMISSION.—Not later than March 15, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the commanders of the combatant commands, shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a 
certification in writing that the prepositioned stocks 
of the Department of Defense meet all operations 
plans, in both fill and readiness, that are in effect 
as of the date of the submission of the certification. 
Such certification shall include an identification by 
the Secretary of— 
(A) the quantities of equipment included in 
such stock; 
(B) whether such equipment is sufficiently 
modernized; 
(C) the state of readiness of such equip-
ment; and 
(D) the air and missile defense capabilities 
protecting such equipment, if any. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS IF STOCKS DO NOT MEET 
OPERATIONS PLANS.—If the Secretary is unable to 
certify that any of the prepositioned stocks of the 
Department meet the operations plans specified in
210 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include with the 
certification a list of the operations plans affected, 
a description of any measures that have been taken 
to mitigate any risk associated with prepositioned 
stock shortfalls, and an anticipated timeframe for 
the replenishment of the stocks. 
(3) FORM.—The certification required under 
paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form, 
but if so submitted, shall include an unclassified 
summary. 
(b) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT.—Not later 
than March 15, 2024, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the sufficiency of the prepositioned 
stocks of the Department of Defense to meet all oper-
ations plans, in both fill and readiness, that are in effect 
as of the date of the submission of the report. Such report 
shall include an assessment by the Comptroller General 
of each of the matters listed in subparagraphs (A) through 
(D) of subsection (a)(1). 
Subtitle E—Reports and Other 
Matters 
SEC. 361. MODIFICATION TO JOINT SAFETY COUNCIL. 
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
211 
(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 
following new paragraph (7): 
‘‘(7) Ensuring each military department has in 
place, for the safety management system and pro-
gram described in paragraphs (5) and (6), respec-
tively, 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 manage-
ment system and program described in para-
graphs (5) and (6), respectively’’; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs:
212 
‘‘(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 ac-
tion is effective. 
‘‘(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 
amended— 
(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 deco-
ration or other appropriate recognition to recognize mili-
tary working dogs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary 
that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meri-
torious or courageous act in service to the United States.’’.
213 
SEC. 363. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO END-TO-END 
TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) TERMINATION AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFENSE 
TRAVEL SYSTEM.—Except as provided in subsection (b)— 
(1) the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(A) terminate the end-to-end travel man-
agement system of the Department of Defense 
known as the ‘‘Defense Travel System’’ on De-
cember 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 
management of the Department of Defense (in-
cluding the management of travel related ex-
pense processes) that is a fully integrated com-
mercial system, for the purpose of improving ef-
ficiency 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.
214 
(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 
(2) submits to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
a notification and justification of such determina-
tion. 
(c) BRIEFINGS.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days 
thereafter until the date on which the respective require-
ment has been completed— 
(1) the Secretary of Defense shall provide to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the ef-
forts and progress of the Department of Defense 
with respect to the requirements under subsection 
(a)(1); and 
(2) the Secretary of each military department 
shall provide to such committees a briefing on the 
efforts and progress of that military department 
with respect to the requirements under subsection 
(a)(2). 
(d) LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PEND-
ING BRIEFING.—Of the funds authorized to be appro-
215 
priated 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 Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a briefing on the plan of the 
Secretary to complete the requirements under subsection 
(a)(1). 
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.
216 
(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. 
SEC. 365. PROHIBITION ON ELIMINATION OF CAISSON PLA-
TOON AND SUPPORT BY SUCH PLATOON OF 
MILITARY FUNERAL SERVICES AT ARLING-
TON NATIONAL CEMETERY. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Department of the Army an equine unit, to be known as 
the Caisson Platoon, assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regi-
ment 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 sub-
section (a). 
(c) BRIEFING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less 
frequently than every 180 days thereafter until 
March 31, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall 
provide to the congressional defense committees a
217 
briefing on the health, welfare, and sustainment of 
military working equids. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under para-
graph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of the ability of the 
Caisson Platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment 
of the Army to support military funeral oper-
ations within Arlington National Cemetery, in-
cluding milestones associated with achieving full 
operational capability for the Caisson Platoon. 
(B) An update on the plan of the task 
force of the Army on military working equids to 
promote, support, and sustain animal health 
and welfare. 
(C) An update on the plan of such task 
force to ensure that support by the Caisson 
Platoon 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 
conduct an assessment of the capacity of the Department 
of Defense to routinely train, test, evaluate, and qualify
218 
theater-level operations in support of the Pacific Deter-
rence Initiative using test or training areas located in the 
southeastern region of the United States, for the purpose 
of increasing the capacity and rate of force readiness with 
respect to deterrence and defense at theater-level dis-
tances. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment under subsection 
(a) shall include the following: 
(1) An assumption, for purposes of evaluating 
the capacity described in such subsection, that the 
Secretary of Defense will conduct at least one table-
top 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 
particular, in the southeastern region of the United 
States) with the potential to be used to expand the 
capacity and persistence of theater-level operations, 
including any such areas owned or operated by any 
Federal department or agency, State, institution of 
higher education, or commercial entity.
219 
(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 
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 
associated with each test or training area lo-
cated 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.
220 
(6) A review of any test or training areas iden-
tified 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 
training areas located in the southeastern region of 
the 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 op-
erations 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 
Representatives 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.
221 
SEC. 367. REPORT ON REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO 
FOOTWEAR OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment 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 containing— 
(1) the findings of a review conducted by the 
Secretary on regulations applicable to the footwear 
of the members of the Armed Forces; and 
(2) recommendations by the Secretary on how 
to ensure boots worn by members of the Armed 
Forces are compliant with section 4682 of title 10, 
United States Code (commonly referred to as the 
‘‘Berry Amendment’’). 
SEC. 368. REPORT ON HARDENING UNITED STATES AND 
PARTNER MILITARY BASES AGAINST IRANIAN 
ATTACK. 
(a) REPORT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense, in coordination with the Director 
of National Intelligence, shall submit the report de-
scribed in paragraph (2) to the congressional defense 
committees, the Permanent Select Committee on In-
222 
telligence in the House of Representatives, and the 
Select Committee on Intelligence in the Senate. 
(2) REPORT DESCRIBED.—The report shall con-
tain the following contents: 
(A) An assessment of the threat posed by 
Iran against United States and partner military 
bases, to include missile, unmanned aircraft 
system, and loitering munition attacks. 
(B) An assessment of hardening and air 
and missile defense upgrades for United States 
military installations in the area of responsi-
bility of the United States Central Command. 
(C) A strategy for expediting the hard-
ening of military installations located in the 
United States similar installations in ally and 
partner countries, and upgrading air and mis-
sile defense capabilities in the area of responsi-
bility of the United States Central Command. 
(b) FORM.—This report shall be transmitted in an 
unclassified manner and may contain a classified annex. 
SEC. 369. REPORT ON ELECTRONIC WASTE CONTAINING 
CRITICAL MINERALS. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the appropriate congressional committees a re-
223 
port on the electronic waste of the Department of Defense 
that contains rare earth elements and other critical min-
erals. Such report shall include information on— 
(1) types of electronic waste, such as shredded 
hard drives and other data storage devices, from 
which rare earth elements and other critical minerals 
could be extracted, and the types of technologies 
that could be used for extraction, including proven, 
commercial acid-free dissolution recycling technology 
and green chemistry technology; and 
(2) whether and how rare earth elements and 
other critical minerals extracted from electronic 
waste, could be returned to the domestic supply 
chain or United States stockpile of such elements 
and minerals. 
(b) DEFINITION.—In this section: 
(1) APPROPRIATE
CONGRESSIONAL
COMMIT-
TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional com-
mittees’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Armed Services of 
the Senate; 
(B) the Committees on Armed Services of 
the House of Representatives; 
(C) the Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and
224 
(D) the Committee on Energy and Com-
merce of the House of Representatives. 
(2) CRITICAL
MINERAL.—The term ‘‘critical 
mineral’’ has the meaning given such term in section 
7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 
1606(a)). 
(3) RARE EARTH ELEMENTS.—The term ‘‘rare 
earth elements’’ means neodymium, praseodymium, 
dysprosium, and terbium. 
SEC. 370. REQUIREMENT FOR REALISTIC TRAINING EXER-
CISES UNDER CONTESTED AND AUSTERE 
CONDITIONS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall increase, through the development of new exer-
cises or the expansion of existing exercises, the use 
of theater-wide and component-level training exer-
cises that stress operations conducted under con-
tested and austere conditions, including the condi-
tions described in paragraph (4). 
(2) TIER 1 EXERCISES.—In carrying out para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that, at a min-
imum, each exercise of the Armed Forces classified 
as a ‘‘tier 1 exercise’’ is conducted, in part or in 
whole, under such contested and austere conditions.
225 
(3) ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITIES.—Each exer-
cise developed or expanded under paragraph (1) 
shall include an assessment of the performance of 
that exercise from, at a minimum, the perspective 
of— 
(A) operational command; and 
(B) control and tactical execution. 
(4) CONDITIONS
DESCRIBED.—The conditions 
described in this paragraph are conditions involving 
the following: 
(A) Limited command and control. 
(B) Contested logistics. 
(C) The use of non-electronic dependent 
communications. 
(D) The use of alternate positioning, navi-
gation, and timing methods. 
(E) The conduct of operations in a highly 
degraded electromagnetic environment with 
widely dispersed forces. 
(b) EXERCISES AT JOINT PACIFIC ALASKA RANGE 
COMPLEX.—The Secretary of Defense shall take such 
steps as may be necessary to improve the infrastructure 
and associated resources required to carry out effective 
training exercises under contested and austere conditions,
226 
including the conditions described in paragraph (4), at the 
Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. 
SEC. 371. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PRIORITY FOR DO-
MESTICALLY SOURCED BOVINE HEPARIN. 
In selecting heparin for acquisition by the Depart-
ment of Defense (regardless of whether the end use of 
such acquisition involves military or civilian application), 
the Secretary of Defense shall provide priority for domesti-
cally sourced, fully traceable, bovine heparin approved by 
the Food and Drug Administration when available. 
SEC. 372. PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION REGARDING STA-
TUS OF CERTAIN CLEANUP EFFORTS OF DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
Beginning not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than 
annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall publish 
on the publicly available website established under section 
331(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fis-
cal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) 
timely and regularly updated information on the status of 
the cleanup of sites for which the Secretary has obligated 
amounts for environmental restoration activities.
227 
SEC. 373. REPORT ON COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH DECOM-
MISSIONING OF TACTICAL AIR CONTROL 
PARTY UNITS. 
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report on the costs associated 
with the prospective decommissioning, reduction, or termi-
nation of any Tactical Air Control Party unit of the Air 
Force planned during the three fiscal years following the 
date of the enactment. 
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. 
(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 
components as of September 30, 2024, as follows:
228 
(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 Re-
serve 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 
(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
229 
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 
increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths 
of such units and by the total number of such individual 
members. 
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 num-
ber 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, re-
cruiting, 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. 
(5) The Air National Guard of the United 
States, 25,713. 
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,070.
230 
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 re-
serve 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 
support duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United 
States Code, is the following: 
(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.
231 
(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 otherwise provided for, for military personnel, as spec-
ified in the funding table in section 4401. 
(b) CONSTRUCTION OF AUTHORIZATION.—The au-
thorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) super-
sedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite 
or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2024.
232 
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 
amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (f); and 
(2) by redesignating subsection (g) as sub-
section (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-
233 
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 
10 U.S.C. 525 note) is amended— 
(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 OF-
FICER 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 pro-
234 
motion list of the new component or covered armed force 
without regard to the warrant officer’s competitive cat-
egory. 
‘‘(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 
adding 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 applicable promotion list, is approved for transfer 
to the reserve 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 ac-
tive-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.
235 
‘‘(f)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3), in the case 
of an officer who (1) is placed on an all-fully-qualified- 
officers list, and (2) is subsequently approved for transfer 
to the reserve active-status list, the Secretary of the mili-
tary department concerned may place the officer’s name 
on an appropriate all-fully-qualified-officers list on the re-
serve active 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.’’.
236 
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 
Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of O–6.’’. 
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 ‘‘in-
stallation—’’; 
(iii) in subclause (I)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Through’’ and 
inserting ‘‘through’’; and
237 
(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)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Through’’ and 
inserting ‘‘through’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘counseling.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘counseling; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
clause: 
‘‘(iii) may not provide financial services through 
any individual unless such individual agrees to sub-
mit financial disclosures annually to the Secretary.’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ‘‘instal-
lation by any of the means set forth in subparagraph 
(A)(ii), as elected by the Secretary concerned.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘installation in accordance with the re-
quirements established under subparagraph (A)(ii) 
and (iii).’’; and 
(3) in subsection (b)(4)—
238 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The Sec-
retary’’; and 
(B) by inserting at the end the following 
new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(B) In carrying out the requirements of subpara-
graph (A), the Secretary concerned shall establish a re-
quirement that each financial services counselor under 
paragraph (2)(A)(i), and any other individual providing 
counseling on financial services under paragraph (2), sub-
mit financial disclosures annually to the Secretary. 
‘‘(C) The Secretary concerned shall review all finan-
cial disclosures submitted pursuant to subparagraph (B) 
to ensure the counselor, or the individual providing coun-
seling, is free from conflict as required under this para-
graph. 
‘‘(D) If the Secretary concerned determines that a 
financial services counselor under paragraph (2)(A)(i), or 
any other individual providing counseling on financial 
services under paragraph (2), is not free from conflict as 
required under this paragraph, the Secretary shall ensure 
that the counselor, or the individual providing counseling, 
does not provide such services until such time as the Sec-
retary determines that such conflict is resolved.’’. 
(b) REPORT ON FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
239 
this Act, and annually thereafter, each Secretary con-
cerned shall submit to Congress a report on the percentage 
of financial services counselors under paragraph (2)(A)(i) 
of section 992(b) of title 10, United States Code (as 
amended by subsection (a)), and other individuals pro-
viding counseling on financial services under paragraph 
(2) of such section (as amended by subsection (a)) whom 
the Secretary determined to be free from conflicts as re-
quired under paragraph (4) of such section (as amended 
by subsection (a)). 
(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 in-
serting ‘‘in such position’’. 
(b) UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 
8470a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
240 
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘and subject 
to paragraph (3),’’ after ‘‘subsection (b),’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(3) Upon retirement, an officer of the Navy or Ma-
rine Corps serving as a permanent professor, or the Direc-
tor of Admissions, of the United States Naval Academy 
in the grade of captain or colonel, and whose service in 
such position has been long and distinguished, may, in the 
discretion 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 in-
serting ‘‘in such position’’. 
SEC. 507. ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON OF 
THE SPACE FORCE. 
Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting, after section 9023, the following 
new section:—
241 
‘‘§ 9023a. Legislative Liaison of the Space Force 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is a Legislative Liai-
son of the Space Force. 
‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Legislative Liaison shall per-
form legislative affairs functions under the direction of the 
Chief of Space Operations.’’. 
SEC. 508. CHAPLAIN ENDORSEMENTS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall 
make available on a publicly accessible database a report 
of (i) the most recent list of chaplain endorsements sub-
mitted to the Armed Forces Chaplain Board (AFCB) by 
religious organizations according to Department of De-
fense Instruction 1304.28, and (ii) the list of known en-
dorsements used by AFCB to verify submissions. 
SEC. 509. PROHIBITIONS ON CERTAIN ADVERSE ACTIONS 
REGARDING A CADET, MIDSHIPMAN, OR AP-
PLICANT TO A SERVICE ACADEMY, WHO RE-
FUSES TO RECEIVE A VACCINATION AGAINST 
COVID–19. 
(a) ADVERSE ACTION.—No adverse action may be 
taken against a cadet or midshipman at a Service Acad-
emy solely on the basis that such cadet or midshipman 
refuses to receive a vaccination against COVID–19.
242 
(b) ENROLLMENT.—An individual may not be re-
fused enrollment at a Service Academy solely on the basis 
that such individual refuses to receive a vaccination 
against COVID–19. 
(c) SERVICE ACADEMY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘Service Academy’’ has the meaning given such 
term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 510. INCREASES TO MONTHLY RATES OF BASIC PAY 
FOR CERTAIN ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE 
UNIFORMED SERVICES. 
(a) 
ESTABLISHMENT
OF
CERTAIN
MINIMUM 
RATES.—Beginning on January 1, 2024, the rate of 
monthly basic pay for certain enlisted members of the uni-
formed services shall be paid in accordance with the fol-
lowing: 
(1) In the case of a member in grade E-1 with 
more than four months of service, such rate may not 
be less than $2,600.60. 
(2) In the case of a member in grade E-2, such 
rate may not be less than $2,799.20. 
(3) In the case of a member in grade E-3— 
(A) with less than three years of service, 
such rate may not be less than $2,900.90;
243 
(B) with at least three, but less than four, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$2,950.60; 
(C) with at least four, but less than six, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,000.60; and 
(D) with at least six years of service, such 
rate may not be less than $3,050.60. 
(4) In the case of a member in grade E-4— 
(A) with less than two years of service, 
such rate may not be less than $3,010.50; 
(B) with at least two, but less than three, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,060.60; 
(C) with at least two, but less than three, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,100.10; 
(D) with at least four, but less than six, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,150.80; 
(E) with at least six, but less than eight, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,210.30; and 
(F) with at least eight years of service, 
such rate may not be less than $3,260.30.
244 
(5) In the case of a member in grade E-5— 
(A) with less than two years of service, 
such rate may not be less than $3,100.30; 
(B) with at least two, but less than three, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,150.20; 
(C) with at least two, but less than three, 
years of service, such rate may not be less than 
$3,200.20; and 
(D) with at least four years of service, 
such rate may not be less than $3,250.20. 
(6) In the case of a member in grade E-6 with 
less than two years of service, such rate may not be 
less than $3,210. 
(b) ADJUSTMENT.—Any adjustment, under section 
1009 of title 37, United States Code, and effective on Jan-
uary 1, 2024, to a rate of basic monthly pay for a member 
described in subsection (a), shall be an adjustment to the 
applicable rate established by such subsection. 
Subtitle B—Reserve Component 
Management 
SEC. 511. GRADES OF CERTAIN CHIEFS OF RESERVE COM-
PONENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—
245 
(1) 
CHIEF
OF
ARMY
RESERVE.—Section 
7038(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(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 para-
graph (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 
subsection (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.
246 
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 re-
serve 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 re-
serve 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 sub-
section: 
‘‘(c) GRADE.—(1) The Vice Chief of the National 
Guard Bureau shall be appointed to serve in the grade 
of general.
247 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall designate, pursu-
ant to subsection (b) of section 526 of this title, the posi-
tion of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau as one 
of the general officer and flag officer positions to be ex-
cluded from the limitations in subsection (a) of such sec-
tion.’’. 
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 subsections: 
‘‘(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 
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;
248 
‘‘(3) a warrant 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; and 
‘‘(4) a warrant officer of the Army National 
Guard transferred to the inactive Army National 
Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be trans-
ferred 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 inac-
tive Air National Guard to the active Air National 
Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized 
unit.’’.
249 
SEC. 516. AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREGUARD PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Chapter 5 of title 32, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 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 re-
mote sensing information for interagency partnerships in 
the detection and monitoring of wildfires, and to support 
any emergency response to such wildfires. Such a program 
shall be known as the ‘FireGuard Program’. 
‘‘(b) RESOURCES; LIMITATION.—If the Secretary 
carries 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 as-
sistance as the Secretary determines necessary to 
carry out the FireGuard Program; and 
‘‘(3) may not reduce support, or transfer re-
sponsibility for support to an interagency partner,
250 
for the FireGuard Program authorized under this 
section.’’. 
(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 De-
fense 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 des-
ignated 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 
Australia-United Kingdom-United States (herein-
after referred to as ‘‘AUKUS’’) trilateral agreement; 
(2) believes that appropriate staffing in the De-
partment of Defense must be committed to ensuring 
its success;
251 
(3) finds that more seamless and expedient 
transfer of advanced defense technologies both to 
and from allies and partners is— 
(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 bil-
lets for foreign disclosure officers as well as foreign 
military 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 Defense shall submit to the congressional defense com-
mittees a report identifying gaps in the level of staffing 
necessary to accomplish AUKUS-related efforts in the De-
partment of Defense, including those described in sub-
section (a). The report shall also include— 
(1) an assessment of any personnel shortfalls;
252 
(2) a detailed plan for ensuring that existing 
positions described in subsection (a) are prioritized 
for hiring and retention; 
(3) an assessment of future staffing needs to 
ensure 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 implementa-
tion of such recommendations; and 
(5) any other matters determined appropriate 
by the Secretary. 
SEC. 519. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO MEASURES 
TO ADDRESS SUICIDE AMONG FORMER NA-
TIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE COMPONENTS. 
It is a sense of Congress that-— 
(1) since 2020, the National Veteran Suicide 
Prevention Annual Reports have not included infor-
mation regarding former members of the Guard and 
Reserve Components who were not activated for 
military service; and 
(2) Congress encourages the Department of De-
fense in collaboration with the Department of Vet-
erans Affairs to monitor and ensure appropriate
253 
measures are available to reduce suicides in this 
population. 
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 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as sub-
section (g); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (e), the fol-
lowing 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-
mine such person to be unaccounted for if the identifica-
tion, by a practitioner of an appropriate forensic science, 
of remains as those of such person, demonstrated discrep-
ancies. 
‘‘(2) Upon request of the primary next of kin of a 
person whom the designated Agency Director determined 
unaccounted for pursuant to paragraph (1), the des-
ignated Agency Director shall—
254 
‘‘(A) exhume the remains of such person; and 
‘‘(B) direct the senior medical examiner as-
signed or detailed under subsection (b)(2) to inves-
tigate such remains using state-of-the-art tech-
nology.’’. 
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 
amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 9254. Authority to designate certain separated 
members of the Air Force as honorary 
separated members of the Space Force 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the Air Force 
may prescribe regulations that authorize an eligible indi-
vidual 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’. 
‘‘(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.
255 
‘‘(2) An application process through which an 
eligible individual, or a survivor of a deceased eligi-
ble 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 
eligible 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 de-
termines 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.’’. 
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 cov-
256 
ered 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 ac-
cession, assignment, selection, or promotion— 
(1) a determination shall be made on the basis 
of merit in order to advance those individuals who 
exhibit 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 favor-
itism 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 fol-
lowing: 
(1) The Army. 
(2) The Navy. 
(3) The Marine Corps. 
(4) The Air Force. 
(5) The Space Force.
257 
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 
thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) conduct an assessment of the prescribed 
medical standards and medical screening processes 
required for the appointment of an individual as an 
officer, 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 Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
a report containing, with respect to the most re-
cently conducted assessment under paragraph (1)— 
(A) the findings of that assessment and a 
description of the actions carried out pursuant 
to paragraph (2); and
258 
(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 
VACCINATIONS AGAINST COVID-19. 
(a) PROHIBITION ON ADVERSE ACTION.—The Sec-
retary of the military department concerned or, with re-
spect the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the department 
in which the Secretary is operating when the Coast Guard 
is not operating as a service in the Navy, may not take 
any adverse action against a member of a covered Armed 
Force solely on the basis that such member refuses to re-
ceive a vaccination against COVID-19. 
(b) REINSTATEMENT.— 
(1) REQUEST; CONSIDERATION.—At the request 
of a covered individual during the two years fol-
lowing the date of the involuntary separation of the 
covered individual, the Secretary of the military de-
partment concerned shall consider reinstating such 
covered individual—
259 
(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 cov-
ered individual under paragraph (1) as a period of 
inactivation from active service under the following 
provisions 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, Coast 
Guard, or Space Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means an in-
dividual involuntarily separated from a covered
260 
Armed Force solely on the basis of the refusal of 
such individual to receive a vaccination against 
COVID-19. 
SEC. 526. REVIEWS OF CHARACTERIZATION OF ADMINIS-
TRATIVE DISCHARGES OF CERTAIN MEM-
BERS 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 
characterization 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 be-
fore 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, Coast Guard, or Space 
Force.
261 
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 Secretaries of the military departments or, with re-
spect the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the department 
in which the Secretary is operating when the Coast Guard 
is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall commu-
nicate, 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 im-
plementation of the communication strategy under sub-
section (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.
262 
(2) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast 
Guard, or Space Force. 
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 
system. 
(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 proc-
esses to assess the long-term impacts of electro-
cardiogram results on military service; and
263 
(3) consult with experts in cardiology to develop 
appropriate clinical practice guidelines for cardiac 
screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. 
(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 pro-
vided 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 de-
tected 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 
program. 
(4) The cost of carrying out the pilot program. 
(d) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall termi-
nate after three years after its implementation.
264 
SEC. 529. IMPROVING OVERSIGHT OF MILITARY RECRUIT-
MENT PRACTICES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY 
SCHOOLS. 
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees an annual report on military re-
cruitment practices in public secondary schools during cal-
endar year 2023 and each subsequent calendar year. Each 
such report shall include, for the year covered by the re-
port— 
(1) the zip codes of public secondary schools 
visited by military recruiters; 
(2) the number of recruits from public sec-
ondary schools by zip code and local education agen-
cy; and 
(3) a demographic analysis, including race, eth-
nicity, and gender, of recruits from public secondary 
schools by zip code. 
SEC. 530. CONTINUING MILITARY SERVICE FOR CERTAIN 
MEMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER 61 RE-
TIREMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall prescribe regulations that allow a covered member 
to continue to elect to serve in the Armed Forces—
265 
(1) in the current military occupational spe-
cialty of such covered member, for which the covered 
member may not be deployable; or 
(2) in a military occupational specialty for 
which the covered member is deployable. 
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—A covered member 
who completes 20 years of service computed under section 
1208 of title 10, United States Code shall not be denied 
any benefit under laws administered by the Secretary of 
Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs solely on the 
basis that the covered member elected to continue to serve 
in the Armed Forces instead of taking retirement under 
chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code 
(c) COVERED MEMBER DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered member’’ means a member of the 
Armed Forces— 
(1) whom the Secretary concerned determines 
possesses skill or experience vital to the Armed 
Force concerned; 
(2) who incurs a disability— 
(A) while eligible for special pay under sec-
tion 310 of title 37, United States Code; and 
(B) that renders the member eligible for 
retirement under chapter 61 of title 10, United 
States Code; and
266 
(3) who elects to continue to serve in the 
Armed Forces instead of such retirement. 
SEC. 530A. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN PERSONS WHO SERVED 
WITH THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES DUR-
ING PART OF WORLD WAR II IN DEFINITION 
OF MISSING PERSON. 
Section 1513(1) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘or’’; 
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period 
and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(3) by adding after subparagraph (B) the fol-
lowing new subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) a citizen of the United States who 
served with the Canadian Armed Forces be-
tween September 10, 1939, and December 7, 
1941, and is in a missing status.’’. 
Subtitle D—Military Justice 
SEC. 531. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS 
REGARDING 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-
267 
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-
son is otherwise sentenced in accordance with a plea 
agreement entered into between the parties under 
section 853a of this title (article 53a).’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE 
MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS
IN
THE NATIONAL DE-
FENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022.— 
(1) ARTICLE 16.—Subsection (c)(2)(A) of sec-
tion 816 of title 10, United States Code (article 16
268 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amend-
ed by striking ‘‘by the convening authority’’. 
(2) ARTICLE
25.—Section 825 of title 10, 
United States Code (article 25 of the Uniform Code 
of Military 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 
sentencing phase, request, orally on the 
record or in writing, sentencing by mem-
bers’’ 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 
accused to death, the accused shall be sentenced in accord-
ance 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)—
269 
(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 
convening authority’’. 
(c) AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL WITH 
RESPECT TO CERTAIN OFFENSES OCCURRING BEFORE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS EN-
ACTED IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 
FOR FISCAL 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
270 
amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection: 
‘‘(d) SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL AUTHORITY OVER 
CERTAIN OTHER OFFENSES.— 
‘‘(1) OFFENSES
OCCURRING
BEFORE
EFFEC-
TIVE DATE.—A special trial counsel may, at the sole 
and exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, 
exercise authority over the following offenses: 
‘‘(A) An offense under section 917a (arti-
cle 117a), 918 (article 118), section 919 (article 
119), section 920 (article 120), section 920b 
(article 120b), section 920c (article 120c), sec-
tion 928b (article 128b), or the standalone of-
fense of child pornography punishable under 
section 934 (article 134) of this title that oc-
curred on or before 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 
after January 1, 2019, and before December 
28, 2023. 
‘‘(C) An offense under section 925 (article 
125) of this title alleging an act of nonconsen-
sual sodomy that occurred before January 1, 
2019.
271 
‘‘(D) A conspiracy to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as 
punishable under section 881 of this title (arti-
cle 81). 
‘‘(E) A solicitation to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as 
punishable under section 882 of this title (arti-
cle 82). 
‘‘(F) An attempt to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or 
(E) as punishable under section 880 of this title 
(article 80). 
‘‘(2) EFFECT OF EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.— 
‘‘(A) 
TREATMENT
AS
COVERED
OF-
FENSE.—If a special trial counsel exercises au-
thority over an offense pursuant to paragraph 
(1), the offense over which the special trial 
counsel exercises authority shall be considered a 
covered offense for purposes of this chapter. 
‘‘(B) KNOWN OR RELATED OFFENSES.—If 
a special trial counsel exercises authority over 
an offense pursuant to paragraph (1), the spe-
cial trial counsel may exercise the authority of 
the special trial counsel under subsection 
(c)(2)(B) with respect to other offenses de-
272 
scribed 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 
Authorization 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 Jus-
tice), shall’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsection (b) and subsection (c)(1) shall take effect im-
mediately 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). 
SEC. 533. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN RECORDS OF CRIMINAL 
INVESTIGATIONS. 
(a) GUIDANCE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall develop and implement uniform guidance pro-
viding for the modification of titling and indexing systems 
to ensure that a record identifying a member or former 
member of the Armed Forces as the subject of a criminal 
investigation is removed from such system if that member
273 
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 
Secretary concerned, pursuant to the guidance issued by 
the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) and in con-
sultation 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 mem-
ber or former member of the Armed Forces who has 
been cleared of wrongdoing as described in sub-
section (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 re-
move the record in accordance with subsection (c). 
(c) DEADLINE FOR REMOVAL.—The head of a de-
fense 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
274 
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 
responsible 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 
Uniform Code of Military Justice) and the involun-
tary separation of the member was not required or 
recommended as part of such punishment; 
(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;
275 
(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 determina-
tion 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 sepa-
rated solely for— 
(1) an offense for which the member is cleared 
of wrongdoing as described in subsection (d); or 
(2) an offense for which the punishment of sep-
aration was not specifically recommended—
276 
(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 (ar-
ticle 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice). 
(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 sec-
tion shall supercede any provision of section 549 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 
(Public Law 117–263) that is inconsistent with this sec-
tion, 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; 
(C) the Air Force Office of Special Inves-
tigations;
277 
(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 in-
vestigations. 
(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 mean-
ing 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 
117–263)), including the Defense Central Index of 
Investigations (commonly known as ‘‘DCII’’).
278 
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 ex-
pended to relocate an Army CID special agent training 
course until each of the requirements specified in para-
graphs (1) and (2) of section 548(a) of the James M. 
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2023 (Public Law 117–263) have been met. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘relo-
cate’’ 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). 
SEC. 
535. 
VOTES 
REQUIRED 
FOR 
CONVICTION, 
SEN-
TENCING, AND OTHER MATTERS IN GENERAL 
AND SPECIAL COURTS-MARTIAL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 852 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 52 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice), is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘‘by the 
concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members 
present’’ and inserting ‘‘by the unanimous concur-
rence of all members present’’; and
279 
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ‘‘by the 
concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members 
present’’ and inserting ‘‘by the unanimous concur-
rence of all members present’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall apply with respect to courts-martial con-
vened under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code 
(the Uniform Code of Military Justice), on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
Subtitle E—Other Legal Matters 
SEC. 541. CLARIFICATIONS OF PROCEDURE IN INVESTIGA-
TIONS 
OF 
PERSONNEL 
ACTIONS 
TAKEN 
AGAINST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
IN RETALIATION FOR PROTECTED COMMU-
NICATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraphs (D) and (E) of 
paragraph (4) of section 1034(c) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(D)(i) Upon determining that an investigation of an 
allegation under paragraph (1) is warranted, the Inspector 
General making the determination shall expeditiously in-
vestigate the allegation to determine whether the protected 
communication or activity under subsection (b) was a con-
tributing factor in the personnel action prohibited under 
subsection (b) that was taken or withheld (or threatened
280 
to be taken or withheld) against a member of the armed 
forces. 
‘‘(ii) In the case of a determination made by the In-
spector General of the Department of Defense, that In-
spector General may delegate responsibility for the inves-
tigation to an appropriate Inspector General of a military 
department. 
‘‘(iii) The member alleging the prohibited personnel 
action may use circumstantial evidence to demonstrate 
that the protected communication or activity under sub-
section (b) was a contributing factor in the personnel ac-
tion prohibited under subsection (b). Such circumstantial 
evidence may include that the person taking such prohib-
ited personnel action knew of the protected communication 
or activity, and that the prohibited personnel action oc-
curred within a period of time such that a reasonable per-
son could conclude that the communication or protected 
activity was a contributing factor in the personnel action. 
‘‘(iv) If the Inspector General determines it likelier 
than not that the member made a communication or par-
ticipated in an activity protected under subsection (b) that 
was a contributing factor in a personnel action described 
in such subsection, the Inspector General shall presume 
such personnel action to be prohibited under such sub-
section unless the Inspector General determines there is
281 
clear and convincing evidence that the same personnel ac-
tion would have occurred in the absence of such protected 
communication or activity. 
‘‘(E) If the Inspector General preliminarily deter-
mines in an investigation under subparagraph (D) that a 
personnel action prohibited under subsection (b) has oc-
curred and that such personnel action shall result in an 
immediate hardship to the member alleging the personnel 
action, the Inspector General shall promptly notify the 
Secretary of the military department concerned or the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security, as applicable, of the hard-
ship, and such Secretary shall take such action as such 
Secretary determines appropriate.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.—Such paragraph is 
further amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 
‘‘subsection (h)’’ both places it appears and inserting 
‘‘subsection (i)’’. 
SEC. 542. 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.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Section 1259 of title 28, 
United States Code, is amended—
282 
(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 strik-
ing ‘‘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 review.’’. 
(B) TIME FOR APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF 
CERTIORARI.—Section 2101(g) of title 28, 
United States Code, is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(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 Crimi-
nal 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.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—
283 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
the amendments made by subsection (a) shall take 
effect upon the expiration of the 180-day period be-
ginning 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 
authority 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 
section, shall take effect on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act. 
SEC. 543. 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
284 
(2) the potential effects of such a requirement 
on the ability of the Armed Forces to implement sex-
ual 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 in-
stitutions 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 pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following:
285 
‘‘(3) joint special operations-peculiar education, 
leader preparation, and leader development, includ-
ing 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.
286 
‘‘(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-grant-
ing institutions of higher military education that in-
volves or impacts the United States Special Oper-
ations 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 subse-
quent fiscal years to support special operations-peculiar 
academic education 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 
amended—
287 
(1) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and re-
designating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections 
(e) and (f), respectively; and 
(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(d)(1) Instead of, or in addition to, detailing officers 
and noncommissioned officers on active duty under sub-
section (c)(1), the Secretary of the military department 
concerned may authorize qualified institutions to employ, 
as administrators and instructors in the program, appli-
cants who are— 
‘‘(A) retired officers and noncommissioned offi-
cers whose qualifications are approved by the Sec-
retary and the institution concerned; 
‘‘(B) officers and noncommissioned officers 
who— 
‘‘(i) have completed at least eight years of 
service in the armed forces; 
‘‘(ii) have received honorable discharges 
not longer than five years before applying for 
such employment; and 
‘‘(iii) are approved by the Secretary of the 
military department concerned and the institu-
tion concerned;
288 
‘‘(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 sec-
tion 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 sub-
ject 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 
subsection. 
‘‘(B) Subject to subparagraph (C), the Sec-
retary of the military department concerned shall 
pay to an institution that employs an administrator 
or instructor under this subsection an amount equal 
to one-half of the pay paid by the Secretary of the 
military department concerned to such individual for 
any period. 
‘‘(C) The Secretary of the military department 
concerned may pay the institution more than the
289 
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 
amended 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;
290 
‘‘(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 agen-
cy or instrumentality of any person described in 
paragraphs (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:
291 
‘‘§ 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 Col-
lege, 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 devel-
oping scenarios 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 estab-
lish, within the College, an advanced research program 
that examines the character of near-future operational- 
tactical warfighting at the high end of the conflict spec-
trum in East Asia. The program shall use wargaming, op-
erations research, and systems analysis as the primary 
methodologies for developing scenarios for analysis under 
the program.’’.
292 
(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 es-
tablish, within the University, an advanced research pro-
gram that examines the character of near-future oper-
ational-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 scenarios for analysis under 
the program.’’. 
(d) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than February 
1 of each year, the President of the United States Army 
Command and General Staff College, the President of the 
Naval War College, and the Commander of the Air Uni-
versity 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 rec-
ommendations resulting from activities conducted under 
the advanced research programs established under sec-
tions 7423, 8596, and 9421 of title 10, United States 
Code, respectively.
293 
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 imple-
ment 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 Sec-
retary 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
294 
to participate in such a pilot program are performed by 
another member of the Armed Force concerned until the 
participant returns to such duties. 
(f) TERMINATION.—Each such pilot program shall 
terminate six years after commencement. 
(g) REPORT.—Not more than one year after the com-
pletion of a pilot program, each Secretary concerned, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives 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 partici-
pants; and 
(F) objectives outlined in the 2022 Na-
tional Defense Strategy to modernize the 
Armed Forces, spur innovation, and outpace 
and outthink adversaries of the United States;
295 
(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 de-
termines appropriate. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘MCGEP-E Pilot’’ means the 
Fiscal Year 2023 Marine Corps Graduate Education 
Program – Enlisted Pilot Program. 
(2) The term ‘‘NPS’’ means the Naval Post-
graduate School. 
SEC. 556. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR 
ELIMINATION OF UNITS OF THE SENIOR RE-
SERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS. 
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by 
this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 
for the Department of Defense may be obligated or ex-
pended to elminate a unit of the Senior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps at an institution of higher education.
296 
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’’. 
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 in-
serting ‘‘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 in-
serting ‘‘15 persons’’; and
297 
(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 in-
serting ‘‘15 persons’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and 
inserting ‘‘250’’. 
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 sec-
tion 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 sec-
tion 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 sec-
tion 562, is further amended, in subsection (a)(8), by 
striking ‘‘Four’’ and inserting ‘‘Five’’.
298 
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 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a cadet or 
former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the agree-
ment as specified under subsection (a), or the alternative 
obligation imposed under subsection (b), because such 
cadet or former cadet was not tendered an appointment 
as a commissioned 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 
paragraph: 
‘‘(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
299 
alternative obligation imposed under subsection (b), be-
cause such midshipman or former midshipman was not 
tendered an appointment as a commissioned officer on the 
sole basis that the midshipman or former midshipman re-
fused to receive 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 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a cadet or 
former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the agree-
ment as specified under subsection (a), or the alternative 
obligation imposed under subsection (b), because such 
cadet or former cadet was not tendered an appointment 
as a commissioned officer on the sole basis that the cadet 
or former cadet refused to receive a vaccination against 
COVID–19.’’. 
(d) RETROACTIVE
APPLICABILITY.—The amend-
ments 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 ten-
dered an appointment as a commissioned officer in the 
Armed Forces on the sole basis that such cadet or mid-
300 
shipman refused to receive a vaccination against COVID– 
19. 
SEC. 565. TRAINING ON THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRAT-
EGY FOR MEMBERS OF CERTAIN ARMED 
FORCES. 
(a) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of the military 
department 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. 
(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 De-
fense Manpower Data Center shall include in the annual
301 
status of forces survey a survey regarding the awareness 
of members 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 De-
fense to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives in a re-
port; 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. 
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
302 
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 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.
303 
(11) 18D. 
(12) 18E. 
(13) 18F. 
(14) 18Z. 
(15) 19A. 
(16) 19D. 
(17) 25C assigned to infantry, calvary, and en-
gineer 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. 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
Army provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives de-
scribing the methodology 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 crit-
ical race theory provided by the Secretary during the pre-
vious calendar year—
304 
(1) the number of hours spent by members of 
the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the De-
partment 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. 
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. 
SEC. 570. FUNDING FOR SKILLBRIDGE. 
(a) INCREASE.—Notwithstanding the amounts set 
forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount au-
305 
thorized to be appropriated in section 4301, line 440 for 
Office of Secretary of Defense, as specified in the cor-
responding funding table in section 4301, is hereby in-
creased by $5,000,000 for the Skillbridge program. 
(b) OFFSET.—Notwithstanding the amounts set forth 
in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized 
to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Main-
tenance, Defense-wide, for Washington Headquarters 
Services, line 500, as specified in the corresponding fund-
ing table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by 
$5,000,000. 
SEC. 570A. ACCESS TO ARMY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 
AND RESOURCES SYSTEM ON A PERSONAL 
INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE. 
(a) ACCESS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of the Army shall ensure, subject to para-
graph (2), that a member of the reserve components 
of the Army may access the Army Training Require-
ments and Resources System using a personal inter-
net-enabled device. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary of the Army 
may restrict access to the Army Training Require-
ments and Resources System on personal internet-
306 
enabled devices if the Secretary determines such re-
striction is necessary to ensure the security and in-
tegrity of information systems and data of the 
United States. 
(b) ARMY
TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS
AND
RE-
SOURCES SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘Army Training Requirements and Resources System’’ 
means the online, real-time information management sys-
tem of the Army used to catalogue and manage training 
courses, or any successor to such system. 
SEC. 570B. MILITARY VEHICLE OPERATOR TRAINING PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAINING CURRICULUM.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall establish a standardized 
training curriculum for military vehicle operations, 
encompassing both classroom and practical training 
components. 
(2) DEVELOPMENT.—The training curriculum 
under paragraph (1) shall be developed in collabora-
tion with subject matter experts, experienced mem-
bers of the Armed Forces, and relevant stakeholders, 
and shall cover essential topics such as vehicle dy-
namics, safety procedures, hazard recognition and
307 
avoidance, defensive driving techniques, and vehicle 
recovery methods. 
(3) UPDATES.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that the training curriculum under paragraph 
(1) is regularly updated to incorporate emerging 
best practices and technological advancements in 
military vehicle operations. 
(b) CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish a certification program to validate the 
proficiency of members of the Armed Forces in mili-
tary vehicle operations. 
(2) DESIGN
OF
PROGRAM.—The certification 
program shall be designed to ensure that all mem-
bers of the Armed Forces, regardless of deployment 
status, receive adequate training in military vehicle 
operations before being assigned to operational duty. 
(3) ASSESSMENTS.—The certification program 
shall include written exams, practical assessments, 
and evaluations of demonstrated competence. 
(4) NOTICE OF COMPLETION.—Notice shall be 
issued to members of the Armed Forces who suc-
cessfully complete the training program and meet 
the established proficiency criteria. 
(c) DEADLINES.—
308 
(1) DEADLINE
FOR
COMMENCEMENT.—Not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence 
the development and implementation of the training 
curriculum under subsection (a) and the certification 
program under subsection (b). 
(2) DEADLINE FOR FULL INTEGRATION.—Not 
later than three years after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the training curriculum under sub-
section (a) and the certification program under sub-
section (b) shall be fully integrated into military 
training programs. 
(d) TRAINING DELIVERY METHODS.—In carrying 
out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) develop a comprehensive and interactive 
training methodology that combines traditional 
classroom instruction with hands-on, practical train-
ing exercises: 
(2) encourage the use of modern training tech-
nologies, simulators, and realistic training environ-
ments to enhance effectiveness of the training pro-
gram; and 
(3) ensure that training materials are up-to- 
date, accessible, and tailored to the specific vehicle
309 
types and operational environments members of the 
Armed Forces are likely to encounter. 
(e) 
INFORMATION
COLLECTION
AND
EVALUA-
TIONS.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary of De-
fense shall— 
(1) update reporting mechanisms used to collect 
and analyze data related to military vehicle inci-
dents, including vehicle rollovers, and the causes of 
such incidents; 
(2) conduct regular evaluations of the effective-
ness of the training under this section in reducing 
incidents and improving the proficiency of military 
vehicle operators; and 
(3) promptly implement any recommendations 
for program improvements based on the results of 
such data and evaluations. 
SEC. 570C. MILITARY TRAINING AND COMPETENCY DATA-
BASE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF DATABASE.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall establish— 
(A) a centralized database, to be known as 
the ‘‘Military Training and Competency Data-
base’’ (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Data-
base’’), to record and maintain information re-
310 
lating to training performed by members of the 
Armed Forces; and 
(B) a process to make the information in 
the database available to States and potential 
employers to assist in determining if the train-
ing provided to a member or former member of 
the Armed Forces satisfies civilian licensing and 
certification requirements. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The Database shall include 
following information for each member of the Armed 
Forces: 
(A) Name, rank, and military service iden-
tification number. 
(B) Branch of service and specialty. 
(C) Details of completed training courses, 
certifications, and qualifications. 
(D) Any other information the Secretary 
determines appropriate. 
(3) AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall establish a process to make 
the information contained in the Database available 
to States and other employers upon request to assist 
such States and employers in verifying whether the 
training and qualifications of a member or former
311 
member of the Armed Forces satisfies relevant civil-
ian licensing or certification requirements. 
(4) SECURITY AND ACCESSIBILITY.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall ensure that the Database is 
secure, easily accessible, and regularly updated to re-
flect the training and qualifications acquired by 
members of the Armed Forces. 
(b) COMPETENCY REPORTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Based on the information in 
the Database the Secretary of Defense shall provide 
to each member of the Armed Forces a document 
that outlines the training and qualifications acquired 
by a member while serving in the Armed Forces. 
Such document shall be known as a ‘‘competency re-
port’’. 
(2) FORMAT AND CONTENTS.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall develop a standardized format for 
competency reports, which shall include, at a min-
imum, the following information: 
(A) Relevant personal details about the 
member. 
(B) Description of training courses, certifi-
cations, and qualifications obtained. 
(C) Date and duration of each completed 
training.
312 
(D) Authorized signatures and other nec-
essary authentication. 
(3) AVAILABILITY.—Competency reports shall 
be provided to members of the Armed Forces upon 
their separation or retirement from the Armed 
Forces. 
(c) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall establish the necessary regu-
lations, procedures, and timelines for the implemen-
tation of this section. 
(2) RESOURCES.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall allocate sufficient resources to ensure the effec-
tive establishment, maintenance, and accessibility of 
the Database and the development and distribution 
of competency reports to members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(d) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than two 
years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the implementation and effective-
ness of the Database and any recommendations of the 
Secretary for improving the Database. The report shall 
include feedback and recommendations from States and
313 
other employers regarding the usability and accuracy of 
the Database and the competency reports described in 
subsection (b). 
SEC. 570D. OUTREACH ABOUT MILITARY SERVICE ACAD-
EMIES AND NOMINATION PROCESS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, shall— 
(1) establish a program under which Depart-
ment of Defense personnel shall provide outreach in 
each congressional district to increase awareness of 
the benefits of the military service academies and 
academy nomination process; and 
(2) make available sufficient resources to facili-
tate the program required by paragraph (1). 
SEC. 
570E. 
CONSIDERATION 
OF 
STANDARDIZED 
TEST 
SCORES IN MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY AP-
PLICATION PROCESS. 
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the 
United States Military Academy, the United States Naval 
Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy re-
quire the submission and consideration of standardized 
test scores as part of the their application processes.
314 
SEC. 570F. ELIMINATION OF OFFICES OF DIVERSITY, EQ-
UITY, AND INCLUSION AND PERSONNEL OF 
SUCH OFFICES. 
Every office of the Armed Forces and of the Depart-
ment of Defense established to promote diversity, equity, 
and inclusion is eliminated and the employment of all per-
sonnel of such offices is terminated. 
SEC. 570G. PROHIBITION ON USE OF QUOTAS BASED ON 
RACE OR ETHNICITY IN SERVICE ACADEMY 
ADMISSIONS. 
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by 
this Act or otherwise made available for the military serv-
ice academies for fiscal year 2024 may be used to discrimi-
nate or to use quotas in admissions on the basis of race 
or ethnicity. 
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’’.
315 
SEC. 572. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CONTENTS 
TO 
INCLUDE 
PREPARATION 
FOR 
AGRI-
CULTURE. 
Section 1144(f)(1)(D) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (vi); 
and 
(2) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: 
‘‘(v) Preparation for agriculture.’’. 
SEC. 573. 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 Sec-
retary concerned’’; and 
(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—
316 
‘‘(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 
defense 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 
eligibility 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 of, and types of, employers that hire pro-
gram participants.’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the 
Secretary of a military department shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House 
of Representatives 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 report shall include the following:
317 
(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. 
SEC. 574. TROOPS-TO-TEACHERS PROGRAM: EXPANSION; 
EXTENSION. 
Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(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:
318 
‘‘(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 
(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 fol-
lowing new subclause: 
‘‘(II) agree to seek employment as ad-
ministrators or instructors under the Jun-
ior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 
secondary schools or in other schools under
319 
the jurisdiction of a local educational agen-
cy: 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 ‘‘ad-
ministrator or instructor of the Junior Reserve Offi-
cers’ Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘or career’’; 
(5) in subsection (h)(2)(A), by inserting ‘‘ad-
ministrators or instructors of the Junior Reserve Of-
ficers’ Training Corps,’’ before ‘‘and career’’; and 
(6) in subsection (k), by striking ‘‘2025’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2027’’. 
SEC. 575. REPORT ON THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than April 1, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a report on the effectiveness, timeliness,
320 
and execution of TAP. The report under this section shall 
include the following elements: 
(1) The average length of time before separa-
tion 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 
related timeline for such steps, to address the find-
ing in the report cited in paragraph (2) that ap-
proximately 70 percent of members did not begin 
preseparation counseling under TAP at least one 
year before separation. 
(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-
321 
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. 
(7) Recommendations of the Secretary (includ-
ing legislation) to improve the long-term effective-
ness 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-