10 USC Ch. 58: BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR MEMBERS BEING SEPARATED OR RECENTLY SEPARATED

From Title 10—ARMED FORCESSubtitle A—General Military LawPART II—PERSONNEL

CHAPTER 58—BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR MEMBERS BEING SEPARATED OR RECENTLY SEPARATED

Sec.

1141.

Involuntary separation defined.

1142.

Preseparation counseling; transmittal of certain records to Department of Veterans Affairs.

1143.

Employment assistance.

[1143a.

Repealed.]

1144.

Employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services: Department of Labor.

1145.

Health benefits.

1146.

Commissary and exchange benefits.

1147.

Use of military family housing.

1148.

Relocation assistance for personnel overseas.

1149.

Excess leave and permissive temporary duty.

1150.

Affiliation with Guard and Reserve units: waiver of certain limitations.

1151.

Retention of assistive technology and services provided before separation.

1152.

Assistance to eligible members and former members to obtain employment with law enforcement agencies.

1153.

Assistance to separated members to obtain employment with health care providers.

1154.

Assistance to eligible members and former members to obtain employment as teachers: Troops-to-Teachers Program.

1155.

Statement of benefits.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(26), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3872, added item 1142 and struck out former item 1142 "Preseparation counseling; transmittal of medical records to Department of Veterans Affairs".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §§522(b), 553(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1756, 1772, added item 1155 and struck out item 1143a "Employment assistance".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §541(b)(2), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1735, added item 1154.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §561(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2220, added item 1151.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title XVII, §1707(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 823, struck out item 1151 "Assistance to separated members to obtain certification and employment as teachers or employment as teachers' aides".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(10), title XI, §1132(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768, 2873, struck out ": Department of Defense" after "assistance" in item 1143 and after "service" in item 1143a and substituted "eligible members and former members" for "separated members" in item 1152.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XIII, §1332(e), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1797, added items 1152 and 1153.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §§4441(a)(2), 4462(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2730, 2740, added items 1143a and 1151.

§1141. Involuntary separation defined

A member of the armed forces shall be considered to be involuntarily separated for purposes of this chapter if the member was on active duty or full-time National Guard duty on September 30, 1990, or after November 29, 1993, or, with respect to a member of the Coast Guard, if the member was on active duty in the Coast Guard after September 30, 1994, and—

(1) in the case of a regular officer (other than a retired officer), the officer is involuntarily discharged under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(2) in the case of a reserve officer who is on the active-duty list or, if not on the active-duty list, is on full-time active duty (or in the case of a member of the National Guard, full-time National Guard duty) for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components, the officer is involuntarily discharged or released from active duty or full-time National Guard (other than a release from active duty or full-time National Guard duty incident to a transfer to retired status) under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(3) in the case of a regular enlisted member serving on active duty, the member is (A) denied reenlistment, or (B) involuntarily discharged under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(4) in the case of a reserve enlisted member who is on full-time active duty (or in the case of a member of the National Guard, full-time National Guard duty) for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components, the member (A) is denied reenlistment, or (B) is involuntarily discharged or released from active duty (or full-time National Guard) under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(5) in the case of an officer of the Space Force (other than a retired officer), the officer is involuntarily discharged or released from active duty under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary of the Air Force; and

(6) in the case of an enlisted member of the Space Force, the member is—

(A) denied reenlistment; or

(B) involuntarily discharged or released from active duty under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary of the Air Force.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1551; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §503, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1644; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(i)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 672.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pars. (5), (6). Pub. L. 118–31 added pars. (5) and (6).

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, in introductory provisions, substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps" and "or after November 29, 1993, or, with respect to a member of the Coast Guard, if the member was on active duty in the Coast Guard after September 30, 1994," for "or on or after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994".

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 inserted "or on or after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994" after "September 30, 1990,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(e), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2769, provided that: "This section [amending this section and sections 1143, 1143a, 1145 to 1150, 1174a, and 1175 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1293 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall apply only to members of the Coast Guard who are separated after September 30, 1994."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§1142. Preseparation counseling; transmittal of certain records to Department of Veterans Affairs

(a) Requirement.—(1) Within the time periods specified in paragraph (3), the Secretary concerned shall (except as provided in paragraph (4)) provide for individual preseparation counseling of each member of the armed forces whose discharge (regardless of character of discharge) or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date. A notation of the provision of such counseling with respect to each matter specified in subsection (b), signed by the member, shall be placed in the service record of each member receiving such counseling.

(2) In carrying out this section, the Secretary concerned shall use the services available under section 1144 of this title.

(3)(A) In the case of an anticipated retirement, preseparation counseling shall commence as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding the anticipated retirement date. In the case of a separation other than a retirement, preseparation counseling shall commence not later than 365 days before the anticipated date. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in no event shall preseparation counseling commence later than 365 days before the date of retirement or other separation.

(B) In the event that a retirement or other separation is unanticipated until there are 365 or fewer days before the anticipated retirement or separation date, or in the event a member of a reserve component is being demobilized under circumstances in which (as determined by the Secretary concerned) operational requirements make the 365-day requirement under subparagraph (A) unfeasible, preseparation counseling shall begin as soon as possible within the remaining period of service.

(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary concerned shall not provide preseparation counseling to a member who is being discharged or released before the completion of the first 180 continuous days of active duty of the member.

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of a member who is being retired or separated for disability.

(C) For purposes of calculating the days of active duty of a member under subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall exclude any day on which—

(i) the member performed full-time training duty or annual training duty; and

(ii) the member attended, while in the active military service, a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.

(b) Matters To Be Covered By Counseling.—Counseling under this section shall include the following:

(1) A discussion of the educational assistance benefits to which the member is entitled under the Montgomery GI Bill and other educational assistance programs because of the member's service in the armed forces.

(2) A description (to be developed with the assistance of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) of the compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits to which the member may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if the member is being medically separated or is being retired under chapter 61 of this title.

(3) An explanation of the procedures for and advantages of affiliating with the Selected Reserve.

(4) Provision of information on civilian occupations and related assistance programs, including information concerning—

(A) certification and licensure requirements that are applicable to civilian occupations, including State-submitted and approved lists of military training and skills that satisfy occupational certifications and licenses;

(B) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties; and

(C) Government and private-sector programs for job search and job placement assistance, including information regarding the placement programs established under sections 1152 and 1153 of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers Program.

(5) If the member has a spouse, inclusion of the spouse, at the discretion of the member and the spouse, when counseling regarding the matters covered by paragraphs (9), (10), and (16) is provided, job placement counseling for the spouse, and the provision of information on survivor benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(6) Information concerning the availability of relocation assistance services and other benefits and services available to persons leaving military service, as provided under section 1144 of this title.

(7) Information concerning the availability of medical and dental coverage following separation from active duty, including the opportunity to elect into the conversion health policy provided under section 1145 of this title.

(8) Counseling (for the member and dependents) on the effect of career change on individuals and their families and the availability to the member and dependents of suicide prevention resources following separation from the armed forces.

(9) Financial planning assistance, including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes.

(10) The creation of a transition plan for the member to attempt to achieve the educational, training, employment, and financial objectives of the member and, if the member has a spouse, the spouse of the member.

(11) Information concerning the availability of mental health services and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, or other mental health conditions associated with service in the armed forces and information concerning the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse.

(12) Information concerning the priority of service for veterans in the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under qualified job training programs of the Department of Labor.

(13) Information concerning veterans small business ownership and entrepreneurship programs of the Small Business Administration.

(14) Information concerning employment and reemployment rights and obligations under chapter 43 of title 38.

(15) Information concerning veterans preference in Federal employment and Federal procurement opportunities.

(16) Information on home loan services and housing assistance benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and counseling on responsible borrowing practices.

(17) A description, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of health care and other benefits to which the member may be entitled under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and information regarding the means by which the member can receive additional counseling regarding the member's actual entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits.

(18) A description, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of the assistance and support services for family caregivers of eligible veterans under the program conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1720G of title 38, including the veterans covered by the program, the caregivers eligible for assistance and support through the program, and the assistance and support available through the program.

(19) Information regarding how to file claims for benefits available to the member under laws administered by the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

(c) Counseling Pathways.—(1) Each Secretary concerned, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs, shall establish at least three pathways for members of the military department concerned receiving individualized counseling under this section. The Secretaries shall design the pathways to address the needs of members, based on the following factors:

(A) Rank.

(B) Term of service.

(D) Whether the member was a member of a regular or reserve component of an armed force.

(E) Potential or confirmed disability.

(F) Potential or confirmed character of discharge (including expedited discharge and discharge under conditions other than honorable).

(G) Health (including mental health).

(H) Military occupational specialty.

(I) Whether the member intends, after separation, retirement, or discharge, to—

(i) seek employment;

(ii) enroll in a program of higher education;

(iii) enroll in a program of vocational training; or

(iv) become an entrepreneur.

(J) The educational history of the member.

(K) The employment history of the member.

(L) Whether the member has secured—

(i) employment;

(ii) enrollment in a program of education; or

(iii) enrollment in a program of vocational training.

(M) Other factors the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs, determine appropriate.

(2) Each member described in subsection (a) shall meet in person or by video conference with a counselor before beginning counseling under this section to—

(A) take a self-assessment designed by the Secretary concerned (in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs) to ensure that the Secretary concerned places the member in the appropriate pathway under this subsection;

(B) receive information from the counselor regarding reenlistment in the armed forces; and

(i) for members of the armed forces separated, retired, or discharged;

(ii) located in the community in which the member will reside after separation, retirement, or discharge.

(3) At the meeting under paragraph (2), the member may elect to have the Secretary concerned (in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs) provide the contact information of the member to the resources described in paragraph (2)(C).

(d) Transmittal of Medical Information to Department of Veterans Affairs.—In the case of a member being medically separated or being retired under chapter 61 of this title, the Secretary concerned shall ensure (subject to the consent of the member) that a copy of the member's service medical record (including any results of a Physical Evaluation Board) is transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 60 days of the separation or retirement.

(e) Joint Service Transcript.—The Secretary concerned shall provide a copy of the joint service transcript of a member described in subsection (a) to—

(1) that member—

(A) at the meeting with a counselor under subsection (c)(2); and

(B) on the day the member separates, retires, or is discharged; and

(2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the day the member separates, retires, or is discharged.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c)(1)(E). Pub. L. 118–31, §571(1), substituted "Potential or confirmed disability" for "Disability".

Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 118–31, §571(2), substituted "Potential or confirmed character" for "Character".

2019—Subsec. (b)(19). Pub. L. 116–92, §561, added par. (19).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §1731(a)(26), substituted "paragraph (2)(C)" for "paragraph (2)(B)".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(A), substituted "certain" for "medical" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(B)(i), inserted "(regardless of character of discharge)" after "discharge".

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(B)(ii), substituted "not later than 365 days before" for "as soon as possible during the 12-month period preceding", "365 days" for "90 days", and "retirement or other separation" for "discharge or release".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(B)(iii), substituted "365" for "90" and "365-day" for "90-day".

Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 115–232, §553(b)(2), struck out "the public and community service jobs program carried out under section 1143a of this title, and" after "including".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(C), (D), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(a)(1)(E), added subsec. (e).

2017—Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 115–91, §542(d), inserted ", including State-submitted and approved lists of military training and skills that satisfy occupational certifications and licenses" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (b)(18). Pub. L. 115–91, §541(a), added par. (18).

2016—Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted before period at end "and information concerning the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse".

2015—Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 114–92, §552(1), substituted "the first 180 continuous days of active duty of the member" for "that member's first 180 days of active duty".

Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 114–92, §552(2), added subpar. (C).

2013—Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 112–239, §541(c), struck out "under section 2302 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6672)" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(f)(12), substituted "training," for "training,,".

Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 112–239, §1699(c)(1), struck out "and the National Veterans Business Development Corporation" before period at end.

2011—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–56 substituted "shall" for "may".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 112–81, §513, inserted "or in the event a member of a reserve component is being demobilized under circumstances in which (as determined by the Secretary concerned) operational requirements make the 90-day requirement under subparagraph (A) unfeasible," after "or separation date,".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–81, §529(1), substituted "inclusion of the spouse, at the discretion of the member and the spouse, when counseling regarding the matters covered by paragraphs (9), (10), and (16) is provided, job placement counseling for the spouse, and the provision of information on survivor benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "job placement counseling for the spouse".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 112–81, §533(c), inserted before period at end "and the availability to the member and dependents of suicide prevention resources following separation from the armed forces".

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 112–81, §529(2), inserted before period at end ", including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes".

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 112–81, §529(3), substituted ", employment, and financial" for "and employment".

Subsec. (b)(16). Pub. L. 112–81, §529(4), added par. (16) and struck out former par. (16) which read as follows: "Contact information for housing counseling assistance."

Subsec. (b)(17). Pub. L. 112–81, §529(5), inserted before period at end ", and information regarding the means by which the member can receive additional counseling regarding the member's actual entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits".

2009—Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 111–84, §1073(a)(13)(A), substituted "the Troops-to-Teachers Program under section 2302 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6672)" for "the Troops-to-Teachers Program Act of 1999 (20 U.S.C. 9301 et seq.)".

Subsec. (b)(15). Pub. L. 111–84, §1073(a)(13)(B), substituted "Federal" for "federal" in two places.

2006—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–163, §594(1), substituted "Provision of information on civilian occupations and related assistance programs, including information concerning—

"(A) certification and licensure requirements that are applicable to civilian occupations;

"(B) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties; and

"(C)"

for "Information concerning".

Subsec. (b)(11) to (17). Pub. L. 109–163, §594(2), added pars. (11) to (17).

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–103, §302(a)(1), amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "As soon as possible before, but in no event later than 90 days before, the date of the discharge or release from active duty of a member of the armed forces, the Secretary concerned shall provide for individual preseparation counseling of the member."

Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 107–103, §302(a)(2), added pars. (3) and (4).

2000—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "sections 1152 and 1153 of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers Program Act of 1999 (20 U.S.C. 9301 et seq.)" for "sections 1151, 1152, and 1153 of this title".

1993—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "programs established under sections 1151, 1152, and 1153 of this title" for "program established under section 1151 of this title to assist members to obtain employment as elementary or secondary school teachers or teachers' aides".

Pub. L. 103–35 substituted "job placement assistance, including the public and community service jobs program carried out under section 1143a of this title, and information regarding the placement program established under section 1151 of this title to assist members to obtain employment as elementary or secondary school teachers or teachers' aides" for "job placement assistance and information regarding the placement program established under section 1151 of this title to assist members obtain employment as elementary or secondary school teachers or teachers' aides., including the public and community service jobs program carried out under section 1143a of this title".

1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §4401(a), substituted "As soon as possible before, but in no event later than 90 days before, the date of the discharge" for "Upon the discharge".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–484, §4462(b), inserted before period at end ", including the public and community service jobs program carried out under section 1143a of this title".

Pub. L. 102–484, §4441(b), inserted before period at end "and information regarding the placement program established under section 1151 of this title to assist members obtain employment as elementary or secondary school teachers or teachers' aides."

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 102–484, §4401(b), added par. (10).

1991—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted period for semicolon at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §221(c), Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 716, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 1144 of this title] shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 2011]."

Notice of Options for Naturalization Upon Separation

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §523(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1687, provided that: "The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall provide to a member of the Armed Forces who is not a citizen of the United States, upon separation of such member, notice of options for naturalization under title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)[.] Such notice shall inform the member of existing programs or services that may aid in the naturalization process of such member."

Inclusion of Question Regarding Immigration Status on Preseparation Counseling Checklist (DD Form 2648)

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §570C, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1399, provided that: "Not later than September 30, 2020, the Secretary of Defense shall modify the preseparation counseling checklist for active component, active guard reserve, active reserve, full time support, and reserve program administrator service members (DD Form 2648) to include a specific block wherein a member of the Armed Forces may indicate that the member would like to receive information regarding the immigration status of that member and expedited naturalization."

Connections of Members Retiring or Separating From the Armed Forces With Community-Based Organizations and Related Entities

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §570F, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1401, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly seek to enter into memoranda of understanding or other agreements with State veterans agencies under which information from Department of Defense Form DD–2648 on individuals undergoing retirement, discharge, or release from the Armed Forces is transmitted to one or more State veterans agencies, as elected by such individuals, to provide or connect veterans to benefits or services as follows:

"(1) Assistance in preparation of resumes.

"(2) Training for employment interviews.

"(3) Employment recruitment training.

"(4) Other services leading directly to a successful transition from military life to civilian life.

"(5) Healthcare, including care for mental health.

"(6) Transportation or transportation-related services.

"(7) Housing.

"(8) Such other benefits or services as the Secretaries jointly consider appropriate for purposes of this section.

"(b) Information Transmitted.—The information transmitted on individuals as described in subsection (a) shall be such information on Form DD–2648 as the Secretaries jointly consider appropriate to facilitate community-based organizations and related entities in providing or connecting such individuals to benefits and services as described in subsection (a).

"(c) Modification of Form DD–2648.—The Secretary of Defense shall make such modifications to Form DD–2648 as the Secretary considers appropriate to allow an individual filling out the form to indicate an email address at which the individual may be contacted to receive or be connected to benefits or services described in subsection (a).

"(d) Voluntary Participation.—Information on an individual may be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) only with the consent of the individual. In giving such consent, an individual shall specify the following:

"(1) The State veterans agency or agencies elected by the individual to transmit such information as described in subsection (a).

"(2) The benefits and services for which contact information shall be so transmitted.

"(3) Such other information on the individual as the individual considers appropriate in connection with the transmittal."

Deadline for Counseling Pathways

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §552(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1770, provided that: "Each Secretary concerned shall carry out subsection (c) of such section [10 U.S.C. 1142(c)], as amended by paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018]."

Notification of Members of the Armed Forces Undergoing Certain Administrative Separations of Potential Eligibility for Veterans Benefits

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §528, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1383, provided that:

"(a) Notification Required.—A member of the Armed Forces who receives an administrative separation or mandatory discharge under conditions other than honorable shall be provided written notification that the member may petition the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive, despite the characterization of the member's service, certain benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Deadline for Notification.—Notification under subsection (a) shall be provided to a member described in such subsection in conjunction with the member's notification of the administrative separation or mandatory discharge or as soon thereafter as practicable."

Participation of Potential Caregivers in Appropriate Preseparation Counseling

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §541(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1393, provided that:

"(1) In general.—In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Defense, each Secretary of a military department shall take appropriate actions to achieve the following:

"(A) To determine whether each member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who is undergoing preseparation counseling pursuant to section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), and who may require caregiver services after separation from the Armed Forces has identified an individual to provide such services after the member's separation.

"(B) In the case of a member described in subparagraph (A) who has identified an individual to provide caregiver services after the member's separation, at the election of the member, to permit such individual to participate in appropriate sessions of the member's preseparation counseling in order to inform such individual of—

"(i) the assistance and support services available to caregivers of members after separation from the Armed Forces; and

"(ii) the manner in which the member's transition to civilian life after separation may likely affect such individual as a caregiver.

"(2) Caregivers.—For purposes of this subsection, individuals who provide caregiver services refers to individuals (including a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, adult child, other relative, or friend) who provide physical or emotional assistance to former members of the Armed Forces during and after their transition from military life to civilian life following separation from the Armed Forces.

"(3) Deadline for commencement.—Each Secretary of a miliary [sic] department shall commence the actions required pursuant to this subsection by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017]."

Application of Preseparation Counseling Requirements to Coast Guard

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2769, provided that: "As soon as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994], the Secretary of Transportation shall implement the requirements of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, for the Coast Guard."

Limitation on Funding To Carry Out Section 543 of Pub. L. 103–337

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(h), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772, provided that: "Funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, or the Department of Veterans Affairs may not be used to carry out subsection (a) [set out above] or the amendments made by this section [amending sections 1144 and 1151 to 1153 of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 1143 of this title]."

§1143. Employment assistance

(a) Employment Skills Verification.—(1) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy shall provide to members of the armed forces who are discharged or released from active duty a certification or verification of any job skills and experience acquired while on active duty that may have application to employment in the civilian sector. The preceding sentence shall be carried out in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor.

(2) In order to improve the accuracy and completeness of a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall—

(A) establish a database to record all training performed by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force that may have application to employment in the civilian sector; and

(B) make unclassified information regarding such information available to States and other potential employers referred to in subsection (c) so that State and other entities may allow military training to satisfy licensing or certification requirements to engage in a civilian profession.

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by paragraph (1) is rendered in such a way that States and other potential employers can confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification.

(b) Employment Assistance Centers.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish permanent employment assistance centers at appropriate military installations. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish permanent employment assistance centers at appropriate Coast Guard installations.

(c) Information to Civilian Entities.—(1) For the purpose of assisting members covered by subsection (a) and their spouses in locating civilian employment and training opportunities, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish and implement procedures to release to civilian employers, organizations, State employment agencies, and other appropriate entities the names (and other pertinent information) of such members and their spouses. Such names may be released for such purpose only with the consent of such members and spouses.

(2)(A) A State may—

(i) use a certification or verification of job skills and experience provided to a member of the armed forces under subsection (a); and

(ii) in the case of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, request the Department of Defense to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification.

(B) A response confirming or denying the information shall be provided within five business days.

(d) Employment Preference by Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities.—The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as necessary to provide that members of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who are involuntarily separated, and the dependents of such members, shall be provided a preference in hiring by nonappropriated fund instrumentalities of the Department. Such preference shall be administered in the same manner as the preference for military spouses provided under section 1784(a)(2) of this title, except that a preference under that section shall have priority over a preference under this subsection. A person may receive a preference in hiring under this subsection only once. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide the same preference in hiring to involuntarily separated members of the Coast Guard, and the dependents of such members, in Coast Guard nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.

(e) Employment Skills Training; Skillbridge.—(1)(a) ¹ The Secretary concerned may carry out one or more programs to provide eligible members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary with job training and employment skills training, including apprenticeship programs, to help prepare such members for employment in the civilian sector. Such a program shall be known as "Skillbridge".

(B) The Secretary of a military department shall carry out one or more programs under this subsection.

(2) A member of the armed forces is an eligible member for purposes of a program under this subsection if the member—

(A) has completed at least 180 days on active duty in the armed forces; and

(B) is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces within 180 days of the date of commencement of participation in such a program.

(3) To carry out this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall—

(A) assign not fewer than two full-time equivalent 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 Secretary concerned shall, on an annual basis—

(A) circulate, to members serving on active duty under the jurisdiction of such Secretary concerned, information about the program (including eligibility requirements and the application process); and

(B) conduct outreach to inform potential employers about Skillbridge, participating members, and how the program operates, and to increase the number of, and types of, employers that hire program participants.

(5) Any program under this subsection may be carried out at, through, or in consultation with such other departments or agencies of the Federal Government as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate.

(6) Any program under this subsection shall be carried out in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1553; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(21), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §551, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1412; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(13), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §542(a)–(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1394, 1395; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §562, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1395; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §572, title IX, §924(b)(1)(J), (3)(R), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3643, 3820, 3821; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §561(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2598; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §572(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 275.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §572(a)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. "(a)" and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e)(3) to (6). Pub. L. 118–31, §572(a)(2), (3), added pars. (3) and (4) and redesignated former pars. (3) and (4) as (5) and (6), respectively.

2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–263, §561(a)(1), inserted "; Skillbridge" after "Training" in heading.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §561(a)(2), inserted at end "Such a program shall be known as 'Skillbridge'."

2021—Subsecs. (a)(2)(A), (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(1)(J), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(3)(R), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §572(1), substituted "concerned" for "of a military department".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 116–283, §572(2), struck out "of the military department" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §572(3), substituted "Secretary concerned" for "Secretary of Defense".

2019—Subsec. (e)(3), (4). Pub. L. 116–92 added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, §542(a), (b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91, §542(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted "when it is not operating as a service in the Navy" after "Coast Guard".

2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81 added subsec. (e).

2002—Subsecs. (a) to (d). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1997—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "section 1784(a)(2) of this title" for "section 806(a)(2) of the Military Family Act of 1985".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §542(a)(2)(A), struck out ": Department of Defense" after "assistance" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §542(a)(2)(B), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard" after "Secretary of Defense" and struck out "under the jurisdiction of the Secretary" after "armed forces".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337, §542(a)(2)(C), inserted at end "The Secretary of Transportation shall establish permanent employment assistance centers at appropriate Coast Guard installations."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, §542(a)(2)(D), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation" after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–337, §542(a)(2)(E), inserted at end "The Secretary of Transportation shall provide the same preference in hiring to involuntarily separated members of the Coast Guard, and the dependents of such members, in Coast Guard nonappropriated fund instrumentalities."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 applicable only to members of the Coast Guard who are separated after Sept. 30, 1994, see section 542(e) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 1141 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §561(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2598, provided that: "To carry out Skillbridge, the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than September 30, 2023—

"(1) update Department of Defense Instruction 1322.29, titled 'Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members'; and

"(2) develop a funding plan for Skillbridge that includes funding lines across the future-years defense program under section 221 of title 10, United States Code."

Authority To Expand Eligibility for the United States Military Apprenticeship Program

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §546, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1397, provided that:

"(a) Expansion Authorized.—The Secretary of Defense may expand eligibility for the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program to include any member of the uniformed services.

"(b) Definition.—In this section, the term 'uniformed services' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(5) of title 10, United States Code."

Pilot Program To Assist Members of the Armed Forces in Obtaining Post-Service Employment

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §555, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3379, provided that:

"(a) Program Authorized.—The Secretary of Defense may conduct the program described in subsection (c) to enhance the efforts of the Department of Defense to provide job placement assistance and related employment services to eligible members of the Armed Forces described in subsection (b) for the purposes of—

"(1) assisting such members in obtaining post-service employment; and

"(2) reducing the amount of 'Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers' that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating pays into the Unemployment Trust Fund.

"(b) Eligible Members.—Employment services provided under the program are limited to members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components, who are being separated from the Armed Forces or released from active duty.

"(c) Evaluation of Use of Civilian Employment Staffing Agencies.—

"(1) Program described.—The Secretary of Defense may execute a program to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing the services of civilian employment staffing agencies to assist eligible members of the Armed Forces in obtaining post-service employment.

"(2) Program management.—To manage the program authorized by this subsection, the Secretary of Defense may select a civilian organization (in this section referred to as the 'program manager') whose principal members have experience—

"(A) administering pay-for-performance programs; and

"(B) within the employment staffing industry.

"(3) Exclusion.—The program manager may not be a staffing agency.

"(d) Eligible Civilian Employment Staffing Agencies.—In consultation with the program manager if utilized under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary of Defense shall establish the eligibility requirements to be used for the selection of civilian employment staffing agencies to participate in the program. In establishing the eligibility requirements for the selection of the civilian employment staffing agencies, the Secretary of Defense shall also take into account civilian employment staffing agencies that are willing to work and consult with State and county Veterans Affairs offices and State National Guard offices, when appropriate.

"(e) Payment of Staffing Agency Fees.—To encourage employers to employ an eligible member of the Armed Forces under the program if executed under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall pay a participating civilian employment staffing agency a portion of its agency fee (not to exceed 50 percent above the member's hourly wage). Payment of the agency fee will only be made after the member has been employed and paid by the private sector and the hours worked have been verified by the Secretary. The staffing agency shall be paid on a weekly basis only for hours the member worked, but not to exceed a total of 800 hours.

"(f) Oversight Requirements.—In conducting the program, the Secretary of Defense shall establish—

"(1) program monitoring standards; and

"(2) reporting requirements, including the hourly wage for each eligible member of the Armed Forces obtaining employment under the program, the numbers of hours worked during the month, and the number of members who remained employed with the same employer after completing the first 800 hours of employment.

"(g) Source and Limitation on Program Obligations.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Defense for operation and maintenance for each fiscal year during which the program under this section is authorized, not more than $35,000,000 may be used to carry out the program.

"(h) Reporting Requirements.—

"(1) Report required.—If the Secretary of Defense executes the program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the results of the program, particularly whether the program achieved the purposes specified in subsection (a). The report shall be submitted not later than January 15, 2019.

"(2) Comparison with other programs.—The report shall include a comparison of the results of the program conducted under this section and the results of other employment assistant programs utilized by the Department of Defense. The comparison shall include the number of members of the Armed Forces obtaining employment through each program and the cost to the Department per member.

"(3) Appropriate congressional committees defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate congressional committees' means the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives], the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

"(i) Duration of Authority.—The authority of the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under this section expires on September 30, 2018."

Department of Defense Pilot Program on Work Experience for Members of the Armed Forces on Terminal Leave

Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §236, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 724, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing to members of the Armed Forces on terminal leave work experience with civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense to facilitate the transition of the individuals from service in the Armed Forces to employment in the civilian labor market.

"(b) Duration.—The pilot program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.

"(c) Report.—Not later than 540 days after the date of the commencement of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives an interim report on the pilot program that includes the findings of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility and advisability of providing covered individuals with work experience as described in subsection (a)."

Demonstration Program for Training Recently Discharged Veterans for Employment in Construction and Hazardous Waste Remediation

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XIII, §1337, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1805, authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish a demonstration program to promote training and employment of veterans in construction and hazardous waste remediation industries and to make grants under the program to organizations that had met certain eligibility criteria, and directed the Secretary to obligate the funds to carry out the program not later than Oct. 1, 1994, and to submit to Congress interim and final reports not later than Dec. 31, 1995.

Improved Coordination of Job Training and Placement Programs for Members of Armed Forces

Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4461, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2738, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(7)(B), (f)(6)(B)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-419, 2681-430; Pub. L. 105–332, §3(b), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3125; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(g)(7)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-294; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(h)(3), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1229, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Economic Adjustment Committee to improve the coordination of, and eliminate duplication between, the following job training and placement programs available to members of the Armed Forces who are discharged or released from active duty:

"(1) Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [former 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.].

"(2) Sections 1143 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) Chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code.

"(4) The Act of August 16, 1937 (Chapter 663; 50 Stat 664; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act.

"(5) The Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.)."

Participation of Discharged Military Personnel in Upward Bound Projects To Prepare for College

Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4466, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2748, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(f), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2771; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(e)(4), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315, provided that:

"(a) Program.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a program to assist a member of the Armed Forces described in subsection (b) who is accepted to participate in an upward bound project assisted under section 402C of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–13) to cover the cost of providing services through the project to the member to assist the member to prepare for and pursue a program of higher education upon separation from active duty. Assistance provided under the program may include a stipend provided under subsection (d) of such section.

"(b) Eligible Members.—A member of the Armed Forces shall be eligible for assistance under subsection (a) if the member—

"(1) was on active duty or full-time National Guard duty on September 30, 1990;

"(2) during the five-year period beginning on that date, was or is discharged or released from such duty (under other than adverse circumstances); and

"(3) submits an application to the Secretary of Defense within such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary of Defense may require.

"(c) Notification of Members Previously Separated.—To the extent feasible, the Secretary of Defense shall notify members of the Armed Forces who, between September 30, 1990, and the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992], were discharged or released from active duty or full-time National Guard duty regarding the availability of the program under subsection (a). The Secretary may establish a time limit within which such members may apply to participate in the program.

"(d) Provision of Assistance.—

"(1) Determination of amount.—The amount of assistance provided under subsection (a) to a member of the Armed Forces shall be equal to the anticipated cost of providing services to the member through an upward bound project, subject to the limitation that such amount may not exceed the monthly basic pay to which the member is entitled at the time of the separation of the member. The Secretary of Defense may provide assistance in excess of that limitation if the Secretary determines, on a case by case basis, that such assistance is warranted by the special training needs of the member.

"(2) Consultation.—The Secretary of Education may assist the Secretary of Defense in determining the amount to be provided under paragraph (1).

"(e) Use of Assistance.—A member of the Armed Forces who is selected to participate in the program may receive services through any upward bound project assisted under section 402C of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–13) to the same extent as other individuals eligible to receive such services. A member may not participate after the end of the two-year period beginning on the date on which the member is discharged or released from active duty, except that, in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who was discharged or released from active duty before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1993], the period for participation in the program shall be two years from the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(f) Reimbursement.—Upon submission to the Secretary of Defense of a request for reimbursement of the costs to provide services to a participant, the Secretary shall reimburse the upward bound project submitting the request for the actual cost of providing services (including a stipend) to the member, not to exceed the amount provided under subsection (d)(1). Funds provided under this subsection shall be in addition to the funds otherwise provided to the project under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.). Not more than 10 percent of the funds provided under this subsection may be used for administrative costs.

"(g) Funding for Fiscal Year 1993.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 [106 Stat. 2360] for Defense Agencies, $5,000,000 shall be available to provide assistance under this section.

"(h) Application to Coast Guard.—The Secretary of Homeland Security may implement the provisions of this section for the Coast Guard in the same manner and to the same extent as such section applies to the Department of Defense."

Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(g)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772, provided that: "As soon as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994], the Secretary of Transportation shall implement the requirements of the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992 (subtitle G of title XLIV of Public Law 102–484; 10 U.S.C. 1143 note) for the Coast Guard."

Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, subtitle G, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2757, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XIII, §1338, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(g)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772; Pub. L. 103–446, title VI, §610(a)(1), (2)(A), (b), (c), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4673; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(7)(D), (f)(6)(D)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-420, 2681-430, provided that:

"SEC. 4481. SHORT TITLE.

"This subtitle [subtitle G (§§4481–4497) of title XLIV of Pub. L. 102–484] may be cited as the 'Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992'.

"SEC. 4482. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds that—

"(1) the men and women serving in our Nation's Armed Forces are of the highest caliber—intelligent, dedicated, and disciplined—and hundreds of thousands of these service members will be separating from the Armed Forces due to the drawdown in military personnel;

"(2) these men and women will be entering the civilian workforce during a time of economic instability and uncertainty;

"(3) many of these service personnel specialized in critical skills such as combat arms which will not transfer to the civilian workforce;

"(4) as part of the Nation's obligation to these service members, the Secretary of Defense has a unique responsibility and obligation to provide them with the tools they need to be reassimilated into the civilian community and continue to be outstanding, productive citizens;

"(5) the rapid placement of separated military personnel in civilian employment and training opportunities will significantly reduce the Department of Defense's costs relative to unemployment compensation for ex-service members;

"(6) military personnel are a national resource whose skills and abilities must be absorbed by and integrated into the civilian workforce; and

"(7) providing such training will reduce the total cost of the drawdown and is important to the national defense function of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Purpose.—The purpose of this subtitle is to provide additional means by which the Secretary of Defense can manage the drawdown of the Armed Forces and to provide additional forms of assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are forced or induced to leave military service by reason of the drawdown of the Armed Forces, thereby facilitating the Secretary's ability to achieve end strength reductions caused by the drawdown.

"SEC. 4483. DEFINITIONS.

"For the purposes of this subtitle:

"(1) The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Defense with respect to the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard.

"(2) The terms 'veteran', 'compensation', 'service-connected', 'State', and 'active military, naval, or air service' have the meanings given such terms in paragraphs (2), (13), (16), (20), and (24), respectively, of section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

"SEC. 4484. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992], the Secretary shall carry out a program in accordance with this subtitle to assist eligible persons in obtaining employment through participation in programs of significant training for employment in stable and permanent positions. The Secretary may enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, or both, for the implementation of the program. The program shall be carried out through payments to employers who employ and train eligible persons in such positions. Such payments shall be made to assist such employers in defraying the costs of necessary training.

"(b) State Agencies.—(1) The implementing official may enter into contracts or agreements with State approving agencies, as designated pursuant to section 3671(a) of title 38, United States Code, or other State agencies to carry out any duty of the implementing official under this subtitle. Payment may be made to such agencies pursuant to any such contract or agreement for reasonable and necessary expenses of salary and travel incurred by employees of such agencies in carrying out such duties. Each such payment may be made only from funds available to the implementing official pursuant to section 4495(a)(3).

"(2) Each State approving agency or other State agency with which a contract or agreement is entered into under this section shall submit to the implementing official on a monthly or quarterly basis, as determined by the agency, a report containing a certification of such expenses for the period covered by the report. The report shall be submitted in the form and manner required by such official.

"(c) Expeditious Implementation.—A requirement in this subtitle to issue regulations shall not be the basis for a delay in carrying out this program within the time limit established by subsection (a).

"SEC. 4485. ELIGIBILITY FOR PROGRAM; PERIOD OF TRAINING.

"(a) In General.—(1) To be eligible for participation in a program of job training under this subtitle, an eligible person must be an eligible person described in paragraph (2) who—

"(A)(i) is unemployed at the time of applying for participation in a program under this subtitle; and

"(ii) has been unemployed for at least 8 of the 15 weeks immediately preceding the date of such eligible person's application for participation in a program under this subtitle;

"(B) separates from the active military, naval, or air service and whose primary or secondary occupational specialty in the Armed Forces is (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary and in effect before the date of such separation) not readily transferable to the civilian workforce; or

"(C) served in the active military, naval, or air service and is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a disability rated at 30 percent or more.

"(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), an eligible person referred to in paragraph (1) is a veteran who—

"(A) was discharged on or after August 2, 1990; and

"(B)(i) served in the active military, naval, or air service for a period of more than 90 days; or

"(ii) was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

"(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), an eligible person shall be considered to be unemployed during any period such person is without a job and wants and is available for work. In determining whether a person is unemployed for purposes of paragraph (1), the implementing official shall not take into consideration part-time or temporary employment, as defined by such official.

"(b) Application Process.—(1) An eligible person who desires to participate in a program of job training under this subtitle shall submit to the implementing official an application for participation in such a program. Such an application—

"(A) shall include a certification by the eligible person that the eligible person meets the criteria for eligibility prescribed by subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (a)(1);

"(B) shall include an opportunity for the eligible person to request counseling under section 4493(a); and

"(C) shall be in such form and contain such additional information as such official may prescribe.

"(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), an application by an eligible person for participation in a program of job training under this subtitle shall be approved unless the implementing official finds that the eligible person is not eligible to participate in a program of job training under this subtitle.

"(B) Approval of an application of an eligible person under this subtitle may be withheld if the implementing official determines that, because of limited funds available for the purpose of making payments to employers under this subtitle, it is necessary to limit the number of participants in the program carried out under this subtitle.

"(3)(A) Subject to section 4491(c), the implementing official shall certify as eligible for participation under this subtitle an eligible person whose application is approved under this subsection and shall furnish the eligible person with a certificate of that eligible person's eligibility for presentation to an employer offering a program of job training under this subtitle. Any such certificate shall expire 180 days after it is furnished to the eligible person. The date on which a certificate is furnished to an eligible person under this paragraph shall be stated on the certificate.

"(B) A certificate furnished under this paragraph may, upon the eligible person's application, be renewed in accordance with the terms and conditions of subparagraph (A).

"(c) Appeal of Denial of Certificate.—The implementing official shall permit each eligible person who is not issued a certificate of eligibility under subsection (b) (other than an eligible person who is not issued such a certificate by reason of subsection (b)(2)(B)) to challenge in a hearing before the implementing official the decision of the implementing official not to issue the certificate. The implementing official shall prescribe procedures with respect to the initiation and conduct of hearings under this subsection.

"(d) Period of Training.—An employer shall provide a period of training under a program of job training under this subtitle of not less than 6 months in a field of employment providing a reasonable probability of stable, long-term employment.

"SEC. 4486. APPROVAL OF EMPLOYER PROGRAMS.

"(a) In General.—(1) An employer may be paid assistance under section 4487(a) on behalf of an eligible person employed by such employer and participating in a program of job training offered by that employer only if the program is approved under this section.

"(2) Except as provided in subsection (b), a proposed program of job training of an employer shall be approved unless the implementing official determines that the application does not contain a certification and other information meeting the requirements established under this subtitle or that withholding of approval is warranted under subsection (g).

"(b) Ineligible Programs.—A program of job training—

"(1) for employment which consists of seasonal, intermittent, or temporary jobs;

"(2) for employment under which commissions are the primary source of income;

"(3) for employment which involves political or religious activities;

"(4) for employment with any department, agency, instrumentality, or branch of the Federal Government (including the United States Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission); or

"(5) for employment outside of a State,

may not be approved under this subtitle.

"(c) Application.—An employer offering a program of job training that the employer desires to have approved for the purposes of this subtitle shall submit to the implementing official a written application for such approval. Such application shall be in such form as such official shall prescribe.

"(d) Certification.—An application under subsection (c) shall include a certification by the employer of the following:

"(1) That the employer is planning that, upon an eligible person's completion of the program of job training, the employer will employ the eligible person in a position for which the eligible person has been trained and that the employer expects that such a position will be available on a stable and permanent basis to the eligible person at the end of the training period.

"(2) That the wages and benefits to be paid to an eligible person participating in the employer's program of job training will be not less than the wages and benefits normally paid to other employees participating in the same or a comparable program of job training in the community for the entire period of training of the eligible person.

"(3) That the employment of an eligible person under the program—

"(A) will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers (including partial displacement such as a reduction in the hours of nonovertime work, wages, or employment benefits); and

"(B) will not be in a job (i) while any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job, or (ii) the opening for which was created as a result of the employer having terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise having reduced its work force with the intention of hiring an eligible person in such job under this subtitle.

"(4) That the employer will not employ in the program of job training an eligible person who is already qualified by training and experience for the job for which training is to be provided.

"(5) That the job which is the objective of the training program is one that involves significant training.

"(6) That the training content of the program is adequate, in light of the nature of the occupation for which training is to be provided and of comparable training opportunities in such occupation, to accomplish the training objective certified under paragraph (2) of subsection (e).

"(7) That each participating eligible person will be employed full time in the program of job training.

"(8) That the training period under the proposed program is not longer than the training periods that employers in the community customarily require new employees to complete in order to become competent in the occupation or job for which training is to be provided.

"(9) That there are in the training establishment or place of employment such space, equipment, instructional material, and instructor personnel as are needed to accomplish the training objective certified under subsection (e)(2).

"(10) That the employer will keep records adequate to show the progress made by each eligible person participating in the program and otherwise to demonstrate compliance with the requirements established under this subtitle.

"(11) That the employer will furnish each participating eligible person, before the eligible person's entry into training, with a copy of the employer's certification under this subsection and will obtain and retain the eligible person's signed acknowledgment of having received such certification.

"(12) That, as applicable, the employer will provide each participating eligible person with the full opportunity to participate in a personal interview pursuant to section 4493(b)(1)(B) during the eligible person's normal workday.

"(13) That the program meets such other criteria as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, may determine are essential for the effective implementation of the program established by this subtitle.

"(e) Hours and Training Content.—A certification under subsection (d) shall include—

"(1) a statement indicating (A) the total number of hours of participation in the program of job training to be offered an eligible person, (B) the length of the program of job training, and (C) the starting rate of wages to be paid to a participant in the program; and

"(2) a description of the training content of the program (including any agreement the employer has entered into with an educational institution under section 4489) and of the objective of the training.

"(f) Status of Certified Matters.—(1) Except as specified in paragraph (2), each matter required to be certified to in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (d) shall be considered to be a requirement established under this subtitle.

"(2)(A) For the purposes of section 4487(c), only matters required to be certified in paragraphs (1) through (10) of subsection (d) shall be so considered.

"(B) For the purposes of section 4490, a matter required to be certified under paragraph (12) of subsection (d) shall also be so considered.

"(g) Withholding Approval; Disapproval.—In accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, the implementing official may withhold approval of an employer's proposed program of job training pending the outcome of an investigation under section 4491 and, based on the outcome of such an investigation, may disapprove such program.

"(h) On-Job Training.—For the purposes of this section, approval of a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training for the purposes of section 3687 of title 38, United States Code, shall be considered to meet all requirements established under the provisions of this subtitle (other than subsection (b) and (d)(3)) for approval of a program of job training.

"SEC. 4487. PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYERS; OVERPAYMENT.

"(a) Payments.—(1)(A) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) and subject to section 4485(d), the implementing official shall make payments to employers in accordance with this section. The amount payable to such an employer on behalf of an eligible person with respect to an approved program of job training under this subtitle shall be determined by such official at the beginning of such program. Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), that amount shall be equal to 50 percent of the product of (i) the starting hourly rate of wages paid to the eligible person by the employer (without regard to overtime or premium pay), and (ii) the number of hours to be worked by the eligible person during the entire program period but in no event to exceed hours equivalent to 18 months of training.

"(B) In no case may the amount determined under subparagraph (A) exceed—

"(i) $12,000 for an eligible person with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more; or

"(ii) $10,000 for an eligible person not described in clause (i).

"(C) Assistance may be paid under this subtitle on behalf of an eligible person to that person's employer for training under two or more programs of job training under this subtitle if such employer has not received (or is not due) on that person's behalf assistance in an amount aggregating the applicable amount set forth in subparagraph (B).

"(b) Payment Period.—(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the implementing official shall pay training assistance to employers under this section on a quarterly basis.

"(2) The implementing official may pay training assistance to an employer on a monthly basis if the implementing official determines (pursuant to regulations prescribed by the implementing official) that the number of employees of the employer is such that the payment of assistance on a quarterly basis would be burdensome to the employer.

"(3) The implementing official shall withhold 25 percent of each payment due under this subsection with respect to an eligible person. The total amount withheld with respect to an eligible person under this paragraph shall be paid to the employer at the end of the four month period of employment of such person under this subtitle beginning on the date of completion of training, or upon the completion of the 18th month of training under the last training program approved for the person's pursuit with that employer under this subtitle, whichever is earlier.

"(c) Tools and Other Work-Related Materials.—In addition to payments under subsection (a), the implementing official shall reimburse the employer for the cost of tools and other work-related materials necessary for the eligible person's participation in the program of job training in an amount up to $500 if the employer presents to the implementing official a certification signed by the employer and eligible person that—

"(1) tools and other work-related materials are necessary for the eligible person's participation in the job training program,

"(2) the eligible person bought the tools and other work-related materials, and

"(3) the employer paid the eligible person for the cost of the tools and other work-related materials.

"(d) Overpayments.—(1)(A) Whenever the implementing official finds that an overpayment under this subtitle has been made to an employer on behalf of an eligible person as a result of a certification, or information contained in an application, submitted by an employer which was false in any material respect, the amount of such overpayment shall constitute a liability of the employer to the United States.

"(B) Whenever such official finds that an employer has failed in any substantial respect to comply for a period of time with a requirement established under this subtitle (unless the employer's failure is the result of false or incomplete information provided by the eligible person), each amount paid to the employer on behalf of an eligible person for that period shall be considered to be an overpayment under this subtitle, and the amount of such overpayment shall constitute a liability of the employer to the United States.

"(2) Whenever such official finds that an overpayment under this subtitle has been made to an employer on behalf of an eligible person as a result of a certification by the eligible person, or as a result of information provided to an employer or contained in an application submitted by the eligible person, which was willfully or negligently false in any material respect, the amount of such overpayment shall constitute a liability of the eligible person to the United States.

"(3) Any overpayment referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) may be recovered in the same manner as any other debt due the United States. Any overpayment recovered shall be credited to funds available to make payments under this subtitle. If there are no such funds, any overpayment recovered shall be deposited into the Treasury.

"(4) Any overpayment referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) may be waived, in whole or in part, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in section 5302 of title 38, United States Code.

"(e) Limitations.—(1) Payment may not be made to an employer for a period of training under this subtitle on behalf of an eligible person until the implementing official has received—

"(A) from the eligible person, a certification that the eligible person was employed full time by the employer in a program of job training during such period; and

"(B) from the employer, a certification—

"(i) that the eligible person was employed by the employer during that period and that the eligible person's performance and progress during such period were satisfactory; and

"(ii) of the number of hours worked by the eligible person during that period.

With respect to the first such certification by an employer with respect to an eligible person, the certification shall indicate the date on which the employment of the eligible person began and the starting hourly rate of wages paid to the eligible person (without regard to overtime or premium pay).

"(2) Payment may not be made to an employer for a period of training under this subtitle on behalf of an eligible person for which a request for payment is made after two years after the date on which that period of training ends.

"SEC. 4488. ENTRY INTO PROGRAM OF JOB TRAINING.

"(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the implementing official shall withhold or deny approval of an eligible person's entry into an approved program of job training if such official determines that funds are not available to make payments under this subtitle on behalf of the eligible person to the employer offering that program. Before the entry of an eligible person into an approved program of job training of an employer for purposes of assistance under this subtitle, the employer shall notify such official of the employer's intention to employ that eligible person. The eligible person may begin such program of job training with the employer on the day that notice is transmitted to such official by means prescribed by such official. However, assistance under this subtitle may not be provided to the employer if such official, within two weeks after the date on which such notice is transmitted, disapproves the eligible person's entry into that program of job training in accordance with this section.

"(b) Period for Commencement of Participation Under Certificate.—An eligible person who is issued a certificate of eligibility for participation in a program of job training under this subtitle shall commence participation in such a program not more than 180 days after the date of the issuance of the certificate. The date on which a certificate is furnished to an eligible person shall be stated on the certificate.

"SEC. 4489. PROVISION OF TRAINING THROUGH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

"An employer may enter into an agreement with an educational institution that has been approved for the purposes of chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code, or any other institution offering a program of job training, as approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order that such institution may provide a program of job training (or a portion of such a program) under this subtitle. When such an agreement has been entered into, the application of the employer under section 4486 shall so state and shall include a description of the training to be provided under the agreement.

"SEC. 4490. DISCONTINUANCE OF APPROVAL OF PARTICIPATION IN CERTAIN EMPLOYER PROGRAMS.

"(a) Failure To Meet Requirements.—If the implementing official finds at any time that a program of job training previously approved for the purposes of this subtitle thereafter fails to meet any of the requirements established under this subtitle, such official may immediately disapprove further participation by eligible persons in that program. Such official shall provide to the employer concerned, and to each eligible person participating in the employer's program, a statement of the reasons for, and an opportunity for a hearing with respect to, such disapproval. The employer and each such eligible person shall be notified of such disapproval, the reasons for such disapproval, and the opportunity for a hearing. Notification shall be by a certified or registered letter, and a return receipt shall be secured.

"(b) Rate of Completion.—(1) If the implementing official determines that the rate of eligible persons' successful completion of an employer's programs of job training previously approved for the purposes of this subtitle is disproportionately low because of deficiencies in the quality of such programs, such official shall disapprove participation in such programs on the part of eligible persons who had not begun such participation on the date that the employer is notified of the disapproval. In determining whether any such rate is disproportionately low because of such deficiencies, such official shall take into account appropriate data, including—

"(A) the quarterly data provided by the Secretary of Labor with respect to the number of eligible persons who receive counseling in connection with training under this subtitle, are referred to employers under this subtitle, participate in job training under this subtitle, and complete such training or do not complete such training, and the reasons for noncompletion; and

"(B) data compiled through the particular employer's compliance surveys.

"(2) With respect to a disapproval under paragraph (1), the implementing official shall provide to the employer concerned the kind of statement, opportunity for hearing, and notice described in subsection (a).

"(3) A disapproval under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect until such time as the implementing official determines that adequate remedial action has been taken.

"SEC. 4491. INSPECTION OF RECORDS; INVESTIGATIONS.

"(a) Records.—The records and accounts of employers pertaining to eligible persons on behalf of whom assistance has been paid under this subtitle, as well as other records that the implementing official determines to be necessary to ascertain compliance with the requirements established under this subtitle, shall be available at reasonable times for examination by authorized representatives of the Federal Government.

"(b) Compliance Monitoring.—Such official may monitor employers and eligible persons participating in programs of job training under this subtitle to determine compliance with the requirements established under this subtitle.

"(c) Investigations.—Such official may investigate any matter such official considers necessary to determine compliance with the requirements established under this subtitle. The investigations authorized by this subsection may include examining records (including making certified copies of records), questioning employees, and entering into any premises or onto any site where any part of a program of job training is conducted under this subtitle, or where any of the records of the employer offering or providing such program are kept.

"(d) Department of Labor.—Functions may be administered under subsections (b) and (c) in accordance with an agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor providing for the administration of such subsections (or any portion of such subsections) by the Department of Labor. Under such an agreement, any entity of the Department of Labor specified in the agreement may administer such subsections.

"SEC. 4492. COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS.

"(a) Veterans Education Programs.—(1) Assistance may not be paid under this subtitle to an employer on behalf of an eligible person for any period of time described in paragraph (2) and to such eligible person under chapter 30, 31, 32, 35, or 36 of title 38, United States Code, or chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code, for the same period of time.

"(2) A period of time referred to in paragraph (1) is the period of time beginning on the date on which the eligible person enters into an approved program of job training of an employer for purposes of assistance under this subtitle and ending on the last date for which such assistance is payable.

"(b) Other Training and Employment.—Assistance may not be paid under this subtitle to an employer on behalf of an eligible person for any period if the employer receives for that period any other form of assistance on account of the training or employment of the eligible person, including assistance under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.] or a credit under section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 51] (relating to credit for employment of certain new employees).

"(c) Previous Completion of Program.—Assistance may not be paid under this subtitle on behalf of an eligible person who has completed a program of job training under this subtitle.

"(d) Promotion.—(1) In carrying out section 3116(b) of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take all feasible steps to establish and encourage, for eligible persons who are eligible to have payments made on their behalf under such section, the development of training opportunities through programs of job training under this subtitle.

"(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with the implementing official (unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is the implementing official), shall take all feasible steps to ensure that, in the cases of eligible persons who are eligible to have payments made on their behalf under both this subtitle and section 3116(b) of title 38, United States Code, the authority under such section is utilized, to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the eligible person's best interests, to make payments to employers on behalf of such eligible persons.

"SEC. 4493. COUNSELING.

"(a) In General.—The implementing official shall, upon request, provide, by contract or otherwise, employment counseling services to any eligible person eligible to participate under this subtitle in order to assist such eligible person in selecting a suitable program of job training under this subtitle.

"(b) Case Manager.—(1) The implementing official shall provide for a program under which—

"(A) except as provided in paragraph (2), a disabled veteran's outreach program specialist appointed under section 4103A(a) of title 38, United States Code, is assigned as a case manager for each eligible person participating in a program of job training under this subtitle;

"(B) the eligible person has an in-person interview with the case manager not later than 60 days after entering into a program of training under this subtitle; and

"(C) periodic (not less frequent than monthly) contact is maintained with each such eligible person for the purpose of (i) avoiding unnecessary termination of employment, (ii) referring the eligible person to appropriate counseling, if necessary, (iii) facilitating the eligible person's successful completion of such program, and (iv) following up with the employer and the eligible person in order to determine the eligible person's progress in the program and the outcome regarding the eligible person's participation in and successful completion of the program.

"(2) No case manager shall be assigned pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)—

"(A) for an eligible person if, on the basis of a recommendation made by a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist, the implementing official determines that there is no need for a case manager for such eligible person; or

"(B) in the case of the employees of an employer, if the implementing official determines that—

"(i) the employer has an appropriate and effective employee assistance program that is available to all eligible persons participating in the employer's programs of job training under this subtitle; or

"(ii) the rate of eligible persons' successful completion of the employer's programs of job training under this subtitle, either cumulatively or during the previous program year, is 60 percent or higher.

"(3) The implementing official shall provide, to the extent feasible, a program of counseling or other services designed to resolve difficulties that may be encountered by eligible persons during their training under this subtitle. Such counseling or other services shall be similar to the counseling and other services provided under sections 1712A, 3697A, 4103A, 4104, [former] 7723, and [former] 7724 of title 38, United States Code, and section 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

"(c) Case Manager Required.—Before an eligible person who voluntarily terminates from a program of job training under this subtitle or is involuntarily terminated from such program by the employer may be eligible to be provided with a further certificate, or renewal of certification, of eligibility for participation under this subtitle, such eligible person must be provided by the Secretary of Labor, after consultation with the implementing official, with a case manager.

"SEC. 4494. INFORMATION AND OUTREACH; USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES.

"(a) In General.—(1) The Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly provide for an outreach and public information program—

"(A) to inform eligible persons about the employment and job training opportunities available under this subtitle and under other provisions of law; and

"(B) to inform private industry and business concerns (including small business concerns), public agencies and organizations, educational institutions, trade associations, and labor unions about the job training opportunities available under, and the advantages of participating in, the program established by this subtitle.

"(2) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall promote the development of employment and job training opportunities for eligible persons by encouraging potential employers to make programs of job training under this subtitle available for eligible persons, by advising other appropriate Federal departments and agencies of the program established by this subtitle, and by advising employers of applicable responsibilities under chapters 41 and 42 of title 38, United States Code, with respect to eligible persons.

"(b) Coordination.—The Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor shall coordinate the outreach and public information program under subsection (a)(1), and job development activities under subsection (a)(2), with job counseling, placement, job development, and other services provided for under chapters 41 and 42 of title 38, United States Code, and with other similar services offered by other public agencies and organizations.

"(c) Agency Resources.—(1) The Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor shall make available such personnel as are necessary to facilitate the effective implementation of this subtitle.

"(2) In carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Labor under this subtitle, the Secretary of Labor shall make maximum use of the services of Directors and Assistant Directors for Veterans' Employment and Training, disabled veterans' outreach program specialists, and employees of local offices, appointed pursuant to sections 4103, 4103A, and 4104 of title 38, United States Code. To the extent that the implementing official withholds approval of eligible persons' applications under this subtitle pursuant to section 4485(b)(2)(B), the Secretary of Labor shall take steps to assist such eligible persons in taking advantage of opportunities that may be available to them under any other program carried out with funds provided by the Secretary of Labor.

"(d) Small Business.—The implementing official shall request and obtain from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration a list of small business concerns and shall, on a regular basis, update such list. Such list shall be used to identify and promote possible training and employment opportunities for eligible persons.

"(e) Assistance To Participate.—The Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor shall assist eligible persons and employers desiring to participate under this subtitle in making application and completing necessary certifications.

"(f) Collection of Certain Information.—The Secretary of Labor shall, on a not less frequent than quarterly basis, collect and compile from the heads of State employment services and Directors for Veterans' Employment and Training for each State information available to such heads and Directors, and derived from programs carried out in their respective States, with respect to the numbers of eligible persons who receive counseling services pursuant to section 4493, who are referred to employers participating under this subtitle, who participate in programs of job training under this subtitle (including a description of the nature of the training and salaries that are part of such programs), and who complete such programs, and the reasons for eligible persons' noncompletion.

"SEC. 4495. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

"(a) In General.—(1) Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated in section 301 [106 Stat. 2360] for Defense Agencies, $75,000,000 shall be made available for the purpose of making payments to employers under this subtitle. Of the amounts made available pursuant to section 1302(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 [Pub. L. 103–160, 107 Stat. 1783], $25,000,000 shall be made available for the purpose of making payments to employers under this subtitle. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor shall submit an estimate to the Secretary of the amount needed to carry out any agreement entered into under section 4484(a), including administrative costs referred to in paragraph (3). Such agreements shall include administrative procedures to ensure the prompt and timely payments to employers by the implementing official.

"(2) Amounts made available pursuant to this section for a fiscal year shall remain available until the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such amounts were appropriated.

"(3) Of the amounts made available pursuant to this section for a fiscal year, six percent of such amounts may be used for the purpose of administering this subtitle, including reimbursing expenses incurred.

"(b) Availability of Deobligated Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funds made available pursuant to this section for a fiscal year which are obligated for the purpose of making payments under section 4487 on behalf of an eligible person (including funds so obligated which previously had been obligated for such purpose on behalf of another eligible person and were thereafter deobligated) and are later deobligated shall immediately upon deobligation become available to the implementing official for obligation for such purpose. The further obligation of such funds by such official for such purpose shall not be delayed, directly or indirectly, in any manner by any officer or employee in the executive branch.

"SEC. 4496. TIME PERIODS FOR APPLICATION AND INITIATION OF TRAINING.

"Assistance may not be paid to an employer under this subtitle—

"(1) on behalf of an eligible person who initially applies for a program of job training under this subtitle after September 30, 1996; or

"(2) for any such program which begins after March 31, 1997.

"SEC. 4497. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW UPON TRANSFER OF AMOUNTS PROVIDED UNDER THIS ACT.

"(a) Contingent Amendment.—If a transfer is made in accordance with section 4501(c) of the full amount of the amount provided under section 4495(a) for the program established under section 4484(a), then, effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992], the first sentence of section 4484(a) is amended by striking 'the Secretary shall carry out' and inserting 'the Secretary may carry out'.

"(b) Publication in the Federal Register.—If the transfer described in subsection (a) is made, then the Secretary of Defense shall promptly publish in the Federal Register a notice of such transfer. Such notice shall specify the date on which such transfer occurred."

[Pub. L. 103–446, title VI, §610(a)(2)(B), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4673, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending section 4486(d)(2) of Pub. L. 102–484, set out above] shall apply with respect to programs of training under the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992 [subtitle G of title XLIV of Pub. L. 102–484, set out above] beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 1994]."]

[For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

¹ So in original. Probably should be "(A)".

[§1143a. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §553(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1772]

Section, added Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4462(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2738; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(14), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952, related to encouraging members and former members of the armed forces to enter into public and community service jobs after discharge or release from active duty.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Increased Early Retirement Retired Pay for Public or Community Service

Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4464, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2741, which related to increased early retirement retired pay for public or community service, was repealed by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §553(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1772, applicable with respect to an individual who retires from the Armed Forces on or after Aug. 13, 2018.

§1144. Employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services: Department of Labor

(a) In General.—(1) The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish and maintain a program to furnish counseling, assistance in identifying employment and training opportunities, help in obtaining such employment and training, and other related information and services to members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned who are being separated from active duty and the spouses of such members. Subject to subsection (f)(2), such services shall be provided to a member within the time periods provided under paragraph (3) of section 1142(a) of this title, except that the Secretary concerned shall not provide preseparation counseling to a member described in paragraph (4)(A) of such section.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in establishing and maintaining the program under this section.

(3) The Secretaries referred to in paragraph (1) shall enter into a detailed agreement to carry out this section.

(b) Elements of Program.—In establishing and carrying out a program under this section, the Secretary of Labor shall do the following:

(1) Provide information concerning employment and training assistance, including (A) labor market information, (B) civilian work place requirements and employment opportunities (including apprenticeship programs approved under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38), (C) instruction in resumé preparation, and (D) job analysis techniques, job search techniques, and job interview techniques.

(2) In providing information under paragraph (1), use experience obtained from implementation of the pilot program established under section 408 of Public Law 101–237.

(3) Provide information concerning Federal, State, and local programs, and programs of military and veterans' service organizations, that may be of assistance to such members after separation from the armed forces, including, as appropriate, the information and services to be provided under section 1142 of this title.

(4) Inform such members that the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security are required under section 1143(a) of this title to provide proper certification or verification of job skills and experience acquired while on active duty that may have application to employment in the civilian sector for use in seeking civilian employment and in obtaining job search skills.

(5) Provide information and other assistance to such members in their efforts to obtain loans and grants from the Small Business Administration and other Federal, State, and local agencies.

(6) Provide information about the geographic areas in which such members will relocate after separation from the armed forces, including, to the degree possible, information about employment opportunities, the labor market, and the cost of living in those areas (including, to the extent practicable, the cost and availability of housing, child care, education, and medical and dental care).

(7) Work with military and veterans' service organizations and other appropriate organizations in promoting and publicizing job fairs for such members.

(8) Provide information about disability-related employment and education protections.

(9) Provide information regarding the required deduction, pursuant to subsection (h) of section 1175a of this title, from disability compensation paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of amounts equal to any voluntary separation pay received by the member under such section.

(10) Acting through the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, provide information on career and employment opportunities available to members with transportation security cards issued under section 70105 of title 46.

(c) Participation.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the participation in the program carried out under this section of the members eligible for assistance under the program.

(2) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security may, under regulations such Secretaries shall prescribe, waive the participation requirement of paragraph (1) with respect to—

(A) such groups or classifications of members as the Secretaries determine, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for whom participation is not and would not be of assistance to such members based on the Secretaries' articulable justification that there is extraordinarily high reason to believe the exempted members are unlikely to face major readjustment, health care, employment, or other challenges associated with transition to civilian life; and

(B) individual members possessing specialized skills who, due to unavoidable circumstances, are needed to support a unit's imminent deployment.

(d) Use of Personnel and Organizations.—In carrying out the program established under this section, the Secretaries may—

(1) provide, as the case may be, for the use of disabled veterans outreach program specialists, local veterans' employment representatives, and other employment service personnel funded by the Department of Labor to the extent that the Secretary of Labor determines that such use will not significantly interfere with the provision of services or other benefits to eligible veterans and other eligible recipients of such services or benefits;

(2) use military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security;

(3) use personnel of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate personnel of that Department;

(4) use representatives of military and veterans' service organizations;

(5) enter into contracts with public entities;

(6) enter into contracts with private entities, particularly with qualified private entities that have experience with instructing members of the armed forces eligible for assistance under the program carried out under this section on—

(A) private sector culture, resume writing, career networking, and training on job search technologies;

(B) academic readiness and educational opportunities; or

(7) take other necessary action to develop and furnish the information and services to be provided under this section.

(e) Participation in Apprenticeship Programs.—As part of the program carried out under this section, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security may permit a member of the armed forces eligible for assistance under the program to participate in an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the "National Apprenticeship Act"; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), or a pre-apprenticeship program that provides credit toward a program registered under such Act, that provides members of the armed forces with the education, training, and services necessary to transition to meaningful employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.

(f) Program Contents.—(1) The program carried out under this section shall consist of instruction as follows:

(A) One day of preseparation training specific to the armed force concerned, as determined by the Secretary concerned.

(B) One day of instruction regarding—

(i) benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and

(ii) other subjects determined by the Secretary concerned.

(D) Two days of instruction regarding a topic selected by the member from the following subjects:

(i) Preparation for employment.

(ii) Preparation for education.

(iii) Preparation for vocational training.

(iv) Preparation for entrepreneurship.

(v) Other options determined by the Secretary concerned.

(2) The Secretary concerned may permit a member to attend training and instruction under the program established under this section—

(A) before the time periods established under section 1142(a)(3) of this title;

(B) in addition to such training and instruction required during such time periods.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1553; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(a)(6), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1472; Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §§4462(c), 4469, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2740, 2752; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2769; Pub. L. 107–103, title III, §302(b), Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat. 992; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(e)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1227; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §§221(a), 224, 225, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 715, 718; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §521(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §553, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 823; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §§563, 564(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2138; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §§552(b)(1), 553(b)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1770, 1772; Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title II, §212, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5453.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 408 of Public Law 101–237, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is set out as a note under section 4100 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

The National Apprenticeship Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is act Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, 50 Stat. 664, which is classified generally to chapter 4C (§50 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 50 of Title 29 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–328 inserted "(including apprenticeship programs approved under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38)" after "employment opportunities".

2018—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(b)(1)(A), substituted "Subject to subsection (f)(2), such services" for "Such services".

Subsec. (b)(8) to (11). Pub. L. 115–232, §553(b)(1), redesignated pars. (9) to (11) as (8) to (10), respectively, and struck out former par. (8) which read as follows: "Provide information regarding the public and community service jobs program carried out under section 1143a of this title."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–232, §552(b)(1)(B), amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) related to additional training opportunities.

2016—Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 114–328, §563, added par. (10).

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 114–328, §564(a), added par. (11).

2015—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–92 added subsec. (f).

2013—Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 113–66 added par. (9).

2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–56, §221(a), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall encourage and otherwise promote maximum participation by members of the armed forces eligible for assistance under the program carried out under this section."

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 112–56, §224(1), substituted "public entities;" for "public or private entities; and".

Subsec. (d)(6), (7). Pub. L. 112–56, §224(2), (3), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–56, §225, added subsec. (e).

2002—Subsecs. (a)(1), (2), (b)(4), (c), (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–103, in second sentence, substituted "within the time periods provided under paragraph (3) of section 1142(a) of this title, except that the Secretary concerned shall not provide preseparation counseling to a member described in paragraph (4)(A) of such section" for "during the 180-day period before the member is separated from active duty".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(e)(1)(A), struck out at end "The agreement shall be entered into no later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(e)(1)(B), struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows:

"(1) There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Labor to carry out this section $11,000,000 for fiscal year 1993 and $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1994 and 1995.

"(2) There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out this section $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995."

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(b)(1), inserted ", the Secretary of Transportation," after "Secretary of Defense" and substituted "concerned" for "of a military department".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(b)(2), inserted ", the Secretary of Transportation," after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(b)(3), substituted "Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation are" for "Department of Defense is".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(b)(4), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation" after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(b)(5), inserted "and the Department of Transportation" after "Department of Defense".

1992—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 102–484, §4462(c), added par. (8).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §4469(1), substituted "$11,000,000 for fiscal year 1993 and $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1994 and 1995" for "$4,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 and $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1992 and 1993".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 102–484, §4469(2), substituted "$6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995" for "$1,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 and $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1992 and 1993".

1991—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(a)(6)(A), substituted "resumé" for "resume" in cl. (C).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(a)(6)(B), substituted "veterans' service organizations" for "veterans service organization" and "armed forces" for "Armed Forces".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(a)(6)(C), substituted "those areas" for "such area".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by section 221(a) of Pub. L. 112–56 effective on the date that is 1 year after Nov. 21, 2011, see section 221(c) of Pub. L. 112–56, set out as a note under section 1142 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Command Matters in Connection With Transition Assistance Programs

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §568, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1397, provided that: "The training provided a commander of a military installation in connection with the commencement of assignment to the installation shall include a module on the covered transition assistance programs available for members of the Armed Forces assigned to the installation."

Pilot Program Regarding Online Application for the Transition Assistance Program

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §570G, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1402, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor may jointly carry out a pilot program that creates a one-stop source for online applications for the purposes of assisting members of the Armed Forces and Veterans participating in the Transition Assistance Program (in this section referred to as 'TAP').

"(b) Data Sources.—If the Secretaries carry out the pilot program, any online application developed under such program shall, in part, aggregate existing data from government resources and the private sector under one uniform resource locator for the purpose of assisting members of the Armed Forces and veterans participating in TAP.

"(c) Availability; Accessibility.—Any online application developed under a pilot program shall, to the extent feasible be—

"(1) widely available as a mobile application; and

"(2) easily accessible by veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and employers.

"(d) Assessments.—

"(1) Interim assessments.—Not later than the dates that are one and two years after the date of the commencement of any pilot program under this section, the Secretaries shall jointly assess the pilot program.

"(2) Final assessment.—Not later than the date that is three years after the date of the commencement of any pilot program under this section, the Secretaries shall jointly carry out a final assessment of the pilot program.

"(3) Purpose.—The general objective of each assessment under this subsection shall be to determine if the online application under the pilot program helps participants in TAP to accomplish the goals of TAP, accounting for the individual profiles of participants, including military experience and geographic location.

"(e) Briefing.—If the Secretaries carry out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on findings regarding the pilot program, including any recommendations for legislation.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'mobile application' means a software program that runs on the operating system of a mobile device.

"(2) The term 'mobile device' means a smartphone, tablet computer, or similar portable computing device that transmits data over a wireless connection."

Deadline for Transition Assistance Program

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §552(b)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1771, provided that: "The Transition Assistance Program shall comply with the requirements of section 1144(f) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018]."

Deadline for Implementation

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §564(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2138, provided that: "The program carried out under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(11) of such section (as added by subsection (a) of this section) by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016]."

Enhancement of Information Provided to Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans Regarding Use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance and Federal Financial Aid Through Transition Assistance Program

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §557, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3381, provided that:

"(a) Additional Information Required.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014], the Secretary of Defense shall enhance the higher education component of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Defense by providing additional information that is more complete and accurate than the information provided as of the day before the date of the enactment of this Act to individuals who apply for educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of title 38, United States Code, to pursue a program of education at an institution of higher learning.

"(2) Elements.—The additional information required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) Information provided by the Secretary of Education that is publically available and addresses—

"(i) to the extent practicable, differences between types of institutions of higher learning in such matters as tuition and fees, admission requirements, accreditation, transferability of credits, credit for qualifying military training, time required to complete a degree, and retention and job placement rates; and

"(ii) how Federal educational assistance provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) may be used in conjunction with educational assistance provided under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code.

"(B) Information about the Postsecondary Education Complaint System of the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

"(C) Information about the GI Bill Comparison Tool of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(D) Information about each of the Principles of Excellence established by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Education pursuant to Executive Order 13607 of April 27, 2012 (77 Fed. Reg. 25861), including how to recognize whether an institution of higher learning may be violating any of such principles.

"(E) Information to enable individuals described in paragraph (1) to develop a post-secondary education plan appropriate and compatible with their educational goals.

"(F) Such other information as the Secretary of Education considers appropriate.

"(3) Consultation.—In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Education, and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

"(b) Availability of Higher Education Component Online.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the higher education component of the Transition Assistance Program is available to members of the Armed Forces on an Internet website of the Department of Defense so that members have an option to complete such component electronically and remotely.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'institution of higher learning' has the meaning given such term in section 3452 of title 38, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'types of institutions of higher learning' means the following:

"(A) An educational institution described in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).

"(B) An educational institution described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 102 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1002)."

Procedures for Provision of Certain Information to State Veterans Agencies To Facilitate the Transition of Members of the Armed Forces From Military Service to Civilian Life

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §558, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3382, provided that:

"(a) Procedures Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop procedures to share the information described in subsection (b) regarding members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from the Armed Forces with State veterans agencies in electronic data format as a means of facilitating the transition of such members from military service to civilian life.

"(b) Covered Information.—The information to be shared with State veterans agencies regarding a member shall include the following:

"(1) Military service and separation data.

"(2) A personal email address.

"(3) A personal telephone number.

"(4) A mailing address.

"(c) Consent.—The procedures developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall require the consent of a member of the Armed Forces before any information described in subsection (b) regarding the member is shared with a State veterans agency.

"(d) Use of Information.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the information shared with State veterans agencies in accordance with the procedures developed pursuant to subsection (a) is only shared by such agencies with county government veterans service offices for such purposes as the Secretary shall specify for the administration and delivery of benefits.

"(e) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the progress made by the Secretary—

"(A) in developing the procedures required by subsection (a); and

"(B) in sharing information with State veterans agencies as described in such subsection.

"(2) Contents.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A description of the procedures developed to share information with State veterans agencies.

"(B) A description of the sharing activities carried out by the Secretary in accordance with such procedures.

"(C) The number of members of the Armed Force who gave their consent for the sharing of information with State veterans agencies.

"(D) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for legislative or administrative action to improve the sharing of information as described in subsection (a)."

Deadline for Implementation

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §521(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 755, provided that: "The program carried out under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, shall comply with the requirements of subsection (b)(9) of such section, as added by subsection (a), by not later than April 1, 2015."

Off-Base Transition Training for Veterans and Their Spouses

Pub. L. 112–260, title III, §301, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2424, as amended by Pub. L. 116–315, title IV, §4303, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5017, provided that:

"(a) Provision of Off-base Transition Training.—During the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Navy SEAL Bill Mulder Act of 2020 [Jan. 5, 2021], the Secretary of Labor shall provide the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, to eligible individuals at locations other than military installations.

"(b) Eligible Individuals.—For purposes of this section, an eligible individual is a veteran or the spouse of a veteran.

"(c) Locations.—

"(1) Number of locations.—The Secretary shall carry out the training under subsection (a) in not fewer than 50 locations in States (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) selected by the Secretary for purposes of this section.

"(2) Selection of states with high unemployment.—Of the States selected by the Secretary under paragraph (1), at least 20 shall be States with high rates of unemployment among veterans.

"(3) Number of locations in each state.—The Secretary shall provide training under subsection (a) to eligible individuals at a sufficient number of locations within each State selected under this subsection to meet the needs of eligible individuals in such State.

"(4) Selection of locations.—The Secretary shall select locations for the provision of training under subsection (a) to facilitate access by participants and may not select any location on a military installation other than a National Guard or reserve facility that is not located on an active duty military installation.

"(5) Preferences.—In selecting States for participation in the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide a preference for any State with—

"(A) a high rate of usage of unemployment benefits for recently separated members of the Armed Forces; or

"(B) a labor force or economy that has been significantly impacted by a covered public health emergency.

"(6) Covered public health emergency defined.—In this subsection, the term 'covered public health emergency' means—

"(A) the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on January 31, 2020, with respect to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19); or

"(B) a domestic emergency declared, based on an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19), by the President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or a State or local authority.

"(d) Inclusion of Information About Veterans Benefits.—The Secretary shall ensure that the training provided under subsection (a) generally follows the content of the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

"(e) Annual Report.—Not later than March 1 of any year during which the Secretary provides training under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the provision of such training. Each such report shall include information about the employment outcomes of the eligible individuals who received such training during the year covered by the report."

Individualized Assessment for Members of the Armed Forces Under Transition Assistance on Equivalence Between Skills Developed in Military Occupational Specialties and Qualifications Required for Civilian Employment With the Private Sector

Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §222, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 716, provided that:

"(a) Study on Equivalence Required.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, enter into a contract with a qualified organization to conduct a study to identify any equivalences between the skills developed by members of the Armed Forces through various military occupational specialties (MOS), successful completion of resident training courses, attaining various military ranks or rates, or other military experiences and the qualifications required for various positions of civilian employment in the private sector.

"(2) Cooperation of federal agencies.—The departments and agencies of the Federal Government, including the Office of Personnel Management, the General Services Administration, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Education, and other appropriate departments and agencies, shall cooperate with the contractor under paragraph (1) to conduct the study required under that paragraph.

"(3) Report.—Upon completion of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the contractor under that paragraph shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Labor a report setting forth the results of the study. The report shall include such information as the Secretaries shall specify in the contract under paragraph (1) for purposes of this section.

"(4) Transmittal to congress.—The Secretary of Labor shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress the report submitted under paragraph (3), together with such comments on the report as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(5) Appropriate committees of congress defined.—In this subsection, the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.

"(b) Publication.—The secretaries described in subsection (a)(1) shall ensure that the equivalences identified under subsection (a)(1) are—

"(1) made publicly available on an Internet website; and

"(2) regularly updated to reflect the most recent findings of the secretaries with respect to such equivalences.

"(c) Individualized Assessment of Civilian Positions Available Through Military Experiences.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each member of the Armed Forces who is participating in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Defense receives, as part of such member's participation in that program, an individualized assessment of the various positions of civilian employment in the private sector for which such member may be qualified as a result of the skills developed by such member through various military occupational specialties (MOS), successful completion of resident training courses, attaining various military ranks or rates, or other military experiences. The assessment shall be performed using the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) and such other information as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, considers appropriate for that purpose.

"(d) Further Use in Employment-related Transition Assistance.—

"(1) Transmittal of assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall make the individualized assessment provided a member under subsection (a) available electronically to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor.

"(2) Use in assistance.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor may use an individualized assessment with respect to an individual under paragraph (1) for employment-related assistance in the transition from military service to civilian life provided the individual by such Secretary and to otherwise facilitate and enhance the transition of the individual from military service to civilian life.

"(e) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 2011]."

Implementation Reports

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1557, directed the Secretary of Labor to submit to Congress a report, not later than 90 days after Nov. 5, 1990, setting forth the agreement entered into to carry out this section, and a report, not later than one year after Nov. 5, 1990, containing an evaluation of the program carried out under this section.

§1145. Health benefits

(a) Transitional Health Care.—(1) For the time period described in paragraph (4), a member of the armed forces who is separated from active service as described in paragraph (2) (and the dependents of the member) shall be entitled to receive—

(A) except as provided in paragraph (3), medical and dental care under section 1076 of this title in the same manner as a dependent described in subsection (a)(2) of such section; and

(B) health benefits contracted under the authority of section 1079(a) of this title and subject to the same rates and conditions as apply to persons covered under that section.

(2) This subsection applies to the following members of the armed forces:

(A) A member who is involuntarily separated from active duty.

(B) A member of a reserve component who is separated from active duty to which called or ordered under section 12304b of this title or a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of this title if the active duty is active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

(C) A member who is separated from active duty for which the member is involuntarily retained under section 12305 of this title in support of a contingency operation.

(D) A member who is separated from active duty served pursuant to a voluntary agreement of the member to remain on active duty for a period of less than one year in support of a contingency operation.

(E) A member who receives a sole survivorship discharge (as defined in section 1174(i) of this title).

(F) A member who is separated from active duty who agrees to become a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component.

(G) A member of the National Guard who is separated from full-time National Guard Duty to which called or ordered under section 502(f) of title 32 for a period of active service of more than 30 days to perform duties that are authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for the purpose of responding to a national emergency declared by Congress or the President and supported by Federal funds.

(3) In the case of a member described in subparagraph (B) or (G) of paragraph (2), the dental care to which the member is entitled under this subsection shall be the dental care to which a member of the uniformed services on active duty for more than 30 days is entitled under section 1074 of this title.

(4) Except as provided in paragraph (7), transitional health care for a member under subsection (a) shall be available for 180 days beginning on the date on which the member is separated from active service. For purposes of the preceding sentence, in the case of a member on active service as described in subparagraph (B), (C), (D), or (G) of paragraph (2) who, without a break in service, is extended on active service for any reason, the 180-day period shall begin on the date on which the member is separated from such extended active service.

(5)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Secretary concerned shall require a member of the armed forces scheduled to be separated from active service as described in paragraph (2) to undergo a physical examination and a mental health assessment conducted pursuant to section 1074n of this title immediately before that separation. The physical examination shall be conducted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if a member of the armed forces scheduled to be separated from active service as described in paragraph (2) has otherwise undergone a physical examination within 12 months before the scheduled date of separation from active service, the requirement for a physical examination under subparagraph (A) may be waived in accordance with regulations prescribed under this paragraph. Such regulations shall require that such a waiver may be granted only with the consent of the member and with the concurrence of the member's unit commander.

(C) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that each physical examination of a member under subparagraph (A) includes an assessment of whether the member was—

(i) based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit, as defined in subsection (c) of section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note), was used; or

(ii) exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants, including any information recorded as part of the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under such section 201.

(D) The requirement for a physical examination and mental health assessment under subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a member of a reserve component described in paragraph (2)(B) unless the member is retiring, or being discharged or dismissed, from the armed forces.

(6)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, ensure that appropriate actions are taken to assist a member of the armed forces who, as a result of a medical examination under paragraph (5), receives an indication for a referral for follow up treatment from the health care provider who performs the examination.

(B) Assistance provided to a member under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(i) Information regarding, and any appropriate referral for, the care, treatment, and other services that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide to such member under any other provision of law, including—

(I) clinical services, including counseling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions; and

(II) any other care, treatment, and services.

(ii) Information on the private sector sources of treatment that are available to the member in the member's community.

(iii) Assistance to enroll in the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care benefits for which the member is eligible under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(7)(A) A member who has a medical condition relating to active service that warrants further medical care that has been identified during the member's 180-day transition period, which condition can be resolved within 180 days as determined by a Department of Defense physician, shall be entitled to receive medical and dental care for that medical condition, and that medical condition only, as if the member were a member of the armed forces on active service for 180 days following the diagnosis of the condition.

(B) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that the Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is continually updated in order to reflect the continuing entitlement of members covered by subparagraph (A) to the medical and dental care referred to in that subparagraph.

(b) Conversion Health Policies.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall inform each member referred to in subsection (a) before the date of the member's discharge or release from active service of the availability for purchase by the member of a conversion health policy for the member and the dependents of that member. A conversion health policy offered under this paragraph shall provide coverage for not less than an 18-month period.

(2) If a member referred to in subsection (a) purchases a conversion health policy during the period applicable to the member (or within a reasonable time after that period as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense), the Secretary shall provide health care, or pay the costs of health care provided, to the member and the dependents of the member—

(A) during the 18-month period beginning on the date on which coverage under the conversion health policy begins; and

(B) for a condition (including pregnancy) that exists on such date and for which care is not provided under the policy solely on the grounds that the condition is a preexisting condition.

(3) The Secretary of Defense may arrange for the provision of health care described in paragraph (2) through a contract with the insurer offering the conversion health policy.

(4) If the Secretary of Defense is unable, within a reasonable time, to enter into a contract with a private insurer to provide the conversion health policy required under paragraph (1) at a rate not to exceed the payment required under section 8905a(d)(1)(A) of title 5 for comparable coverage, the Secretary shall offer such a policy under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. Subject to paragraph (5), a member purchasing a policy from the Secretary shall be required to pay into the Military Health Care Account or other appropriate account an amount equal to the sum of—

(A) the individual and Government contributions which would be required in the case of a person enrolled in a health benefits plan contracted for under section 1079 of this title; and

(B) an amount necessary for administrative expenses, but not to exceed two percent of the amount under subparagraph (A).

(5) The amount paid by a member who purchases a conversion health policy from the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (4) may not exceed the payment required under section 8905a(d)(1)(A) of title 5 for comparable coverage.

(6) In order to reduce premiums required under paragraph (4), the Secretary of Defense may offer a conversion health policy that, with respect to mental health services, offers reduced coverage and increased cost-sharing by the purchaser.

(c) Health Care For Certain Separated Members Not Otherwise Eligible.—(1) Consistent with the authority of the Secretary concerned to designate certain classes of persons as eligible to receive health care at a military medical facility, the Secretary concerned should consider authorizing, on an individual basis in cases of hardship, the provision of that care for a member who is separated from the armed forces, and is ineligible for transitional health care under subsection (a) or does not obtain a conversion health policy (or a dependent of the member).

(2) The Secretary concerned shall give special consideration to requests for such care in cases in which the condition for which treatment is required was incurred or aggravated by the member or the dependent before the date of the separation of the member, particularly if the condition is a result of the particular circumstances of the service of the member.

(d) Physical Examinations for Certain Members of a Reserve Component.—(1) The Secretary concerned shall provide a physical examination pursuant to subsection (a)(5) to each member of a reserve component who—

(A) during the two-year period before the date on which the member is scheduled to be separated from the armed forces served on active service in support of a contingency operation for a period of more than 30 days;

(B) will not otherwise receive such an examination under such subsection; and

(2) The Secretary concerned shall—

(A) provide the physical examination under paragraph (1) to a member during the 90-day period before the date on which the member is scheduled to be separated from the armed forces; and

(B) issue orders to such a member to receive such physical examination.

(3) A member may not be entitled to health care benefits pursuant to subsection (a), (b), or (c) solely by reason of being provided a physical examination under paragraph (1).

(4) In providing to a member a physical examination under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall provide to the member a record of the physical examination.

(e) Definition.—In this section, the term "conversion health policy" means a health insurance policy with a private insurer, developed through negotiations between the Secretary of Defense and a private insurer, that is available for purchase by or for the use of a person who is no longer a member of the armed forces or a covered beneficiary.

(f) Coast Guard.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this section for the members of the Coast Guard and their dependents when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(1)(A), substituted "active service" for "active duty" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(G). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(a), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(1)(B), substituted "subparagraph (B) or (G) of paragraph (2)" for "paragraph (2)(B)".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(1)(C), substituted "active service" for "active duty" wherever appearing and "(D), or (G)" for "or (D)".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A), (B). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(1)(D), substituted "active service" for "active duty" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(7)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(1)(E), substituted "active service" for "service on active duty" and "active service for" for "active duty for".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(2), substituted "active service" for "active duty".

Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §702(b)(3), substituted "active service" for "active duty".

2021—Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, §717(1), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Secretary" for "The Secretary".

Subsec. (a)(5)(D). Pub. L. 117–81, §717(2), added subpar. (D).

2019—Subsec. (a)(5)(C). Pub. L. 116–92 added subpar. (C).

2017—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–91, §511(b), substituted "under section 12304b of this title or a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of this title" for "in support of a contingency operation".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 115–91, §706(a), inserted "and a mental health assessment conducted pursuant to section 1074n of this title" after "a physical examination".

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 115–91, §705, added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.

2013—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted "when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy" before period at end.

2011—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 112–81 inserted at end "For purposes of the preceding sentence, in the case of a member on active duty as described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (2) who, without a break in service, is extended on active duty for any reason, the 180-day period shall begin on the date on which the member is separated from such extended active duty."

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–84, §703(1)(A), substituted "paragraph (4)" for "paragraph (3)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §703(1)(B), inserted "except as provided in paragraph (3)," before "medical and dental care".

Subsec. (a)(3) to (7). Pub. L. 111–84, §703(2)–(5), added par. (3), redesignated former pars. (3) to (6) as (4) to (7), respectively, in par. (4) substituted "paragraph (7)" for "paragraph (6)", and in par. (6)(A) substituted "paragraph (5)" for "paragraph (4)".

2008—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 110–317 added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (a)(2)(F). Pub. L. 110–417 added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110–181, §1637(1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (6), transitional health care" for "Transitional health care".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 110–181, §1637(2), added par. (6).

2006—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–163 added par. (5).

2004—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–375, §706(a)(3), struck out "applicable" before "time period" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–375, §706(a)(1), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "Transitional health care shall be available under subsection (a) for a specified time period beginning on the date on which the member is separated as follows:

"(A) For members separated with less than six years of active service, 60 days.

"(B) For members separated with six or more years of active service, 120 days."

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 108–375, §706(b), added par. (4).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–314, §706(a), amended Pub. L. 107–107, §736(a)(1). See 2001 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–314, §706(b), amended Pub. L. 107–107, §736(b)(2). See 2001 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §736(a)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 107–314, §706(a), in introductory provisions, substituted "paragraph (3), a member of the armed forces who is separated from active duty as described in paragraph (2) (and the dependents of the member)" for "paragraph (2), a member of the armed forces who is involuntarily separated from active duty during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001 (and the dependents of the member),".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, §736(a)(3), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–107, §736(a)(2), (4), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and struck out "involuntarily" before "separated" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §736(b)(1), struck out "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001" after "armed forces".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–107, §736(b)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 107–314, §706(b), substituted "the members of the Coast Guard and their dependents" for "the Coast Guard" in second sentence and struck out first sentence which read as follows: "The provisions of this section shall apply to members of the Coast Guard (and their dependents) involuntarily separated from active duty during the period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on December 31, 2001."

2000—Subsecs. (a)(1), (c)(1), (e). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001".

1998—Subsecs. (a)(1), (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–261, §561(h)(1), substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–261, §561(h)(2), substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1994".

1994—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–337 added subsec. (e).

1993—Subsecs. (a)(1), (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "nine-year period" for "five-year period".

1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §4407(a)(1), inserted at end "A conversion health policy offered under this paragraph shall provide coverage for not less than an 18-month period."

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–484, §4407(a)(2), substituted "18-month period" for "one-year period".

Subsec. (b)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 102–484, §4407(a)(3), added pars. (4) to (6).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §734(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4513, provided that: "Subparagraph (F) of section 1145(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to members of the Armed Forces separated from active duty after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–317 applicable with respect to any sole survivorship discharge granted after Aug. 29, 2008, see section 10 of Pub. L. 110–317, set out as a note under section 2108 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §706(c), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2585, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as of December 28, 2001, and as if included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 [Pub. L. 107–107] as enacted."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Transitional Health Benefits for Certain Members of the National Guard Serving Under Orders in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID–19)

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §733, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3702, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide to a member of the National Guard separating from active service after serving on full-time National Guard duty pursuant to section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, the health benefits authorized under section 1145 of title 10, United States Code, for a member of a reserve component separating from active duty, as referred to in subsection (a)(2)(B) of such section 1145, if the active service from which the member of the National Guard is separating was in support of the whole of government response to the coronavirus (COVID–19).

"(b) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'active duty', 'active service', and 'full-time National Guard duty' have the meanings given those terms in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code."

Mental Health Care Treatment Through Telemedicine

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VII, §702, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 790, provided that:

"(a) Provision of Mental Health Care Via Telemedicine.—

"(1) In general.—In carrying out the Transitional Assistance Management Program, the Secretary of Defense may extend the coverage of such program for covered individuals for an additional 180 days for mental health care provided through telemedicine.

"(2) Report.—If the Secretary extends coverage under paragraph (1), by not later than one year after the date of carrying out such extension, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report that includes the following:

"(A) The rate at which individuals are using the extended coverage provided pursuant to paragraph (1).

"(B) A description of the mental health care provided pursuant to such subsection.

"(C) An analysis of how the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs coordinate the continuation of care with respect to veterans who are no longer eligible for the Transitional Assistance Management Program.

"(D) Any other factors the Secretary of Defense determines necessary with respect to extending coverage of the Transitional Assistance Management Program.

"(3) Termination.—The authority of the Secretary to carry out subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2018.

"(b) Report on Use of Telemedicine.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the use of telemedicine to improve the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

"(2) Elements.—The report under paragraph (1) shall address the following:

"(A) The current status, as of the date of the report, of telemedicine initiatives within the Department of Defense to diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

"(B) Plans for integrating telemedicine into the military health care system, including in health care delivery, records management, medical education, public health, and private sector partnerships.

"(C) The status of the integration of the telemedicine initiatives of the Department with the telemedicine initiatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(D) A description and assessment of challenges to the use of telemedicine as a means of in-home treatment, outreach in rural areas, and in settings that provide group treatment or therapy in connection with treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health conditions, and a description and assessment of efforts to address such challenges.

"(E) A description of privacy issues related to the use of telemedicine for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health conditions, and recommendations for mechanisms to remedy any privacy concerns relating to such use of telemedicine.

"(F) A description of professional licensing issues with respect to licensed medical providers who provide treatment using telemedicine.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered individual' means an individual who—

"(A) during the initial 180-day period of being enrolled in the Transitional Assistance Management Program, received any mental health care; or

"(B) during the one-year period preceding separation or discharge from the Armed Forces, received any mental health care.

"(2) The term 'telemedicine' means the use by a health care provider of telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of a patient's medical condition."

Temporary Extension of Transitional Health Care Benefits

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §704, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1527, which provided during the period beginning on Nov. 24, 2003, and ending on Dec. 31, 2004, for the extension of transitional health care benefits to 180 days for members separated from active duty, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §706(a)(2)(A), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1983.

Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1117, Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1218, which provided during the period beginning on Nov. 6, 2003, and ending on Sept. 30, 2004, for the extension of transitional health care benefits to 180 days for members separated from active duty, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §706(a)(2)(B), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1983.

Application of Amendments by Pub. L. 102–484 to Existing Contracts

For provisions relating to the application of the amendments by section 4407 of Pub. L. 102–484 to conversion health policies provided under subsec. (b) of this section and in effect on Oct. 23, 1992, see section 4407(c) of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 1086a of this title.

Transitional Provision

Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4408(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2712, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall provide a period for the enrollment for health benefits coverage under this section [enacting section 1078a of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1086a of this title] by members and former members of the Armed Services for whom the availability of transitional health care under section 1145(a) of title 10, United States Code, expires before the October 1, 1994, implementation date of section 1078a of such title, as added by subsection (a)."

Termination of Applicability of Other Conversion Health Policies

For provisions prohibiting purchase of, and allowing cancellation of, conversion health policies under subsec. (b) of this section on or after Oct. 1, 1994, see section 4408(c) of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 1086a of this title.

§1146. Commissary and exchange benefits

(a) Members Involuntarily Separated From Active Duty.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to allow a member of the armed forces who is involuntarily separated from active duty during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on December 31, 2018, to continue to use commissary and exchange stores during the two-year period beginning on the date of the involuntary separation of the member in the same manner as a member on active duty. The Secretary concerned shall implement this provision for Coast Guard members involuntarily separated during the same period.

(b) Members Involuntarily Separated From Selected Reserve.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to allow a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who is involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve as a result of the exercise of the force shaping authority of the Secretary concerned under section 647 of this title or other force shaping authority during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on December 31, 2018, to continue to use commissary and exchange stores during the two-year period beginning on the date of the involuntary separation of the member in the same manner as a member on active duty. The Secretary concerned shall implement this provision for Coast Guard members involuntarily separated during the same period when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(c) Members Receiving Sole Survivorship Discharge.—A member of the armed forces who receives a sole survivorship discharge (as defined in section 1174(i) of this title) is entitled to continue to use commissary and exchange stores and morale, welfare, and recreational facilities in the same manner as a member on active duty during the two-year period beginning on the later of the following dates:

(1) The date of the separation of the member.

(2) The date on which the member is first notified of the member's entitlement to benefits under this section.

(d) Emergency Response Providers During a Declared Major Disaster or Emergency.—The Secretary of Defense may prescribe regulations to allow an emergency response provider (as that term is defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–296; 6 U.S.C. 101)) to use a mobile commissary or exchange store deployed to an area covered by a declaration of a major disaster or emergency under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1556; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(i), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §561(i), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2026; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §571(i)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-135; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §651, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 110–317, §5, Aug. 29, 2008, 122 Stat. 3528; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(16), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, §631, title X, §1076(f)(16), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1781, 1952; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VI, §632, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3682.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (d).

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239, §631(a)(1), (b)(1), substituted "2018" for "2012" and "The Secretary concerned" for "The Secretary of Transportation".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(f)(16), inserted "when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy" before period at end.

Pub. L. 112–239, §631(a)(2), (b)(2), substituted "2018" for "2012" and "The Secretary concerned" for "The Secretary of Homeland Security".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(16)(A), struck out "(a) Benefits for Members Involuntarily Separated.—" before "The Secretary".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(16)(B), redesignated subsec. (b) relating to benefits for members receiving sole survivorship discharge as (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(16)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (b) relating to benefits for members receiving sole survivorship discharge as (c), struck out "Benefits for" before "Members" in heading, and substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces" in introductory provisions and "the member's entitlement" for "the members entitlement" in par. (2).

2008—Pub. L. 110–317 substituted "(a) Benefits for Members Involuntarily Separated.—The Secretary of Defense" for "The Secretary of Defense" and added subsec. (b) relating to benefits for members receiving sole survivorship discharge.

Pub. L. 110–181 inserted "(a) Members Involuntarily Separated From Active Duty.—" before "The Secretary of Defense", substituted "October 1, 2007, and ending on December 31, 2012" for "October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001" in first sentence and "the same period" for "the period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on December 31, 2001" in second sentence, and added subsec. (b) relating to members involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve.

2000—Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001" in two places.

1998—Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990" and "during the period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1994".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 inserted at end "The Secretary of Transportation shall implement this provision for Coast Guard members involuntarily separated during the five-year period beginning October 1, 1994."

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "nine-year period" for "five-year period".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–317 applicable with respect to any sole survivorship discharge granted after Sept. 11, 2001, see section 10 of Pub. L. 110–317, set out as a note under section 2108 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Transfer of Functions

§1147. Use of military family housing

(a) Transition for Involuntarily Separated Members.—(1) The Secretary of a military department may, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, permit individuals who are involuntarily separated during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018, to continue for not more than 180 days after the date of such separation to reside (along with other members of the individual's household) in military family housing provided or leased by the Department of Defense to such individual as a member of the armed forces.

(2) The Secretary concerned may prescribe regulations to permit members of the Coast Guard who are involuntarily separated during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018, to continue for not more than 180 days after the date of such separation to reside (along with others of the member's household) in military family housing provided or leased by the Coast Guard to the individual as a member of the armed forces.

(b) Rental Charges.—The Secretary concerned, pursuant to such regulations, shall require a reasonable rental charge for the continued use of military family housing under subsection (a), except that such Secretary may waive all or any portion of such charge in any case of hardship.

(c) No Transitional Basic Allowance for Housing.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary concerned to continue to provide for any period of time to an individual who is involuntarily separated all or any portion of a basic allowance for housing to which the individual was entitled under section 403 of title 37 immediately before being involuntarily separated, even in cases in which the individual or members of the individual's household continue to reside after the separation in a housing unit acquired or constructed under the alternative authority of subchapter IV of chapter 169 of this title that is not owned or leased by the United States.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–239, §632(a)(1), substituted "October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018" for "October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §632(a)(2), (c), substituted "The Secretary concerned" for "The Secretary of Transportation" and "October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018" for "October 1, 1994, and ending on December 31, 2001".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–239, §632(b), added subsec. (c).

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001" in pars. (1) and (2).

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–261, §561(j)(1), substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–261, §561(j)(2), substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1994".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "nine-year period" for "five-year period".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Transfer of Functions

§1148. Relocation assistance for personnel overseas

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a program specifically to assist members of the armed forces stationed overseas who are preparing for discharge or release from active duty, and the dependents of such members, in readjusting to civilian life. The program shall focus on the special needs and requirements of such members and dependents due to their overseas locations and shall include, to the maximum extent possible, computerized job relocation assistance and job search information.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1556; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(7), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation" after "Secretary of Defense".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pilot Program

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(d), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1558, required the Secretary of Defense to carry out the program required by this section during fiscal year 1991 at not less than 10 military installations located outside the United States.

§1149. Excess leave and permissive temporary duty

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary concerned shall grant a member of the armed forces who is to be involuntarily separated such excess leave (for a period not in excess of 30 days), or such permissive temporary duty (for a period not in excess of 10 days), as the member requires in order to facilitate the member's carrying out necessary relocation activities (such as job search and residence search activities), unless to do so would interfere with military missions.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1557; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(8), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(17), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Pub. L. 112–239 inserted "when it is not operating as a service in the Navy" after "Coast Guard".

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 inserted "or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard" after "Secretary of Defense" and struck out "of the military department" before "concerned".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

§1150. Affiliation with Guard and Reserve units: waiver of certain limitations

(a) Preference for Certain Persons.—A person who is separated from the armed forces during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001, and who applies to become a member of a National Guard or Reserve unit within one year after the date of such separation shall be given preference over other equally qualified applicants for existing or projected vacancies within the unit to which the member applies.

(b) Limited Waiver of Strength Limitations.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a person covered by subsection (a) who enters a National Guard or Reserve unit pursuant to an application described in such subsection may be retained in that unit for up to three years without regard to reserve-component strength limitations so long as the individual maintains good standing in that unit.

(c) Coast Guard.—This section shall apply to the Coast Guard in the same manner and to the same extent as it applies to the Department of Defense. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe regulations to implement this section for the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1557; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §514, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2406; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(j), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §542(a)(9), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §561(p), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2027; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §571(o)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-135; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(18), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted "when it is not operating as a service in the Navy" after "for the Coast Guard".

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990".

1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337 added subsec. (c).

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "nine-year period" for "five-year period".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 struck out "involuntarily" after "who is".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

§1151. Retention of assistive technology and services provided before separation

(a) Authority.—A member of the armed forces who is provided an assistive technology or assistive technology device for a severe or debilitating illness or injury incurred or aggravated by such member while on active duty may, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, be authorized to retain such assistive technology or assistive technology device upon the separation of the member from active service.

(b) Definitions.—In this section, the terms "assistive technology" and "assistive technology device" have the meaning given those terms in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002).

(Added Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §561(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2219.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1151, added Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4441(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2725; amended Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §201(f)(1), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 99; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(k), title XIII, §1331(a)–(c)(1), (d)–(g), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668, 1791-1793; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(c), title X, §1070(a)(7), title XI, §1131(a), (b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2769, 2855, 2871; Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §391(b)(1), (2), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4021; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1503(a)(10), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 511; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §576(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2535; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(19), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901, related to assistance to separated members to obtain certification and employment as teachers or employment as teachers' aides, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title XVII, §1707(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 823.

§1152. Assistance to eligible members and former members to obtain employment with law enforcement agencies

(a) Placement Program.—The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, may enter into an agreement with the Attorney General to establish or participate in a program to assist eligible members and former members of the armed forces to obtain employment as law enforcement officers with eligible law enforcement agencies following the discharge or release of such members or former members from active duty. Eligible law enforcement agencies shall consist of State law enforcement agencies, local law enforcement agencies, and Indian tribes that perform law enforcement functions (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior).

(b) Eligible Members.—Any individual who, during the 6-year period beginning on October 1, 1993, is a member of the armed forces and is separated with an honorable discharge or is released from service on active duty characterized as honorable by the Secretary concerned shall be eligible to participate in a program covered by an agreement referred to in subsection (a).

(c) Selection.—In the selection of applicants for participation in a program covered by an agreement referred to in subsection (a), preference shall be given to a member or former member who—

(1) is selected for involuntary separation, is approved for separation under section 1174a or 1175 of this title, or retires pursuant to the authority provided in section 4403 of the Defense Conversion, Reinvestment, and Transition Assistance Act of 1992 (division D of Public Law 102–484; 10 U.S.C. 1293 note); and

(2) has a military occupational specialty, training, or experience related to law enforcement (such as service as a member of the military police) or satisfies such other criteria for selection as the Secretary, the Attorney General, or a participating eligible law enforcement agency prescribed in accordance with the agreement.

(d) Grants To Facilitate Employment.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, may provide funds to the Attorney General for grants under this section to reimburse participating eligible law enforcement agencies for costs, including salary and fringe benefits, of employing members or former members pursuant to a program referred to in subsection (a).

(2) No grant with respect to an eligible member or former member may exceed a total of $50,000.

(3) Any grant with respect to an eligible member or former member shall be disbursed within 5 years after the date of the placement of a member or former member with a participating eligible law enforcement agency.

(4) Preference in awarding grants through existing law enforcement hiring programs shall be given to State or local law enforcement agencies or Indian tribes that agree to hire eligible members and former members.

(e) Administrative Expenses.—Ten percent of the amount, if any, appropriated for a fiscal year to carry out the program established pursuant to subsection (a) may be used to administer the program.

(f) Requirement for Appropriation.—No person may be selected to participate in the program established pursuant to subsection (a) unless a sufficient amount of appropriated funds is available at the time of the selection to satisfy the obligations to be incurred by the United States under an agreement referred to in subsection (a) that applies with respect to the person.

(g) Authority To Expand Placement To Include Firefighters.—(1) The Secretary may expand the placement activities authorized by subsection (a) to include the placement of eligible members and former members and eligible civilian employees of the Department of Defense as firefighters or members of rescue squads or ambulance crews with public fire departments.

(2) The expansion authorized by this subsection may be made through a program covered by an agreement referred to in subsection (a), if feasible, or in such other manner as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) A civilian employee of the Department of Defense shall be eligible to participate in the expanded placement activities authorized under this subsection if the employee, during the six-year period beginning October 1, 1993, is terminated from such employment as a result of reductions in defense spending or the closure or realignment of a military installation, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XIII, §1332(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1793; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(d), title XI, §1132(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2771, 2872; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1503(a)(11), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 511; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §575, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2535; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(20), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsecs. (a), (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1997—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–85 inserted "(1)" before "The Secretary may".

1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–201, in heading, substituted "Authority To Expand Placement To Include Firefighters" for "Conditional Expansion of Placement to Include Firefighters", in par. (1), substituted "The Secretary may" for "(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may", and in par. (2), struck out "The Secretary may implement the expansion authorized by this subsection only if the Secretary certifies to Congress not later than April 3, 1994, that such expansion will facilitate personnel transition programs of the Department of Defense." after "(2)" and inserted "authorized by this subsection" after "The expansion".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "not later than April 3, 1994," for "not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §543(d), inserted ", and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard," after "Secretary of Defense" in subsecs. (a) and (d).

Pub. L. 103–337, §1132(a)(1), substituted "eligible members and former members" for "separated members" in section catchline and amended text generally, substituting subsecs. (a) to (g) for former subsecs. (a) to (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

§1153. Assistance to separated members to obtain employment with health care providers

(a) Placement Program.—The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, may establish a program to assist eligible members of the armed forces to obtain employment with health care providers upon their discharge or release from active duty.

(b) Eligible Members.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member shall be eligible for selection to participate in the program established under subsection (a) if the member—

(A) is selected for involuntary separation, is approved for separation under section 1174a or 1175 of this title, or retires pursuant to the authority provided in section 4403 of the Defense Conversion, Reinvestment, and Transition Assistance Act of 1992 (division D of Public Law 102–484; 10 U.S.C. 1293 note) during the six-year period beginning on October 1, 1993;

(B) has received an associate degree, baccalaureate, or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education or a junior or community college; and

(C) has a military occupational specialty, training, or experience related to health care, is likely to be able to obtain such training in a short period of time (as determined by the Secretary concerned), or satisfies such other criteria for selection as the Secretary concerned may prescribe.

(2) For purposes of this section, a former member of the armed forces who did not meet the minimum educational qualification criterion set forth in paragraph (1)(B) for placement assistance before discharge or release from active duty shall be considered to be a member satisfying such educational qualification criterion upon satisfying that criterion within five years after discharge or release from active duty.

(3) A member who is discharged or released from service under other than honorable conditions shall not be eligible to participate in the program.

(c) Selection of Participants.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, shall select members to participate in the program established under subsection (a) on the basis of applications submitted to the Secretary concerned not later than one year after the date of the discharge or release of the members from active duty or, in the case of an applicant becoming educationally qualified for teacher placement assistance in accordance with subsection (b)(2), not later than one year after the date on which the applicant becomes educationally qualified. An application shall be in such form and contain such information as the Secretaries may require.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, may not select a member to participate in the program unless the Secretary concerned has sufficient appropriations for the placement program available at the time of the selection to satisfy the obligations to be incurred by the United States under subsection (d) with respect to that member.

(3)(A) The Secretaries shall provide under the program for identifying, during each fiscal year in the period referred to in subsection (b)(1)(A), noncommissioned officers who, on or before the end of such fiscal year, will have completed 10 or more years of continuous active duty, who have the potential to perform competently in employment positions with health care providers, but who do not satisfy the minimum educational qualification criterion under subsection (b)(1)(B) for placement assistance.

(B) The Secretaries shall inform noncommissioned officers identified under subparagraph (A) of the opportunity to qualify in accordance with subsection (b)(2) for placement assistance under the program.

(d) Grants to Facilitate Employment.—(1) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security may enter into an agreement with a health care provider to assist eligible members selected under subsection (c) to obtain suitable employment with the health care provider. Under such an agreement, a health care provider shall agree to employ a participant in the program on a full-time basis for at least five years.

(2) Under an agreement referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall agree to pay to the health care provider involved an amount based upon the basic salary paid by the health care provider to the participant. The rate of payment by the Secretary concerned shall be as follows:

(A) For the first year of employment, 50 percent of the basic salary, except that the payment may not exceed $25,000.

(B) For the second year of employment, 40 percent of the basic salary, except that the payment may not exceed $10,000.

(D) For the fourth year of employment, 20 percent of the basic salary, except that the payment may not exceed $5,000.

(E) For the fifth year of employment, 10 percent of the basic salary, except that the payment may not exceed $2,500.

(3) Payments required under paragraph (2) may be made by the Secretary concerned in such installments as the Secretary concerned may determine.

(4) If a participant who is placed under this program leaves the employment of the health care provider before the end of the five years of required employment service, the provider shall reimburse the Secretary concerned in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total amount already paid under the agreement as the unserved portion bears to the five years of required service.

(5) The Secretary concerned may not make a grant under this subsection to a health care provider if the Secretary concerned determines that the provider terminated the employment of another employee in order to fill the vacancy so created with a participant in this program.

(e) Agreements With States.—(1) In addition to the agreements referred to in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, may enter into an agreement directly with a State to allow the State to arrange the placement of participants in the program with health care providers. Paragraphs (2) through (5) of subsection (d) shall apply with respect to any placement made through such an agreement.

(2) The Secretary concerned may reserve up to 10 percent of the funds made available to carry out the program for a fiscal year for the placement of participants through agreements entered into under paragraph (1).

(f) Definitions.—In this section, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Palau, and the Virgin Islands.

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XIII, §1332(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1795; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §543(e), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2771; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsecs. (a), (c)(1), (2), (d)(1), (e)(1). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(1), inserted ", and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard," after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(2), struck out "by the Secretary of Defense" after "selection" in introductory provisions and inserted "concerned" after "Secretary" in two places in subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(3), inserted ", and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard," after "Secretary of Defense" and "concerned" after "to the Secretary" and substituted "Secretaries may" for "Secretary may".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(4), inserted "of Defense, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard," after "The Secretary" and "concerned" after "unless the Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(5), substituted "Secretaries" for "Secretary" in subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(6)(A), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation" after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(6)(B), inserted "concerned" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(7)(A), inserted ", and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard," after "the Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §543(e)(7)(B), inserted "concerned" after "The Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

§1154. Assistance to eligible members and former members to obtain employment as teachers: Troops-to-Teachers Program

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Charter school.—The term "charter school" has the meaning given that term in section 4310 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(2) Eligible school.—The term "eligible school" means—

(A) a public school, including a charter school, at which—

(i) at least 30 percent of the students enrolled in the school are from families with incomes below 185 percent of poverty level (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised at least annually in accordance with section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)) applicable to a family of the size involved; or

(ii) at least 13 percent of the students enrolled in the school qualify for assistance under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.);

(B) a Bureau-funded school as defined in section 1141(3) of the Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021(3)); or

(3) High-need school.—The term "high-need school" means—

(A) an elementary or middle school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled students are children from low-income families, based on the number of children eligible for free and reduced priced lunches under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), the number of children in families receiving assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the number of children eligible to receive medical assistance under the Medicaid program, or a composite of these indicators;

(B) a high school in which at least 40 percent of enrolled students are children from low-income families, which may be calculated using comparable data from feeder schools;

(C) a school that is in a local educational agency that is eligible under section 5211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; or

(D) a Job Corps center as defined in section 147 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3197).

(4) Member of the armed forces.—The term "member of the armed forces" includes a retired or former member of the armed forces.

(5) Participant.—The term "participant" means an eligible member of the armed forces selected to participate in the Program.

(6) Program.—The term "Program" means the Troops-to-Teachers Program authorized by this section.

(7) Secretary.—The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Defense.

(8) Additional terms.—The terms "elementary school", "local educational agency", "secondary school", and "State" have the meanings given those terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(b) Program Authorization.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a Troops-to-Teachers Program—

(1) to assist eligible members of the armed forces described in subsection (d) to meet the requirements necessary to become a teacher in a school described in paragraph (2); and

(2) to facilitate the employment of such members—

(A) by local educational agencies or charter schools that the Secretary of Education identifies as—

(i) receiving grants under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) as a result of having within their jurisdictions concentrations of children from low-income families; or

(ii) experiencing a shortage of teachers, in particular a shortage of science, mathematics, special education, foreign language, or career or technical teachers;

(B) in elementary schools or secondary schools, or as career or technical teachers; and

(C) as administrators and instructors of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps under section 2031(d) of this title.

(c) Counseling and Referral Services.—The Secretary may provide counseling and referral services to members of the armed forces who do not meet the eligibility criteria described in subsection (d), including the education qualification requirements under paragraph (3)(B) of such subsection.

(d) Eligibility and Application Process.—

(1) Eligible members.—The following members of the armed forces are eligible for selection to participate in the Program:

(A) Any member who—

(i) on or after October 1, 1999, becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay under this title or title 14;

(ii) has an approved date of retirement that is within one year after the date on which the member submits an application to participate in the Program; or

(iii) has been transferred to the Retired Reserve.

(B) Any member who, on or after January 8, 2002—

(i)(I) is separated or released from active duty after four or more years of continuous active duty immediately before the separation or release; or

(II) has completed a total of at least six years of active duty service, six years of service computed under section 12732 of this title, or six years of any combination of such service; and

(ii) executes a reserve commitment agreement for a period of not less than three years under paragraph (5)(B).

(C) Any member who, on or after January 8, 2002, is retired or separated for physical disability under chapter 61 of this title.

(2) Submission of applications.—(A) Selection of eligible members of the armed forces to participate in the Program shall be made on the basis of applications submitted to the Secretary within the time periods specified in subparagraph (B). An application shall be in such form and contain such information as the Secretary may require.

(B) In the case of an eligible member of the armed forces described in subparagraph (A)(i), (A)(iii), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1), an application shall be considered to be submitted on a timely basis if the application is submitted not later than three years after the date on which the member is retired, transferred to the Retired Reserve, or separated or released from active duty, whichever applies to the member.

(3) Selection criteria; educational background requirements; honorable service requirement.—(A) The Secretary shall prescribe the criteria to be used to select eligible members of the armed forces to participate in the Program.

(B) If a member of the armed forces is applying for the Program to receive assistance for placement as an elementary school or secondary school teacher, the Secretary shall require the member to have received a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

(C) If a member of the armed forces is applying for the Program to receive assistance for placement as a career or technical teacher, the Secretary shall require the member—

(i) to have received the equivalent of one year of college from an accredited institution of higher education or the equivalent in military education and training as certified by the Department of Defense; or

(ii) to otherwise meet the certification or licensing requirements for a career or technical teacher in the State in which the member seeks assistance for placement under the Program.

(D) A member of the armed forces is eligible to participate in the Program only if the member's last period of service in the armed forces was honorable, as characterized by the Secretary concerned. A member selected to participate in the Program before the retirement of the member, the transfer of the member to the Retired Reserve, or the separation or release of the member from active duty may continue to participate in the Program after the retirement, transfer, separation, or release only if the member's last period of service is characterized as honorable by the Secretary concerned.

(4) Selection priorities.—In selecting eligible members of the armed forces to receive assistance under the Program, the Secretary—

(A) shall give priority to members who—

(i) have educational or military experience in science, mathematics, special education, foreign language, or career or technical subjects; and

(ii) agree to seek employment as science, mathematics, foreign language, or special education teachers in elementary schools or secondary schools or Job Corps centers or in other schools under the jurisdiction of a local educational agency; and

(B) may give priority to members who agree to seek employment in a high-need school.

(5) Other conditions on selection.—(A) Subject to subsection (i), the Secretary may not select an eligible member of the armed forces to participate in the Program and receive financial assistance unless the Secretary has sufficient appropriations for the Program available at the time of the selection to satisfy the obligations to be incurred by the United States under subsection (e) with respect to the member.

(B) The Secretary may not select an eligible member of the armed forces described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) to participate in the Program and receive financial assistance under subsection (e) unless the member executes a written agreement to serve as a member of the Selected Reserve of a reserve component of the armed forces for a period of not less than three years.

(e) Participation Agreement and Financial Assistance.—

(1) Participation agreement.—(A) An eligible member of the armed forces selected to participate in the Program under subsection (b) and to receive financial assistance under this subsection shall be required to enter into an agreement with the Secretary in which the member agrees—

(i) within such time as the Secretary may require, to meet the requirements necessary to become a teacher in a school described in subsection (b)(2); and

(ii) to accept an offer of full-time employment as an elementary school teacher, secondary school teacher, or career or technical teacher for not less than three school years in an eligible school to begin the school year after obtaining that certification or licensing.

(B) The Secretary may waive the three-year commitment described in subparagraph (A)(ii) for a participant if the Secretary determines such waiver to be appropriate. If the Secretary provides the waiver, the participant shall not be considered to be in violation of the agreement and shall not be required to provide reimbursement under subsection (f), for failure to meet the three-year commitment.

(2) Violation of participation agreement; exceptions.—A participant shall not be considered to be in violation of the participation agreement entered into under paragraph (1) during any period in which the participant—

(A) is pursuing a full-time course of study related to the field of teaching at an institution of higher education;

(B) is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces;

(C) is temporarily totally disabled for a period of time not to exceed three years as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified physician;

(D) is unable to secure employment for a period not to exceed 12 months by reason of the care required by a spouse who is disabled;

(E) is unable to find full-time employment as a teacher in an eligible elementary school or secondary school or Job Corps center or as a career or technical teacher for a single period not to exceed 27 months; or

(F) satisfies the provisions of additional reimbursement exceptions that may be prescribed by the Secretary.

(3) Stipend and bonus for participants.—(A) Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary may pay to a participant a stipend to cover expenses incurred by the participant to obtain the required educational level, certification, or licensing. Such stipend may not exceed $5,000 and may vary by participant.

(B)(i) Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary may pay a bonus to a participant who agrees in the participation agreement under paragraph (1) to accept full-time employment as an elementary school teacher, secondary school teacher, or career or technical teacher for not less than three school years in an eligible school.

(ii) The amount of the bonus may not exceed $5,000, unless the eligible school is a high-need school, in which case the amount of the bonus may not exceed $10,000. Within such limits, the bonus may vary by participant and may take into account the priority placements as determined by the Secretary.

(C)(i) The total number of stipends that may be paid under subparagraph (A) in any fiscal year may not exceed 5,000.

(ii) The total number of bonuses that may be paid under subparagraph (B) in any fiscal year may not exceed 3,000.

(iii) A participant may not receive a stipend under subparagraph (A) if the participant is eligible for benefits under chapter 33 of title 38.

(iv) The combination of a stipend under subparagraph (A) and a bonus under subparagraph (B) for any one participant may not exceed $10,000.

(4) Treatment of stipend and bonus.—A stipend or bonus paid under this subsection to a participant shall be taken into account in determining the eligibility of the participant for Federal student financial assistance provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).

(f) Reimbursement Under Certain Circumstances.—

(1) Reimbursement required.—A participant who is paid a stipend or bonus under this subsection shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 373 of title 37 under the following circumstances:

(A) The participant fails to meet the requirements necessary to become a teacher in a school described in subsection (b)(2) or to obtain employment as an elementary school teacher, secondary school teacher, or career or technical teacher as required by the participation agreement under subsection (e)(1).

(B) The participant voluntarily leaves, or is terminated for cause from, employment as an elementary school teacher, secondary school teacher, or career or technical teacher during the three years of required service in violation of the participation agreement.

(C) The participant executed a written agreement with the Secretary concerned under subsection (d)(5)(B) to serve as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces for a period of three years and fails to complete the required term of service.

(2) Amount of reimbursement.—A participant required to reimburse the Secretary for a stipend or bonus paid to the participant under subsection (e) shall pay an amount that bears the same ratio to the amount of the stipend or bonus as the unserved portion of required service bears to the three years of required service.

(3) Interest.—Any amount owed by a participant under this subsection shall bear interest at the rate equal to the highest rate being paid by the United States on the day on which the reimbursement is determined to be due for securities having maturities of 90 days or less and shall accrue from the day on which the participant is first notified of the amount due.

(4) Exceptions to reimbursement requirement.—A participant shall be excused from reimbursement under this subsection if the participant becomes permanently totally disabled as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified physician. The Secretary may also waive the reimbursement in cases of extreme hardship to the participant, as determined by the Secretary.

(g) Relationship to Educational Assistance Under Montgomery GI Bill.—Except as provided in subsection (e)(3)(C)(iii), the receipt by a participant of a stipend or bonus under subsection (e) shall not reduce or otherwise affect the entitlement of the participant to any benefits under chapter 30 or 33 of title 38 or chapter 1606 of this title.

(h) Participation by States.—

(1) Discharge of state activities through consortia of states.—The Secretary may permit States participating in the Program to carry out activities authorized for such States under the Program through one or more consortia of such States.

(2) Assistance to states.—(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may make grants to States participating in the Program, or to consortia of such States, in order to permit such States or consortia of States to operate offices for purposes of recruiting eligible members of the armed forces for participation in the Program and facilitating the employment of participants as elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and career or technical teachers.

(B) The total amount of grants made under subparagraph (A) in any fiscal year may not exceed $5,000,000.

(i) Annual Report.—(1) Not later than December 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the Program.

(2) The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

(A) The total cost of the Program for the most recent fiscal year.

(B) The total number of teachers placed during such fiscal year and the locations of such placements.

(C) An assessment of the STEM backgrounds of the teachers placed, the number of placements in high-need schools, and any other metric or information the Secretary considers appropriate to illustrate the cost and benefits of the program to members of the armed forces, veterans, and local educational agencies.

(3) In this subsection, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Help, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.

(j) Limitation on Total Fiscal-year Obligations.—The total amount obligated by the Secretary under the Program for any fiscal year may not exceed $15,000,000.

(k) Sunset.—The Program shall terminate on July 1, 2027, with respect to the selection of new participants for the program. Participants in the Program as of that date may complete their program, and remain eligible for benefits under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §541(b)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1729; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(f)(14), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3510; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(uuu)(2), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2190; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §554, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1773; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §551, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1734; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §§573, 574, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 276, 277.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (3)(C), (8) and (b)(2)(A)(i), is Pub. L. 89–10, Apr. 11, 1965, 79 Stat. 27. Sections 4310, 5211(b), and 8101 of the Act are classified to sections 7221i, 7345(b), and 7801, respectively, of Title 20, Education. Part A of title I of the Act is classified generally to part A (§6311 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 70 of Title 20. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6301 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175. Part B of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§1411 et seq.) of chapter 33 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is act June 4, 1946, ch. 281, 60 Stat. 230, which is classified generally to chapter 13 (§1751 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1751 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to part A (§601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (e)(4), is Pub. L. 89–329, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1219. Title IV of the Act is classified generally to subchapter IV (§1070 et seq.) of chapter 28 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 20 and Tables.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 118–31, §573(1)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(3)(D). Pub. L. 118–31, §573(1)(B), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 118–31, §574(1), added subpar (C).

Subsec. (d)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 118–31, §573(2), inserted "or Job Corps centers" after "secondary schools".

Subsec. (e)(2)(E). Pub. L. 118–31, §573(3), inserted "or Job Corps center" after "secondary school".

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 118–31, §574(2), substituted "2027" for "2025".

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81, §551(a), substituted "shall" for "may" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 117–81, §551(b), added subsec. (i) and redesignated former subsec. (i) as (j).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 117–81, §551(c), added subsec. (k).

2018—Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–232, §554(a), inserted "(A)(iii)," after "(A)(i)," and "transferred to the Retired Reserve, or" after "member is retired," and substituted "separated or released" for "separated, or released".

Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 115–232, §554(b), inserted ", the transfer of the member to the Retired Reserve," after "retirement of the member" and "transfer," after "after the retirement,".

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–95, §9215(uuu)(2)(A), substituted "section 4310 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965" for "section 5210(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7221i(1))".

Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 114–95, §9215(uuu)(2)(B), substituted "section 5211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965" for "section 6211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7345(b))".

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 114–95, §9215(uuu)(2)(C), substituted "section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965" for "section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)".

2014—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "20 U.S.C. 1411" for "20 U.S.C.1411".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Education and Labor of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Education and the Workforce of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Transfer of Functions for Troops-to-Teachers Program; Existing Agreements

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §541(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1728, provided that:

"(1) Transfer.—The responsibility and authority for operation and administration of the Troops-to-Teachers Program in chapter A of subpart 1 of part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([former] 20 U.S.C. 6671 et seq.) is transferred from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Defense.

"(2) Memorandum of agreement.—In connection with the transfer of responsibility and authority for operation and administration of the Troops-to-Teachers Program from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall enter into a memorandum of agreement pursuant to which the Secretary of Education will undertake the following:

"(A) Disseminate information about the Troops-to-Teachers Program to eligible schools (as defined in subsection (a) of section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b)).

"(B) Advise the Department of Defense on how to prepare eligible members of the Armed Forces described in subsection (d) of such section 1154 to become participants in the Program, to meet the requirements necessary to become a teacher in a school described in subsection (b)(2) of such section 1154, and to find post-service employment in an eligible school.

"(C) Advise the Department of Defense on how to identify teacher preparation programs for participants in the Program.

"(D) Inform the Department of Defense of academic subject areas with critical teacher shortages.

"(E) Identify geographic areas with critical teacher shortages, especially in high-need schools (as defined in subsection (a) of such section 1154).

"(3) Effective date.—The transfer of responsibility and authority for operation and administration of the Troops-to-Teachers Program under paragraph (1) shall take effect—

"(A) on the first day of the first month beginning more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013]; or

"(B) on such earlier date as the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Defense may jointly provide."

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §541(d)(3), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1735, provided that: "The repeal of chapter A of subpart 1 of part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([former] 20 U.S.C. 6671 et seq.) by paragraph (1) shall not affect—

"(A) the validity or terms of any agreement entered into under such chapter, as in effect immediately before such repeal, before the effective date of the transfer of the Troops-to-Teachers Program under subsection (a) [set out as a note above]; or

"(B) the authority to pay assistance, make grants, or obtain reimbursement in connection with such an agreement as in effect before the effective date of the transfer of the Troops-to-Teachers Program under subsection (a)."

§1155. Statement of benefits

(a) Before Separation.—Not later than 30 days before a member retires, is released, is discharged, or otherwise separates from the armed forces (or as soon as is practicable in the case of an unanticipated separation), the Secretary concerned shall provide that member with a current assessment of all benefits to which that member may be entitled under laws administered by—

(1) the Secretary of Defense; and

(2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(b) Statement for Reserves.—The Secretary concerned shall provide a member of a reserve component with a current assessment of benefits described in subsection (a) upon release of that member from active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §522(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1756.)