National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

The status of the implementation by the Secretary of the recommendations specified on pages 30 to 34 of the report by the Inspector General.

The value of the parts remaining in warehouse that may still be used by the Secretary for the repair, upgrade, or reset of Stryker vehicles.

The value of the parts remaining in the warehouse that are no longer usable by the Secretary for the repair, upgrade, or reset of Stryker vehicles.

A cost estimate of the monthly cost of maintaining the inventory of such parts that are no longer usable by the Secretary.

Any other matters the Secretary considers appropriate.

budget uncertainty and reduced defense procurements have had negative impacts on the tactical vehicle industrial base; and

in such environment, the Army should consider innovative contracting and acquisition strategies to maximize cost savings, improve the sustainment of the tactical vehicle industrial base, and reduce risk during this downturn in defense procurement.

Study

The Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, shall conduct a study of the desirability and feasibility of requesting legislative authority, in accordance with section 2306b of title 10, United States Code, to enter into one or more multiyear, multivehicle contracts for the procurement of tactical vehicles beginning in fiscal year 2015 or thereafter.

Report

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the possible multiyear, multivehicle contracting options and other innovative contracting options considered in the study under paragraph (1). Such report should include the following:

In general

Subsection (b) of such section is amended—

Limitation on adjustment

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

The report required by subsection (b)(1).

A coordinated determination by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics that successful completion of the test evaluation master plan for both seaframes and each mission module will demonstrate operational effectiveness and operational suitability.

A certification that the Joint Requirements Oversight Council—

A report on the expected performance of each seaframe variant and mission module against the current or updated capabilities development document.

Certification that a capability production document will be completed for each mission module before operational testing.

In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief of Naval Operations, in coordination with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the current concept of operations and expected survivability attributes of each of the Littoral Combat Ship seaframes.

Elements

The report required by paragraph (1) shall set forth the following:

Form

The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in classified form and unclassified form.

take any action to cancel or modify the avionics modernization program of record for C–130 aircraft; or

initiate an alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program for C–130 aircraft that is designed or intended to replace the avionics modernization program described in paragraph (1).

In general

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2014 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to make significant changes to manning levels with respect to covered aircraft or to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage a covered aircraft.

Covered aircraft

In this subsection, the term covered aircraft means the following:

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on all high-altitude airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems operated, or planned for future operation, by the Department of Defense.

Matters included

The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

Form

The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—

Plan required

The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan for the potential transfer of MC–12 Liberty intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft from the Air Force to the Army pursuant to subsection (a).

Elements

The plan required by paragraph (1) shall—

Prohibition on availability of funds for procurement

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2014 for the Army may be obligated or expended to procure additional aircraft under the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System program during fiscal year 2014.

Conversion of aircraft

The Secretary of the Army shall convert aircraft described in paragraph (3) to the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System program configuration to meet the requirements of the Army. The Secretary shall carry out this paragraph using funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2013 or 2014 for the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System program.

Aircraft described

The aircraft described in this paragraph are the following:

In general

Not later than the date on which the budget of the President for fiscal year 2015 is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the plan required by subsection (b)(1).

Form

The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means—

In general

The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a plan to implement the new acquisition strategy for the evolved expendable launch vehicle program described in the acquisition decision memorandum dated November 27, 2012.

Matters included

The plan to implement the new acquisition strategy for the evolved expendable launch vehicle program under paragraph (1) shall include a general description of how the Secretary will conduct competition with respect to awarding a contract to certified evolved expendable launch vehicle providers. Such description may include the following with respect to such acquisition strategy:

In general

At the same time that the Secretary issues a draft of the request for proposals with respect to a contract for the evolved expendable launch vehicle provider, the Secretary shall—

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means the following:

In general

Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall enter into a contract with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study to identify and assess cost-effective and efficient alternative means for the procurement and research and development of personal protection equipment that supports and promotes competition and innovation in the personal protection equipment industrial base.

Submission

Not later than 120 days after the date on which the contract is entered into under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center conducting the study under such paragraph shall submit to the Secretary the study, including any findings and recommendations.

Report

Personal protection equipment

In this subsection, the term personal protection equipment includes—

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of members of the Armed Forces of the ejection seats currently in operational use by the Air Force.

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

in paragraph (2)(A), by striking goals and inserting objectives;

by striking paragraph (3);

by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and

in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this subsection, by striking for the programs of that agency and inserting for programs demonstrating military systems to one or more of the armed forces.

the current cost estimate and schedule, as of the date of the report, for all segments of the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike system program;

any changes to such cost estimate or schedule from the previous report; and

an explanation for any changes to the cost estimate or schedule or to the key performance parameters or key system attributes used for such program.

Review

The Comptroller General of the United States shall annually conduct a review of the acquisition program for the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike system.

Report

Not later than March 1 of each year, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review under paragraph (1).

Elements

Each report under paragraph (2) shall include such matters as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to fully inform the congressional defense committees of the status of the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike system program. Such matters should include, at a minimum, the following:

Sunset

The Comptroller General shall carry out this subsection until the earlier of—

A description of how the Application Software Assurance Center of Excellence is used to support the software assurance activities of the Air Force and other elements of the Department of Defense, including pursuant to section 933 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note).

A description of the resources used to support the Center of Excellence from the beginning of the Center through fiscal year 2014.

The plan of the Secretary for sustaining the Center of Excellence during the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted in 2013 under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.

In general

The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a follow-on air-launched cruise missile to the AGM–86 that—

Consecutive development

In developing a follow-on air-launched cruise missile to the AGM–86 in accordance with paragraph (1), the Secretary may carry out development and production activities with respect to nuclear missions prior to carrying out such activities with respect to conventional missions if the Secretary determines such consecutive order of development and production activities to be cost effective.

Prohibition

Except as provided by paragraph (2), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2014 for the offensive anti-surface warfare weapon may be used to enter into or modify a contract using procedures other than competitive procedures (as defined in section 2302(2) of title 10, United States Code).

Exemption; waiver

Review

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics shall establish an independent team consisting of subject matter experts to review the development of software for the F–35 aircraft program (in this subsection referred to as the software development program), including by reviewing the progress made with respect to—

Report

Not later than March 3, 2014, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review under paragraph (1). Such report shall include the following:

Current plans for acquisition of technical data rights to autonomic logistics information system software and the potential competitive sustainment of elements of the autonomic logistics information system.

How sustainment of the autonomic logistics information system may take advantage of public-private partnerships authorized by section 2474 of title 10, United States Code, including schedules for actions necessary for such sustainment.

Any current plan to select, designate, and activate any Government-owned and Government-operated site to serve as the autonomic logistics operating unit.

Current plans to ensure that the autonomic logistics information system provides total asset visibility and accountability, including asset valuation and tracking, and for potential integration with other automated logistics systems.

Requirement

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics shall conduct an analysis of capability components that are compliant with the intelligence community data standards and could be used to meet the requirements of the distributed common ground system program.

Elements

The analysis required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Submission

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees the results of the analysis conducted under paragraph (1).

The Secretary of the Army, with respect to matters concerning the Army.

The Secretary of the Navy, with respect to matters concerning the Navy.

The Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, with respect to matters concerning the Marine Corps.

The Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, with respect to matters concerning the United States Special Operations Command.

it remains the policy of the United States, as expressed in section 913(a) of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 120 Stat. 2355), to demonstrate, acquire, and deploy an effective capability for operationally responsive space to support military users and operations from space, which shall consist of—

the Operationally Responsive Space Program Office has demonstrated through multiple launches since 2009 an ability to accomplish many of the policy objectives of the Operationally Responsive Space Program through specific missions, but has not executed a mission that leverages all policy objectives of such Program in a single mission.

procuring the existing Blue Devil 1 system;

developing a new system; or

basing a new system on capabilities that are adapted and integrated from existing programs and programs being developed.

the potential cost of procuring, operating, and sustaining current Blue Devil 1 systems for fiscal years 2014 through 2019, including costs relating to procurement, research and development, personnel, operation and maintenance, and military construction;

the ability of other current platforms and subsystems as of the date of the report to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support similar to the support provided by the current Blue Devil 1 system; and

a listing of programs of the Air Force and other programs of the Department of Defense in development as of the date of the report that could provide such similar support in the future.

coordinate with the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command regarding the operational needs of the United States Special Operations Command; and

coordinate with the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency with respect to information regarding the transfer to the Air Force of the technology developed under the wide-area network detection program for operational integration of wide-area motion imagery and near-vertical direction-finding data for effective target detection, identification, and tracking for potential incorporation, as practical and appropriate, into other platforms.

the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and

the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining the plans of the Director to improve the quality of cost estimates pursuant to subsection (a).

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

Form

The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form.

Sense of congress

It is the sense of Congress that missile defense systems of the People’s Republic of China should not be integrated into the missile defense systems of the United States or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Prohibition

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2014 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to integrate missile defense systems of the People’s Republic of China into missile defense systems of the United States.

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status and progress of regional missile defense programs and efforts.

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Form

The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

In general

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2014 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, for the Missile Defense Agency, not more than $15,000,000 may be obligated or expended for nonrecurring engineering costs in connection with the establishment of a capacity for co-production in the United States by industry of the United States of parts and components for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense program. Such obligation or expenditure shall be made pursuant to an agreement described in paragraph (2).

Agreement described

An agreement described in this paragraph is an agreement entered into by the Government of the United States and the Government of Israel with respect to the co-production in the United States of parts and components for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense program.

A description of the estimated cost of implementing the agreement, including the costs to be paid by industry.

The expected schedule to implement the agreement.

A description of any efforts to minimize the costs of the agreement to the Government of the United States.

In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of missile defense cooperation between the United States and Israel.

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

second-source production of parts and components of the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense program that is based in the United States is in the national security interest of both Israel and the United States; and

the move towards such a second-source capacity in the United States for integration and assembly of all-up rounds of the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense program will further enhance the security of Israel by ensuring added production capability of such vital program.

In general

The Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall deploy a long-range discriminating radar against long-range ballistic missile threats from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Such radar shall be located at a location optimized to support the defense of the homeland of the United States.

Funding

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, for the Missile Defense Agency for BMD Sensors (PE 63884C), as specified in the funding table in section 4201, $30,000,000 shall be available for initial costs toward the deployment of the radar required by paragraph (1).

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Secretary is able to deploy additional tracking and discrimination sensor capabilities to support the defense of the homeland of the United States from future long-range ballistic missile threats that emerge from Iran.

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that details what sensor capabilities of the United States, including re-locatable land- and sea-based capabilities, are or will become available to support the defense of the homeland of the United States from future long-range ballistic missile threats that emerge from Iran. Such report shall include the following:

In general

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, shall conduct an evaluation of options and alternatives for future sensor architectures for ballistic missile defense in order to enhance the ballistic missile defense capabilities of the United States.

Consultation

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the heads of departments and agencies of the Federal Government that the Secretary determines appropriate.

Scope of evaluation

In conducting the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following:

Objective

The objective of the evaluation shall be to identify one or more future sensor architectures for ballistic missile defense that will result in an improvement of the performance of the ballistic missile defense system in a cost-effective, operationally effective, timely, and affordable manner.

Sensor types

At a minimum, the types of sensors as follows:

Sensor modes

Deployment modes of sensors as follows:

Sensor functions

At a minimum, missile defense-related sensor functions as follows:

Sensor architecture capabilities

At a minimum, maximization or improvement of sensor-related capabilities as follows:

In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the results of the evaluation required by subsection (a).

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Secretary with respect to—

Form

The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

options to achieve an improved kill assessment capability for the ground-based midcourse defense system that can be developed as soon as practicable with acceptable acquisition risk, with the objective of achieving initial operating capability by not later than December 31, 2019, including by improving—

a plan to carry out such options that gives priority to including such improved capabilities in at least some of the 14 ground-based interceptors that will be procured by the Director, as announced by the Secretary of Defense on March 15, 2013.

the development of an improved kill assessment capability under subsection (a), including the plan developed under paragraph (2) of such subsection; and

the development of an interim capability for improved hit assessment under subsection (b).

Plan required

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to use covered funding to develop, test, and deploy an upgraded enhanced exo-atmospheric kill vehicle for the ground-based midcourse defense system that—

Priority

In developing the plan for an upgraded enhanced exo-atmospheric kill vehicle under paragraph (1), the Director shall give priority to the following attributes:

Covered funding defined

In this subsection, the term covered funding means—

A description of the current assessment of the threat to the United States from limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate), particularly from countries such as North Korea and Iran, and an assessment of the projected future threat through 2022, including a discussion of confidence levels and uncertainties in such threat assessment.

A description of the current capability of the ballistic missile defense of the homeland of the United States to defend against the current threat of limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate), particularly from countries such as North Korea and Iran.

A description of the status of efforts to correct the problems that caused the flight test failures of the ground-based midcourse defense system in December 2010 and July 2013 and plans for future efforts, including additional flight testing, to demonstrate that the problems have been successfully corrected.

A description of planned improvements to the current ballistic missile defense system of the homeland of the United States, and the enhancements to the capability of such system that would result from such planned improvements, including—

In accordance with subsection (d), a description of potential additional future options for the ballistic missile defense of the homeland of the United States, in addition to the improvements described in paragraph (4), if future ballistic missile threats warrant deployment of such options to increase the capabilities of such ballistic missile defense, including—

Technical feasibility.

Operational effectiveness and utility against the projected future threat.

Cost, cost effectiveness, and affordability.

Schedule considerations.

Agility to respond to changes in future threat evolution.

The total estimated cost directly attributable to the various phases of the phased, adaptive approach to missile defense in Europe, including costs relating to research, development, testing, and evaluation, procurement, and military construction.

With respect to the cost of missile defense for NATO, including the phased, adaptive approach to missile defense in Europe, a description of the level of burden-sharing among members of NATO as of the date of the report, including through contributions made by a member in the form of hosting elements of such approach to missile defense in the territory of the member.

An assessment of, and recommendations for, areas where the Secretary determines that NATO and the members of NATO could improve the burden-sharing among members with respect to the cost of missile defense for NATO described in paragraph (2), including through the possible pooling of missile defense interceptors.

In general

Not later than March 1 of each year beginning in 2014 and ending in 2018, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review of the amphibious combat vehicle acquisition program conducted under subsection (a).

Matters to be included

Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Additional information

In submitting to the congressional defense committees the first report under paragraph (1) and a report following any changes made by the Secretary of the Navy to the baseline documentation of the amphibious combat vehicle acquisition program, the Comptroller General shall include, with respect to such program, an assessment of the sufficiency and objectivity of—

In general

Not later than March 1 each year, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review conducted under subsection (a) during the preceding year.

Elements

Each report under paragraph (1) shall include such matters as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to fully inform the congressional defense committees of the stage of the acquisition process for the VXX Presidential Helicopter aircraft covered by the review described in such report. Such matters may include the following:

the date on which the Navy awards a contract for full-rate production for the VXX Presidential Helicopter aircraft; or

the date on which the acquisition program for such aircraft is terminated.

A brief description of each solution for body armor weight reduction that is being developed as of the date of the report.

For each such solution—

A strategy to provide resources for future research and development of body armor weight reduction.

An explanation of how the Secretary is using a modular or tailorable solution to approach body armor weight reduction.

A description of how the Secretary coordinates the research and development of body armor weight reduction being carried out by the military departments.

Any other matter the Secretary considers appropriate.

in subsection (a)(1)(D), by striking and recapitalization through the period at the end and inserting recapitalization, or minor military construction of the laboratory infrastructure, in accordance with subsection (b).;

by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

An assessment of the roles and responsibilities of the principal staff assistant for biometrics, the program manager for biometrics, and the Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency, including—

An assessment of the current requirements for biometrics-enabling capability, including with respect to—

An evaluation of the most appropriate element of the Department to take responsibility for defining and managing the end-to-end performance of the biometric enterprise, beginning and ending at the point of biometric encounter, as described in the report of the Comptroller General of the United States titled Defense Biometrics: Additional Training for Leaders and More Timely Transmission of Data Could Enhance the Use of Biometrics in Afghanistan, numbered 12–442.

by redesignating subsections (h) and (i) as subsections (i) and (j), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsection (h):

In general

Subject to the requirements of paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation under subparagraph (a) with respect to a purchase.

Notice required

Not later than 30 days after issuing a waiver under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees notice of the waiver. Any such notice shall include each of the following:

The term drop-in fuel means a neat or blended liquid hydrocarbon fuel designed as a direct replacement for a traditional fuel with comparable performance characteristics and compatible with existing infrastructure and equipment

The term traditional fuel means a liquid hydrocarbon fuel derived or refined from petroleum.

The term operational purposes means for the purposes of conducting military operations, including training, exercises, large scale demonstrations, and moving and sustaining military forces and military platforms. Such term does not include research, development, testing, evaluation, fuel certification, or other demonstrations.

In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for implementation of the prepositioning strategic policy required under section 2229(a) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).

Elements

The implementation plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

Manufacturing requirements

The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the military services and Defense Agencies, shall review—

Mechanisms for determining manufacturing capabilities

The Secretary shall review mechanisms within the Department of Defense for ensuring that appropriate consideration is given to the unique manufacturing capabilities of arsenals owned by the United States to fulfill manufacturing requirements of the Department of Defense for which there is no or limited domestic commercial capability.

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall establish a policy setting forth the programs and priorities of the Department of Defense for the retrograde, reconstitution, and replacement of units and materiel used to support overseas contingency operations. The policy shall take into account national security threats, the requirements of the combatant commands, the current readiness of the operating forces of the military departments, and risk associated with strategic depth and the time necessary to reestablish required personnel, equipment, and training readiness in such operating forces.

Elements

The policy required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for implementation of the policy required under this section.

Elements

The implementation plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

Updates

Not later than one year after submitting the plan required under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter for two years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an update on progress toward meeting the goals of the plan.

An estimate of the cost and schedule of implementing the plan.

An identification of the requirements and planning for the long-term sustainment of the Littoral Combat Ship and its mission modules in accordance with section 2366b of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 801 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1482).

A description of the current and future operating environments of the Littoral Combat Ship, as specified or referred to in strategic guidance and planning documents of the Department of Defense.

The facility, supply, and logistics systems requirements, including contractor support, of the Littoral Combat Ship when forward deployed, and an estimate of the cost and personnel required to conduct the necessary maintenance activities.

Any required updates to host-nation agreements to facilitate the forward-deployed maintenance requirements of the Littoral Combat Ship, including a discussion of overseas management of Ship ordnance and hazardous materials and delivery of equipment and spare parts needed for emergent repair.

An evaluation of the forward-deployed maintenance requirements of the Littoral Combat Ship and a schedule of pier-side maintenance timelines when forward-deployed, including requirements for multiple ships and variants.

An assessment of the total quantity of equipment, spare parts, permanently forward-stationed personnel, and size of fly away teams required to support forward-deployed maintenance requirements for the U.S.S. Freedom while in Singapore, and estimates for follow-on deployments of Littoral Combat Ships of both variants.

A detailed description of the continuity of operations plans for the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron and of any plans to increase the number of Squadron personnel.

An identification of mission critical single point of failure equipment for which a sufficient number spare parts are necessary to have on hand, and determination of Littoral Combat Ship forward deployed equipment and spare parts locations and levels.

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive strategy for improving asset tracking and in-transit visibility across the Department of Defense, together with the plans of the military departments for implementing the strategy.

Elements

The strategy and implementation plans required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

include the elements set forth under subsection (a)(2);

align to achieve the overarching asset tracking and in-transit visibility goals and objectives of the Department of Defense;

incorporate, as appropriate, industry best practices related to automated information and data capture technologies for asset tracking and in-transit visibility;

effectively execute the policies prescribed in Department of Defense Instruction 8320.04; and

have been implemented.

in subsection (a)—

in subsection (d)—

by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g), as subsections (f), (g), and (l), respectively;

by inserting after subsection (d)(3), as redesignated by paragraph (1)(C), the following new subsection:

in subsection (e), as designated by paragraph (4)—

by inserting after subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (3), the following new subsections:

in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph (2):

in subsection (b)(2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph (B):

A description of the purpose of the USSOCOM-NCR.

A description of the activities to be performed by the USSOCOM–NCR.

An explanation of the impact of the USSOCOM-NCR on existing activities at United States Special Operations Command headquarters.

A detailed, by fiscal year, breakout of the staffing and other costs associated with the USSOCOM-NCR over the future-years defense program.

A description of the relationship between the USSOCOM-NCR and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict.

A description of the role of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in providing oversight of USSOCOM-NCR activities.

Any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate.

the termination of the Trans Regional Web Initiative as managed by Special Operations Command; or

transitioning appropriate capabilities of such Initiative to other agencies.

the new design or fabric is a combat or camouflage utility uniform or family of uniforms that will be adopted by all Armed Forces;

the Secretary adopts a uniform already in use by another Armed Force; or

the Secretary of Defense grants an exception based on unique circumstances or operational requirements.

prohibiting the development of combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms for use by personnel assigned to or operating in support of the unified combatant command for special operations forces described in section 167 of title 10, United States Code;

prohibiting engineering modifications to existing uniforms that improve the performance of combat and camouflage utility uniforms, including power harnessing or generating textiles, fire resistant fabrics, and anti-vector, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial treatments;

prohibiting the Secretary of a military department from fielding ancillary uniform items, including headwear, footwear, body armor, and any other such items as determined by the Secretary;

prohibiting the Secretary of a military department from issuing vehicle crew uniforms;

prohibiting cosmetic service-specific uniform modifications to include insignia, pocket orientation, closure devices, inserts, and undergarments; or

prohibiting the continued fielding or use of pre-existing service-specific or operation-specific combat uniforms as long as the uniforms continue to meet operational requirements.

In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to implement this section.

Content

At a minimum, the guidance required by paragraph (1) shall require the Secretary of each of the military departments—

Army end strengths

Subsection (a) of section 403 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 1708) is amended by striking 15,000 members and inserting 25,000 members.

Marine Corps end strengths

Subsection (b) of such section is amended by striking 5,000 members and inserting 7,500 members.

The Army National Guard of the United States, 354,200.

The Army Reserve, 205,000.

The Navy Reserve, 59,100.

The Marine Corps Reserve, 39,600.

The Air National Guard of the United States, 105,400.

The Air Force Reserve, 70,400.

The Coast Guard Reserve, 9,000.

the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and

the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.

National guard

Within the limitation provided in section 10217(c)(2) of title 10, United States Code, the number of non-dual status technicians employed by the National Guard as of September 30, 2014, may not exceed the following:

Army reserve

The number of non-dual status technicians employed by the Army Reserve as of September 30, 2014, may not exceed 595.

Air force reserve

The number of non-dual status technicians employed by the Air Force Reserve as of September 30, 2014, may not exceed 90.

by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively; and

by adding at the end the following new subsections:

Initial report

Not later than February 1, 2014, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report specifying—

Annual reports

Section 526 of title 10, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after subsection (i), as added by subsection (a)(2) of this section, the following new subsection:

Lieutenant colonels and commanders

Subparagraph (A) of section 638a(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking would be subject to and all that follows through two or more times) and inserting have failed of selection for promotion at least one time and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

Colonels and Navy captains

Subparagraph (B) of such section is amended by striking would be subject to and all that follows through not less than two years) and inserting have served on active duty in that grade for at least two years and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

in subsection (a)—

by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and

by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f):

in subsections (a) and (e), by striking and substance use disorders and traumatic brain injury and inserting , substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention; and

in subsection (c)(3), by striking and substance use disorders and traumatic brain injury described in paragraph (1) and inserting , substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention.

An officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard.

An officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

An officer of the Air National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Air National Guard may be transferred from the active Air National Guard to the inactive Air National Guard.

An officer of the Air National Guard transferred to the inactive Air National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Air National Guard to the active Air National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.

Limitation

The deployment of a unit of a reserve component of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (2) may not be cancelled during the 180-day period ending on the date on which the unit is otherwise scheduled for deployment without the approval, in writing, of the Secretary of Defense.

Covered deployments

A deployment of a unit of a reserve component described in this paragraph is a deployment whose cancellation as described in paragraph (1) is due to the deployment of a unit of a regular component of the Armed Forces to carry out the mission for which the unit of the reserve component was otherwise to be deployed.

Notice to Congress and Governors on approval of cancellation of deployment

On approving the cancellation of deployment of a unit under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Governor concerned a notice on the approval of cancellation of deployment of the unit.

Advance notice required

The Secretary concerned may not provide less than 120 days advance notice of an involuntary mobilization to a member of the reserve component of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (2) without the approval, in writing, of the Secretary of Defense.

Covered Reserves

A member of a reserve component described in this paragraph is a member as follows:

Commencement of applicability

This subsection shall apply with respect to members who are mobilized on or after the date that is 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Secretary concerned defined

In this subsection, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code.

Sunset

This subsection shall cease to apply as of the date of the completion of the withdrawal of United States combat forces from Afghanistan.

are based on an objective requirements process and are sufficient for the effective management, leadership, and administration of the reserve components;

provide a qualified, sufficient pool from which reserve component general and flag officers can continue to be assigned on active duty in joint duty and in-service military positions;

reflect a review of the appropriateness and number of exemptions provided by subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 12004 of title 10, United States Code;

reflect the efficiencies that can be achieved through downgrading or elimination of reserve component general or flag officer positions, including through the conversion of certain reserve component general or flag officer positions to senior civilian positions; and

are subjected to periodic review, control, and adjustment.

a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa; and

a unit of the National Guard in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The allocation of National Guard force structure and manpower to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the event of the establishment of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the impact of this allocation on existing National Guard units in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia.

The Federal funding that would be required to support pay, benefits, training operations, and missions of members of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, based on the allocation derived from paragraph (1), and the equipment, including maintenance, required to support such force structure.

The presence of existing infrastructure to support a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the requirement for additional infrastructure, including information technology infrastructure, to support such force structure, based on the allocation derived from paragraph (1).

How a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island would accommodate the National Guard Bureau’s Essential Ten homeland defense capabilities (i.e., aviation, engineering, civil support teams, security, medical, transportation, maintenance, logistics, joint force headquarters, and communications) and reflect regional needs.

The manpower cadre, both military personnel and full-time support, including National Guard technicians, required to establish, maintain, and sustain a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the ability of American Samoa and of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to support demographically a unit of the National Guard at each location.

The ability of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to maintain unit readiness and the logistical challenges associated with transportation, communications, supply/resupply, and training operations and missions.

A determination of whether the executive branch of American Samoa and of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has enacted and implemented statutory authorization for an organized militia as a prerequisite for establishing a unit of the National Guard, and a description of any other steps that such executive branches must take to request and carry out the establishment of a National Guard unit.

A list of any amendments to titles 10, 32, and 37, United States Code, that would have to be enacted by Congress to provide for the establishment of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

A description of any required Department of Defense actions to establish a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

A suggested timeline for completion of the steps and actions described in the preceding paragraphs.

in subsection (a)—

in subsection (b)—

in subsection (c)—

service treatment records;

accompanying personal records;

relevant unit records; and

medical records created by reason of treatment or services received pursuant to chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.

the backlog of pending cases in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System with respect to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces for the purpose of addressing the matters specified in paragraph (1) of subsection (b); and

the improvements to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System specified in paragraph (2) of such subsection.

With respect to the reserve components of the Armed Forces—

With respect to the regular components and reserve components of the Armed Forces—

by striking The Armed Forces shall accommodate the beliefs and inserting Unless it could have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, and good order and discipline, the Armed Forces shall accommodate individual expressions of belief;

by inserting sincerely held before conscience; and

by striking use such beliefs and inserting use such expression of belief.

setting forth the results of an investigation by the Inspector General during that 18-month period into the compliance by the Armed Forces with the elements of such regulations on adverse personnel actions, discrimination, or denials of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment for members of the Armed Forces based on conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs; and

identifying the number of times during the investigation period that the Inspector General of the Department of Defense or the Inspector General of a military department was contacted regarding an incident involving the conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of a member of the Armed Forces.

restrictions placed on prayers offered in a public or non-religious setting have prevented military chaplains from exercising the tenets of their faith as prescribed by their endorsing faith group; and

those restrictions have had an adverse impact on the ability of military chaplains to fulfill their duties to minister to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.

the survey questionnaire; and

the results of the survey.

In general

The Secretaries of the military departments, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make information on civilian credentialing opportunities available to members of the Armed Forces beginning with, and at every stage of, training of members for military occupational specialties, in order to permit members—

Coordination with Transition Goals Plans Success program

Information shall be made available under paragraph (1) in a manner consistent with the Transition Goals Plans Success (GPS) program.

Types of information

The information made available under paragraph (1) shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Use and adaptation of certain programs

In making information available under paragraph (1), the Secretaries of the military departments may use and adapt appropriate portions of the Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs of the Army and the Navy and the Credentialing and Educational Research Tool (CERT) of the Air Force.

In general

The Secretaries of the military departments, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall, to the maximum extent practicable consistent with national security and privacy requirements, make available to entities specified in paragraph (2), upon request of such entities, information such as military course training curricula, syllabi, and materials, levels of military advancement attained, and professional skills developed.

Entities

The entities specified in this paragraph are the following:

Central repository

The actions taken pursuant to paragraph (1) may include the establishment of a central repository of information on training and training materials provided members in connection with military occupational specialities that is readily accessible by entities specified in paragraph (2) in order to meet requests described in paragraph (1).

identify family support activities that have a direct and concrete impact on the readiness of special operations forces, but that are not being provided by the Secretary of a military department to the immediate family members of members of the Armed Forces assigned to special operations forces; and

conduct a cost-benefit analysis of each family support activity proposed to be included in a pilot program.

The term Commander means the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

The term immediate family members has the meaning given that term in section 1789(c) of title 10, United States Code.

The term special operations forces means those forces of the Armed Forces identified as special operations forces under section 167(i) of such title.

In general

Not later than 180 days after completing a pilot program under subsection (a), the Commander shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the results of the pilot program. The Commander shall prepare the report in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

Elements of report

The report shall include the following:

in subsection (b)—

in subsection (d)(1), by striking two years and inserting three years.

in subsection (b)—

in subsection (d)(1), by striking two years and inserting three years.

In general

Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1134 the following new section:

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1134 the following new item:

Automatic entitlement

Subsection (a) of section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—

Election to decline special pension

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Repeal of recodified provisions

Sections 1560 and 1561 of title 38, United States Code, are repealed.

Clerical amendments

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 15 of such title is amended by striking the items relating to sections 1560 and 1561.

Review and award required

The Secretary of the military department concerned shall—

Consideration of certain evidence

In reviewing all the evidence related to the incidents described in paragraph (1) and the criteria established under Executive Order 11016 (Authorizing the Award of the Purple Heart), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specifically, but not exclusively, assess whether the members of the Armed Forces killed or wounded at Fort Hood and Little Rock qualify for award of the Purple Heart under the criteria as members of the Armed Forces who were killed or wounded as a result of an act of an enemy of the United States.

Submission

The results of the review shall be provided to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Exception

A Purple Heart may not be awarded pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) to a member of the Armed Forces whose death or wound in an attack described in paragraph (1)(A) was the result of the willful misconduct of the member.

Review required

The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review of the criteria used to determine the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces for the award of the Purple Heart. The review shall include the policies and procedures for determining eligibility for the award of the Purple Heart to members who sustain injuries through acts of violence. The purpose of the review is to determine whether those criteria remain relevant for the broad range of circumstances in and outside the United States in which members are killed or wounded.

Submission of results

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the review. The report shall include the findings of the review and any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate regarding modifying the criteria for eligibility for the Purple Heart.

Waiver of time limitations

Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 3741 of such title to Bennie G. Adkins of the United States Army for the acts of valor during the Vietnam War described in paragraph (2).

Acts of valor described

The acts of valor referred to in paragraph (1) are the actions of then Sergeant First Class Bennie G. Adkins of the United States Army serving with Special Forces Detachment A–102 from March 9 to 12, 1966, during the Vietnam War for which he was originally awarded the Distinguished-Service Cross.

Waiver of time limitations

Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 3741 of such title to Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army for the acts of valor during the Vietnam War described in paragraph (2).

Acts of valor described

The acts of valor referred to in paragraph (1) are the actions of then Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army serving with 3rd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division on January 17, 1970, during the Vietnam War.

Waiver of time limitations

Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished-Service Cross under section 3742 of such title to Sergeant First Class Robert F. Keiser for the acts of valor described in paragraph (2) during the Korean War.

Acts of Valor described

The acts of valor referred to in paragraph (1) are the actions of Robert F. Keiser’s on November 30, 1950, as a member of the 2d Military Police Company, 2d Infantry Division, United States Army, during the Division’s successful withdrawal from the Kunuri-Sunchon Pass.

Waiver of time limitations

Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished Service Cross under section 3742 of that title to Patrick N. Watkins, Jr., for the acts of valor described in paragraph (2).

Acts of Valor described

The acts of valor referred to in paragraph (1) are the actions of Sergeant First Class Patrick N. Watkins, Jr., from August 22 to August 23, 1968, as a member of the United States Army serving in the grade of Sergeant First Class in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Regiment.

Waiver of time limitations

Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished Service Cross under section 3742 of that title to Robert L. Towles for the acts of valor described in paragraph (2).

Acts of Valor described

The acts of valor referred to in paragraph (1) are the actions of Specialist Four Robert L. Towles, on November 17, 1965, as a member of the United States Army serving in the grade of Specialist Four during the Vietnam War while serving in Company D, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, for which he was originally awarded the Bronze Star with V Device.

implement a means for ensuring that graduates of a secondary school (as defined in section 9101(38) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(38)), including all persons described in subsection (a)(2) of section 532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, are required to meet the same standard on the test, assessment, or screening tool; and

use uniform testing requirements and grading standards.

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

Report required

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on accounting for missing persons from covered conflicts.

Elements

The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Definitions

In this subsection:

Report required

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the POW/MIA accounting community.

Elements

The report required by paragraph (1)) shall including the following:

Basis in previous recommendations

The report required by paragraph (1) shall take into account recommendations previously made by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Comptroller General of the United States regarding the organization of the POW/MIA accounting community.

Definitions

In this subsection:

in subsection (d)—

in subsection (f), by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting paragraphs (3) and (4).

identify security gaps on military installations; and

evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using 24-hour electronic monitoring or other security measures to protect members and their dependents.

to eliminate all security gaps identified under subsection (b)(1); and

to provide 24-hour security monitoring or other security measures as evaluated under subsection (b)(2).

Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate accession program.

Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve.

Section 302c–1(f), relating to accession and retention bonuses for psychologists.

Section 302d(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for registered nurses.

Section 302e(a)(1), relating to incentive special pay for nurse anesthetists.

Section 302g(e), relating to special pay for Selected Reserve health professionals in critically short wartime specialties.

Section 302h(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for dental officers.

Section 302j(a), relating to accession bonus for pharmacy officers.

Section 302k(f), relating to accession bonus for medical officers in critically short wartime specialties.

Section 302l(g), relating to accession bonus for dental specialist officers in critically short wartime specialties.

in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:

in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:

in subsection (a), by striking the Ready Reserve and inserting the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve;

in subsection (c)(2), by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following new subparagraph:

in subsection (d)(2), by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following new subparagraph:

in subsection (e)(2)(D), by striking the Ready Reserve and inserting the Selected Reserve.

Incorporation of escorts of dependents under general authority

Section 451(a)(2)(C) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period the following: or as an escort or attendant for dependents of a member for necessary travel performed not later than one year after the member is unable to accompany the dependents who are incapable of traveling alone.

Repeal of superseded authority

in subsection (a)(1), by striking round-trip transportation and all that follows through may be paid at the expense of the United States and inserting travel and transportation allowances may be furnished to necessary attendants. The dependents and any attendants shall be furnished such travel and transportation allowances as specified in regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37.; and

by striking subsection (d).

Incorporation of expenses under general authority

Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Repeal of superseded authority

in subsection (a), by striking reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and inserting travel and transportation allowances as specified in regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37; and

in subsection (b), striking Reimbursement for travel under exceptional circumstances.—The Secretary of Defense may provide reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses of and inserting Allowable travel and transportation under exceptional circumstances.—The Secretary of Defense may provide travel and transportation allowances as specified in the regulations referred to in subsection (a) for.

Repeal

Section 2634 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 157 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 2634.

in paragraph (1)—

by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and

by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2):

Addressing complaints by spouses and other dependents of deceased members regarding casualty assistance or receipt of benefits authorized by law for such spouses and dependents.

Providing support to such spouses and dependents regarding such casualty assistance or receipt of such benefits.

Making reports to appropriate officers or officials in the Department of Defense or the military department concerned regarding resolution of such complaints, including recommendations regarding the settlement of claims with respect to such benefits, as appropriate.

Performing such other actions as the Secretary of the military department concerned considers appropriate.

Training program required

The Secretary of Defense shall implement a standardized comprehensive training program on casualty assistance for the following personnel of the Department of Defense:

General elements

The training program required by paragraph (1) shall include training designed to ensure that the personnel specified in that paragraph provide the spouse and other dependents of a deceased member of the Armed Forces with accurate information on the benefits to which they are entitled and other casualty assistance available to them when the member dies while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces.

Service-specific elements

The Secretary of the military department concerned may, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, provide for the inclusion in the training program required by paragraph (1) that is provided to casualty assistance personnel of such military department such elements of training that are specific or unique to the requirements or particulars of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such military department as the Secretary of the military department concerned considers appropriate.

Frequency of training

Training shall be provided under the program required by paragraph (1) not less often than annually.

Covered decedents

Section 1481(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

Authorized expenses relating to care and disposition of remains

Section 1482 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

are convicted by court-martial of an offense under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice);

are separated from active duty pursuant to the sentence of the court-martial; and

forfeit all pay and allowances pursuant to such sentence.

The appropriateness of providing transitional compensation and other benefits, including commissary and exchange benefits, to dependents or former dependents of members described in subsection (b), particularly in situations in which such dependents or former dependents would be entitled, or soon be entitled, to such benefits on account of the years of service of a member.

Whether there may be instances in which the provision of such transitional compensation would not be appropriate.

Whether such transitional compensation should be limited to dependent children of members described in subsection (b).

The appropriate duration of such transitional compensation for such dependents or former dependents.

The potential duplication of such transitional compensation with benefits otherwise available for such dependents or former dependents under title 10, United States Code, or other laws.

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.

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 a report that includes the following:

Termination

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

In general

Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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.

Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall address the following:

The term covered individual means an individual who—

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.

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on improvements to the care, management, and transition of recovering members of the Armed Forces with urotrauma.

Scope of policy

The policy shall cover each of the following:

In general

Not later than one year after implementing the policy under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means the following:

Any drug or device used in the treatment must be approved, cleared, or made subject to an investigational use exemption by the Food and Drug Administration, and the use of the drug or device must comply with rules of the Food and Drug Administration applicable to investigational new drugs or investigational devices.

The treatment must be approved by the Secretary following approval by an institutional review board operating in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in addition to regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense regarding institutional review boards.

The patient receiving the treatment may not be a retired member of the Armed Forces who is entitled to benefits under part A, or eligible to enroll under part B, of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).

In general

The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall carry out a pilot program to demonstrate and assess the feasibility of implementing processes described in paragraph (2) to increase the amounts collected under section 1095 of title 10, United States Code, from a third-party payer for charges for health care services incurred by the United States at a military medical treatment facility.

Processes described

The processes described in this paragraph are commercially available enhanced recovery practices for medical payment collection, including revenue-cycle management together with rates and percentages of collection in accordance with industry standards for such practices.

identify and analyze the best practice option, including commercial best practices, with respect to the processes described in subsection (a)(2) that are used in nonmilitary health care facilities; and

conduct a cost-benefit analysis to assess measurable results of the pilot program, including an analysis of—

at military installations that have a military medical treatment facility with inpatient and outpatient capabilities; and

at a number of such installations of different military departments that the Secretary determines sufficient to fully assess the results of the pilot program.

a comparison of—

a cost analysis of implementing the processes described in subsection (a)(2) for third-party collections at military medical treatment facilities;

an assessment of the program, including any recommendations to improve third-party collections; and

an analysis of the methods employed by the military departments prior to the program with respect to collecting charges from third-party payers incurred at military medical treatment facilities, including specific data with respect to the dollar amount of third-party collections that resulted from each method used throughout the military departments.

the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs have failed to implement a solution that allows for seamless electronic sharing of medical health care data; and

despite the significant amount of read-only information shared between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, most of the information shared as of the date of the enactment of this Act is not standardized or available in real time to support all clinical decisions.

shall each ensure that the electronic health record systems of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are interoperable with an integrated display of data, or a single electronic health record, by complying with the national standards and architectural requirements identified by the Interagency Program Office of the Departments (in this section referred to as the Office), in collaboration with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the Department of Health and Human Services; and

shall each deploy modernized electronic health record software supporting clinicians of the Departments by no later than December 31, 2016, while ensuring continued support and compatibility with the interoperability platform and full standards-based interoperability.

To the extent practicable, efforts to establish such records shall be based on objectives, activities, and milestones established by the Joint Executive Committee Joint Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2013–2015, as well as future addendums or revisions.

Transition the current data exchanges between the Departments and private sector health care providers where practical to modern, open-architecture frameworks that use computable data mapped to national standards to make data available for determining medical trends and for enhanced clinician decision support.

Principles with respect to open architecture standards, including—

By the point of deployment, such record must be at a generation 3 level or better for a health information technology system.

To the extent the Secretaries consider feasible and advisable, principles with respect to—

programs objectives;

organization;

responsibilities of the Departments;

technical objectives and design principles;

milestones, including a schedule for the development, acquisition, or industry competitions for capabilities needed to satisfy the technical system requirements;

data standards being adopted by the programs;