Sec. 563. Pre-service education demonstration program
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/bill/117/s/4543/rs/section-563·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of each military department may establish and carry out a demonstration program to determine the advisability and feasibility of paying all or a portion of the charges of an education institution for the tuition of an individual who is enrolled in such educational institution for a technical or vocational degree, certificate, or certification program to meet a critical need in that military department. The Secretary shall limit eligibility under the program to individuals who meet the following criteria:
Must be between the age of 17 and 25. Must be a category I recruit. Must sign a written agreement consenting to the requirements under subsection (c). Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, each demonstration program created under this section shall adhere to the following requirements: The educational program authorized under subsection
(a)may not exceed a period of 3 years. Funds may not be provided under the program to an eligible individual unless the individual signs an enlistment contract for active duty military service upon the completion of the educational program for which the funds were provided. Individuals participating in the demonstration program shall be evaluated annually to ensure continued eligibility for military service. Individuals participating in the program shall be required to enroll in an ongoing, pre-service course of instruction in order to prepare such individuals for military service and ensure their continued fitness and eligibility for service. The course of instruction may be administered either remotely or in-person, as the Secretary shall direct. The pre-service instruction shall be concurrent with the degree program authorized pursuant to subsection (a). Individuals who do not maintain eligibility for military service may be required to repay any funds provided by the Secretary concerned under this program, as the Secretary shall direct. For any demonstration programs initiated under this section, the Secretary concerned shall submit an annual report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that includes— a description of the demonstration program; a statement of the goals or anticipated outcomes of the demonstration program; a description of the method and metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of this demonstration program; and any other matters the Secretary concerned determines relevant. The authority under this section expires on October 1, 2028.