Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: EXACT: "Henning, Charles A." in: author
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Army Drawdown and Restructuring: Background and Issues for Congress [April 20, 2012]
"On January 26, 2012, senior DOD [Department of Defense] leadership unveiled a new defense strategy based on a review of potential future security challenges, current defense strategy, and budgetary constraints. This new strategy envisions a smaller, leaner Army that is agile, flexible, rapidly deployable, and technologically advanced. This strategy will rebalance the Army's global posture and presence, emphasizing where potential problems are likely to arise, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. As part of the Administration's proposal, two heavy brigade combat teams (HBCTs) in Europe will be eliminated out of a total of eight BCTs that will be cut from Active Army force structure. The Army has stated that it may cut more than eight BCTs. Army endstrength will go from 570K in 2010 to 490K during the Future Year Defense Plan (FYDP) period. As part of this reduction, the Army would no longer be sized to conduct large-scale, protracted stability operations but would continue to be a full-spectrum force capable of addressing a wide range of national security challenges. The Army National Guard and Army Reserves were not targeted for significant cuts. Army leadership stated the impending decrease in Active Duty Army force structure would place an even greater reliance on the National Guard and Reserves."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Henning, Charles A.
2012-04-20
-
Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments [March 27, 2012]
"Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for veterans (VR&E) is an entitlement program that provides job training and related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. In cases where a disabled veteran is not able to work, the VR&E program provides independent living (IL) services to help the veteran achieve the highest possible quality of life. The VR&E program is administered by the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To be entitled to VR&E services, a veteran must have received a discharge other than dishonorable and be found to have either (1) a 20% service-connected disability and an employment handicap, or (2) a 10% service-connected disability and a serious employment handicap. After a veteran is found to be entitled to VR&E, a counselor helps the veteran identify a suitable employment goal and determine what services will be necessary to achieve that goal. […] The most common track is Employment through Long-Term Services, and the most common form of training is undergraduate education. In most cases, veterans are entitled to a subsistence allowance while they are enrolled in training. In instances where a veteran is entitled to both VR&E benefits and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the veteran may couple VR&E training benefits with the higher subsistence allowance available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In FY2011 [Fiscal Year 2011], approximately 28,000 veterans developed a new plan of service with VR&E and almost 10,000 veterans completed rehabilitation. In FY2012, the VA estimates that VR&E benefits will cost $516 million, subsistence allowances for eligible veterans will be an additional $433 million, and administrative costs will total $204 million."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2012-03-27
-
FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [January 5, 2012]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Recent military operations in Iraq and ongoing operations in Afghanistan, along with the operational role of the Reserve Components, further heighten interest in a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has selected a number of the military personnel issues considered in deliberations on the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2012. This report provides a brief synopsis of sections that pertain to personnel policy. These include end strengths, pay raises, health care issues, and language affecting the repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, as well as congressional concerns over the handling of sexual assaults in the military. The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, H.R. 1540, was introduced in the House on April 14, 2011; reported by the House Committee on Armed Services on May 17, 2011 (H.Rept. 112-78); and passed on May 26, 2011. Various Senate versions were introduced. S. 1867 was introduced on November 15, 2011, and passed by the Senate on December 1, 2011. […] This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include language concerning appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices, or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.; Jansen, Don J.
2012-01-05
-
Military Retirement Reform: A Review of Proposals and Options for Congress [November 17, 2011]
"Few military subjects have generated as much interest or commentary as the military retirement system and efforts to reform the system have been many. Heightened concern over the national debt crisis, the economic recession, and stubbornly high unemployment has resulted in renewed congressional interest in the cost and effectiveness of the system. This report reviews various reform proposals and presents several potential options for Congress, ranging from maintaining the current system to a national commission to review military compensation, benefits, and retirement. […] A review of past legislative proposals finds that they have been controversial, unpopular with DOD and servicemembers, and generally focused on reducing the cost of military retirement. The Redux option, in particular, has become a less attractive option and fewer and fewer servicemembers are selecting it. The cost factor, combined with the recent emphasis on reducing costs in DOD and the overall federal deficit, resulted in a number of studies, commissions and reports in 2010. However, these efforts did not result in comprehensive policy changes. In addition to the most recent commission and think tank reports, two other efforts within the past five years included detailed recommendations for retirement reform. The 2005 Defense Advisory Committee on Military Compensation (DACMC) established a framework for a comprehensive restructuring of military retirement. This was followed in 2008 by the 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) that further modeled, refined, and amplified on the work of the DACMC. Both efforts supported applying a reformed military retirement system to new entrants only; currently serving and already retired members would be grandfathered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2011-11-17
-
FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [June 20, 2011]
From the Summary: "Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the operational role of the Reserve Components, further heighten interest in a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has selected a number of the military personnel issues considered in deliberations on the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2012. This report provides a brief synopsis of sections that pertain to personnel policy. These include end strengths, pay raises, health care issues, and language affecting the repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, as well as congressional concerns over the handling of sexual assaults in the military. […] Where appropriate, related CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include language concerning appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices, or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A. . . .
2011-06-20
-
FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [July 17, 2009]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heighten interest in a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) selected a number of the military personnel issues considered in deliberations on the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2010. This report provides a brief synopsis of sections that pertain to personnel policy. It includes background information and a discussion of the issue, along with a table that contains a comparison of the bill (H.R. 2647) passed by the House on June 25, 2009, and the bill (S. 1390) introduced and reported to the full Senate on July 2, 2009. The column for S. 1390 will be updated following Senate action on the bill. A third column will be completed after action on a final version by both chambers. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. […] This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jansen, Don J.; Kapp, Lawrence; Burrelli, David F., 1958- . . .
2009-07-17
-
U.S. Military Stop Loss Program: Key Questions and Answers [April 28, 2009]
From the Summary: "Stop Loss is a frequently misunderstood DOD force management program that retains servicemembers beyond their contractually agreed-to separation date. Because of the involuntary nature of this extension, some critics have referred to the program as a 'backdoor draft' or 'involuntary servitude'. Stop Loss was initially used the 1990-91 Gulf War and later in Bosnia and the Kosovo Air Campaign. All of the Services used Stop Loss at the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) but only the Army has consistently employed some form of Stop Loss over the past five years. Today, there are over 12,000 soldiers in the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard who remain on active duty beyond their scheduled separation date as a result of Stop Loss. [...]. In January, 2007 the newly appointed Secretary of Defense Gates directed the Services to minimize the use of Stop Loss. The Army has consistently argued that Stop Loss is necessary to ensure that only trained and ready units are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, DOD officials concede that the Army will need to continue using Stop Loss, probably at least through 2009 or longer. With its continued use by the Army and the recent establishment of a special pay, it is anticipated that Stop Loss will be of significant and continuing interest to the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2009-04-28
-
U.S. Military Stop Loss Program [January 8, 2009]
"Stop Loss is a frequently misunderstood DOD force management program that retains service-members beyond their contractually agreed-to separation date. Because of the involuntary nature of this extension, some critics have referred to the program as a 'backdoor draft' or 'involuntary servitude'. [...] The authority for Stop Loss has existed since 1984 (Section 12305, Title 10) and enables the President to suspend the laws relating to promotion, retirement and separation during periods of national emergency or a Presidential call-up of the reserve components. Minor changes to the Stop Loss program were enacted in 2002 and 2006. A more significant change was directed by P.L. 110-329, the FY2009 omnibus appropriations act which established and temporarily funded a new special pay, up to a maximum of $500 per month for all service-members extended by Stop Loss during FY2009. DOD's implementing guidance for this special pay is being developed, but the plan must first be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations for approval. Details of this plan are not yet available. In January, 2007 the newly appointed Secretary of Defense Gates directed the Services to minimize the use of Stop Loss. The Army has consistently argued that Stop Loss is necessary to ensure that only trained and ready units are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, DOD officials concede that the Army will need to continue using Stop Loss, probably at least through 2009 or longer. With its continued use by the Army and the recent establishment of a special pay, it is anticipated that Stop Loss will be of significant and continuing interest to the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2009-01-08
-
FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated July 21, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act. "Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it considers the FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed provisions and the provisions reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2008-07-21
-
FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [July 21, 2008]
From the Summary: "Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heighten interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS [Congressional Research Service] selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it considers a National Defense Authorization Act for FY2009. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House passed provisions (H.R. 5658) and the provisions reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee (S. 3001), if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. Note: some issues were addressed in the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL34169 concerning that legislation. Those issues that were previously considered in CRS Report RL34169 are designated with a '*' in the relevant section titles of this report. This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. It is anticipated that this report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2008-07-21
-
Military Retirement, Concurrent Receipt, and Related Major Legislative Issues [February 12, 2008]
"The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. The change to the system that has generated the most recent legislative activity involves whether some or all military retirees should be allowed to receive both military retired pay and any VA disability compensation to which they are otherwise entitled; this is referred to as 'concurrent receipt.' Until 2004, the law provided that military retired pay had to be reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation. Some maintained this was inequitable and unfair; it was defended on grounds of cost and of the need to avoid setting a precedent for concurrent receipt of numerous other federal benefits. […] The FY2005 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (P.L. 108-375, October 28, 2004; 118 Stat. 1811) expanded concurrent receipt eligibility by authorizing the immediate (rather than a 10-year phase-in) concurrent receipt for military retirees with a 100% service connected disability. In its first session, the 110th Congress extended the Combat Related Special Compensation program to include those who were medically retired prior to completing 20 years of service rather than a normal longevity retirement. These individuals are generally referred to as 'Chapter 61' retirees. In addition those with a 100% VA [Veterans Affairs] Unemployability rating were granted full concurrent receipt, retroactive to December 31, 2004. It is anticipated that the second session will continue work on these issues. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2008-02-12
-
Military Pay and Benefits: Key Questions and Answers [February 14, 2008]
"In the late 1990s, the military services were facing considerable recruiting and career retention problems. In responding, Congress was mindful of how inadequate pay had contributed to decreased recruit quality in the late 1970s. It authorized larger pay raises, increased special pays and bonuses, provided more recruiting resources, and repealed planned military retired pay reductions for future retirees. The 110th Congress likely will face issues relating to military pay, bonuses and benefits. In the spirit of national unity following the attacks of September 11, 2001, recruitment improved. The programmatic changes noted above also helped recruiting substantially. However, the grueling pace of deployments to and from Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with the dangers of combat, have finally begun to cause long-anticipated recruiting problems for the All-Volunteer Force. In 2005, the Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve all fell short of their recruiting goals. An infusion of additional recruiters and a congressional increase in the maximum enlistment bonus from $20,000 to $40,000, contributed to the active Army meeting its 2006 and 2007 recruiting targets. Career retention of service-members beyond their initial period of obligated service is difficult to measure, due to the suspended separation and retirement of many personnel since September 11, 2001, but so far retention is reported to be more than satisfactory. […] Since the early 1990s, numerous changes in benefits have greatly favored individual members. These include changes in the cash allowance received by personnel not living in military housing, a major overhaul of military health care, and repeal of military retired pay cuts first enacted in 1986. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2008-02-07
-
Recruiting and Retention: An Overview of FY2006 and FY2007 Results for Active and Reserve Component Enlisted Personnel [Updated February 7, 2008]
"This report provides a brief overview of the recruiting and retention rates for Active and Reserve Component enlisted personnel during FY2006 and FY2007. Since the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States has launched several major military operations which have dramatically increased the operations tempo of the military services, required the large scale mobilization of reservists, and resulted in significant battle casualties. These factors have been particularly applicable to the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, which have shouldered the bulk of the manpower burden associated with the occupation of Iraq. The Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve have also been heavily involved in Iraq. Many observers have expressed concern that these factors might lead to lower recruiting and retention rates, thereby jeopardizing the vitality of today's all-volunteer military. Recruiting and retention results for FY2006 and FY2007 are summarized below. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence; Henning, Charles A.
2008-02-07
-
FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated February 6, 2008]
From the Summary: "Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, have further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS [Congressional Research Service] selected a number of issues addressed by Congress as it considered the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1585/S. 1547/H.R. 4986). In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed, Senate-passed, and public law provisions, and a brief discussion of the issue. This update reflects the actions taken on the various House and Senate provisions in H.Rept 110-477, the conference report to accompany H.R. 1585, which was filed on December 6, 2007. Note: due to objections by the Administration to language that might have led to a freeze on Iraqi assets in U.S. banks contained in H.R. 1585, President Bush vetoed the bill. The bill was reconsidered by the House and Senate, and reissued (without the Iraqi language) as H.R. 4986. H.R. 4986 became P.L. [Public Law] 110-181. [...] This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Best, Richard A.; Henning, Charles A.
2008-02-06
-
Disability Evaluation of Military Servicemembers [January 30, 2008]
From the Document: "On February 18, 2007, the 'Washington Post' published the first in a series of articles describing problems with outpatient medical care and other services provided at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The series noted, among other things, concerns about the processes used to evaluate disability in injured military service-members. Both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conduct disability evaluations and assign disability ratings to service-members or veterans under their respective authorities. An individual's disability rating, from either department, affects the scope of pay and benefits for which he or she is eligible, and the cost to the respective department of providing such benefits. […] This report is intended as a primer to describe disability evaluation in general, including evaluations used by DOD and VA, as well as civilian evaluations used by the SSA [Social Security Administration] and by workers' compensation programs. Next, the DOD and VA disability rating processes are described, respectively, in greater detail. Finally, recent congressional and executive actions and recommendations regarding DOD and VA disability evaluations are described. This report emphasizes the disability evaluation systems at DOD and VA, with illustrative comparisons made to civilian systems when appropriate. It will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Christine A.; Panangala, Sidath Viranga; Henning, Charles A.
2008-01-30
-
FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated December 11, 2007]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, have further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues addressed by Congress as it considers the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1585/S. 1547). In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed, Senate-passed, and conference report provisions, and a brief discussion of the issue. This update reflects the actions taken on the various House and Senate provisions in H. Rept 110-477, the conference report to accompany H.R. 1585, which was filed on December 6, 2007. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. Note: some issues were addressed in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL33571, The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, concerning that legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2007-12-11
-
FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated October 26, 2007]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it considers the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed provisions and the provisions reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. Note: some issues were addressed in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL33571, The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, concerning that legislation. Those issues that were previously considered in CRS Report RL33571 are designated with a '*' in the relevant section titles of this report. This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2007-10-26
-
FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated September 17, 2007]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it considers the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed provisions and the provisions reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. Note: some issues were addressed in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL33571, The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, concerning that legislation. Those issues that were previously considered in CRS Report RL33571 are designated with a '*' in the relevant section titles of this report. This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2007-09-17
-
FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [September 7, 2007]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it considers the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed provisions and the provisions reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2007-09-07
-
Disability Evaluation of Military Servicemembers [May 7, 2007]
From the Document: "On February 18, 2007, the Washington Post published the first in a series of articles describing problems with outpatient medical care and other services provided at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The series noted, among other things, concerns about the processes used to evaluate disability in injured military servicemembers. Both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conduct disability evaluations and assign disability ratings to servicemembers or veterans under their respective authorities. An individual's disability rating, from either department, affects the scope of pay and benefits for which he or she is eligible, and the cost to the respective department of providing such benefits. There are significant differences between the disability evaluations performed by DOD and VA, as well as civilian disability evaluations conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and workers' compensation programs. Most notably, the DOD disability evaluation is focused on the effect of any disabling condition on the performance of the servicemember's duties in the military, while the other three systems evaluate an individual's prospects for gainful employment in the civilian economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.; Henning, Charles A.
2007-05-07
-
Military Support to the Severely Disabled: Overview of Service Programs [Updated March 29, 2007]
From the Summary: "Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused serious injuries to some military personnel. Many have been returned to medical facilities in the U.S., especially Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center, and Brooke Army Medical Center. These severe and traumatic injuries - including amputations, burns, blindness, brain injury, and paralysis - often create significant hardships for the affected individuals that make independent living difficult or impossible. For example, an injured service member may need extensive physical therapy, transportation assistance, and job retraining in order to make the transition back to civilian life. In 2003 and 2004, some pointed out inadequacies in the military's ability to provide these services to its seriously injured personnel. Members of Congress have frequently expressed concern about the level of care for these wounded warriors and their family members. The Department of Defense (DOD) and each of the military services have established new programs to care for the severely disabled, ensuring rehabilitative assistance and easing the transition back to civilian life. Congress has followed these initiatives with interest and recently directed DOD to develop policies and procedures to standardize these programs. This report examines the background for the new initiatives and provides a status of each program, including contact information. This report will be updated as these programs continue to evolve and mature."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2007-03-29
-
Military Pay and Benefits: Key Questions and Answers [January 24, 2007]
"In the late 1990s, the military services were facing considerable recruiting and career retention problems. In responding, Congress was mindful of how inadequate pay had contributed to decreased recruit quality in the late 1970s. It authorized larger pay raises, increased special pays and bonuses, provided more recruiting resources, and repealed planned military retired pay reductions for future retirees. The 110th Congress likely will face issues relating to military pay, bonuses and benefits. […] The across-the-board increases in military pay discussed each year relate to military basic pay, which is the one element of military compensation that all military personnel in the same pay grade and with the same number of years of service receive. However, numerous other elements are in the total military compensation 'package.' These other elements are important in determining whether a 'pay gap' exists between military and civilian pay, because the numerous different elements of military pay make it difficult to compare to civilian salaries and other benefits. Since the early 1990s, numerous changes in benefits have greatly favored individual members. These include changes in the cash allowance received by personnel not living in military housing, a major overhaul of military health care, and repeal of military retired pay cuts first enacted in 1986. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2007-01-24
-
Military Retirement, Concurrent Receipt, and Related Major Legislative Issues [January 24, 2007]
"The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. […] The change to the system that has generated the most recent legislative activity involves whether some or all military retirees should be allowed to receive both military retired pay and any VA [Veterans Affairs] disability compensation to which they are otherwise entitled; this is referred to as 'concurrent receipt.' Until 2004, the law provided that military retired pay had to be reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation. Some maintained this was inequitable and unfair; it was defended on grounds of cost and of the need to avoid setting a precedent for concurrent receipt of numerous other federal benefits. […] The most significant military retirement issue the 109th Congress dealt with in 2006 was whether military retirees with a 100% VA 'un'employability rating, but less than a 100% 'dis'ability rating, should be entitled to full concurrent receipt as was provided to 100% disability retirees in 2004. The Senate version of the FY2007 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] would have granted such retirees full concurrent receipt retroactive to December 31, 2004 rather than the October 1, 2009 date currently in effect; the House version did not address this issue. The Senate provision was not accepted by the Conference Committee. The 110th Congress will likely revisit this issue. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2007-01-24
-
FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated October 18, 2006]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it acted on the FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House and Senate provisions, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. This report focuses exclusively on the annual authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. The Conference Report on H.R. 5122 (H.Rept. 109-702) was adopted by the House on September 29, 2006, and by the Senate on September 30, 2006. The legislation was signed by the President on October 17, 2006, becoming P.L. 109-364."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2006-10-18
-
FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated October 4, 2006]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues considered by Congress as it acted on the FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House and Senate provisions, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. This report focuses exclusively on the annual authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. The Conference Report on H.R. 5122 (H.Rept. 109-702) was adopted by the House on September 29, 2006, and by the Senate on September 30, 2006. The legislation will next be forwarded to the White House for the President's approval. It is anticipated that this report may be updated again if needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2006-10-04
-
FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [Updated September 8, 2006]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, has further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS has selected a number of issues being considered by Congress as the FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act evolves. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House and Senate provisions, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. This report focuses exclusively on the annual authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. After any revisions to H.R. 5122/S. 2766 by a conference, this report will be updated. It is anticipated that this will become an annual CRS report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2006-09-08
-
FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues [July 21, 2006]
"Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, has further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS has selected a number of issues being considered by Congress as the FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act evolves. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House and Senate provisions, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. This report focuses exclusively on the annual authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. After any revisions to H.R. 5122/S. 2766 by a conference, this report will be updated. It is anticipated that this will become an annual CRS report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.; Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Henning, Charles A.
2006-07-21
-
Army Officer Shortages: Background and Issues for Congress [July 5, 2006]
"The Army's enlisted recruiting shortfall in 2005 generated significant congressional and media interest, and served as the impetus for several legislative initiatives. However, until very recently, there has been little mention or visibility of potential shortages in the Army's officer corps. This problem is currently unique to the Army. While specific skill shortages and imbalances have been reported by the other services, only the Army is reflecting service-wide active component shortages. The Army currently projects an officer shortage of nearly 3,000 in FY2007, with the most acute shortfalls in 'senior' captains and majors with 11 to 17 years of experience. […] The Army further projects an increased shortage of more than 3,700 officers the following year, and estimates that annual shortages in excess of 3,000 officers will persist through FY2013 unless accessions (the number of new lieutenants brought to active duty annually) can be increased and retention can be improved. It presently takes 10 years to 'grow' a major (from lieutenant to promotion to major), and 14 years if that major is an academy or ROTC graduate. Therefore, the projected shortage appears to be a significant long-term challenge especially as the Army continues to transform and maintain a significant role in fighting the Global War on Terror (GWOT). This report analyzes a number of potential factors contributing to the shortfall, especially the impact of reduced officer accessions during and after the Army personnel drawdown of the early 1990s, and the significant increase in Army officer requirements caused by the Army force structure transformation to a modular, brigade-centric force through its Modular Force Initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2006-07-05
-
Military Retirement: Major Legislative Issues [June 1, 2006]
"The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. […] Starting in 1999 (FY2000), provisions in each year's annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorized payments to comparatively small groups (in the tens of thousands) of military retirees in lieu of concurrent receipt. The program enacted in 2002, in the FY2003 NDAA (P.L. 107-314), is known as 'Combat Related Special Compensation' (CRSC), although it applies also to those people injured in military operations and training generally, as distinct from those whose injuries are unrelated to military service but incurred while in service. CRSC provides for payments that are the financial equivalent of concurrent receipt. […] The most significant military retirement issue Congress dealt with in 2005 was whether military retirees with a 100% VA 'un'employability rating, but less than a 100% 'dis'ability rating, should be entitled to full concurrent receipt as was provided to 100% disability retirees in 2004. The House version of the FY2006 NDAA would have granted such retirees full concurrent receipt effective October 1, 2009, rather than the January 1, 2014 date currently in effect; the Senate version would have allowed immediate concurrent receipt for this population. The House version prevailed in the Conference Committee. This report replaces Issue Brief IB85159 of the same name. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2006-06-01
-
POWs and MIAs: Status and Accounting Issues [June 1, 2006]
"There has been a long-running controversy about the fate of certain U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) and servicemembers missing in action (MIAs) as a result of various U.S. military operations. While few people familiar with the issue feel that any Americans are still being held against their will in communist countries associated with the Cold War, more feel that some may have been so held in the past in the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, or North Vietnam. Similarly, few believe there has been a 'conspiracy' to cover up the existence of live POWs, but many would maintain that there was, at least during the 1970s, U.S. government mismanagement of the issue. Normalization of relations with Vietnam exacerbated this longstanding debate. Normalization's supporters contend that Vietnamese cooperation on the POW/MIA issue has greatly increased. Opponents argue that cooperation has in fact been much less than supporters say, and that the Vietnamese can only be induced to cooperate by firmness rather than conciliation. Those who believe Americans are now held, or were after the war ended, feel that even if no specific report of live Americans has thus far met rigorous proofs, the mass of information about live Americans is compelling. Those who doubt live Americans are still held, or were after the war ended, argue that despite vast efforts, only one live American military prisoner remained in Indochina after the war (a defector who returned in 1979)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Henning, Charles A.
2006-06-01
