---
kind: "range"
citation: "10 U.S.C. §§ 1142–1144"
title: "10"
from: "1142"
to: "1144"
count: 4
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/10/1142..1144"
---

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

- (a) **Requirement.—**
  - (1) Within the time periods specified in [paragraph (3)](#a-3), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall (except as provided in [paragraph (4)](#a-4)) provide for individual preseparation counseling of each [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) whose discharge (regardless of character of discharge) or release from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) is anticipated as of a specific date. A notation of the provision of such counseling with respect to each matter specified in [subsection (b)](#b), signed by the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5), shall be placed in the service record of each [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) receiving such counseling.
  - (2)
    - (A) In carrying out this section, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall use the services available under [section 1144 of this title](/usc/10/1144.md).
    - (B) Preseparation counseling may be provided in person to the extent practicable. If the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) determines that it is infeasible for a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) to attend such counseling in person, such [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) may receive such counseling remotely, with online access to modules and reading materials.
  - (3)
    - (A) In the case of an anticipated retirement, preseparation counseling shall commence as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding the anticipated retirement date. In the case of a separation other than a retirement, preseparation counseling shall commence not later than 365 days before the anticipated date. Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#a-3-B), in no event shall preseparation counseling commence later than 365 days before the date of retirement or other separation.
    - (B) In the event that a retirement or other separation is unanticipated until there are 365 or fewer days before the anticipated retirement or separation date, or in the event a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) component is being demobilized under circumstances in which (as determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9)) operational requirements make the 365-day requirement under [subparagraph (A)](#a-3-A) unfeasible, preseparation counseling shall begin as soon as possible within the remaining period of service.
    - (C) The Secretary of Defense may implement a system to track how many, and what percentage of, [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) begin to receive preseparation counseling within time periods specified in this paragraph.
  - (4)
    - (A) Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#a-4-B), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall not provide preseparation counseling to a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) who is being discharged or released before the completion of the first 180 continuous days of [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
    - (B) [Subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A) shall not apply in the case of a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) who is being retired or separated for disability.
    - (C) For purposes of calculating the days of [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) of a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) under [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall exclude any day on which—
      - (i) the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) performed full-time training duty or annual training duty; and
      - (ii) the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) attended, while in the active military service, a school designated as a service school by law or by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9).
    - (D) The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) may waive the requirement for preseparation counseling under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) in the case of a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) components if—
      - (i) the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) requests such a waiver;
      - (ii) the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) received preseparation counseling during the period of three years preceding the date of such request; and
      - (iii) matters covered by such counseling, specified in [subsection (b)](#b), have not changed since the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) last received such counseling.
- (b) **Matters To Be Covered By Counseling.—** Counseling under this section shall include the following:
  - (1) A discussion of the educational [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) benefits to which the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) is entitled under the Montgomery GI Bill and other educational [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) programs because of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)’s service in the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4).
  - (2) A description (to be developed with the [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) of the compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits to which the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) is being medically separated or is being retired under [chapter 61](/usc/10/chstA-ptII-ch61.md) of this title.
  - (3) An explanation of the procedures for and advantages of affiliating with the Selected [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6).
  - (4) Provision of information on civilian occupations and related [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) programs, including information concerning—
    - (A) certification and licensure requirements that are applicable to civilian occupations, including [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2)-submitted and approved lists of military training and skills that satisfy occupational certifications and licenses;
    - (B) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties; and
    - (C) Government and private-sector programs for job search and job placement [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2), including information regarding the placement programs established under sections [1152](/usc/10/1152.md) and [1153](/usc/10/1153.md) of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers Program.
  - (5) If the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) has a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5), inclusion of the [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5), at the discretion of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and the [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5), when counseling regarding the matters covered by paragraphs [(9)](#b-9), [(10)](#b-10), and [(16)](#b-16) is provided, job placement counseling for the [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5), and the provision of information on survivor benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
  - (6) Information concerning the availability of relocation [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) services and other benefits and services available to persons leaving military service, as provided under [section 1144 of this title](/usc/10/1144.md).
  - (7) Information concerning the availability of medical and dental coverage following separation from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1), including the opportunity to elect into the conversion health policy provided under [section 1145 of this title](/usc/10/1145.md).
  - (8) Counseling (for the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and [dependents](/usc/10/987.md?p=i-2)) on the effect of career change on individuals and their families and the availability to the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and [dependents](/usc/10/987.md?p=i-2) of suicide prevention resources following separation from the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4).
  - (9)
    - (A) Financial planning [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2), including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans and debt management,,[^1] and taxes.
    - (B) Individualized [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) regarding matters described in [subparagraph (A)](#b-9-A).
  - (10) The creation of a transition plan for the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) to attempt to achieve the educational, training, employment, and financial objectives of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and, if the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) has a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5), the [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
  - (11) Information concerning the availability of mental health services and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, or other mental health conditions associated with service in the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) and information concerning the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse.
  - (12) Information concerning the priority of service for veterans in the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under qualified job training programs of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Labor.
  - (13) Information concerning veterans small business ownership and entrepreneurship programs of the Small Business Administration.
  - (14) Information concerning employment and reemployment rights and obligations under [chapter 43](/usc/38/chptIII-ch43.md) of title 38.
  - (15) Information concerning veterans preference in Federal employment and Federal procurement opportunities.
  - (16) Information on home loan services and housing [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and counseling on responsible borrowing practices.
  - (17) A description, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of health care and other benefits to which the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) may be entitled under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and information regarding the means by which the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) can receive additional counseling regarding the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)’s actual entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits.
  - (18) A description, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of the [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) and support services for family caregivers of eligible veterans under the program conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to [section 1720G of title 38](/usc/38/1720G.md), including the veterans covered by the program, the caregivers eligible for [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) and support through the program, and the [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) and support available through the program.
  - (19) Information regarding how to file claims for benefits available to the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) under laws administered by the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
- (c) **Counseling Pathways.—**
  - (1) Each [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9), in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs, shall establish at least three pathways for [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) concerned (including one pathway for [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) components) receiving individualized counseling under this section. The Secretaries shall design the pathways to address the needs of [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5), based on the following factors:
    - (A) [Rank](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-8).
    - (B) Term of service.
    - (C) Gender.
    - (D) Whether the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) was a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of a [regular](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-12) or [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) component of an armed force.
    - (E) Potential or confirmed disability.
    - (F) Potential or confirmed character of discharge (including expedited discharge and discharge under conditions other than honorable).
    - (G) Health (including mental health).
    - (H) Military occupational specialty.
    - (I) Whether the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) intends, after separation, retirement, or discharge, to—
      - (i) seek employment;
      - (ii) enroll in a program of higher education;
      - (iii) enroll in a program of vocational training; or
      - (iv) become an entrepreneur.
    - (J) The educational history of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
    - (K) The employment history of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
    - (L) Whether the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) has secured—
      - (i) employment;
      - (ii) enrollment in a program of education; or
      - (iii) enrollment in a program of vocational training.
    - (M) [Child](/usc/10/1482.md?p=e-5-B) care requirements of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) (including whether a [dependent](/usc/10/987.md?p=i-2) of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) is enrolled in the Exceptional Family [Member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) Program).
    - (N) The employment status of other adults in the household of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
    - (O) The location of the duty station of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) (including whether the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) was separated from family while on duty).
    - (P) The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and the household of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
    - (R) [^2] Other factors the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs, determine appropriate.
  - (2) Each [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) described in [subsection (a)](#a) shall meet in person or by video conference with a counselor before beginning counseling under this section to—
    - (A) take a self-assessment designed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) (in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs) to ensure that the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) places the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) in the appropriate pathway under this subsection;
    - (B) receive information from the counselor regarding reenlistment in the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); and
    - (C) receive information from the counselor regarding resources (including resources regarding military sexual trauma)—
      - (i) for [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) separated, retired, or discharged;
      - (ii) located in the community in which the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) will reside after separation, retirement, or discharge.
  - (3) At the meeting under [paragraph (2)](#c-2), the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) may elect to have the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) (in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs) provide the contact information of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) to the resources described in [paragraph (2)(C)](#c-2-C).
- (d) **Transmittal of Medical Information to Department of Veterans Affairs.—** In the case of a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) being medically separated or being retired under [chapter 61](/usc/10/chstA-ptII-ch61.md) of this title, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall ensure (subject to the consent of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)) that a copy of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)’s service medical record (including any results of a Physical Evaluation Board) is transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 60 days of the separation or retirement.
- (e) **Joint Service Transcript.—** The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall provide a copy of the joint service transcript of a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) described in [subsection (a)](#a) to—
  - (1) that [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)—
    - (A) at the meeting with a counselor under [subsection (c)(2)](#c-2); and
    - (B) on the day the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) separates, retires, or is discharged; and
  - (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the day the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) separates, retires, or is discharged.

# §1143. Employment assistance

- (a) **Employment Skills Verification.—**
  - (1) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy shall provide to [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) who are discharged or released from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) a certification or verification of any job skills and experience acquired while on [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) that may have application to employment in the civilian sector. The preceding sentence shall be carried out in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor.
  - (2) In order to improve the accuracy and completeness of a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by [paragraph (1)](#a-1), the Secretary of Defense shall—
    - (A) establish a database to record all training performed by [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [Army](/usc/10/7001.md), Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force that may have application to employment in the civilian sector; and
    - (B) make unclassified information regarding such information available to [States](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2) and other potential employers referred to in [subsection (c)](#c) so that [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2) and other entities may allow military training to satisfy licensing or certification requirements to engage in a civilian profession.
  - (3) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by [paragraph (1)](#a-1) is rendered in such a way that [States](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2) and other potential employers can confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification.
- (b) **Employment Assistance Centers.—** The Secretary of Defense shall establish permanent employment [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) centers at appropriate [military installations](/usc/10/183a.md?p=h-7). The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish permanent employment [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) centers at appropriate Coast Guard [installations](/usc/10/2920.md?p=h-5).
- (c) **Information to Civilian Entities.—**
  - (1) For the purpose of assisting [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) covered by [subsection (a)](#a) and their [spouses](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) in locating civilian employment and training opportunities, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish and implement procedures to release to civilian employers, organizations, [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2) employment [agencies](/usc/10/4701.md?p=g-1), and other appropriate entities the names (and other pertinent information) of such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and their [spouses](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5). Such names may be released for such purpose only with the consent of such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) and [spouses](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5).
  - (2)
    - (A) A [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2) may—
      - (i) use a certification or verification of job skills and experience provided to a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) under [subsection (a)](#a); and
      - (ii) in the case of [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [Army](/usc/10/7001.md), Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, request the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification.
    - (B) A response confirming or denying the information shall be provided within five business days.
- (d) **Employment Preference by Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities.—** The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as necessary to provide that [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of [Army](/usc/10/7001.md), Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who are involuntarily separated, and the [dependents](/usc/10/987.md?p=i-2) of such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5), shall be provided a preference in hiring by nonappropriated [fund](/usc/10/2871.md?p=6) instrumentalities of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6). Such preference shall be administered in the same manner as the preference for military [spouses](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) provided under [section 1784(a)(2) of this title](/usc/10/1784.md?p=a-2), except that a preference under that section shall have priority over a preference under this subsection. A person may receive a preference in hiring under this subsection only once. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide the same preference in hiring to involuntarily separated [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Coast Guard, and the [dependents](/usc/10/987.md?p=i-2) of such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5), in Coast Guard nonappropriated [fund](/usc/10/2871.md?p=6) instrumentalities.
- (e) **Employment Skills Training; Skillbridge.—**
  - (1)
    - (A) The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) may carry out one or more programs to provide eligible [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) under the jurisdiction of the Secretary with job training and employment skills training, including apprenticeship programs, to help prepare such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) for employment in the civilian sector. Such a program shall be known as “Skillbridge”.
    - (B) The Secretary of a military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) shall carry out one or more programs under this subsection.
  - (2) A [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) is an eligible [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) for purposes of a program under this subsection if the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5)—
    - (A) has completed at least 180 days on [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) in the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); and
    - (B) is expected to be discharged or released from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) in the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) within 180 days of the date of commencement of participation in such a program.
  - (3) To carry out this subsection, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall—
    - (A) assign not fewer than two full-time equivalent positions; and
    - (B) develop for each fiscal year a funding plan that [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) funding lines across the [future-years defense program](/usc/10/8669b.md?p=d-2) under [section 221 of this title](/usc/10/221.md).
  - (4) For any program under this subsection, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall, on an annual basis—
    - (A) circulate, to [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) serving on [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) under the jurisdiction of such [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9), information about the program (including eligibility requirements and the application process); and
    - (B) conduct outreach to inform potential employers about Skillbridge, participating [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5), and how the program operates, and to increase the number of, and types of, employers that hire program participants.
  - (5) Any program under this subsection may be carried out at, through, or in consultation with such other [departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) or [agencies](/usc/10/4701.md?p=g-1) of the Federal Government as the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) considers appropriate.
  - (6) Any program under this subsection shall be carried out in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9).

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



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

- (a) **In General.—**
  - (1) The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish and maintain a program to furnish counseling, [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) in identifying employment and training opportunities, help in obtaining such employment and training, and other related information and services to [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) under the jurisdiction of the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) who are being separated from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) and the [spouses](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) of such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5). Subject to [subsection (f)(2)](#f-2), such services shall be provided to a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) within the time periods provided under paragraph (3) of [section 1142(a) of this title](/usc/10/1142.md?p=a), except that the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall not provide preseparation counseling to a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) described in [paragraph (4)(A)](/usc/10/1142.md?p=a-4-A) of such section.
  - (2) The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in establishing and maintaining the program under this section.
  - (3) The Secretaries referred to in [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall enter into a detailed agreement to carry out this section.
- (b) **Elements of Program.—** In establishing and carrying out a program under this section, the Secretary of Labor shall do the following:
  - (1) Provide information concerning employment and training [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2), including (A) labor market information, (B) civilian work place requirements and employment opportunities (including apprenticeship programs approved under [chapters 30 through 36](/usc/38/ch30..36.md) of title 38), (C) instruction in resumé preparation, and (D) job analysis techniques, job search techniques, and job interview techniques.
  - (2) In providing information under [paragraph (1)](#b-1), use experience obtained from implementation of the pilot program established under section 408 of Public Law 101–237.
  - (3) Provide information concerning Federal, [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2), and local programs, and programs of military and veterans’ service organizations, that may be of [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) to such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) after separation from the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4), including, as appropriate, the information and services to be provided under [section 1142 of this title](/usc/10/1142.md).
  - (4) Inform such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) that the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense and the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Homeland Security are required under [section 1143(a) of this title](/usc/10/1143.md?p=a) to provide proper certification or verification of job skills and experience acquired while on [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) that may have application to employment in the civilian sector for use in seeking civilian employment and in obtaining job search skills.
  - (5) Provide information and other [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) to such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) in their efforts to obtain loans and grants from the Small Business Administration and other Federal, [State](/usc/10/2815a.md?p=g-2), and local [agencies](/usc/10/4701.md?p=g-1).
  - (6) Provide information about the geographic areas in which such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) will relocate after separation from the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4), including, to the degree possible, information about employment opportunities, the labor market, and the cost of living in those areas (including, to the extent practicable, the cost and availability of housing, [child](/usc/10/1482.md?p=e-5-B) care, education, and medical and dental care).
  - (7) Work with military and veterans’ service organizations and other appropriate organizations in promoting and publicizing job fairs for such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5).
  - (8) Provide information about disability-related employment and education protections.
  - (9) Provide information regarding the required deduction, pursuant to subsection (h) of [section 1175a of this title](/usc/10/1175a.md), from disability compensation paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of amounts equal to any voluntary separation [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) received by the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) under such section.
  - (10) Acting through the Secretary of the [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) in which the Coast Guard is operating, provide information on career and employment opportunities available to [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) with transportation security cards issued under [section 70105 of title 46](/usc/46/70105.md).
- (c) **Participation.—**
  - (1) Except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#c-2), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the participation in the program carried out under this section of the [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) eligible for [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) under the program.
  - (2) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security may, under regulations such Secretaries shall prescribe, waive the participation requirement of [paragraph (1)](#c-1) with respect to—
    - (A) such groups or classifications of [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) as the Secretaries determine, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for whom participation is not and would not be of [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) to such [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) based on the Secretaries’ articulable justification that there is extraordinarily high reason to believe the exempted [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) are unlikely to face major readjustment, health care, employment, or other challenges associated with transition to civilian life; and
    - (B) individual [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) possessing specialized skills who, due to unavoidable circumstances, are needed to support a unit’s imminent deployment.
- (d) **Use of Personnel and Organizations.—** In carrying out the program established under this section, the Secretaries may—
  - (1) provide, as the case may be, for the use of disabled veterans outreach program specialists, local veterans’ employment representatives, and other employment service personnel funded by the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Labor to the extent that the Secretary of Labor determines that such use will not significantly interfere with the provision of services or other benefits to eligible veterans and other eligible recipients of such services or benefits;
  - (2) use military and civilian personnel of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense and the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Homeland Security;
  - (3) use personnel of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate personnel of that [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6);
  - (4) use representatives of military and veterans’ service organizations;
  - (5) enter into contracts with public entities;
  - (6) enter into contracts with private entities, particularly with qualified private entities that have experience with instructing [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) eligible for [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) under the program carried out under this section on—
    - (A) private sector culture, resume writing, career networking, and training on job search technologies;
    - (B) academic readiness and educational opportunities; or
    - (C) other relevant topics; and
  - (7) take other necessary action to develop and furnish the information and services to be provided under this section.
- (e) **Participation in Apprenticeship Programs.—** As part of the program carried out under this section, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security may permit a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) eligible for [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) under the program to participate in an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the “National Apprenticeship Act”; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; [29 U.S.C. 50](/usc/29/50.md) et seq.), or a pre-apprenticeship program that provides credit toward a program registered under such Act, that provides [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) with the education, training, and services necessary to transition to meaningful employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
- (f) **Program Contents.—**
  - (1) The program carried out under this section shall consist of instruction as follows:
    - (A) One day of preseparation training specific to the armed force concerned, as determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9).
    - (B) One day of instruction regarding—
      - (i) benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
      - (ii) other subjects determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9).
    - (C) One day of instruction regarding preparation for employment.
    - (D) Two days of instruction regarding a topic selected by the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) from the following subjects:
      - (i) Preparation for employment.
      - (ii) Preparation for education.
      - (iii) Preparation for vocational training.
      - (iv) Preparation for entrepreneurship.
      - (v) Other options determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9).
  - (2) The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) may permit a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) to attend training and instruction under the program established under this section—
    - (A) before the time periods established under [section 1142(a)(3) of this title](/usc/10/1142.md?p=a-3);
    - (B) in addition to such training and instruction required during such time periods.