Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen Civilian Defense Workforce

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States civilian defense and national security workforce is experiencing shortages in crucial areas, particularly cybersecurity. To address these shortages and improve recruiting for the defense industrial base, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), to introduce the Defense Workforce Integration Act.

This bipartisan legislation would bolster the civilian defense and national security workforce by leveraging existing programs and best practices within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to retain the talent and motivation of those who desire to serve in uniform but are medically disqualified.

"Our civilian defense and national security workforce mightily contribute to the safety and security of the country," said Cramer. "Many Americans are medically disqualified from military duty and civilian careers each year, yet they have valuable skills and a desire to serve. This bipartisan bill streamlines the hiring of these candidates for other positions, so we can preserve talent, fill vital vacant positions, and foster growth in the industrial base."

"Oftentimes, the U.S. Department of Defense will invest significant time and resources into military recruits' training - only for those recruits to be taken out of consideration for medical reasons, many of which do not prohibit them from working to keep our nation safe and secure," said Shaheen. "Our bipartisan, bicameral bill provides opportunities for these individuals-who have already stepped up to serve their nation-to still contribute to America's national security by increasing awareness and accessibility of careers in the civilian defense workforce. Especially as employers like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard face recruitment and retention challenges for vital roles, we should be doing all we can to fill vacancies that bolster our national security."

"Medical issues might prevent some patriotic Americans from active military service, but it doesn't have to prevent them from finding other ways to serve our country," said Rounds. "The Defense Workforce Integration Act would help individuals who want to serve their country but are disqualified from military service for medical reasons transition into federal civilian roles within the Department of Defense."

How the Defense Workforce Integration Act Works:

• For Applicants Who Cannot Join the Military: Directs DOD to enable military personnel managers to provide individuals who are medically disqualified during their initial evaluations with information about civilian employment opportunities in the following areas: the defense industrial base, cybersecurity, intelligence, research and development of defense technologies, national emergency and disaster preparedness, and any other non-military role the Secretary of Defense considers in the national security interest.
• For Servicemembers Disqualified Early in their Careers: Expands existing Air Force best practices and DRIVE program by establishing Army and Navy equivalents to execute "warm hand-offs" to DOD civilian hiring authorities for personnel who are medically disqualified during their initial accession and training pipelines.
• For Personnel Leaving the Military After Serving Honorably: Leverages existing Navy transition assistance programs to expand awareness of critical civilian roles at Military Sealift Command and enhance our civilian maritime workforce.

Members who cosigned the bill include U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Angus King (I-ME). A companion measure was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), members of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.

Click here for bill text.