S.Amdt. 6037

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Padilla, aims to add a new section to title V of bill S. 4784. It proposes the creation of a non-clinical, community-based pilot program to help members of the Armed Forces and their families transition into civilian life.

The purpose of this addition is to:

• Provide personalized wellness and transition support for the whole family to improve stability and long-term well-being.
• Offer preventative support that complements, rather than duplicates, the existing Transition Assistance Program.

The amendment outlines that the Secretary of Defense would establish this program at four geographically diverse military installations (West Coast, Midwest, East Coast, and outside the U.S.) for a three-year period.

It specifies that the program will serve active duty members within one year of separation and their families, with priority given to those facing involuntary or accelerated separations or those with limited planning time.

Participating organizations will provide services such as:

• Peer-led support groups, resilience workshops, and employment assistance for spouses.
• Dedicated transition coordinators to create personalized plans.
• Skills training, benefits navigation, and wellness support.

The program will track outcomes across short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods (up to 36 months post-separation) and requires coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for a seamless handoff of services.