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Implementation of cognitive performance enhancement program for special operations forces

Division A · Title X: General Provisions · Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Plain-language summaryAI

The special operations command must start a program to improve brain performance for special operations forces within 90 days, focusing on readiness, resilience, and recovery through proven brain training methods. The program will treat cognitive enhancement as a key part of training, separate from brain injuries or mental health issues, and must be included throughout a service member’s career. Within a year of starting the program, the command must report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness and consider whether similar programs could be used for regular military forces.

AI-generated from this section’s text — a quick orientation, not a substitute for the full text below. Not legal advice.

Section Text · Sec. 1067.
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(a) Implementation

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command shall implement a cognitive performance enhancement program to enhance cognitive performance metrics across the special operations forces. The program shall be known as the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program , and the Commander shall include the program in the strategy titled Comprehensive Strategy for Special Operations Warfighter Brain Health .

(b) Objectives

The Commander shall ensure that the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program—

(1)

improves readiness, resilience, and recovery, using evidence-based holistic and proactive high-performance brain training that has a validated ability to scale cost-effectively across the special operations forces enterprise;

(2)

clearly distinguishes cognitive performance enhancement from brain decline and injuries, including with respect to traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder;

(3)

increases awareness of cognitive performance as a critical differentiator that can help ensure special operations forces remains the most lethal, decisive irregular warfare force of the United States; and

(4)

ensures baseline cognitive performance assessments, training, and enhancement are included as an essential element of training and assessment throughout the career of a member of the Armed Forces in the special operations forces in a similar manner to other physical training and performance metrics.

(c) Briefing

Not later than one year after the date on which the Commander commences the implementation of the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program, the Commander shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing that includes—

(1)

an assessment of cognitive performance enhancement tools used under the Program and whether the tools qualitatively improved readiness, resilience, and recovery for members of the Armed Forces in the special operations forces;

(2)

an assessment of how enhanced cognitive performance contributes to operational advantages to the special operations forces; and

(3)

any recommendations with respect to the feasibility of implementing cognitive enhancement assessment and training programs across the conventional force.