,i #aaith ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ighj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #bj1 #bjbf,mr4 ,hamadeh of ,arizona 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,davis of ,north ,carolina1 ,mr4 ,mc,cormick1 ,mr4 ,van ,orden1 ,mr4 ,graves1 and ,mr4 ,mills7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to direct the ,secretary of ,defense to meet certain requirements relating to the divestment1 preservation1 and inventories of ,a-#aj aircraft1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,,brrrrt ,act of #bjbf4 #b4 ,requirements relating to divestment1 preservation1 and inventories of ,a-#aj aircraft 7a7 ,limitation on divestment of ,a-#aj aircraft 7#a7 ,limitation ,none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcc for the ,department of ,defense may be obligated or expended to retire1 divest1 or place in storage any ,a-#aj aircraft in a manner that would reduce the total ,a-#aj inventory1 including combat-coded1 training-coded1 test-coded1 and backup aircraft1 below the level necessary to sustain operational employment1 pilot production1 operational test1 and demonstration requirements through fiscal year #bjcc4 7#b7 ,minimum inventory requirement and fleet composition 7,a7 ,in general ,in fiscal year #bjbg and each subsequent fiscal year1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall maintain in the inventory of the ,air ,force the greater of-- 7i7 #abf ,a-#aj aircraft2 or 7ii7 such higher number of ,a-#aj aircraft as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7,b7 ,fleet composition ,the ,a-#aj aircraft fleet1 as described in subparagraph 7,a71 shall consist of not fewer than-- 7i7 four active units operating under a designed operational capability statement and ,ready ,aircrew ,program tasking memorandum in which close air support1 forward air controller-airborne1 and combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission1 are primary missions2 or 7ii7 five units drawn from the active duty1 ,air ,national ,guard1 or ,air ,force ,reserve operating under designed operational capability statements and ,ready ,aircrew ,program tasking memorandums in which close air support1 forward air controller-airborne1 and combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission1 are primary missions4 7#c7 ,prohibition on presumptive reductions ,none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this ,act or otherwise made available for fiscal year #bjbg or any subsequent fiscal year for the ,department of ,defense may be obligated or expended to reduce1 eliminate1 deactivate1 or fail to restore unit personnel1 pilot training capacity1 operational test capacity1 depot maintenance capacity1 or weapon system sustainment activities for ,a-#aj aircraft in a manner that presumes future congressional authority to divest such aircraft4 7#d7 ,reconstitution of previously reduced capacity ,with respect to any instance occurring after ,october #a1 #bjbe1 and before the date of the enactment of this ,act1 in which the ,department of the ,air ,force reduced1 eliminated1 deactivated1 or transferred depot maintenance capacity1 sustainment functions1 training functions1 or operational test functions for the ,a-#aj fleet in anticipation of divestment or planned retirement of such aircraft1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall1 not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to restore or reconstitute sufficient capacity to carry out this section and maintain the operational viability of the ,a-#aj fleet through fiscal year #bjcc4 7b7 ,certification of fully capable replacement before further divestment of ,a-#aj aircraft 7#a7 ,certification required ,the ,secretary of ,defense may waive one or more of the requirements under subsection 7a7 with respect to a fiscal year only if the ,secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that a fully capable replacement for the ,a-#aj aircraft fleet has achieved full operational capability4 7#b7 ,elements ,the certification required under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a determination that the replacement aircraft or combination of systems-- 7i7 is operationally fielded and available for tasking2 7ii7 includes the qualified pilots1 maintainers1 and support personnel necessary to perform the missions currently assigned to the ,a-#aj fleet and to satisfy the requirements of clauses 7iv7 and 7v72 7iii7 includes the training1 sustainment1 depot1 and infrastructure capacity necessary to support continued operations2 7iv7 is capable of performing combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission and ,rescue ,mission ,commander role1 forward air controller-airborne1 close air support1 personnel recovery support1 and armed overwatch at a level necessary to satisfy the documented requirements of supported forces in operational plans1 taskings1 and the concurrence required under subparagraph 7,e72 and 7v7 has demonstrated the ability to provide persistent armed overwatch1 air-ground integration1 and survivability characteristics appropriate to the missions for which the ,a-#aj is currently employed4 7,b7 ,a detailed crosswalk identifying the specific aircraft1 systems1 units1 or combinations thereof that the ,secretary of ,defense determines will replace the principal operational effects historically provided by the ,a-#aj fleet4 ,the crosswalk shall address1 at a minimum-- 7i7 combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission and ,rescue ,mission ,commander role2 7ii7 forward air controller-airborne functions2 7iii7 close air support persistence and responsiveness for forces in contact2 7iv7 armed overwatch and air-ground integration in dynamic land and maritime targeting environments2 7v7 survivability and mission effectiveness in the operational environments for which the ,a-#aj is currently employed2 and 7vi7 the training1 sustainment1 and manning structure necessary to generate and employ such replacement capability4 7,c7 ,a cost-comparison and mission demand analysis that weighs the cost per operational hour and demands on other airframes and personnel to fill the ,a-#aj mission set versus such costs and demands assuming the continued employment of ,a-#aj aircraft4 7,d7 ,an outline of the steps and timeline for the hand-off of ,a-#aj missions and any plans to create1 adapt1 and train on those missions and close air support1 combat search and rescue1 and rescue mission commander functions and doctrines4 7,e7 ,the written concurrence of-- 7i7 the ,secretary of the ,army1 with respect to whether the replacement aircraft or combination of systems is sufficient to meet the ,army's requirements for the ,a-#aj mission set2 7ii7 the ,secretary of the ,navy1 acting through the ,commandant of the ,marine ,corps1 with respect to whether the replacement aircraft or combination of systems is sufficient to meet the ,marine ,corps requirements for the ,a-#aj mission set1 including tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel requirements2 and 7iii7 the ,commander of ,united ,states ,special ,operations ,command1 with respect to whether the replacement aircraft or combination of systems is sufficient to support special operations requirements for the ,a-#aj mission set4 7,f7 ,from each official specified in subparagraph 7,e71 a written determination as to whether the replacement aircraft or combination of systems is sufficient to support combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission and ,rescue ,mission ,commander role1 where applicable to the supported force4 7#c7 ,treatment of replaced missions ,for purposes of paragraph 7#b71 a mission may not be treated as replaced merely because it is listed as a secondary1 collateral1 or additional mission of a platform or unit whose designed operational capability statement or ,ready ,aircrew ,program tasking memorandum is principally oriented toward a primary mission4 7#d7 ,briefing ,not later than #cj days before submitting a certification under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the basis and findings of such certification4 7c7 ,preservation of certain retired ,a-#aj aircraft for recoverability1 contingency use1 and potential foreign military transfer 7#a7 ,preservation requirement ,except as provided in paragraph 7#f71 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall preserve each covered ,a-#aj aircraft retired during or after fiscal year #bjbg in a condition that enables such aircraft to be reconstituted for operational use1 contingency use1 training1 testing1 heritage demonstration1 or transfer to an eligible foreign partner4 7#b7 ,minimum preservation standard ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall ensure that each covered ,a-#aj aircraft preserved under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 is maintained in a recoverable storage condition2 7,b7 retains all major systems1 mission equipment1 and structural components necessary to permit return to service1 reconstitution for training or operational use1 or preparation for transfer to an eligible foreign partner2 7,c7 is not demilitarized1 mutilated1 or otherwise altered in a manner that would unreasonably impair its recoverability or future transferability2 7,d7 retains1 to the maximum extent practicable1 records relating to flying hours1 service life consumption1 structural condition1 modifications1 maintenance history1 and combat or operational use2 and 7,e7 remains identifiable by tail number and preservation status in the inventory and storage records of the ,department of the ,air ,force4 7#c7 ,prohibition on cannibalization and parting out ,except as provided in paragraph 7#f71 no covered ,a-#aj aircraft preserved under this subsection may be cannibalized1 parted out1 or used as a source of spare parts if such aircraft-- 7,a7 has received wing replacement or service-life extension modifications2 7,b7 retains projected flying hours exceeding the threshold specified in paragraph 7#i77;,b72 or 7,c7 has been identified by the ,secretary of the ,air ,force as a viable candidate for reconstitution1 contingency activation1 foreign military sale1 foreign military financing-supported transfer1 or other security cooperation purpose4 7#d7 ,limitation on final induction or irreversible processing pending roadmap 7,a7 ,in general ,until the date on which the ,secretary of the ,air ,force submits to the congressional defense committees a roadmap for the sustainment of the ,a-#aj aircraft fleet and related capabilities1 none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcc for the ,department of ,defense may be obligated or expended-- 7i7 to place any retired or retiring ,a-#aj aircraft into a storage1 reclamation1 excess1 or disposal status at the #cjith ,aerospace ,maintenance and ,regeneration ,group in a manner that would materially impair the recoverability1 reconstitution1 training use1 testing use1 heritage demonstration use1 or potential foreign transfer of such aircraft1 including placement into any category of storage or processing that is equivalent in effect to nonrecoverable reclamation1 excess disposal1 or broad parts-harvest status2 or 7ii7 to take any other covered action with respect to an ,a-#aj aircraft4 7,b7 ,covered actions ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 a covered action includes-- 7i7 categorization of an ,a-#aj aircraft in a manner equivalent to parts reclamation or excess disposal status2 7ii7 downgrading an ,a-#aj aircraft from a recoverable or inviolate storage status2 7iii7 demilitarization1 mutilation1 or cannibalization of an ,a-#aj aircraft2 7iv7 removal of major systems1 mission equipment1 structural components1 or other items in a manner that would materially reduce the future utility of the aircraft2 or 7v7 any other induction1 storage1 or processing decision that presumes disposal1 reclamation1 or nonrecoverable status before completion of the roadmap required under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,temporary custody and recoverable storage pending roadmap ,nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit temporary custody1 movement1 inspection1 preservation1 or placement of an ,a-#aj aircraft into a recoverable storage condition pending submission of the roadmap required under subparagraph 7,a74 ,during the period described in such subparagraph1 any ,a-#aj aircraft transferred to the #cjith ,aerospace ,maintenance and ,regeneration ,group shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 be maintained only in a recoverable storage status and may not be processed into a reclamation or excess disposal status4 7,d7 ,roadmap ,the roadmap required under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 a contingency plan for keeping the total ,a-#aj inventory at the level necessary to sustain operational employment1 pilot production1 operational test1 and demonstration requirements through fiscal year #bjcg4 ,such plan shall include-- 7i7 identified decision points2 and 7ii7 an assessment of the cost and reconstitution impacts that would result if the ,secretary of the ,air ,force retroactively decided to reconstitute and sustain the ,a-#aj aircraft mission following its termination4 7#e7 ,priority for ,arizona storage and recoverability ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall preserve covered ,a-#aj aircraft required to be retained under this section at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base1 ,arizona1 or at another facility capable of maintaining such aircraft in recoverable storage status4 7#f7 ,exception ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force may waive the requirements of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e7 with respect to a specific covered ,a-#aj aircraft only if the ,secretary certifies in writing to the congressional defense committees that-- 7,a7 the aircraft is no longer airworthy or structurally viable for economical recovery1 training use1 testing use1 heritage use1 or foreign transfer2 7,b7 the aircraft is not reasonably required for contingency reserve capacity1 training support1 operational testing1 heritage demonstration1 or security cooperation purposes2 and 7,c7 disposal or cannibalization of the aircraft will not materially reduce the ,department's ability to reconstitute ,a-#aj capacity1 preserve representative aircraft with significant remaining service life1 or support a potential foreign military transfer or sale4 7#g7 ,reports ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter through ,september #cj1 #bjcc1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on covered ,a-#aj aircraft4 ,each report shall include-- 7,a7 the number of aircraft retired1 stored1 preserved1 cannibalized1 transferred1 or disposed of during the preceding year2 7,b7 the number of preserved aircraft that received wing replacement or wing upgrade modifications2 7,c7 the projected remaining flying hours of each preserved aircraft1 or by category if necessary for security or administrative reasons2 7,d7 the status of preservation and recoverability actions for each such aircraft2 7,e7 any aircraft assessed as viable candidates for foreign military sale1 transfer1 training use1 operational test use1 or contingency activation2 7,f7 any waiver exercised under paragraph 7#f71 including the justification for such waiver2 7,g7 the tail numbers1 current location1 and current storage or preservation status of all ,a-#aj aircraft that1 as of the date of the enactment of this ,act1 are retired1 retiring1 transferred to1 or pending transfer to the #cjith ,aerospace ,maintenance and ,regeneration ,group2 7,h7 identification of which such aircraft have received wing replacement or wing upgrade modifications2 7,i7 identification of which such aircraft are assessed as retaining projected flying hours exceeding the threshold specified in paragraph 7#i77;,b72 and 7,j7 identification of which such aircraft are assessed as viable candidates for reconstitution1 contingency activation1 training use1 test use1 heritage demonstration1 or foreign military sale or transfer4 7#h7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the ,secretary of the ,air ,force to return any aircraft to active service or to transfer any aircraft to a foreign country in violation of other applicable provisions of law1 export control requirements1 end-use monitoring requirements1 or national security considerations4 7#i7 ,covered ,a-#aj aircraft defined ,in this subsection1 the term covered ,a-#aj aircraft means an ,a-#aj aircraft that1 as of the date on which the aircraft is proposed for retirement1 transfer1 or placement into storage-- 7,a7 has received wing replacement or wing upgrade modifications intended to extend the service life of the aircraft2 7,b7 retains not fewer than #a1ejj projected flying hours of remaining service life1 as determined by the ,secretary of the ,air ,force using the most current structural and airworthiness data available2 or 7,c7 is assessed by the ,secretary of the ,air ,force1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 as a viable candidate for reconstitution1 contingency activation1 security cooperation use1 foreign military sale1 or transfer under the ,arms ,export ,control ,act or any other provision of law4 #c4 ,requirements relating to sustainment of ,a-#aj aircraft and related training 7a7 ,limitations on availability of funds 7#a7 ,limitation on divestment activities ,not more than #he percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal year #bjbg through #bjcc for the ,department of ,defense for covered divestment activities with respect to the ,a-#aj fleet may be obligated or expended to carry out such an activity until the ,secretary of the ,air ,force submits to the congressional defense committees-- 7,a7 the roadmap required under subsection 7d72 and 7,b7 a certification that such roadmap addresses each requirement under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,limitation on training transition from ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base ,none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcc for the ,department of ,defense may be obligated or expended to transition covered training functions at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base1 ,arizona1 to another military installation unless the ,secretary of the ,air ,force submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that-- 7,a7 continuation of such functions at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base is not feasible without carrying out a major military construction project2 and 7,b7 the transition of such functions to such other military installation would not materially increase costs1 delay operational availability1 reduce local access to qualified personnel1 degrade training quality1 or result in the violation of any requirement under subsection 7b74 7#c7 ,limitation on reduction of functions at ,nellis ,air ,force ,base ,none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcc for the ,department of ,defense may be obligated or expended to reduce1 eliminate1 deactivate1 transfer1 or fail to restore the weapons instructor course for ,a-#aj aircraft offered through the ,united ,states ,air ,force ,weapons ,school located at ,nellis ,air ,force ,base1 ,nevada1 or any such successor course1 in a manner that presumes future congressional authority to divest the ,a-#aj fleet4 7b7 ,sustainment requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall maintain sufficient training capacity1 development1 test1 and evaluation capacity1 depot-level maintenance and repair capacity1 supply1 logistics1 and contractor capacity1 and other sustainment-related capacity to ensure the ,a-#aj fleet remains operationally viable through fiscal year #bjcc 7in this section1 referred to as the covered period71 including with respect to each mission and capability of such fleet as of the date of the enactment of this ,act 7including combat search and rescue missions74 7#b7 ,certain minimum requirements ,the capacity required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 the following3 7,a7 ,a requirement that1 on an annual basis during the covered period1 not fewer than #ad pilots receive the qualifications1 or requalifications1 necessary for the operation of ,a-#aj aircraft4 7,b7 ,a requirement that1 on an annual basis during the covered period1 not fewer than four officers receive advanced instructor qualifications1 or requalifications1 through the weapons instructor course for ,a-#aj aircraft offered through the ,united ,states ,air ,force ,weapons ,school4 7,c7 ,a requirement that1 for the duration of the covered period1 the ,secretary maintains a fighter pilot specialty community with respect to the ,a-#aj mission set1 including the ,air ,force ,specialty ,code #aa;,f#c;,b 7or any successor specialty code or designation71 in a manner that establishes the ,a-#aj mission set as a primary area of pilot training1 operational experience1 and career development rather than a secondary or collateral area4 7#c7 ,preservation of functions at ,nellis ,air ,force ,base ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 maintain at ,nellis ,air ,force ,base1 ,nevada1 the weapons instructor course for ,a-#aj aircraft offered through the ,united ,states ,air ,force ,weapons ,school and associated support functions1 including access to ramp space1 hangars1 office space1 simulator or mission-planning facilities1 ranges1 and other relevant infrastructure as necessary to meet the requirement under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,preservation of functions at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 maintain at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base1 ,arizona1 the core ground-based training system1 simulators1 and other training infrastructure necessary for pilots to receive qualification or requalification for the operation of ,a-#aj aircraft as necessary to meet the requirement under paragraph 7#a74 7#e7 ,formal training unit ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall maintain a formal training unit of the ,air ,force for providing to pilots the qualifications necessary for the operation of ,a-#aj aircraft1 and a process for the requalification of pilots formerly so qualified4 7#f7 ,use of existing or repurposed infrastructure ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall seek to use existing or repurposed facilities1 hangars1 ramp space1 and other support infrastructure for the purpose of meeting the requirement under paragraph 7#a7 and may not initiate any new military construction project for such purpose unless the ,secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that-- 7,a7 existing or repurposed facilities are insufficient for such purpose2 7,b7 the proposed military construction project is the minimum cost necessary to meet such requirement2 and 7,c7 the proposed military construction project will not materially interfere with the beddown and mission requirements of the #dib;d ,special ,operations ,wing at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base1 ,arizona4 7#g7 ,budget materials ,concurrent with the submission to ,congress of a budget pursuant to section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 for each of fiscal years #bjbh through #bjcc1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the amounts necessary to implement this subsection4 7c7 ,annual report on ,a-#aj sustainment 7#a7 ,annual report ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjbg1 and annually thereafter until ,march #a1 #bjcd1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the extent to which the ,department of the ,air ,force met the requirements under subsection 7b7 during the preceding fiscal year4 7#b7 ,elements ,each report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 the following3 7,a7 ,an identification of the number of pilots that received the qualifications necessary for the operation of ,a-#aj aircraft during the preceding fiscal year1 disaggregated by whether such qualifications were an initial qualification or a requalification4 7,b7 ,an identification of the number of officers that received advanced instructor qualifications through the weapons instructor course for ,a-#aj aircraft offered through the ,united ,states ,air ,force ,weapons ,school1 disaggregated by whether such qualifications were an initial qualification or a requalification4 7,c7 ,a description of the status of actions taken to meet the requirement under subsection 7b77#e7 during the preceding fiscal year1 and any related instructor shortfalls4 7,d7 ,a description of the status of operational test and evaluation capacity with respect to the ,a-#aj fleet1 including major limitations affecting airworthiness1 weapons integration1 tactics development1 or mission effectiveness4 7,e7 ,a comparative analysis of research1 development1 test1 and evaluation funding and resourcing for the ,a-#aj fleet during the preceding #aj fiscal years1 including an identification of-- 7i7 any major test1 evaluation1 modernization1 or capability-integration efforts that were delayed1 denied1 cancelled1 or not pursued2 7ii7 the stated basis for each such decision2 and 7iii7 an assessment of whether developmental or operational test capacity was materially constrained by underfunding1 understaffing1 or the rejection of otherwise feasible low-cost or no-additional-cost efforts4 7,f7 ,the status of programmed depot-level maintenance and repair with respect to ,a-#aj aircraft or related infrastructure1 and any resulting effect on the ability of the ,department to meet the requirements under subsection 7b74 7,g7 ,the status of logistics1 supply1 contractor maintenance1 and other sustainment functions for the ,a-#aj fleet1 and any resulting effect on the ability of the ,department to meet the requirements under subsection 7b74 7,h7 ,an assessment as to whether the ,department met the requirements under subsection 7b7 during the preceding fiscal year4 7,i7 ,a description of any shortfall1 delay1 or other deviation resulting in a failure to meet any such requirement1 including any corrective action planned or underway4 7d7 ,roadmap for ,a-#aj fleet sustainment 7#a7 ,roadmap required ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a roadmap setting forth-- 7,a7 proposed actions to meet each requirement under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 a contingency plan for the sustainment of the ,a-#aj fleet through fiscal year #bjcg1 including an identification of decision points relating to such extended sustainment and an assessment of related costs and reconstitution effects4 7#b7 ,briefing ,not later than #ae days after the date of the submission of the roadmap under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such roadmap and any anticipated material shortfall in meeting a requirement under subsection 7b74 7#c7 ,annual updates ,not later than one year after the date of the submission of the roadmap under paragraph 7#a71 and annually thereafter until ,september #cj1 #bjcc1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written update to such roadmap4 7#d7 ,,gao review ,if the ,secretary of the ,air ,force does not submit to the congressional defense committees the roadmap required under paragraph 7#a7 by the deadline specified in such paragraph1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7,a7 conduct a review of the compliance with this section by the ,department2 and 7,b7 not later than #abj days after such review is complete1 submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of such review4 7e7 ,program ,to preserve knowledge and history relating to ,a-#aj aircraft 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall establish a program to preserve technical and historical knowledge relating to the operation and sustainment of the ,a-#aj fleet4 7#b7 ,lead entity ,the ,director of the ,air ,force ,historical ,research ,agency shall serve as the lead entity carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 in coordination with the ,commander of the ,air ,combat ,command1 the head of the ,national ,museum of the ,united ,states ,air ,force1 and such other organizations of the ,department of the ,air ,force as the ,secretary of the ,air ,force determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,required activities ,the program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum the following activities3 7,a7 ,the collection of oral histories relating to the ,a-#aj fleet from pilots1 advanced instructor-qualified aircrew1 maintainers1 joint terminal attack controllers1 and other personnel involved in the operation 7including operational support for combat search and rescue missions7 or sustainment of aircraft within such fleet4 7,b7 ,the collection and preservation of records associated with the ,a-#aj fleet1 including technical data1 operational tactics1 weapons integration records1 upgrade and modification history1 and records relating to the sustainment of aircraft within such fleet4 7,c7 ,the digital archiving of materials collected under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 in a searchable repository accessible to appropriate users within the ,department of ,defense4 7,d7 ,the identification of lessons learned pursuant to the materials so collected4 7,e7 ,the development of recommendations for collecting1 preserving1 and transferring knowledge relating to the ,a-#aj fleet with respect to design1 doctrine1 training1 and sustainment activities relating to successor aircraft4 7#d7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a summary of-- 7,a7 the activities carried out under the program established under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 the status of the archive established pursuant to paragraph 7#c77;,c72 and 7,c7 the principal lessons learned identified pursuant to paragraph 7#c77;,d74 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term covered divestment activity1 with respect to the ,a-#aj fleet1 means any activity to transition1 replace1 retire1 deactivate1 or otherwise reduce such fleet or the capabilities thereof1 including with respect to training1 personnel1 and resources for the sustainment and operation of such fleet1 below the levels required under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,the term covered training functions means functions that comprise the primary source of providing to pilots and other aircrew the training and qualifications necessary for the operation of ,a-#aj aircraft4 7#c7 ,the term depot-level maintenance and repair has the meaning given such term in section #bdfj of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,the term military construction project and military installation have the meanings given such terms in section #bhja of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 #d4 ,reconstitution of ,a-#aj demonstration team 7a7 ,reconstitution required ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall reconstitute and operate an ,a-#aj demonstration team to support public outreach1 recruiting1 heritage1 and official commemorative events associated with the #bejth anniversary of the founding of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,purpose ,the demonstration team reconstituted and operated under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 honor the combat legacy and service history of the ,a-#aj ,thunderbolt ,,ii2 7#b7 promote pride in ,american airpower and the service of the men and women of the ,united ,states ,air ,force2 7#c7 support appropriate public events1 airshows1 military ceremonies1 and official anniversary observances connected to the #bejth anniversary of the founding of the ,united ,states2 and 7#d7 preserve and showcase the heritage of the ,a-#aj community and the ,a-#aj mission set4 7c7 ,team composition ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary shall designate such aircraft1 aircrew1 maintainers1 support personnel1 and associated equipment as the ,secretary determines necessary to establish and operate the demonstration team4 7d7 ,limitation ,aircraft designated for the demonstration team under this section-- 7#a7 shall be drawn from ,a-#aj aircraft otherwise retained in the inventory of the ,air ,force2 and 7#b7 may not be retired1 divested1 or transferred solely on the basis of designation for demonstration purposes during the period in which the team operates4 7e7 ,briefing ,not later than #abj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of this section4 ,such briefing shall include-- 7#a7 the number of aircraft to be assigned to the demonstration team2 7#b7 the expected cost and source of funds for such team2 7#c7 the anticipated schedule of appearances and commemorative events2 7#d7 the basing location of the team2 7#e7 any safety1 maintenance1 and sustainment requirements associated with operation of the team2 and 7#f7 an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of rebasing the demonstration team at ,davis-,monthan ,air ,force ,base1 ,arizona4 7f7 ,termination ,the authority to operate a demonstration team under this section shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjcc4 #e4 ,plan for competitive experimentation relating to autonomous and nontraditional capabilities relevant to the ,a-#aj mission set 7a7 ,plan required ,the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall develop a plan to carry out competitive experimentation1 prototyping1 and operational assessment of autonomous1 semi-autonomous1 artificial intelligence-enabled1 and adjunct aircraft capabilities relevant to the ,a-#aj mission set4 7b7 ,elements ,the plan under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,appropriate opportunities for participation by nontraditional defense contractors1 commercial technology firms1 venture-backed defense firms1 and other private-sector entities capable of rapidly developing relevant hardware1 software1 autonomy1 sensing1 communications1 or mission system capabilities4 7#b7 ,measures to ensure operational experimentation is conducted in a manner consistent with meaningful human command and control1 by a qualified military aviator1 over mission-critical functions1 including target engagement1 weapons release1 mission abort1 and such other functions as the ,secretary of the ,air ,force determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,an estimated annual budget for implementing the plan4 7#d7 ,consideration of how to make available to a qualified ,united ,states entity a limited number of ,a-#aj aircraft1 components1 or associated support equipment for the sole purpose of research1 development1 test1 and evaluation activities relevant to the ,a-#aj mission set1 autonomous or semi-autonomous aircraft integration1 mission systems development1 digital battlefield communications1 or other related capabilities4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,air ,force shall submit to the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,senate and the ,house of ,representatives a report on the plan developed under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,qualified ,united ,states entity ,in this section1 the term qualified ,united ,states entity means-- 7#a7 a nontraditional defense contractor2 7#b7 a traditional defense contractor2 7#c7 a federally funded research and development center2 7#d7 a university-affiliated research center2 or 7#e7 another domestic entity the ,secretary determines is capable of carrying out the activities described in subsection 7a7 in a manner consistent with national security and public safety4 #f4 ,report on ,a-#aj combat legacy1 current operational use1 and modernization outlook 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the combat record of the ,a-#aj aircraft from ,operation ,desert ,storm through current operations1 including recent support to the recovery of downed aircrew in ,operation ,epic ,fury1 and the continued relevance of lessons derived from close air support1 armed overwatch1 air-ground integration1 combat search and rescue support1 and operations to secure key maritime approaches1 including the ,strait of ,hormuz4 7#b7 ,it is important to preserve operational knowledge resident in the ,a-#aj enterprise and applying such knowledge to future force design1 doctrine1 training1 capability development1 and incremental modernization efforts that may improve the operational return on continued sustainment of the ,a-#aj program4 7b7 ,report ,not later than ,january #ae1 #bjbg1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,air ,force1 and the ,commander1 ,air ,combat ,command1 and the ,commander1 ,u4,s4 ,central ,command1 shall submit to the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report on the combat employment of the ,a-#aj aircraft from ,operation ,desert ,storm through current operations1 including how lessons learned from such employment should be preserved and applied to the future of the ,a-#aj mission set1 successor force design1 doctrine1 training1 and capability development4 ,the report should include the following3 7#a7 ,a description of the combat employment of the ,a-#aj aircraft in major operations from ,operation ,desert ,storm through current operations4 7#b7 ,lessons learned for close air support1 armed overwatch1 battlefield communications1 weapons integration1 pilot training1 and air-ground coordination4 7#c7 ,lessons learned from the use of the ,a-#aj aircraft in combat search and rescue support1 including the ,sandy mission1 and the relevance of such lessons to future personnel recovery and armed overwatch concepts4 7#d7 ,an assessment of the extent to which elements of the ,a-#aj mission set1 command-and-control methods1 and air-ground integration experience may inform future force design4 7#e7 ,recommendations for preserving1 adapting1 or transferring relevant ,a-#aj operational knowledge to future doctrine1 training1 and capability development4 7#f7 ,an assessment of whether currently programmed or planned ,air ,force capabilities are expected to replicate or improve upon the principal operational effects historically provided by the ,a-#aj aircraft as rescue mission commander1 close air support1 armed overwatch1 forward air controller-airborne1 and personnel recovery support missions4 7#g7 ,an assessment of the applicability of ,a-#aj operational lessons to human-machine teaming1 autonomous collaborative or adjunct aircraft1 artificial intelligence-enabled mission planning and targeting support1 digital battlefield communications1 distributed air-ground integration1 and other emerging capabilities4 7#h7 ,recommendations for operational experimentation or testing using ,a-#aj units1 preserved ,a-#aj mission infrastructure1 or relevant training and sustainment organizations to evaluate emerging capabilities applicable to the ,a-#aj mission set1 including opportunities to integrate private-sector and nontraditional defense partners4 7#i7 ,an assessment of recent and potential incremental modernization options for the ,a-#aj aircraft1 including electronic warfare capabilities1 decoy or stand-in effects delivery1 aerial refueling enhancements1 digital communications1 sensor integration1 precision weapons integration1 survivability improvements1 open-systems architecture1 and human-machine teaming applications1 and whether such options could improve the operational return on continued sustainment of the ,a-#aj program4 7c7 ,form of report ,the report required by subsection 7b7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 #g4 ,briefing on feasibility of foreign transfer1 security cooperation1 and contingency basing options for surplus ,a-#aj aircraft 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,surplus ,a-#aj aircraft may retain value for security cooperation1 partner burden-sharing1 contingency operations1 or recoverable storage arrangements4 7#b7 ,it is possible that such aircraft could be transferred to eligible foreign partners through existing authorities1 maintained in recoverable status for future foreign military sales or excess defense articles consideration1 or used to support contingency basing or coalition interoperability requirements4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than ,january #ae1 #bjbg1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,air ,force and the ,director of the ,defense ,security ,cooperation ,agency1 and in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall provide to the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a briefing on the feasibility of transferring surplus ,a-#aj aircraft to eligible foreign partners1 or otherwise maintaining such aircraft in recoverable status to support future security cooperation or contingency operations4 ,the briefing shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of the feasibility of transfer through foreign military sales1 excess defense articles1 or other appropriate authorities4 7#b7 ,an identification of allies or partners that may be suitable candidates to operate1 host1 or support surplus ,a-#aj aircraft4 7#c7 ,an assessment of training1 maintenance1 sustainment1 basing1 interoperability1 and force protection requirements associated with any such transfer or arrangement4 7#d7 ,an assessment of export-control1 technology security1 and end-use monitoring considerations4