38 U.S.C. § 320 — Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee

There is established an interagency committee to be known as the Department^* of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

The Committee is composed of—

The co-chairs of the Committee are the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense shall determine the size and structure of the Committee, as well as the administrative and procedural guidelines for the operation of the Committee.

The two Departments shall supply appropriate staff and resources to provide administrative support and services. Support for such purposes shall be provided at a level sufficient for the efficient operation of the Committee, including a subordinate Health Executive Committee, a subordinate Benefits Executive Committee, a subordinate Transition Executive Committee, and such other committees or working groups as considered necessary by the Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary.

The Committee shall recommend to the Secretaries strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing efforts between and within the two Departments under section 8111 of this title and shall oversee implementation of those efforts.

The Committee shall submit to the two Secretaries and to Congress an annual report containing such recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

Review existing policies, procedures, and practices relating to the coordination and sharing of resources between the two Departments.

Identify changes in policies, procedures, and practices that, in the judgment of the Committee, would promote mutually beneficial coordination, use, or exchange of use of services and resources of the two Departments, with the goal of improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of benefits and services to veterans, service members, military retirees, and their families through an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense partnership, including with respect to job training and post-service placement.

Identify and assess further opportunities for the coordination and collaboration between the Departments that, in the judgment of the Committee, would not adversely affect the range of services, the quality of care, or the established priorities for benefits provided by either Department.

Review the plans of both Departments for the acquisition of additional resources, especially new facilities and major equipment and technology, in order to assess the potential effect of such plans on further opportunities for the coordination and sharing of resources.

Review the implementation of activities designed to promote the coordination and sharing of resources between the Departments.

Develop, implement, and oversee such other joint actions, initiatives, programs, and policies as the two Secretaries determine appropriate and consistent with the purpose of the Committee.

review existing policies, procedures, and practices of the Departments (including the military departments) with respect to job training and post-service placement programs; and

identify changes to such policies, procedures, and practices to improve job training, transition from life in the Armed Forces^* to civilian life, and post-service placement.