Bill Overview
Title: Help for All Servicemembers Act
Description: This bill expands the authorization of support for chaplain-led programs under the Department of Defense, including by authorizing such programs to support resiliency, suicide prevention, or holistic wellness of members of the Armed Forces on activity duty, members of the reserve components in active status, or dependents of such members.
Sponsors: Rep. Hartzler, Vicky [R-MO-4]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents
Estimated Size: 2700000
- The bill addresses chaplain-led support programs, specifically targeting the Armed Forces.
- Active duty members of the Armed Forces will be directly impacted as the bill expands support for them.
- Reserve components in active status are also specified, indicating that reservists on active duty will be impacted.
- The dependents of both active and reserve Armed Forces members will be impacted as the programs include support for them.
- The worldwide population of Armed Forces personnel, including dependents, is relevant as this covers all US military branches operating globally.
Reasoning
- The Help for All Servicemembers Act focuses on enhancing support available to military personnel and their families through chaplain-led programs targeting mental wellness and resiliency.
- The policy budget and scale suggest it aims for widespread yet not exhaustive reach. With a substantial active-duty and reserve force, not everyone may have regular access to these programs due to budget constraints, requiring prioritization or rotational access.
- The Cantril wellbeing scores evaluate a person's perceived current and future wellbeing. Such policies typically have modest immediate impacts, with potential for greater change as the services integrate into military culture and reach wider audience over time.
- Considering the military and their dependents, the policy impact may be more pronounced on individuals with current mental health challenges or those frequently deploying, showing more resilience post-implementation.
- Not all family members or reservists might feel a direct impact immediately as the policy rollout might prioritize active duty personnel first.
Simulated Interviews
Active Duty Soldier (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could really help soldiers like me who have to deploy often. Resilience training sounds beneficial.
- I'm hopeful it will help manage stress levels while I'm away from home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Marine Corps Reservist (San Diego, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These programs might provide some support during my active duty time, especially if they focus on wellness.
- I've struggled with some stress during deployments, so any help is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Pentagon Civilian Employee (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m supportive of expanding resources for our active military members, but unsure how it impacts civilians like me.
- Perhaps less tangible for non-active roles but beneficial overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Army Spouse (Killeen, TX)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having programs to support families while spouses are deployed is crucial. It might ease some burdens while he's away.
- Holistic wellness focus is a positive step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Active Duty Navy (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel positive about these programs as they align with my lifestyle. It’s good to have wellness resources available.
- I'm likely to participate in these additional activities when offered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Civilian Contractor for Air Force (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to know there is increased focus on support for servicemembers like my son.
- While it doesn't directly impact me, knowing my son has access to these services comforts me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Health and Wellness Coach, Army Reserve (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the value in supporting armed forces through wellness programs. This aligns with my work in making a real difference.
- Expanded resources could mean more refined tools for mental health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Active Duty Navy (Virginia Beach, VA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more support for stress and resilience sounds necessary. Deployment has been tough on my mental health.
- I'm skeptical but hopeful it will help me better manage stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Active Duty Army (Fort Campbell, KY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think these programs will be a crucial support for young soldiers like myself, especially early in our careers.
- It gives a sense of security knowing help is accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Active Duty Soldier (US Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Chaplains are vital overseas, providing familiar support far from home.
- I anticipate positive outcomes from increased access to mental health services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $260000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $310000000)
Year 3: $270000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $320000000)
Year 5: $290000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $340000000)
Year 10: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- The expansion focuses on chaplain-led programs, which may limit flexibility in provider options.
- Potential cultural and ethical considerations may arise with a chaplain-led approach, particularly regarding the secular nature of wellness interventions.
- Ensuring the broad reach of programs to all eligible servicemembers and dependents globally could result in logistical challenges.