Veterans Structured Transition Act

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120th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. [_____]

To reduce veteran suicide rates by establishing a structured transition program for

enlisted service members leaving the Armed Forces.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January __, 2027

Ms. Perkins (for herself) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred

to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

A BILL

To reduce veteran suicide rates by replacing the current unstructured “good luck”

transition system with a comprehensive, accountable program that provides enlisted

service members with clear direction, marketable credentials, financial stability, family

support, and ongoing human connection during the critical first year after separation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Veterans Structured Transition Act of 2027”.

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

Congress finds that the transition from military to civilian life is one of the highest-risk periods for veteran suicide. Many veterans lose the structure, purpose, and community they had in the military, leading to isolation, financial stress, loss of direction, and despair. The purpose of this Act is to dramatically reduce veteran suicide rates by replacing the current “good luck” transition system with a structured, accountable program that gives enlisted service members clear direction, marketable credentials, financial stability, family support, and ongoing human connection during the critical first year after separation.

SECTION 3. MANDATORY TRANSITION PROGRAM.

Every enlisted service member shall begin the structured transition program no later than 6 months prior to their scheduled separation date.

SECTION 4. SKILLS ASSESSMENT AND CAREER PATHWAY.

The program shall include a comprehensive assessment of the service member’s interests (both prior to and during military service) and match them to suitable civilian career paths.

SECTION 5. CERTIFICATION AND CREDENTIALING.

The Department of Defense shall partner with trade unions, licensing boards, culinary institutions, and other appropriate organizations to ensure that every service member receives the highest possible civilian credential or certification in their military occupation prior to separation. This includes journeyman-level certifications in trades

and appropriate professional credentials in culinary arts (such as Sous Chef or

equivalent), IT, logistics, mechanics, medical fields, and all other applicable

occupations.

SECTION 6. PRE-SEPARATION DISABILITY CLAIM PROCESSING.

Six months prior to separation, every service member shall undergo a full medical evaluation. Any service-connected conditions identified shall have a disability claim automatically initiated and fully submitted to the VA before separation.

SECTION 7. GI BILL ACCESS AND COUNSELING.

Six months prior to separation, every service member shall receive full counseling on their GI Bill benefits. The Department of Defense shall assist the service member in submitting their GI Bill application so benefits are approved and ready for immediate use upon separation.

SECTION 8. FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING.

All service members shall complete a mandatory 40-hour financial literacy course covering budgeting on a civilian paycheck, rent and utilities, credit management, taxes, insurance, and avoiding lifestyle creep.

SECTION 9. RESUME AND JOB SEARCH TRAINING.

Service members shall receive hands-on training on building strong civilian resumes, creating professional LinkedIn profiles, and effectively using major job platforms.

SECTION 10. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREARMS PATHWAY.

Service members interested in law enforcement or firearms-related careers shall receive psychological screening for PTSD and trauma. Those cleared shall receive nationally recognized firearms instructor or range safety officer certification and priority enrollment in a certified law enforcement academy.

SECTION 11. TRANSITION INCOME BRIDGE.

Separating service members shall receive a monthly transition stipend equal to 75% of their final base pay for up to 6 months after separation, contingent on active participation in transition activities.

SECTION 12. HOUSING TRANSITION SUPPORT.

Separating service members shall be eligible for up to 12 months of transitional housing assistance or a housing stipend equal to the local Basic Allowance for Housing rate for the first 6 months.

SECTION 13. CONTINUED TRICARE COVERAGE.

Every honorably discharged veteran shall retain full TRICARE medical and dental

coverage for themselves and their family until they obtain employer-sponsored insurance that is equal to or better than TRICARE.

SECTION 14. FAMILY TRANSITION SUPPORT.

Spouses and dependent children shall participate in a concurrent family reintegration program covering finances, marriage counseling, and adjustment to civilian household life.

SECTION 15. POST-SEPARATION ACCOUNTABILITY.

Every separating service member shall be assigned a Transition Case Manager from their local County Veterans Service Office. The case manager shall maintain flexible but regular contact focused on ensuring the veteran is working toward employment, education, or training and successfully adapting to civilian life, with a minimum schedule of:

Weekly contact for the first 30 days

Bi-weekly contact for the next 60 days

Monthly contact thereafter, or more frequently as needed.

SECTION 16. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE AND FINAL STATEMENT.

Congress recognizes the profound sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. This Act honors their dedication by ensuring that no veteran is left without structure, purpose, or support in the critical transition to civilian life. The ultimate goal of this legislation is to save lives and give every veteran the

opportunity to thrive after their service to this nation.

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect 90 days after enactment.