R&D in Support of DoD Enlistment, Testing and Evaluation

The R&D in Support of DOD Enlistment, Testing and Evaluation program element (PE 0605803SE), managed by the Department of Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), encompasses a range of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts to modernize and sustain critical human resources and personnel systems across the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to improve the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of DoD's personnel management, enlistment, testing, data sharing, and benefits administration, in alignment with the priorities of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)).

Identity Credential Management (ICM) is a key project under this program, executed by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). Its objective is to provide a robust, secure, and centralized source of identification and authorization for all individuals affiliated with the DoD. The ICM program evaluates and tests emerging technologies to enhance identity protection, security, and the verification of entitlements and benefits. Planned activities include modernization of the RAPIDS Suite and DoD Self-Service Logon (DS Logon) products, as well as development and expansion of the myAuth' pilot, a commercial authorization capability designed to improve self-service authentication and system availability for users.

Office of People Analytics (OPA), Testing and Assessment is responsible for research and development in support of military enlistment testing, most notably the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). OPA's objectives are to ensure the validity, reliability, and security of the ASVAB and related assessments, which are administered to applicants and students annually. Ongoing RDT&E efforts include developing new test forms, integrating noncognitive assessments such as the Joint-Service Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System (JS-TAPAS), and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve test development and analysis. These initiatives support the selection and classification of highly qualified recruits and provide Congress and manpower planners with critical data on aptitude trends.

Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) administers DoD's responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and related laws. FVAP's goals are to ensure that service members, their families, and overseas citizens are aware of their voting rights and have the necessary tools and resources to participate in federal elections from anywhere in the world. The program conducts research on policy and technology solutions to improve absentee ballot return rates, collaborates with state and local election jurisdictions, and maintains outreach to eligible voters within the military and overseas communities.

Enterprise Data Services (EDS) is focused on treating data as a strategic asset for the DoD. The EDS project aims to enhance data accessibility, trustworthiness, and interoperability through the development of Data Delivery Services (DDS) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). These APIs enable real-time, automated data sharing with authorized users, support Zero Trust security requirements, and align with the DoD Data Strategy. EDS is incrementally expanding its capabilities to connect more databases and customers, with the long-term goal of decommissioning legacy systems and improving the efficiency of data-driven decision-making across the department.

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) serves as the authoritative repository for eligibility and enrollment data on military personnel, civilians, retirees, and their families. The current focus is on modernizing the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) and Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Online Enrollment System (SOES) applications to meet evolving legislative requirements, improve data sharing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other partners, and comply with current cybersecurity standards. This modernization is intended to reduce administrative burdens and ensure timely, accurate delivery of benefits to service members and veterans.

Personnel Support Programs (PSP) includes initiatives such as the Defense Travel System (DTS), which is undergoing modernization to address capability gaps identified by recent legislative requirements. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and audit-readiness of DoD's travel management, reduce erroneous payments, and improve user experience through usability assessments and system upgrades. This effort supports the broader objective of achieving audit-ready financial management systems.

Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) is the DoD's innovation hub for digital learning modernization. The ADL initiative supports the development and deployment of advanced learning technologies, integrated data systems, and enterprise-wide education and training solutions. Current efforts include delivering the DoD Learning Enclave (DLE), which provides secure, interoperable environments for learning management, competency tracking, and learner data integration. These investments are designed to improve training efficiency, effectiveness, and interoperability across DoD components and with federal partners.