H.R. 3107 — SERVE Act

This section states congressional findings on (1) the national security need to maintain active duty military force levels amid the most challenging recruitment environment in 50 years, driven by a strong economy, shrinking eligible youth population, declining trust in institutions among Generation Z, and falling familial military ties (12% of youth in 2022 with a veteran parent, down from 40% in 1995); (2) youth unawareness of military service benefits such as competitive pay, career training, and mission purpose, with over half never considering service and a need for a renewed national call to service; and (3) the leadership and character development benefits of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program for high school students.

This section revises military recruiting access requirements for secondary schools and institutions of higher education. Specifically, for secondary schools, it requires meaningful access including monthly visits or at minimum four visits per academic year in specified high-traffic areas and events with reasonable notice; and revises student directory information requirements to include academic grades and genders, with provision due by the 60th day after the school year starts and thereafter every 30 days (from within 60 days). For institutions of higher education, it requires similar minimum access of four visits per academic year; revises student directory timelines and content to include grades and genders; and requires access to (1) information on students 17 years of age or older not returning after prior enrollment, including reasons if collected; and (2) lists of such students who submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, with directory information.

This section directs the Department of Defense to establish policy creating two affiliation types within the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program: (1) host units at high schools with a memorandum of agreement with a military department for full-time staffed JROTC programs; and (2) cross-town affiliations allowing students from other high schools to enroll in and participate in a host unit’s program at both campuses, without dedicated staff. The section further requires the department to issue guidance clarifying roles, responsibilities, and requirements for each affiliation type.

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a two-year pilot program to designate high schools as “HERO schools” (Honoring Excellence and Recruitment Opportunities) for having military enlistment rates exceeding the state average for grades 9-12 and for supporting students’ military service aspirations. To qualify, schools must offer programs such as access to military recruiters, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), or military preparation coursework and demonstrate positive relationships with local recruiting stations; the Secretary issues formal designation letters to eligible schools, with a review of program effectiveness after one year.

This section directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to establish a policy providing priority consideration for admission to the military service academies (United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Coast Guard Academy) for applicants who graduate from high schools with military enlistment rates above the state average for high schools in grades 9 through 12. Eligible high schools must (1) exceed the state average enlistment rate in the same grade band, (2) demonstrate ongoing support for military service through access to recruiters, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs, and military preparatory coursework, and (3) have a documented history of encouraging military service as a post-graduation option. Applicants from eligible high schools receive priority status in the admissions process, including for appointments and congressional nominations.

This section designates a National Week of Military Recruitment by adding a new section to chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code (Patriotic and National Observances), and requests the President to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe it with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to submit reports to Congress (or congressional defense committees, as specified) on (1) the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) policy under section 4(a), due not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act and including the number and locations of cross-town units established, enrollment numbers for each cross-town institution, and recommendations for improvements; (2) the two-year pilot program under section 5 to recognize military-friendly schools as HERO schools, due not later than 90 days after the program's conclusion and including a list of designated schools, analysis of impacts on military enlistment rates and school culture, and recommendations for expansion or continuation; and (3) the priority consideration policy for applicants from high schools with above-average military enlistment rates under section 6, including an implementation report due not later than 180 days after enactment outlining the process for identifying eligible schools, criteria for enlistment rates, and implementation timeline, as well as annual reports on the number of applicants receiving priority consideration, their high schools' cities and states, application outcomes, and impacts on military service academy enrollment patterns.