H.R. 5215 — SHIELD Act of 2025

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to establish, not later than 120 days after enactment, a one-year pilot program to develop and test a training curriculum for a geographically and demographically diverse sample of members of the Armed Forces on safely and responsibly interacting with digital information. The curriculum must include instruction on (1) identifying fact-based journalism, opinion-based journalism, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate-based ideologies (including antisemitism and white supremacy); (2) assessing credibility of digital news and sources; (3) effects of online actions; (4) protecting personal information; (5) recognizing information-based threats to individuals, property, or Department of Defense security; and (6) methodologies to reduce insider threats from conspiracy theories and hate-based ideologies. The Secretary must deliver training via in-person, virtual, and hybrid methods in equal amounts and may consult relevant organizations. Following termination, the Secretary must survey participants and instructors on improvements, engagement, and information retention and submit a report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 180 days summarizing results. The report must compare delivery methods on engagement and retention, identify the most effective method, and recommend frequency for any permanent training program and curriculum updates.