REPORT ON MILITARY SPOUSE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

SEC. 585. REPORT ON MILITARY SPOUSE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.(a) Review Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a review of all education programs of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs designed to support spouses of members of the Armed Forces.(b) Elements of Review.—At a minimum, the review shall evaluate the following:(1) All education programs of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs that are in place to advance educational opportunities for military spouses.(2) The efficacy and effectiveness of such education programs.(3) The extent to which the availability of educational opportunities for military spouses influences the decisions of members to remain in the Armed Forces.(4) A comparison of the costs associated with providing military spouse education opportunities as an incentive to retain members rather than recruiting or training new members.(c) Submission of Results.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing—(1) the results of the review; and(2) such recommendations as the Secretary considers necessary for improving military spouse education programs.(d) Consultation.—In conducting the review and preparing the report, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding education programs of Department of Veterans Affairs assisting spouses of members of the Armed Forces.