GAO REVIEW OF SURFACE WARFARE CAREER PATHS.

SEC. 514. GAO REVIEW OF SURFACE WARFARE CAREER PATHS. (a) GAO Review.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of Navy surface warfare career paths. (b) Elements.—The review under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of current and previous career paths for officers in the regular and reserve components of the Navy that are related to surface warfare, including career paths for— (A) unrestricted line officers; (B) limited duty officers; (C) engineering duty officers; and (D) warrant officers. (2) Any prior study that examined career paths described in paragraph (1). (3) The current and historical personnel levels (fit/fill rates) and deployment tempos aboard naval vessels for each of the career paths described in paragraph (1). (4) A comparison of the career paths of surface warfare officers with the career paths of surface warfare officers of foreign navies including— (A) initial training; (B) follow-on training; (C) career milestones; (D) qualification standards; and (E) watch standing requirements. (5) Any other matter the Comptroller General determines appropriate. (c) Deadlines.—Not later than March 1, 2019, the Comptroller General shall brief the congressional defense committees on the preliminary findings of the study under this section. The Comptroller General shall submit a final report to the congressional defense committees as soon as practicable after such briefing.