ASSESSMENT AND REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF PERMANENT CHANGES OF STATION ON EMPLOYMENT AMONG MILITARY SPOUSES.

SEC. 575. ASSESSMENT AND REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF PERMANENT CHANGES OF STATION ON EMPLOYMENT AMONG MILITARY SPOUSES. (a) Assessment Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the effects of frequent, permanent changes of station on the stability of employment among spouses of members of the Armed Forces. (b) Elements.—The assessment required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of how frequent, permanent changes of station may contribute to unemployment or underemployment among spouses of members of the Armed Forces. (2) An assessment of how unemployment and underemployment among military spouses may affect force readiness. (3) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding legislative or administration actions that may be carried out to achieve force readiness and stabilization through the minimization of the impacts of frequent, permanent changes in station on the stability of employment among military spouses. (c) Report.—Not later than February 1, 2019, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the results of the assessment with respect to each element described in subsection (b).