National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

# Summary of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This document is a draft of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, containing comprehensive provisions related to military personnel, benefits, education, and operations. Here's a summary of key sections: ## Military Personnel Authorizations - **Active Forces**: Authorized strengths as of September 30, 2026: - Army: 454,000 - Navy: 344,600 - Marine Corps: 172,300 - Air Force: 321,500 - Space Force: 10,400 - **Reserve Forces**: Authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel: - Army National Guard: 328,000 - Army Reserve: 172,000 - Navy Reserve: 57,500 - Marine Corps Reserve: 33,600 - Air National Guard: 106,300 - Air Force Reserve: 67,500 - Coast Guard Reserve: 7,000 ## Key Policy Changes 1. **Space Force Officer Management**: - New provisions for Space Force general officers serving in active status but not on sustained duty - Authorized strength of 5 Space Force general officers in active status not on sustained duty 2. **Service Academy Admissions**: - Prohibition on consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions - Increased number of alternates from 9 to 14 for all service academies 3. **Military Justice**: - Notification requirements for removal of Judge Advocates General - Enhanced efficiency in Disability Evaluation System reviews 4. **Reserve Component Management**: - Expansion of authority to waive limitations on release of reserves from active duty within two years of retirement eligibility - Disestablishment of Navy Reserve Center system 5. **Family and Education**: - New provisions for military dependents' education, including: - Assistance to local educational agencies with significant numbers of military dependent students - Improved management of special education in DODEA schools - Regulations on portable electronic mobile device use in DODEA schools - Support for expanding early child care options 6. **Compensation and Benefits**: - Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence - Increased awareness and improved calculation of rates for basic allowance for housing - Educational campaign to improve understanding of military compensation 7. **Training and Education**: - Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law - Integration of Strategic Thinkers Program with professional military education - Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education 8. **Other Significant Provisions**: - Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs designated for women - Pathway for cadets and midshipmen to play professional sports - Expansion of authority for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors This legislation represents a comprehensive approach to military personnel management, addressing recruitment, retention, training, compensation, family support, and operational readiness across all branches of the military.