WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) joined Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) in introducing the Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement (SERVE) Act, which aims to bolster military recruitment.
The SERVE Act addresses current challenges in military recruiting by improving student outreach, access to student information, and high school programs. Key components of the bill include:
"America's military is only as strong as the young men and women who step forward to serve,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Right now, many students aren't being provided information about the amazing opportunities and experiences military service can offer. The SERVE Act is about turning that around by reconnecting our youth with a powerful call to service and opening doors to leadership, education, and purpose. This bipartisan, bicameral bill sends a clear message that we believe in our next generation, and we're ready to invest in their future and the future security of our nation.”
"As someone who has proudly served in uniform, I understand the transformative power of military service. The SERVE Act will ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn about the benefits and responsibilities of serving our nation. By enhancing access to military recruiters and expanding programs like JROTC, we're not only strengthening our armed forces but also investing in the leadership potential of our youth. This bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to national security and to providing young Americans with pathways to personal and professional growth," said Houlahan.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) sponsored the SERVE Act in the Senate.
“For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American Dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life committed to service,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “By increasing avenues to the benefits and pathways of a career in the military, we can unlock even more opportunities and brighter futures for our next generation. The call to service is loud and clear, and through the SERVE Act, our nation can bolster recruitment efforts and build the most lethal, efficient, and effective force in the world.”
Read the bill text here.
The SERVE Act addresses current challenges in military recruiting by improving student outreach, access to student information, and high school programs. Key components of the bill include:
- Enhanced Recruiter Access: Ensures military recruiters have meaningful access to high schools with at least four annual visits to high-traffic areas, providing students with more education opportunities to learn about the benefits of military service.
- JROTC Expansion: Introduces Cross-Town Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units, which increases opportunities for students in schools without a dedicated JROTC program to participate in programs at host unit schools.
- HERO Schools: Recognizes high-enlistment schools as "HERO Schools" through a two-year pilot program.
- Incentives and National Recognition: Grants priority military academy admissions to graduates from high enlistment schools and establishes a national week for military recruitment.
"America's military is only as strong as the young men and women who step forward to serve,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Right now, many students aren't being provided information about the amazing opportunities and experiences military service can offer. The SERVE Act is about turning that around by reconnecting our youth with a powerful call to service and opening doors to leadership, education, and purpose. This bipartisan, bicameral bill sends a clear message that we believe in our next generation, and we're ready to invest in their future and the future security of our nation.”
"As someone who has proudly served in uniform, I understand the transformative power of military service. The SERVE Act will ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn about the benefits and responsibilities of serving our nation. By enhancing access to military recruiters and expanding programs like JROTC, we're not only strengthening our armed forces but also investing in the leadership potential of our youth. This bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to national security and to providing young Americans with pathways to personal and professional growth," said Houlahan.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) sponsored the SERVE Act in the Senate.
“For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American Dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life committed to service,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “By increasing avenues to the benefits and pathways of a career in the military, we can unlock even more opportunities and brighter futures for our next generation. The call to service is loud and clear, and through the SERVE Act, our nation can bolster recruitment efforts and build the most lethal, efficient, and effective force in the world.”
Read the bill text here.