Last month, four amendments introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) were successfully included in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Each amendment received unanimous support.

These amendments address several key areas:

• Studying toxic exposure risks for DoD civilians deployed with U.S. troops
• Encouraging academic credit for special forces medics pursuing medical degrees
• Authorizing intelligence sharing with Afghan allies resisting the Taliban
• Reforming the military’s flawed titling process

Regarding titling, Rep. Crane’s amendment takes steps to address a longstanding issue affecting service members. Since 1992, the standard for titling has dropped from “probable cause” to merely “credible information,” leading to the wrongful inclusion of individuals in investigative records.

This flawed process can result in career-altering consequences for military personnel, including difficulties with promotions, security clearances, employment opportunities, and Second Amendment rights.

To resolve this, Rep. Crane’s amendment would automatically expunge titling records ten years after separation from service, unless there is a conviction or pending trial. He views this measure as a critical first step in safeguarding the livelihoods of America’s veterans.

“Far too often, the reputations of our brave service members are unfairly tarnished due to titling,” said Rep. Crane. “My amendment to the House-passed NDAA would require the Pentagon to erase military investigative records ten years after discharge, unless there’s a conviction or pending trial. This is a sensible step toward protecting our troops from unjust reputational harm, and I will continue pushing for its inclusion in the final NDAA signed by President Trump.”
 
To read the article from The War Horse, please click here.