The EO coordinates efforts among multiple departments to modernize records sharing, streamline access to earned benefits and strengthen the transition from military service.
A new presidential Executive Order (EO) coordinates efforts among the U.S. Departments of Labor, Veterans Affairs, and War to modernize records sharing, streamline access to earned benefits and strengthen the transition from military service to civilian employment.
The executive order, signed Sept. 8 by President Trump, calls for a range of improvements such as:
• Directing the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modernize the sharing of military personnel and medical records and improve veterans’ access to benefits.
• Within 180 days, providing an update to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and other workforce development programs so that every transitioning servicemember is connected to potential matching civilian jobs, or enrolled in career and technical education opportunities.
American Legion Government Affairs Executive Director Mario Marquez applauded the EO.
“This is a victory on several levels for veterans, most notably those who are transitioning or servicemembers who will be doing so in the future,” he said. “The executive order paves the way for improvements in key areas such as interoperable records, AI-enabled transition tools, direct connections to employment and training, and coordinated access to veterans’ benefits. The American Legion has advocated for these initiatives for years.”
Multiple American Legion resolutions have called for improvements to TAP, technology-enabled transition assistance, employment information, and stronger coordination among federal agencies and veterans’ representatives. Among those are:
• Resolution 13, 2023: Create a transition app with AI.
• Resolution 102, 2018: Expansion of TAP to include ancillary programs and services.
• Resolution 70, 2016: Improve Transition Assistance Program.
- Veterans Benefits