Pilot program on psychological performance training at the United States Air Force Academy

(a) Pilot program required The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, shall establish a pilot program to integrate psychological performance training into the curriculum and cadet development model at the United States Air Force Academy. (b) Elements The pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include— (1) training for cadets, faculty, Commanders, and Academy Military Trainers in scientifically researched and evidence-based psychological performance skills focused on development of a high-performance mindset to increase readiness, warfighter lethality, and leadership under stress; (2) the use of cognitive training tools and resources, including technologies and structured skill-building workshops, to improve resilience, focus, decision-making, and recovery under pressure; (3) a leadership development component equipping faculty, Commanders, and Academy Military Trainers to mentor cadets in psychological performance skills across the course of the cadet experience; and (4) collection and analysis of data on training effectiveness using established cadet performance and attrition measures. (c) Metrics The Secretary shall ensure the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) includes evaluation of the following metrics: (1) Attrition rates during Basic Cadet Training, the fourth class (freshman) year, and the third class (sophomore) year. (2) Cadet testing and performance indicators, including graded review, grade point average, military performance average, and physical fitness testing. (3) Counseling center utilization rates, self-reported stress and sleep quality metrics, and measures of cadet well-being. (4) Utilization and results of cognitive training tools, including data on attention, relaxation, and workload regulation. (d) Termination The pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is one year after the date of the establishment of such pilot program. (e) Report Not later than 60 days after the termination of the pilot program under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes— (1) the evaluation of the metrics described in subsection (c); (2) an assessment of whether the pilot program reduced attrition and improved cadet performance and resilience; and (3) the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether the Department of Defense should establish a Department-wide program for psychological performance training in accession programs.