Establishment of Center for the Study of the National Guard

(a) Establishment Chapter 1 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 116. Center for the Study of the National Guard (a) Establishment The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall establish a center, to be known as the Center for the Study of the National Guard at an appropriate academic institution that— (1) maintains an established relationship with the National Guard Bureau; (2) possesses a strong academic program in military history; and (3) is situated in proximity to a major National Guard installation. (b) Responsibilities The Center for the Study of the National Guard shall— (1) serve as the principal repository for historical documents, oral histories, and other records related to the National Guard; (2) conduct research, analysis, and educational programs related to the history, evolution, and operational contributions of the National Guard; (3) facilitate outreach efforts to increase public awareness of the role of the National Guard in national defense and domestic response operations; and (4) support the Department of Defense in shaping policy decisions and strategic planning related to National Guard operations carried out under this title and title 10. (c) Collaboration and support The Chief of the National Guard Bureau may— (1) collaborate with the Center for the Study of the National Guard in the collection, preservation, and dissemination of National Guard history; (2) provide historical documents, records, and resources to support the research and archival efforts of the Center; and (3) facilitate joint initiatives between the National Guard Bureau and the Center to enhance historical preservation, education, and public awareness. (d) Public-private partnership The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish and maintain the Center for the Study of the National Guard as a public-private partnership to minimize costs to the Federal Government.. (b) Deadline for establishment The Secretary of Defense shall establish the Center for the Study of the National Guard required under section 116 of title 32, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Congressional briefing Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes— (1) a description of the selection of the academic institution where the Center for the Study of the National Guard required under section 116 of title 32, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), is located; (2) an identification of the status of the establishment and initial operations of the Center; (3) a description of any ongoing efforts between the National Guard Bureau and the Center; and (4) the recommendations of the Secretary to enhance the preservation and study of National Guard history.