; and (B) notwithstanding any other provision of law, provide for increases in pay for any such employee. 10. Comptroller General study on succession planning (a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on each of the following: (1) The succession planning at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including each medical center, domiciliary facility, outpatient clinic, community-based outpatient clinic, and vet center. (2) The succession planning at the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration of the Department. (b) Elements The study under subsection (a) shall include, for each entity studied under the study, the following: (1) A determination of the mission-critical positions within the entity and the vacancy risk of such positions. (2) An analysis of the future needs for mission-critical positions and gaps within the existing talent pool of the entity. (3) A description of strategies to close skill gaps through the use of training for existing staff, targeted recruitment, and hiring. (4) A plan to regularly evaluate progress of staff and update existing succession plans using clear and measurable metrics and benchmarks. (5) A demonstration of the capacity of the entity to execute succession plans with successful succession management strategies. (6) An analysis of succession planning and hiring as it relates to rural areas. (7) Any other matters the Comptroller General determines appropriate. (c) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing each study conducted under subsection (a). 11. Employment of students and recent graduates (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations to allow for excepted service appointments of students and recent graduates leading to conversion to career or career conditional employment of a