; and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b): (b) Professional credentials not related to military training and skills Under the program required by this section, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may enable members of the armed forces to obtain, while serving in the armed forces, professional credentials for which such members are other otherwise qualified that do not relate to military training and skills if such Secretary determines that such action is in the best interests of the United States. . 557. Enhancement of authorities in connection with Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs (a) Flexibility in authorities for management of programs and units (1) In general Chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 2034. Flexibility in authorities for management of programs and units (a) Authority To convert otherwise closing units to National Defense Cadet Corps program units If the Secretary of a military department is notified by a local educational agency of the intent of the agency to close its Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, the Secretary shall offer the agency the option of converting the unit to a National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC) program unit in lieu of closing the unit. (b) Flexibility in administration of instructors (1) In general The Secretaries of the military departments may, without regard to any other provision of this chapter, undertake initiatives designed to promote flexibility in the hiring and compensation of instructors for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program under the jurisdiction of such Secretaries. (2) Elements The initiatives undertaken pursuant to this subsection may provide for one or more of the following: (A) Termination of the requirement for a waiver as a condition of the hiring of well-qualified non-commissioned officers with a bachelor’s