These bills contain numerous provisions that affect military personnel, retirees, and their family members. The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, H.R. 1540 , was introduced in the House on April 14, 2011; reported by the House Committee on Armed Services on May 17, 2011 ( H.Rept. 112-78 ); and passed by the House on May 26, 2011. The Senate version of the NDAA, S. 1867 , was passed on December 1, 2011. On December 14, 2011, the House passed the conference reported version of H.R. 1540 . On December 15, 2011, the Senate passed H.R. 1540 , and President Obama signed P.L. 112-81 into law on December 31, 2011. Where appropriate, related CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. The Senate's recommended strength levels were supported by the Conference Committee. DOD has not yet submitted this report. Discussion: In the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act ( P.L. Reform of Offenses Relating to Rape, Sexual Assault, Other Sexual Misconduct, and Sodomy under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Background Concerns over laws regarding rape and sexual misconduct, as well as the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy led to a review of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Included in these recommendations was language that would repeal the prohibition on sodomy. Current law requires that
The Selective Service System shall be maintained as an active standby organization, with (1) a complete registration and classification structure capable of immediate operation in the event of a national emergency, and (2) personnel adequate to reinstitute immediately the full operation of the System, including military reservists who are trained to operate such System and who can be ordered to active duty for such purpose in the event of a national emergency (including a structure for registration and classification of persons qualified for practice or employment in a health care occupation essential to the maintenance of the Armed Forces). The Senate and the Conference did not address the issue of the military pay raise.
Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Recent military operations in Iraq and ongoing operations in Afghanistan, along with the operational role of the Reserve Components, further heighten interest in a wide range of military personnel policies and issues.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has selected a number of the military personnel issues considered in deliberations on the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2012. This report provides a brief synopsis of sections that pertain to personnel policy. These include end strengths, pay raises, health care issues, and language affecting the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, as well as congressional concerns over the handling of sexual assaults in the military.
The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, H.R. 1540, was introduced in the House on April 14, 2011; reported by the House Committee on Armed Services on May 17, 2011 (H.Rept. 112-78); and passed on May 26, 2011.
Various Senate versions were introduced. S. 1867 was introduced on November 15, 2011, and passed by the Senate on December 1, 2011. Often the Senate will add language not included in the House version, add language that affects an issue in a differing manner (for example, the Senate may have end strengths numbers that differ from the House). Usually, these differences will be worked out under the Conference Committee's consideration of the legislation. The Conference Committee language was incorporated into the report.
On December 14, 2011, the House passed the conference reported version of H.R. 1540. The next day, the Senate passed H.R. 1540. On December 31, 2011, President Obama signed P.L. 112-81 into law.
Where appropriate, related CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided.
This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include language concerning appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices, or any discussion of separately introduced legislation.