Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense wants to know what people think about how they collect information to help decide if some military people can get special benefits. They are asking people to tell them if they think this is important, how they can collect this information better, and if it takes too much time or effort to do so.
Summary AI
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection concerns the Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Program, which helps determine eligibility for benefits and reconsideration requests if previously denied. The information collection involves forms DD 2860 and DD 3210 and is expected to involve 22,500 respondents, each taking about 15 minutes to complete. Public comments on this proposal can be submitted by March 7, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OUSD P&R announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The recent announcement from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, published in the Federal Register, outlines a proposal for collecting information related to the Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Program. The program is under review as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to reduce the burden of federal paperwork on the public while ensuring that government agencies can effectively gather the information they need to administer programs. This collection intends to facilitate the process of determining eligibility for compensation benefits linked with military service-related injuries.
General Summary
The document invites public comments on the proposed data collection method associated with the Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Program. The information collection involves forms—designated as DD 2860 and DD 3210—aimed at documenting and reviewing the eligibility of service members for benefits, especially those previously denied. The Department of Defense expects about 22,500 respondents, each requiring about 15 minutes to complete the necessary paperwork, contributing to a total of 5,625 annual burden hours for respondents.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues within the document demand attention:
Lack of Cost Details: The document does not provide any specific information about the potential cost to the public or the government, which could hinder an effective evaluation of the proposal's financial impact.
Clarity of Language: Certain phrases, such as the process for "reconsideration into the CRSC Program," might be unclear to those unfamiliar with governmental terminology. The language could benefit from simplification to aid public understanding.
Access to Forms: While the document references essential forms for the process, it does not explain how the public can access, fill out, or submit these forms. Providing such information is crucial to ensure individuals can participate effectively.
Frequency of Responses: Stating that responses are "As required" may be too vague. Clearer guidance on when submissions are necessary would better serve respondents.
Explanation of Time Estimate: The average burden of 15 minutes per response is mentioned without an explanation of its derivation. A breakdown could help respondents better understand the time commitment involved.
Contact Details: The provided contact information is minimal, lacking an email address which may hinder accessibility for those seeking further details or wishing to clarify their questions.
Consequences of Non-Participation: The document does not inform the public about the potential impacts or consequences if they choose not to partake in the information collection process, possibly downplaying the importance of engagement.
Broad Public Impact
The collection could broadly affect the public by ensuring that military personnel and veterans are adequately supported through the CRSC Program, potentially improving the contentious areas linked to compensation claims. Ensuring the program operates with transparent, streamlined processes can enhance trust in the Department of Defense's commitment to service members' welfare.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For veterans and their families, this proposal could offer a path to securing crucial benefits, especially for those initially denied. It underscores the need for accurate and efficient record-keeping when evaluating eligibility for financial support tied to combat-related injuries. However, the lack of detailed instructions and clarity may deter participation, potentially affecting those who could most benefit from the program.
In conclusion, while the initiative to gather public information aims to refine a vital compensation mechanism for military personnel, the document requires adjustments to enhance its accessibility and practical application. These steps will not only foster greater public participation but will also affirm the Department's role in supporting those who have served.
Issues
• The document does not provide a specific estimate of cost associated with the information collection, making it difficult to assess potential financial waste.
• The language used in certain parts of the document, such as 'obtain and record additional information for reconsideration into the CRSC Program', could be simplified for clarity. It may be unclear to the general public what 'reconsideration into the CRSC Program' specifically entails.
• The document refers to forms DD 2860 and DD3210 but does not provide details on how these forms can be accessed, filled out, or submitted. Clear instructions or a reference link could improve understanding.
• The document notes that responses are 'As required', which is vague and might not provide sufficient guidance on situations when submission is necessary.
• The average burden per response is listed as 15 minutes, but no further breakdown or explanation is provided on how this time was estimated.
• The contact information provided for further inquiries or additional information is minimal, consisting only of a name and phone number, without email contact details. Including an email contact might improve accessibility.
• The potential impact or consequences of not participating in the information collection process are not discussed, which might not give a full picture of the importance of compliance.