Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense wants to hear what people think about a new plan to study a program that helps stop bad behavior, like bullying, in the military. They are asking for people's opinions to help make this program better.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) is requesting public comments on a new data collection proposal aimed at evaluating the U.S. Marine Corps' Prime for Life 4.5 Program. This initiative is part of an effort to improve prevention strategies for sexual harassment and assault within the military. Interested individuals or households can provide feedback by February 18, 2025, through the official reginfo.gov website. The data collected will help the DoD develop better prevention techniques based on evidence and research.
Abstract
The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a public notice seeking feedback on a new proposal aimed at evaluating the U.S. Marine Corps' Prime for Life 4.5 Program. This proposal involves a data collection initiative designed to enhance preventive measures against sexual harassment and assault within the military. The DoD intends for individuals or households to submit their comments on this initiative by February 18, 2025, via reginfo.gov.
General Summary
This notice, published by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, outlines the need for a new information collection project. The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of the Prime for Life 4.5 Program facilitated by the Prevention Research Institute. The program aims to serve as a preventative strategy against various forms of violence, including sexual harassment and assault, in the military. With a unique approach based on evidence and research, this initiative could prove pivotal in shaping the Department of Defense's prevention capabilities.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns emerge from this announcement:
Lack of Cost Details: The document lacks detailed information regarding the potential costs associated with this information collection. This omission makes it challenging to determine whether the expenses are justified or if they might lead to unnecessary spending.
Evaluation Criteria: The notice does not specify how the effectiveness of the Prime for Life 4.5 Program will be evaluated. Without clear criteria or benchmarks, assessing success or areas for improvement is difficult.
Use of Collected Data: There is no thorough explanation of how the collected data will directly enhance the DoD's prevention research. Such ambiguity may leave stakeholders uncertain about the benefits of their participation and input.
Complex Language: The language and terminology used in the document may be challenging for the general public to understand, potentially hindering meaningful feedback from individuals who may lack specialized knowledge.
Participant Selection: The notice does not clarify which segments of the military population will participate in the program. This raises concerns about potential biases, favoritism, or any disadvantage certain groups might face as a result of participation or exclusion.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, particularly those invited to submit comments, the proposal holds importance as an opportunity to shape new preventive methodologies within the military. Participation from a broader audience could ensure a well-rounded understanding and approach, contributing to the effectiveness of new prevention strategies.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The primary stakeholders here include:
- Military Personnel: Positive outcomes of the program could enhance the safety and well-being of service members by reducing instances of harassment and assault.
- DoD Researchers and Officials: Successful implementation of the project could significantly bolster the DoD's capabilities in prevention research, providing valuable insights and data.
- General Public: Individuals who engage with the proposal by providing feedback might see their insights reflected in the improved policy and training enhancements within the military.
Although this initiative presents the potential for significant advancements in preventative measures against violence within the military, its success hinges upon thorough planning, evaluation, and inclusive engagement from the community it seeks to protect.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information about potential costs associated with the information collection, making it difficult to assess if the spending is necessary or potentially wasteful.
• The document does not indicate any specific evaluation criteria or benchmarks that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the Prime for Life 4.5 program, leaving uncertainty about how success will be determined.
• There is no detailed explanation about how the collected information will directly contribute to the development of the DoD's prevention research capability, leading to potential ambiguity about the outcomes.
• The language used to describe the program and its objectives may be complex for the general public, potentially affecting the understanding of those who are invited to comment.
• The description of the program does not specify which segments of the military population will participate, leaving room for concerns about whether certain groups are favored or disadvantaged.