July 18 -- The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD), invites comments to OMB by August 18, 2023 regarding the Status of Forces Survey of Reserve Component Members. [Comments due 30 days after submission to OMB on July 19, 2023.]
The Status of Forces Reserve Survey (SOFS–R) is a DoD-wide survey of Reserve and National Guard used in evaluating existing policies and programs, establishing baseline measures before implementing new policies and programs, and monitoring the progress of policies/programs that make a difference in the lives of Reserve component members and their families. The survey assesses topics such as financial well-being, reintegration programs following activation/deployment, outreach to civilian employers, employer support, food security, and suicide awareness. Data are aggregated by appropriate demographics, including Service, paygrade, gender, race/ethnicity, activation status, and other indicators. In order to be able to meet reporting requirements for DoD leadership, the Military Services, and Congress, the survey needs to be completed annually. As required by the NDAA, the results of this survey are used by each of the Service Secretaries to evaluate and update training. In addition, The Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness uses the SOFS–R to suggest changes to services supporting Reserve component members' ability to return to their families and their civilian jobs following activation/deployment as well as addressing retention, food security, and family life issues.
SOFS:
https://www.opa.mil/research-analysis/opa-surveys/status-of-forces-surveys
DoD submission to OMB:
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202306-0704-013 Click on IC List for questionnaire, View Supporting Statement for technical documentation. Submit comments through this site.
FR notice inviting public comment:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-15136
For AEA members wishing to submit comments, "A Primer on How to Respond to Calls for Comment on Federal Data Collections" is available at
https://www.aeaweb.org/content/file?id=5806
