By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. The courageous service of millions in our Armed Forces ensures our nation’s security, prosperity, and freedom. These veterans, who have shown dedication and sacrifice, deserve top-quality services. However, outdated records management and data systems create obstacles in sharing military personnel and medical records between the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This complicates the transition from active-duty service to civilian life, causing delays in healthcare, benefits, education, and job training for veterans. This order addresses these issues, ensuring veterans receive timely access to their entitled benefits and services.
Sec. 2. Requiring Prompt Sharing of Military Personnel and Medical Records. (a) The Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall:
(i) Within 180 days of this order, establish updated information technology systems and policy guidance for the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs to permanently and continuously share all Official Military Personnel Files and Service Treatment Records, from the start of an individual’s military service until they no longer require Veterans Affairs benefits, in line with applicable statutes;
(ii) Within 180 days of this order, develop and implement digital tools using artificial intelligence and other technologies to streamline veterans’ access to benefits through a comprehensive single source, including job training and opportunities from the Department of Labor; and
(iii) Within 30 days of this order and ongoing, ensure all current service member Official Military Personnel Files, health records, and Service Treatment Records are immediately shared with the Department of Veterans Affairs upon a service member’s discharge or release from the Armed Forces.
(b) Within 120 days of this order, the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), shall review and adjust any existing contracts for information technology systems to ensure interoperability with military personnel records, health records, and Service Treatment Records systems. Future contracts must include this requirement.
Sec. 3. Accelerating Veterans’ Access to Quality Employment. Within 180 days of this order and ongoing, the Secretary of War, in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall update the Transition Assistance Program and other workforce programs to ensure that every service member leaving active military service is:
(a) Either:
(i) Connected to specific job openings in fields related to their skills and interests, as outlined in America’s Talent Strategy or the Department of War’s Project Patriot Pipeline, before leaving active service; or
(ii) Enrolled, at their discretion, in career and technical education, eligible employment or training programs funded by the Department of Labor, or registered apprenticeships, where they have priority under applicable statutes; and
(b) Linked with appropriate veterans’ representatives from Federal, State, or local government to aid their application for healthcare, disability, home loan, job placement, or education benefits.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) The authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publishing this order shall be covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
September 8, 2026.
