ADVISORY:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 18-04
TO:	STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES

FROM:	CHERYL ATKINSON  /s/ Administrator       Office of Workforce Security

SUBJECT:

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) National Call to Service – 15-Month Enlistment Term

1. Purpose.To respond to inquiries from State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and provide them with information about the Department of Defense (DOD) National Call to Service program that became effective October 1, 2003.

2. References. Handbook No. ETA 384 and Chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code.

3. Background. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, amended Chapter 31 of Title 10, United States Code, providing the Department of Defense with a new short-term enlistment program designed to promote and facilitate military enlistment in support of national service. This amendment authorized the branches of service to offer a 15-month enlistment term to begin upon completion of initial entry training and followed with additional service on active duty, in the Reserve Components, or in a national service program. The DOD implemented this program, called the National Call to Service (NCS) program, effective October 1, 2003. Prior to the new 15-month enlistment the military services had active duty enlistment commitments of two, four, and six years. Attached is additional information provided by the DOD about the NCS program.

4. UCX Program Impact.The NCS program adds another "Term of Service" to the existing Terms of Service available for military service enlistment. The new enlistment contract impacts the time required to complete a "First Full Term of Service." The DD 214 will continue to indicate completion of the "First Full Term of Service." SWAs should be aware that the beginning date of the 15-month NCS program differs from the date that the ex-servicemember entered active duty. Although the new shorter enlistment under the NCS program is called a 15-month enlistment, the two-to-four month initial entry training for the NCS program is not included in the 15-month enlistment period. Therefore, the period of total active duty service covers a longer period of time equaling as much as nineteen months.

Ex-service members exiting the service from a 15-month enlistment contract will be subject to the same rules and requirements that are applicable to other periods of enlistment as outlined in the Handbook No. ETA 384.

RESCISSIONS	EXPIRATION DATE
None	March 31, 2005

5. Action Required. Administrators should provide this information to the appropriate staff.

6. Inquiries. Inquiries should be directed to your Regional Office.

7. Attachment. National Call to Service - Department of Defense Implementation.