US HB5025

All Department of Defense military personnel actions—including accessions, promotions, assignments, command selection, and schooling—must be based exclusively on individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance

Consideration of an individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin in any military personnel action is prohibited throughout the Department of Defense

Limited exception allows consideration of race, ethnicity, or national origin for specific unconventional missions in foreign countries where indigenous population environments may justify such consideration to optimize mission success

Any use of the exception requires approval from the relevant combatant commander

Secretary of Defense must report to the Armed Services Committees within 60 days of any exception-based tasking, detailing the mission location, duration, staffing, demographic factors, personnel involved, and rationale