H.R. 5215: The Strategic Homeland Information Education and Learning Defense Act of 2025

The Strategic Homeland Information Education and Learning Defense Act of 2025, or SHIELD Act of 2025, aims to establish a pilot program for the training of Armed Forces members on how to safely and responsibly handle digital information. Key components of the bill include:

Pilot Program Establishment

The bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to launch a pilot program within 120 days from its enactment. This program will focus on educating military personnel about digital information management.

Training Curriculum

The curriculum developed under the pilot program will include the following topics:

• Identifying Types of Journalism: Instruction on distinguishing between fact-based journalism, opinion-based journalism, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate-based ideologies.
• Assessing Credibility: Training on how to evaluate the reliability of digital news and other information sources.
• Online Actions and Consequences: Understanding the impact of sharing personal or incorrect information online.
• Personal Information Protection: Guidance on safeguarding personal information in digital activities.
• Recognizing Information Threats: Learning to identify and avoid common threats that could harm individuals or DOD operations.
• Methodologies for Information Evaluation: Techniques for locating, assessing, and utilizing digital information while reducing risks of insider threats related to harmful ideologies.

Participant Selection

The Secretary will select a diverse group of Armed Forces members to participate, ensuring meaningful feedback can be collected regarding the training program.

Training Methods

The program will employ a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid training delivery formats to facilitate the learning process.

Program Duration and Evaluation

The pilot program will run for one year, after which the Secretary will conduct surveys with participants and instructors. This feedback will focus on:

• Improvements to the training program and curriculum.
• Enhancing participant engagement.
• The long-term retention of the information taught.

Reporting Requirements

After the pilot program concludes, a report summarizing the results must be submitted to the Armed Services Committees of both the Senate and the House. This report will include:

• A comparison of the effectiveness of different training methods.
• Recommendations on the necessity and frequency of ongoing training in digital information interaction.
• Suggestions for keeping the curriculum updated.

Consultation

During the implementation of the pilot program, the Secretary may consult with organizations experienced in teaching safe digital information practices.

Termination of Authority

The Secretary's authority to conduct the pilot program will end one year after its initiation.

Relevant Companies

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