Task Force issues their report on improving the delivery of federal services and benefits to Global War on Terror (GWOT) service members and veterans.

The GWOT Task Force was established by President Bush in March 2007 and over the course of 45 days, received over 2,400 comments from service members, veterans, family members and veterans' advocates. An inventory was made of the federal services provided to returning GWOT service members, gaps in services were identified, and recommendations from federal agencies was sought to address problems. VA Secretary Jim Nicholson chaired the Task Force.

"The federal government must be responsive and efficient in delivering our benefits and services to these heroes," Nicholson said during a speech to the National Press Club. "They should not have to fight bureaucratic red tape for benefits earned by their courageous service."

The task force focused on improvements that could be made within the authority of the individual departments or agencies, using existing resources. The panel specifically targeted health care, benefits, employment, education, housing and outreach activities.

Twenty-five recommendations were made which seek to improve the delivery of federal services to returning military men and women. The government-wide action plan contains steps for individual department and agency activities and incorporates cooperative interaction among those providing complimentary services.

Recommendations focus on increasing awareness of available benefits among service members and their families along with improving the process for receiving them. Eighteen recommendations will involve collaborative efforts among several federal agencies to improve the timeliness, ease of application, and delivery of services and benefits.

The Task Force brought together top officials from the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, the Small Business Administration and Office of Personnel Management.

To download the report, go to: http://www1.va.gov/taskforce/ (or directly download the 2.70MB pdf file)