(a)
In general— Commencing not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall carry out a pilot program on providing training to, validating, and deploying grief companions to facilitate bereavement care provided by the Department of Defense following casualty notifications with respect to members of the Armed Forces.
(b)
Duration— The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a) for a period of not less than one year.
(c)
Authorization of appropriations— There is authorized to be appropriated to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness $250,000 to carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a).