Photo By Senior Airman Austin Salazar | Liberty Wing Airmen from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program,...... read more read more
Two years after the Department of the Air Force implemented the Brandon Act, its impact continues to grow across the force. Built on principles of transparency, accessibility, and trust, the act empowers service members to seek mental health support when they need it - on their terms.
Passed as part of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act, the Brandon Act honors Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who tragically died by suicide in 2018. Spearheaded by Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and backed by a bipartisan coalition including Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), and Rep. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), the legislation reflects a national commitment to reducing stigma and improving access to mental health care across the military.
Since implementation began in 2023, the DAF has woven the Brandon Act into its broader strategy to build a more resilient, ready force. Under the policy, Airmen and Guardians can request a mental health evaluation at any time, in any environment, without providing a reason. Requests can be made to any commanding officer or supervisor at the E-5 level or above, removing unnecessary barriers to care while preserving confidentiality.
Lt. Col. Elisha Pippin, Director of Psychological Health for the Air Force, highlighted the shift underway across the services.
"We’re seeing growing comfort in talking to providers and seeking support early - not when a crisis has already taken hold," she said. "That shift is what readiness looks like."
The Brandon Act complements a broader transformation in DAF mental health care. Even before the act’s passage, DAF had launched efforts like the “Zero Suicide Systems” approach, which trained over 4,000 military treatment facility staff in proactive suicide risk screening. Building on that foundation, the DAF’s Targeted Care initiative further optimized resources by vectoring Airmen and Guardians to the appropriate clinical or non-clinical support based on individual needs.
Praised by the Senate Armed Services Committee in the FY23 NDAA report, Targeted Care became a model for the entire Department of Defense. The committee specifically directed the Defense Health Agency and Military Health System to adopt DAF’s innovations across services, accelerating a unified effort to move the military closer to a zero-suicide future.
Together, the Brandon Act and Targeted Care framework ensure Airmen and Guardians receive the right support at the right time - strengthening resilience, protecting readiness, and promoting recovery.
Today, Brandon Act guidance is standard across medical treatment facilities, mental health clinics, and DAF leadership courses. It is championed by DAF senior leaders, supported by DHA officials, and reinforced by a coalition of congressional advocates committed to the well-being of service members.
As the DAF builds on the early success of the Brandon Act, its focus remains clear: to ensure every Airman and Guardian feels supported, heard, and mission-ready. Brandon Caserta’s legacy endures in every step the force takes toward a culture defined by trust, accountability, and care.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2025 07:03 |
| Story ID: | 496841 |
| Location: | FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 648 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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