((a)) ** .—** The Secretary of a military department, acting through a disposition service distribution center of the Defense Logistics Agency, may award to a covered individual the demilitarized PPE of that covered individual. The award of PPE under this section shall be without cost to the covered individual.

((b)) ** .—** In this section:

((1)) The term “covered individual” means—

((A)) a member of the armed forces—

((i)) under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and

((ii)) who is separating from the armed forces; or

((B)) a veteran who was under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned while a member of the armed forces.

((2)) The term “PPE” means personal protective equipment that was damaged in combat or otherwise—

((A)) during the deployment of a covered individual; and

((B)) after .