((a)) ** .—** Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned may provide a member of the armed forces described in subsection (b) the benefits described in subsection (c).

((b)) ** .—** A member of the armed forces described in this subsection is any member who—

((1)) is assigned or deployed for at least 270 days in an area or location—

((A)) that is designated by the President as a combat zone; and

((B)) in which hardship duty pay is authorized to be paid under section 305 or 352(a) of title 37; and

((2)) meets such other criteria as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe in the regulations required by subsection (a).

((c)) ** .—** The benefits described in this subsection are the following:

((1)) A period of rest and recuperation absence for not more than 15 days.

((2)) Round-trip transportation at Government expense from the area or location in which the member is serving in connection with the exercise of the period of rest and recuperation.

((d)) ** .—** Any benefits provided a member under this section are in addition to any other leave or absence to which the member may be entitled.