This legislation requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive assessment by August 1, 2027, on how artificial intelligence (AI) system adoption affects human performance. The assessment will specifically examine the maintenance and retention of essential warfighter skills and overall operational readiness within the Department of Defense. This initiative aims to ensure that AI integration enhances military capabilities without compromising critical human proficiencies. A designated senior official will coordinate this assessment, integrating findings into Department policies to maximize both AI-enabled performance and proficiency in hard-to-recover skills. The scope includes identifying military roles susceptible to skill atrophy from AI reliance, evaluating conditions where AI augments capability versus those requiring deliberate proficiency sustainment, and assessing current training and certification programs for adequacy. To support the assessment, the bill mandates research activities such as controlled experiments and longitudinal studies measuring skill retention and recovery timelines. This research will establish baseline performance, assess changes with AI, and evaluate skill sustainment when AI systems are unavailable or compromised. The Secretary must submit an initial report within one year and a longitudinal study report within three years to congressional defense committees, detailing findings, risk assessments, and recommendations for policies, training, doctrine, and acquisition.