(a) In General.—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) Definitions.—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 September 11, 2001.