PART II—PERSONNEL

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(1), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4368, substituted "1030" for "1031" in item for chapter 53.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(7), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2472, substituted "1580" for "1581" in item for chapter 81.

2006—Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2630, added item for chapter 47A.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1222, struck out period after "1111" in item for chapter 56.

2000—Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §713(a)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-184, added item for chapter 56.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §586(c)(1), title VII, §721(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 638, 694, added item for chapter 50 and substituted "Deceased Personnel" for "Death Benefits" and "1471" for "1475" in item for chapter 75.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §591(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1762, added item for chapter 80.

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVI, §1633(c)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2751, substituted "Civilian Defense Intelligence Employees" for "Defense Intelligence Agency and Central Imagery Office Civilian Personnel" in item for chapter 83.

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §§568(a)(2), 569(b)(2), title X, §1061(a)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 335, 351, 442, added items for chapters 76 and 88 and struck out item for chapter 89 "Volunteers Investing in Peace and Security".

1994—Pub. L. 103–359, title V, §501(b)(2), Oct. 14, 1994, 108 Stat. 3429, substituted "Defense Intelligence Agency and Central Imagery Office Civilian Personnel" for "Defense Intelligence Agency Civilian Personnel" in item for chapter 83.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title XIII, §1322(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2553, added item for chapter 89.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(a)(26)(C)(ii), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1474, effective Oct. 1, 1993, struck out item for chapter 85 "Procurement Management Personnel".

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(b)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1501, substituted "Original Appointments of Regular Officers in Grades Above Warrant Officer Grades" for "Appointments in Regular Components" in item for chapter 33 and added item for chapter 33A.

Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §701(e)(1), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 114, added item for chapter 85.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §502(a)(2), title XII, §1202(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1557, 1656, added items for chapters 58 and 87 and struck out item for chapter 85 "Procurement Management Personnel".

1988—Pub. L. 100–370, §1(c)(3), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 841, added item for chapter 54.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1030, added item for chapter 38.

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title IX, §924(a)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 698, added item for chapter 85.

1983—Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §925(a)(2), title XII, §1268(15), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 648, 707, added item for chapter 74, and substituted "or" for "and" in item for chapter 60.

1981—Pub. L. 97–89, title VII, §701(a)(2), Dec. 4, 1981, 95 Stat. 1160, added item for chapter 83.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §§501(1), 511(29), (54)(B), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2907, 2922, 2925, added item for chapter 32, substituted "531" for "541" as section number in item for chapter 33, substituted "34" for "35" as chapter number of chapter relating to appointments as reserve officers, added items for chapters 35 and 36, substituted "Reserve Components: Standards and Procedures for Retention and Promotion" for "Retention of Reserves" in item for chapter 51, added item for chapter 60, substituted "1251" for "1255" as section number in item for chapter 63, substituted "Retirement of Warrant Officers" for "Retirement" in item for chapter 65, substituted "1370" for "1371" as section number in item for chapter 69, and amended item for chapter 73 to read: "Annuities Based on Retired or Retainer Pay".

1972—Pub. L. 92–425, §2, Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 711, amended item for chapter 73 by inserting "; Survivor Benefit Plan" after "Pay" which could not be executed as directed in view of amendment by Pub. L. 87–381. See 1961 Amendment note below.

1968—Pub. L. 90–377, §2, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 288, added item for chapter 48.

1967—Pub. L. 90–83, §3(2), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 220, struck out item for chapter 80 "Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificates".

1966—Pub. L. 89–690, §2, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 1017, added item for chapter 80.

1962—Pub. L. 87–649, §3(2), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 493, added item for chapter 40.

1961—Pub. L. 87–381, §1(2), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 810, substituted "Retired Servicemen's Family Protection Plan" for "Annuities Based on Retired or Retainer Pay" in item for chapter 73.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §§1(21), (26), (33), 33(a)(4)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1443, 1450, 1455, 1564, substituted "General Service Requirements" for "Service Requirements for Reserves" in item for chapter 37, "971" for "[No present sections]" in item for chapter 49, "Medical and Dental Care" for "Voting by Members of Armed Forces" in item for chapter 55, and struck out "Care of the Dead" and substituted "1475" for "1481" in item for chapter 75.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Military Entrance Processing Command: Acceleration of Review of Medical Records

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §534(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1887, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall implement a program to use health care providers, from any component of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary, to support United States Military Entrance Processing Command (in this section, referred to as 'MEPCOM') and accelerate the review of medical records, as determined necessary by the Secretary."

Reimbursement of Applicants to Certain Armed Forces for Certain Medical Costs Incurred During Military Entrance Processing

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §537, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1888, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may reimburse an individual who applies to join a covered Armed Force for costs incurred by such individual for a medical appointment required for military entrance processing.

"(b) Maximum Amount.—The maximum amount an individual may be reimbursed under this section is $100.

"(c) Briefings.—Not later than 16 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024] and once each year thereafter for two years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on reimbursements under this section. Such a briefing shall include, with respect to the most recent one-year period after such date, the following elements:

"(1) The number of individuals reimbursed.

"(2) The total funds spent each on such reimbursements.

"(3) The number of civilian employees hired by the Secretary to carry out this section.

"(4) The effect, if any, of such reimbursements on—

"(A) the time required to complete military entrance processing; and

"(B) recruitment.

"(5) Other information the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(d) Sunset.—The authority to reimburse under this section shall terminate on the day that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024].

"(e) Covered Armed Force Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered Armed Force' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force."

Pilot Program on Delegation of Authority To Approve Reserve Component Recruits With Certain Medical Conditions

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §740, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1962, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall implement a pilot program to authorize each Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code) to delegate authority to the Commander of the United States Military Entrance Processing Command to approve a service medical waiver for an individual to be enlisted or appointed in a reserve component for a medical condition the Secretary concerned identifies under subsection (c).

"(b) Medical Consultation Process.—If a Secretary concerned delegates authority to the Commander under the pilot program, the Secretary concerned shall establish a medical consultation process for the Commander to seek input from the Secretary concerned if a health care provider of the United States Military Entrance Processing Command determines that more specific medical guidance on fitness for duty is needed from the Secretary concerned before approving a service medical waiver for a medical condition described in subsection (c).

"(c) Medical Conditions Identified.—If a Secretary concerned delegates authority to the Commander under the pilot program, the Secretary concerned shall identify not more than three preexisting disqualifying conditions under Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03 that regularly or automatically receive medical waivers under the policies of the Secretary concerned as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(d) Duration.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot program for a two-year period.

"(e) Briefing; Report.—

"(1) Briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense commences carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing describing the implementation of the pilot program, including a list of the medical conditions identified under subsection (c).

"(2) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary concludes the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the results of the pilot program, including—

"(A) the number of service medical waivers issued, disaggregated by medical condition identified under subsection (c);

"(B) a risk assessment of implementation of the pilot program;

"(C) a comparison of the average number of days to review and adjudicate medical waivers before and during the pilot program; and

"(D) a recommendation on whether to make the authority under the pilot program permanent."

Requirement To Base Military Accessions and Promotions on Merit and Performance

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §529C, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 257, provided that:

"(a) Merit Requirement.—A military accession or a promotion in the Department of Defense shall be based on individual merit and demonstrated performance.

"(b) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023]."

Pilot Program on Cardiac Screenings for Military Accessions

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §547, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 266, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to provide an electrocardiogram to individuals who undergo military accession screenings. Each such electrocardiogram shall be provided—

"(1) on a mandatory basis;

"(2) at no cost to the recipient; and

"(3) in a facility of the Department of Defense or by a member or employee of the military health system.

"(b) Purposes.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall—

"(1) determine the costs (including protocols and personnel and equipment for each location where the Secretary carries out the pilot program) and benefits to the Department of providing an electrocardiogram to every individual who undergoes a military accession screening;

"(2) develop and implement appropriate processes to assess the long-term impacts of electrocardiogram results on military service; and

"(3) consult with experts in cardiology to develop appropriate clinical practice guidelines for cardiac screenings, diagnosis, and treatment.

"(c) Briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program terminates, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall include the following:

"(1) The results of all electrocardiograms provided to individuals under the pilot program—

"(A) disaggregated by Armed Force, race, and gender; and

"(B) without any personally identifiable information.

"(2) The rate of significant cardiac issues detected pursuant to electrocardiograms provided under the pilot program, disaggregated by Armed Force, race, and gender.

"(3) The number of individuals, if any, who were disqualified from accession based solely on the result of an electrocardiogram provided under the pilot program.

"(4) The cost of carrying out the pilot program.

"(d) Termination.—The pilot program shall terminate after three years after its implementation."

Standardization of Policies Relating to Service in Armed Forces by Individuals Diagnosed With HBV

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §739, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2676, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, shall—

"(1) review regulations, establish policies, and issue guidance relating to service in the Armed Forces by individuals diagnosed with HBV, consistent with the health care standards and clinical guidelines of the Department of Defense; and

"(2) identify areas where the regulations, policies, and guidance of the Department relating to individuals diagnosed with HBV (including with respect to enlistments, assignments, deployments, and retention standards) may be standardized across the Armed Forces.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'HBV' means the Hepatitis B Virus.

"(2) The term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code."

Strategy and Annual Report on Critical Language Proficiency of Special Operations Forces

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title III, §364, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1662, provided that:

"(a) Strategy.—

"(1) Strategy required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a strategy to improve the language proficiency of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces, including by identifying individuals who have proficiency in a critical language and recruiting and retaining such individuals in the special operations forces.

"(2) Elements.—The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A baseline of foreign language proficiency requirements to be implemented within the special operations forces, disaggregated by Armed Force and by critical language.

"(B) Annual recruitment targets for the number of candidates with demonstrated proficiency in a critical language to be selected for participation in the initial assessment and qualification programs of the special operations forces.

"(C) A description of current and planned efforts of the Secretaries concerned and the Assistant Secretary to meet such annual recruitment targets.

"(D) A description of any training programs used to enhance or maintain foreign language proficiency within the special operations forces, including any nongovernmental programs used.

"(E) An annual plan to enhance and maintain foreign language proficiency within the special operations forces of each Armed Force.

"(F) An annual plan to retain members of the special operation forces of each Armed Force who have proficiency in a foreign language.

"(G) A description of current and projected capabilities and activities that the Assistant Secretary determines are necessary to maintain proficiency in critical languages within the special operations forces.

"(H) A plan to implement a training program for members of the special operations forces who serve in positions that the Assistant Secretary determines require proficiency in a critical language to support the Department of Defense in strategic competition.

"(b) Reports Required.—Not later than December 31, 2022, and annually thereafter until December 31, 2025, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the strategy required under subsection (a), including progress in achieving the objectives of the strategy with respect to the recruitment, training, and retention of members of the special operations forces who have proficiency in a critical language.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'critical language' means a language identified by the Director of the National Security Education Program as critical to national security.

"(2) The terms 'military departments' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) The term 'proficiency' means proficiency in a language, as assessed by the Defense Language Proficiency Test.

"(4) The term 'special operations forces' means forces described under section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code."

Improvements to Military Accessions in the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §545, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 265, provided that:

"(a) Improvements.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], and once four years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) conduct an assessment of the prescribed medical standards and medical screening processes required for the appointment of an individual as an officer, or enlistment of an individual as a member, in each covered Armed Force;

"(2) taking into account the findings of such assessment—

"(A) update such standards and processes, as may be necessary; and

"(B) take such steps as may be necessary to improve the waiver process for individuals who do not meet such prescribed medical standards; and

"(3) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing, with respect to the most recently conducted assessment under paragraph (1)—

"(A) the findings of that assessment and a description of the actions carried out pursuant to paragraph (2); and

"(B) recommendations by the Secretary for any legislative action the Secretary determines necessary to further improve such standards and processes.

"(b) Covered Armed Force Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered Armed Force' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force."

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §522, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1686, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall take the following steps regarding military accessions in each Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department:

"(1) Assess the prescribed medical standards for appointment as an officer, or enlistment as a member, in such Armed Force.

"(2) Determine how to update the medical screening processes for appointment or enlistment.

"(3) Determine how to standardize operations across the military entrance processing stations.

"(4) Determine how to improve aptitude testing methods and standardized testing requirements.

"(5) Determine how to improve the waiver process for individuals who do not meet medical standards for accession.

"(6) Determine, by reviewing data from calendar years 2017 through 2021, whether military accessions (including such accessions pursuant to waivers) vary, by geographic region.

"(7) Determine, by reviewing data from calendar years 2017 through 2021, whether access to military health records has suppressed the number of such military accessions, authorized Secretaries of the military departments, by—

"(A) children of members of such Armed Forces;

"(B) retired members of such Armed Forces; or

"(C) recently separated members of such Armed Forces.

"(8) Implement improvements determined under paragraphs (1) through (7).

"(b) Briefing.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on the results of carrying out this section and recommendations regarding legislation the Secretary determines necessary to improve such military accessions."

Primary Prevention Workforce

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §549B, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1722, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §547(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2585, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Primary Prevention Workforce to provide a comprehensive and integrated program across the Department of Defense enterprise for the primary prevention of interpersonal and self-directed violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, child abuse and maltreatment, problematic juvenile sexual behavior, suicide, workplace violence, and substance misuse.

"(b) Primary Prevention Workforce Model.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report setting forth a holistic model for a dedicated and capable Primary Prevention Workforce in the Department of Defense.

"(2) Elements.—The model required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

"(A) A description of Primary Prevention Workforce roles, responsibilities, and capabilities, including—

"(i) the conduct of research and analysis;

"(ii) advising all levels of military commanders and leaders;

"(iii) designing and writing strategic and operational primary prevention policies and programs;

"(iv) integrating and analyzing data; and

"(v) implementing, evaluating, and adapting primary prevention programs and activities, to include developing evidence-based training and education programs for Department personnel that is appropriately tailored by rank, occupation, and environment.

"(B) The design and structure of the Primary Prevention Workforce, including—

"(i) consideration of military, civilian, and hybrid manpower options;

"(ii) the comprehensive integration of the workforce from strategic to tactical levels of the Department of Defense and its components; and

"(iii) mechanisms for individuals in workforce roles to report to and align with installation-level and headquarters personnel.

"(C) Strategies, plans, and systematic approaches for recruiting, credentialing, promoting, and sustaining the diversity of work force roles comprising a professional workforce dedicated to primary prevention.

"(D) The creation of a professional, primary prevention credential that standardizes a common base of education and experience across the prevention workforce, coupled with knowledge development and skill building requirements built into the career cycle of prevention practitioners such that competencies and expertise increase over time.

"(E) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense determines necessary and appropriate to presenting an accurate and complete model of the Primary Prevention Workforce.

"(c) Reports.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretaries of the military departments and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau each shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report detailing how the military services and the National Guard, as applicable, will adapt and implement the primary prevention workforce model set forth in the report required under subsection (b).

"(2) Elements.—Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include a description of—

"(A) expected milestones to implement the prevention workforce in the component at issue;

"(B) challenges associated with implementation of the workforce and the strategies for addressing such challenges; and

"(C) additional authorities that may be required to optimize implementation and operation of the workforce.

"(3) Comptroller General report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph [Dec. 23, 2022], the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report that—

"(A) compares the sexual harassment and prevention training of the Department of Defense with similar programs at other departments and agencies of the Federal Government; and

"(B) includes relevant data collected by colleges and universities and other relevant outside entities on hazing and bullying and interpersonal and self-directed violence.

"(d) Operating Capability Deadline.—The Primary Prevention Workforce authorized under this section shall attain initial operating capability in each military department and military service and in the National Guard by not later than the effective date specified in section 539C [10 U.S.C. 801 note].

"(e) Incorporation of Research and Findings.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the findings and conclusions from the primary prevention research agenda established under section 549A [10 U.S.C. 1561 note prec.] are regularly incorporated, as appropriate, within the primary prevention workforce established under subsection (a)."

Cadre of Software Development and Acquisition Experts

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VIII, §836, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1837, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than January 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish a cadre of personnel who are experts in software development, acquisition, and sustainment to improve the effectiveness of software development, acquisition, and sustainment programs or activities of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Structure.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment—

"(1) shall ensure the cadre has the appropriate number of members;

"(2) shall establish an appropriate leadership structure and office within which the cadre shall be managed; and

"(3) shall determine the appropriate officials to whom members of the cadre shall report.

"(c) Assignment.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall establish processes to assign members of the cadre to provide—

"(1) expertise on matters relating to software development, acquisition, and sustainment; and

"(2) support for appropriate programs or activities of the Department of Defense.

"(d) Administration.—

"(1) In general.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the President of the Defense Acquisition University and in consultation with academia and industry, shall develop a career path, including development opportunities, exchanges, talent management programs, and training, for the cadre. The Under Secretary may use existing personnel and acquisition authorities to establish the cadre, as appropriate, including—

"(A) section 9903 of title 5, United States Code;

"(B) authorities relating to services contracting;

"(C) the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.); and

"(D) authorities relating to exchange programs with industry.

"(2) Assignments.—Civilian personnel from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, military departments, Defense Agencies, and combatant commands may be assigned to serve as members of the cadre.

"(3) Preference.—In establishing the cadre, the Under Secretary shall give preference to civilian employees of the Department of Defense.

"(e) Support of Members of the Armed Forces.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall continue to support efforts of the Secretaries concerned to place members of the Armed Forces in software development, acquisition, and sustainment positions and develop software competence in members of the Armed Forces, including those members with significant technical skill sets and experience but who lack formal education, training, or a technology-focused military occupation specialty.

"(f) Funding.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment is authorized to use amounts in the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account (established under section 1705 of title 10, United States Code) for the purpose of recruitment, training, and retention of members of the cadre, including by using such amounts to pay salaries of newly hired members of the cadre for up to three years.

"(g) Compliance.—In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure compliance with applicable total force management policies, requirements, and restrictions provided in sections 129a, 2329 [now 10 U.S.C. 4506], and 2461 of title 10, United States Code."

Digital Talent Recruiting Officer

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §909, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1876, provided that:

"(a) Digital Talent Recruiting for the Department of Defense.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall designate a chief digital recruiting officer within the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to carry out the responsibilities set forth in paragraph (2).

"(2) Responsibilities.—The chief digital recruiting officer shall be responsible for—

"(A) identifying Department of Defense needs for, and skills gaps in, specific types of civilian digital talent;

"(B) recruiting individuals with the skills that meet the needs and skills gaps identified under subparagraph (A), in partnership with the military departments and other organizations and elements of the Department;

"(C) ensuring Federal scholarship for service programs are incorporated into civilian recruiting strategies;

"(D) when appropriate and within authority granted under other Federal law, offering recruitment and referral bonuses; and

"(E) partnering with human resource teams in the military departments and other organizations and elements of the Department to help train all Department of Defense human resources staff on the available hiring flexibilities to accelerate the hiring of individuals with the skills that fill the needs and skills gaps identified under subparagraph (A).

"(3) Resources.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the chief digital recruiting officer is provided with personnel and resources sufficient to carry out the duties set forth in paragraph (2).

"(4) Role of chief human capital officer.—

"(A) In general.—The chief digital recruiting officer shall report directly to the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Defense.

"(B) Incorporation.—The Chief Human Capital Officer shall ensure that the chief digital recruiting officer is incorporated into the agency human capital operating plan and recruitment strategy. In carrying out this paragraph, the Chief Human Capital Officer shall ensure that the chief digital recruiting officer's responsibilities are deconflicted with any other recruitment initiatives and programs.

"(b) Digital Talent Defined.—For the purposes of this section, the term 'digital talent' includes positions and capabilities in, or related to, software development, engineering, and product management; data science; artificial intelligence; distributed ledger technologies; autonomy; data management; product and user experience design; and cybersecurity.

"(c) Annual Briefing Requirement.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the chief digital recruiting officer shall provide to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a briefing on—

"(1) the efforts of the Department of Defense to recruit digital talent to positions in the Department; and

"(2) a summary of any accomplishments and challenges with respect to such recruiting.

"(d) Sunset.—The requirements under subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2025."

Measuring and Incentivizing Programming Proficiency

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title II, §241(a), (b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3486, 3487, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the following activities:

"(1) Leverage existing civilian software development and software architecture certification programs to implement coding language proficiency and artificial intelligence competency tests within the Department of Defense that—

"(A) measure an individual's competency in using machine learning tools, in a manner similar to the way the Defense Language Proficiency Test measures competency in foreign language skills;

"(B) enable the identification of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who have varying levels of quantified coding comprehension and skills and a propensity to learn new programming paradigms, algorithms, and data analytics; and

"(C) include hands-on coding demonstrations and challenges.

"(2) Update existing recordkeeping systems to track artificial intelligence and programming certification testing results in a manner that is comparable to the system used for tracking and documenting foreign language competency, and use that recordkeeping system to ensure that workforce coding and artificial intelligence comprehension and skills are taken into consideration when making assignments.

"(3) Implement a system of rewards, including appropriate incentive pay and retention incentives, for members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who perform successfully on specific language coding proficiency and artificial intelligence competency tests and make their skills available to the Department.

"(b) Information Sharing With Other Federal Agencies.—The Secretary of Defense shall share information on the activities carried out under subsection (a) with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and the heads of such other organizations of the intelligence community as the Secretary determines appropriate, for purposes of—

"(1) making information about the coding language proficiency and artificial intelligence competency tests developed under such subsection available to other Federal national security agencies; and

"(2) encouraging the heads of such agencies to implement tracking and reward systems that are comparable to those implemented by the Department of Defense pursuant to such subsection."

Evaluation of Barriers to Minority Participation in Certain Units of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §557, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3637, provided that:

"(a) Study Required.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center with relevant expertise to conduct an evaluation of the barriers to minority participation in covered units of the Armed Forces.

"(2) Elements.—The evaluation required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:

"(A) A description of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of covered units.

"(B) A comparison of the participation rates of minority populations in covered units to participation rates of the general population as members and as officers of the Armed Forces.

"(C) A comparison of the percentage of minority officers in the grade of O–7 or higher who have served in each covered unit to such percentage for all such officers in the Armed Force of that covered unit.

"(D) An identification of barriers to minority (including English language learners) participation in the recruitment, accession, assessment, and training processes.

"(E) The status and effectiveness of the response to the recommendations contained in the report of the RAND Corporation titled 'Barriers to Minority Participation in Special Operations Forces' and any follow-up recommendations.

"(F) Recommendations to increase the numbers of minority officers in the Armed Forces.

"(G) Recommendations to increase minority participation in covered units.

"(H) Any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(3) Report to congress.—The Secretary shall—

"(A) submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the results of the study by not later than January 1, 2022; and

"(B) provide interim briefings to such committees upon request.

"(b) Designation.—The study conducted under subsection (a) shall be known as the 'Study on Reducing Barriers to Minority Participation in Elite Units in the Armed Services'.

"(c) Implementation Required.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than March 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the implementation of each recommendation included in the final report submitted under subsection (a)(3).

"(2) Exceptions.—

"(A) Delayed implementation.—The Secretary of Defense may commence implementation of a recommendation described [in] paragraph (1) later than March 1, 2023, if—

"(i) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees, not later than January 1, 2023, written notice of the intent of the Secretary to delay implementation of the recommendation; and

"(ii) includes, as part of such notice, a specific justification for the delay in implementing the recommendation.

"(B) Nonimplementation.—The Secretary of Defense may elect not to implement a recommendation described in paragraph (1), if—

"(i) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees, not later than January 1, 2023, written notice of the intent of the Secretary not to implement the recommendation; and

"(ii) includes, as part of such notice—

     "(I) the reasons for the Secretary's decision not to implement the recommendation; and

     "(II) a summary of alternative actions the Secretary will carry out to address the purposes underlying the recommendation.

"(3) Implementation plan.—For each recommendation that the Secretary implements under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an implementation plan that includes—

"(A) a summary of actions the Secretary has carried out, or intends to carry out, to implement the recommendation; and

"(B) a schedule, with specific milestones, for completing the implementation of the recommendation.

"(d) Covered Units Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered units' means the following:

"(1) Army Special Forces.

"(2) Army Rangers.

"(3) Navy SEALs.

"(4) Air Force Combat Control Teams.

"(5) Air Force Pararescue.

"(6) Air Force Special Reconnaissance.

"(7) Marine Raider Regiments.

"(8) Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance.

"(9) Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team.

"(10) Any other forces designated by the Secretary of Defense as special operations forces.

"(11) Pilot and navigator military occupational specialties."

Personal Protective Equipment Matters

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1091, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3882, provided that:

"(a) Briefings on Fielding of Newest Generations of PPE to the Armed Forces.—

"(1) Briefings required.—Not later than January 31, 2021, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to Congress a briefing on the fielding of the newest generations of personal protective equipment to the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary.

"(2) Elements.—Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include, for each Armed Force covered by such briefing, the following:

"(A) A description and assessment of the fielding of newest generations of personal protective equipment to members of such Armed Force, including the following:

"(i) The number (aggregated by total number and by sex) of members of such Armed Force issued the Army Soldiers Protective System and the Modular Scalable Vest Generation II body armor as of December 31, 2020.

"(ii) The number (aggregated by total number and by sex) of members of such Armed Force issued Marine Corps Plate Carrier Generation III body armor as of that date.

"(iii) The number (aggregated by total number and by sex) of members of such Armed Force fitted with legacy personal protective equipment as of that date.

"(B) A description and assessment of the barriers, if any, to the fielding of such generations of equipment to such members.

"(C) A description and assessment of challenges in the fielding of such generations of equipment to such members, including cost overruns, contractor delays, and other challenges.

"(b) System for Tracking Data on Injuries Among Members of the Armed Forces in Use of Newest Generation PPE.—

"(1) System required.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain a system for tracking data on injuries among members of the Armed Forces in and during the use of newest generation personal protective equipment.

"(B) Scope of system.—The system required by this paragraph may, at the election of the Secretary, be new for purposes of this subsection or within or a modification of an appropriate existing system.

"(2) Briefing.—Not later than January 31, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a briefing on the prevalence among members of the Armed Forces of preventable injuries attributable to ill-fitting or malfunctioning personal protective equipment.

"(c) Assessments of Members of the Armed Forces of Injuries Incurred in Connection With Ill-fitting or Malfunctioning PPE.—

"(1) In general.—Each health assessment specified in paragraph (2) that is undertaken after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021] shall include the following:

"(A) One or more questions on whether members incurred an injury in connection with ill-fitting or malfunctioning personal protective equipment during the period covered by such assessment, including the nature of such injury.

"(B) In the case of any member who has so incurred such an injury, one or more elements of self-evaluation of such injury by such member for purposes of facilitating timely documentation and enhanced monitoring of such members and injuries.

"(2) Assessments.—The health assessments specified in this paragraph are the following:

"(A) The annual Periodic Health Assessment of members of the Armed Forces.

"(B) The post-deployment health assessment of members of the Armed Forces."

Policy on the Talent Management of Digital Expertise and Software Professionals

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title II, §230, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1273, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title II, §221(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1828, provided that:

"(a) Policy.—

"(1) In general.—It shall be a policy of the Department of Defense to promote and maintain digital expertise and software development as core competencies of civilian and military workforces of the Department, and as a capability to support the National Defense Strategy, which policy shall be achieved by—

"(A) the recruitment, development, and incentivization of retention in and to the civilian and military workforce of the Department of individuals with aptitude, experience, proficient expertise, or a combination thereof in digital expertise and software development;

"(B) at the discretion of the Secretaries of the military departments, the development and maintenance of civilian and military career tracks related to digital expertise, and related digital competencies for members of the Armed Forces, including the development and maintenance of training, education, talent management, incentives, and promotion policies in support of members at all levels of such career tracks; and

"(C) the development and application of appropriate readiness standards and metrics to measure and report on the overall capability, capacity, utilization, and readiness of digital engineering professionals to develop and deliver operational capabilities and employ modern business practices.

"(2) Digital engineering defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'digital engineering' means the discipline and set of skills involved in the creation, processing, transmission, integration, and storage of digital data, including data science, machine learning, software engineering, software product management, and artificial intelligence product management.

"(b) Implementation Plan.—Not later than May 1, 2020, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a plan that describes how the Department of Defense will execute the policy described in subsection (a).

"(c) Responsibility.—

"(1) Appointment of officer.—Not later than April 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall appoint a civilian official responsible for the development and implementation of the policy and implementation plan set forth in subsections (a) and (b), respectively. The official shall be known as the "Chief Digital Engineering Recruitment and Management Officer of the Department of Defense".

"(2) Additional responsibilities.—In addition to the responsibilities specified in paragraph (1), the Officer appointed under such paragraph shall—

"(A) fully define and identify the artificial intelligence workforce of the Department of Defense, including by—

"(i) clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the artificial intelligence workforce and the relationship between the artificial intelligence workforce and the overall Department of Defense innovation workforce and digital workforce;

"(ii) coding artificial intelligence workforce roles in workforce data systems; and

"(iii) developing a qualification program for artificial intelligence workforce roles; and

"(B) update the Department of Defense Human Capital Operating Plan to be consistent with the Strategic Management Plan of the Department and the Annual Performance Plan of the Department relating to artificial intelligence workforce issues, including—

"(i) addressing the human capital implementation actions planned to support the strategic goals and priorities identified in the Agency Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan; and

"(ii) ensuring the use of consistent artificial intelligence terminology.

"(3) Expiration of appointment.—The appointment of the Officer under paragraph (1) shall expire on September 30, 2030."

Activities on Identification and Development of Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment Against Blast Injury

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title II, §226, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1685, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3873, provided that:

"(a) Activities Required.—During calendar year 2019, the Secretary of the Army shall, in consultation with the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, carry out a set of activities to identify and develop personal equipment to provide enhanced protection against injuries caused by blasts in combat and training.

"(b) Activities.—

"(1) Continuous evaluation process.—For purposes of the activities required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a process to continuously solicit from government, industry, academia, and other appropriate entities personal protective equipment that is ready for testing and evaluation in order to identify and evaluate equipment or clothing that is more effective in protecting members of the Armed Forces from the harmful effects of blast injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, and would be suitable for expedited procurement and fielding.

"(2) Goals.—The goals of the activities shall include:

"(A) Development of streamlined requirements for procurement of personal protective equipment.

"(B) Appropriate testing of personal protective equipment prior to procurement and fielding.

"(C) Development of expedited mechanisms for deployment of effective personal protective equipment.

"(D) Identification of areas of research in which increased investment has the potential to improve the quality of personal protective equipment and the capability of the industrial base to produce such equipment.

"(E) Such other goals as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Partnerships for certain assessments.—As part of the activities, the Secretary should continue to establish partnerships with appropriate academic institutions for purposes of assessing the following:

"(A) The ability of various forms of personal protective equipment to protect against common blast injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

"(B) The value of real-time data analytics to track the effectiveness of various forms of personal protective equipment to protect against common blast injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

"(C) The availability of commercially available off-the-shelf items (as defined in section 104 of title 41, United States Code) that may serve as personal protective technology to protect against traumatic brain injury resulting from blasts.

"(D) The extent to which the equipment determined through the assessment to be most effective to protect against common blast injuries is readily modifiable for different body types and to provide lightweight material options to enhance maneuverability.

"(c) Authorities.—In carrying out activities under subsection (a), the Secretary may use any authority as follows:

"(1) Experimental procurement authority under section 2373 of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 4023].

"(2) Other transactions authority under section 2371 [now 10 U.S.C. 4021] and 2371b [now 10 U.S.C. 4022] of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) Authority to award technology prizes under section 2374a of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 4025].

"(4) Authority under the Defense Acquisition Challenge Program under section 2359b of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 4062].

"(5) Any other authority on acquisition, technology transfer, and personnel management that the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(d) Certain Treatment of Activities.—Any activities under this section shall be deemed to have been through the use of competitive procedures for the purposes of section 2304 of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.].

"(e) On-going Assessment Following Activities.—After the completion of activities under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, on an on-going basis, do the following:

"(1) Evaluate the extent to which personal protective equipment identified through the activities would—

"(A) enhance survivability of personnel from blasts in combat and training; and

"(B) enhance prevention of brain damage, and reduction of any resultant chronic brain dysfunction, from blasts in combat and training.

"(2) In the case of personal protective equipment so identified that would provide enhancements as described in paragraph (1), estimate the costs that would be incurred to procure such enhanced personal protective equipment, and develop a schedule for the procurement of such equipment.

"(3) Estimate the potential health care cost savings that would occur from expanded use of personal protective equipment described in paragraph (2).

"(f) Report.—Not later than December 1, 2019, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the activities under subsection (a) as of the date of the report.

"(g) Funding.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2019 by this Act for research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding tables in division D [div. D of Pub. L. 115–232, 132 Stat. 2328], $10,000,000 may be used to carry out this section."

[Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(d), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3873, provided that the amendment made by section 1081(d)(2) of Pub. L. 116–283 to section 226 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out above, is effective as of Aug. 13, 2018, and as if included in Pub. L. 115–232.]

Enhanced Protections for Prospective Members and New Members of the Armed Forces During Entry-Level Processing and Training

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1741, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 977, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364, provided that:

"(a) Defining Inappropriate and Prohibited Relationships, Communication, Conduct, and Contact Between Certain Members.—

"(1) Policy required.—The Secretary of a military department and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall maintain a policy that defines and prescribes, for the persons described in paragraph (2), what constitutes an inappropriate and prohibited relationship, communication, conduct, or contact, including when such an action is consensual, between a member of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (2)(A) and a prospective member or member of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (2)(B).

"(2) Covered members.—The policy required by paragraph (1) shall apply to—

"(A) a member of the Armed Forces who exercises authority or control over, or supervises, a person described in subparagraph (B) during the entry-level processing or training of the person; and

"(B) a prospective member of the Armed Forces or a member of the Armed Forces undergoing entry-level processing or training.

"(3) Inclusion of certain members required.—The members of the Armed Forces covered by paragraph (2)(A) shall include, at a minimum, military personnel assigned or attached to duty—

"(A) for the purpose of recruiting or assessing persons for enlistment or appointment as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Armed Forces;

"(B) at a Military Entrance Processing Station; or

"(C) at an entry-level training facility or school of an Armed Force.

"(b) Effect of Violations.—A member of the Armed Forces who violates the policy required by subsection (a) shall be subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"(c) Processing for Administrative Separation.—

"(1) In general.—(A) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall require the processing for administrative separation of any member of the Armed Forces described in subsection (a)(2)(A) in response to the first substantiated violation by the member of the policy required by subsection (a), when the member is not otherwise punitively discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces for that violation.

"(B) The Secretary of a military department shall revise regulations applicable to the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary as necessary to ensure compliance with the requirement under subparagraph (A).

"(2) Required elements.—(A) In imposing the requirement under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall ensure that any separation decision regarding a member of the Armed Forces is based on the full facts of the case and that due process procedures are provided under existing law or regulations or additionally prescribed, as considered necessary by the Secretaries, pursuant to subsection (f).

"(B) The requirement imposed by paragraph (1) shall not be interpreted to limit or alter the authority of the Secretary of a military department and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to process members of the Armed Forces for administrative separation—

"(i) for reasons other than a substantiated violation of the policy required by subsection (a); or

"(ii) under other provisions of law or regulation.

"(3) Substantiated violation.—For purposes of paragraph (1), a violation by a member of the Armed Forces described in subsection (a)(2)(A) of the policy required by subsection (a) shall be treated as substantiated if—

"(A) there has been a court-martial conviction for violation of the policy, but the adjudged sentence does not include discharge or dismissal; or

"(B) a nonjudicial punishment authority under section 815 of title 10, United States Code (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), has determined that a member has committed an offense in violation of the policy and imposed nonjudicial punishment upon the member.

"(d) Report on Need for UCMJ Punitive Article.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the recommendations of the Secretary regarding the need to amend chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), to create an additional article under subchapter X of such chapter to address violations of the policy required by subsection (a).

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'entry-level processing or training', with respect to a member of the Armed Forces, means the period beginning on the date on which the member became a member of the Armed Forces and ending on the date on which the member physically arrives at that member's first duty assignment following completion of initial entry training (or its equivalent), as defined by the Secretary of the military department concerned or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

"(2) The term 'prospective member of the Armed Forces' means a person who is pursuing or has recently pursued becoming a member of the Armed Forces and who has had a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Armed Forces assigned or attached to duty described in subsection (a)(3)(A) regarding becoming a member of the Armed Forces, regardless of whether the person eventually becomes a member of the Armed Forces.

"(f) Regulations.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, the regulations are uniform for each armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary."

CHAPTER 31—ENLISTMENTS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IV, §403(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3556, added item 517 and struck out former item 517 "Authorized daily average: members in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9".

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §551(a)(2), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1911, added item 511.

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(a)(8)(B), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1597, substituted "provision of meals and refreshments" for "use of funds" in item 520c.

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §531(a)(2), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2544, added item 510.

2000—Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1076(g)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-282, struck out item 520a "Criminal history information for military recruiting purposes".

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title III, §361(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2491, added item 520c.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(b)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3013, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(a)(8)(A), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 495, struck out items 510 "Reserve components: qualifications", 511 "Reserve components: terms", and 512 "Reserve components: transfers".

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §501(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1435, added item 513.

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1303(a)(4)(B), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 738, substituted "enlistment" for "enlistments" in item 520b.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(a)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2614, added item 520b.

1982—Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1114(b)(3), (c)(2), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 749, 750, inserted "; compilation of directory information" in item 503, and added item 520a.

1980—Pub. L. 96–342, title III, §302(b)(2), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1083, added item 520.

1968—Pub. L. 90–623, §2(2), Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1314, struck out "or national emergency" after "extension of enlistments during war" in item 506.

Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(C), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 755, redesignated item 501 as 502, and added items 501, 503 to 509, 518 and 519.

1962—Pub. L. 87–649, §2(2), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 492, added item 517.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(9)(B), (C), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1440, struck out item 513 "Reserve components: promotions" and added item 516.

§501. Definition

In this chapter "enlistment" means original enlistment or reenlistment.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 501 was renumbered section 500a of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 501 was renumbered 502 of this title.

§502. Enlistment oath: who may administer

(a) Enlistment Oath.—Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath:

"I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

(b) Who May Administer.—The oath may be taken before the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary of Defense, any commissioned officer, or any other person designated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 17, §501; Pub. L. 87–751, §1, Oct. 5, 1962, 76 Stat. 748; renumbered §502, Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1462; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §595(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2235.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
501	50:737.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §8, 64 Stat. 146.

The words "or affirmation" are omitted as covered by the definition of the word "oath" in section 1 of title 1. The words "of any armed force" are inserted in the last sentence, since they are necessarily implied by their use in the source statute.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Uniform Code of Military Justice, referred to in the oath, is classified to chapter 47 (§801 et seq.) of this title.

Codification

Another section 502 was renumbered section 500b of this title.

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–364 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: "This oath may be taken before any commissioned officer of any armed force.", and added subsec. (b).

1989—Pub. L. 101–189 struck out "or affirmation" after "This oath".

1962—Pub. L. 87–751 substituted "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same" for "bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies whomsoever" and inserted "So help me God" in the oath, and "or affirmation" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–751, §3, Oct. 5, 1962, 76 Stat. 748, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and section 304 of Title 32, National Guard] does not affect any oath taken before one year after its enactment [Oct. 5, 1962]."

§503. Enlistments: recruiting campaigns; compilation of directory information

(a) Recruiting Campaigns.—(1) The Secretary concerned shall conduct intensive recruiting campaigns to obtain enlistments in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, and Regular Coast Guard and the Space Force.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall act on a continuing basis to enhance the effectiveness of recruitment programs of the Department of Defense (including programs conducted jointly and programs conducted by the separate armed forces) through an aggressive program of advertising and market research targeted at prospective recruits for the armed forces and those who may influence prospective recruits. Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44 shall not apply to actions taken as part of that program.

(3) PII regarding a prospective recruit collected or compiled under this subsection shall be kept confidential, and a person who has had access to such PII may not disclose the information except for purposes of this section or other purpose authorized by law.

(4) In the course of conducting a recruiting campaign, the Secretary concerned shall—

(A) notify a prospective recruit of data collection policies of the armed force concerned; and

(B) permit the prospective recruit to elect not to participate in such data collection.

(5) In this subsection, the term "PII" means personally identifiable information.

(b) Compilation of Directory Information.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may collect and compile directory information pertaining to each student who is 17 years of age or older or in the eleventh grade (or its equivalent) or higher and who is enrolled in a secondary school in the United States or its territories, possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(2) The Secretary may make directory information collected and compiled under this subsection available to the armed forces for military recruiting purposes. Such information may not be disclosed for any other purpose.

(3) Directory information pertaining to any person may not be maintained for more than 3 years after the date the information pertaining to such person is first collected and compiled under this subsection.

(4) Directory information collected and compiled under this subsection shall be confidential, and a person who has had access to such information may not disclose such information except for the purposes described in paragraph (2).

(5) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection. Regulations prescribed under this subsection shall be submitted to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. Regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned to carry out this subsection shall be as uniform as practicable.

(6) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring, or authorizing the Secretary of Defense to require, that any educational institution furnish directory information to the Secretary.

(c) Access to Secondary Schools.—(1)(A) Each local educational agency receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965—

(i) shall provide to military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to postsecondary educational institutions or to prospective employers of those students;

(ii) shall provide to military recruiters access to career fairs or similar events upon a request made by military recruiters for military recruiting purposes; and

(iii) shall, upon a request made by military recruiters for military recruiting purposes, provide, not later than 60 days after receiving such request, access to secondary school student names, addresses, electronic mail addresses (which shall be the electronic mail addresses provided by the school, if available), and telephone listings, notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).

(B) A local educational agency may not release a student's name, address, electronic mail address, and telephone listing under subparagraph (A)(iii) without the prior written consent of a parent of the student if the student, or a parent of the student, has submitted a request to the local educational agency that the student's information not be released for a purpose covered by that subparagraph without prior written parental consent. Each local educational agency shall notify parents of the rights provided under the preceding sentence.

(2) If a local educational agency denies a request by the Department of Defense for recruiting access, the Secretary of Defense, in cooperation with the Secretary of the military department concerned, shall designate an officer in a grade not below the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain, or a senior executive of that military department to meet with representatives of that local educational agency in person, at the offices of that agency, for the purpose of arranging for recruiting access. The designated officer or senior executive shall seek to have that meeting within 120 days of the date of the denial of the request for recruiting access.

(3) If, after a meeting under paragraph (2) with representatives of a local educational agency that has denied a request for recruiting access or (if the educational agency declines a request for the meeting) after the end of such 120-day period, the Secretary of Defense determines that the agency continues to deny recruiting access, the Secretary shall transmit to the chief executive of the State in which the agency is located a notification of the denial of recruiting access and a request for assistance in obtaining that access. The notification shall be transmitted within 60 days after the date of the determination. The Secretary shall provide to the Secretary of Education a copy of such notification and any other communication between the Secretary and that chief executive with respect to such access.

(4) If a local educational agency continues to deny recruiting access one year after the date of the transmittal of a notification regarding that agency under paragraph (3), the Secretary—

(A) shall determine whether the agency denies recruiting access to at least two of the armed forces (other than the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy); and

(B) upon making an affirmative determination under subparagraph (A), shall transmit a notification of the denial of recruiting access to—

(i) the specified congressional committees;

(ii) the Senators of the State in which the local educational agency is located; and

(iii) the member of the House of Representatives who represents the district in which the local educational agency is located.

(5) The requirements of this subsection do not apply to a private secondary school that maintains a religious objection to service in the armed forces and which objection is verifiable through the corporate or other organizational documents or materials of that school.

(6) The Secretary of Defense shall submit an annual report to Congress not later than February 1 each calendar year, detailing each notification of denial of recruiting access issued under paragraph (3).

(7) In this subsection:

(A) The term "local educational agency" means—

(i) a local educational agency, within the meaning of that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and

(ii) a private secondary school.

(B) The term "recruiting access" means access requested as described in paragraph (1).

(C) The term "senior executive" has the meaning given that term in section 3132(a)(3) of title 5.

(D) The term "State" includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

(E) The term "specified congressional committees" means the following:

(i) The Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.

(ii) The Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.

(F) The term "member of the House of Representatives" includes a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 754; amended Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1114(b)(1), (2), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 749; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §571, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 622, 774; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §§562, 563(a)–(c)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-131 to 1654A-133; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §544(a), title X, §1048(a)(5)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1112, 1222; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §543, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1478; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(d)(5), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(uuu)(1), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2190; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §521(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3597; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §531(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2574; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §541, title XVII, §1717(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 264, 655.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), (6)(A)(i), is Pub. L. 89–10, Apr. 11, 1965, 79 Stat. 27, which is classified generally to chapter 70 (§6301 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. Section 8101 of the Act is classified to section 7801 of Title 20. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6301 of Title 20 and Tables.

Codification

Another section 503 was renumbered section 500c of this title.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1717(b)(1), inserted "and the Space Force" after "Regular Coast Guard".

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §541(1)(A), added cl. (ii), redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii), and inserted in cl. (iii) ", not later than 60 days after receiving such request," after "provide".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §541(1)(B), substituted "subparagraph (A)(iii)" for "subparagraph (A)(ii)".

Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 118–31, §541(2), (3), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

2022—Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 117–263 added pars. (3) to (5).

2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 116–283, §521(a)(1)(A), substituted "electronic mail addresses (which shall be the electronic mail addresses provided by the school, if available), and telephone listings, notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g)." for "and telephone listings, notwithstanding section 444(a)(5)(B) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(5)(B))."

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–283, §521(a)(1)(B), substituted "electronic mail address, and telephone listing" for "and telephone listing".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §521(a)(2), struck out subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "In this section, the term 'directory information' has the meaning given that term in subsection (a)(5)(A) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g)."

2015—Subsec. (c)(6)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–95 substituted "section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965" for "section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)".

2004—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "educational" for "education" after "Each local".

2003—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 108–136, §543(a), substituted "apply to a private secondary school that" for "apply to—

"(A) a local educational agency with respect to access to secondary school students or access to directory information concerning such students for any period during which there is in effect a policy of that agency, established by majority vote of the governing body of the agency, to deny recruiting access to those students or to that directory information, respectively; or

"(B) a private secondary school which".

Subsec. (c)(6)(A)(i). Pub. L. 108–136, §543(b), substituted "9101" and "7801" for "14101" and "8801", respectively.

2001—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107, §544(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Each local educational agency shall (except as provided under paragraph (5)) provide to the Department of Defense, upon a request made for military recruiting purposes, the same access to secondary school students, and to directory information concerning such students, as is provided generally to post-secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers of those students."

Subsec. (c)(6)(A)(i). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(a)(5)(A), substituted "14101" for "14101(18)" and "8801" for "8801(18)".

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §§562, 563(c)(1)], inserted heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §563(c)(2)], inserted heading.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §563(b)(1)], struck out par. (7) which read as follows: "In this subsection, 'directory information' means, with respect to a student, the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, level of education, degrees received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §563(a)], amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "Each local educational agency is requested to provide to the Department of Defense, upon a request made for military recruiting purposes, the same access to secondary school students, and to directory information concerning such students, as is provided generally to post-secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers of those students."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §563(b)(2)], added subsec. (d).

1999—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 106–65, §1067(1), substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–65, §571, added subsec. (c).

1996—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".

1982—Pub. L. 97–252, §1114(b)(2), inserted "; compilation of directory information" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–252, §1114(b)(1)(A), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–252, §1114(b)(1)(B), added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §544(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1113, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2002, immediately after the amendment to section 503(c) of title 10, United States Code, made, effective that date, by section 563(a) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–131)."

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(5)(B), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1222, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2002, immediately after the amendment to such section [this section] effective that date by section 563(a) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–131)."

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §563(d)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-133, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2002."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Regulations to Ensure Notice to Recruits of Options for Naturalization

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §523(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1687, provided that: "The Secretary of each military department shall prescribe regulations that ensure that a military recruit, who is not a citizen of the United States, receives proper notice of options for naturalization under title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)[.] Such notice shall inform the recruit of existing programs or services that may aid in the naturalization process of such recruit."

Community College Enlisted Training Corps Demonstration Program

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §548, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 267, provided that:

"(a) Demonstration Program.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than August 1, 2025, the Secretary concerned shall establish within each military department an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for the purpose of introducing students to the military, and preparing selected students for enlisted service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

"(2) Location.—Demonstration programs established under this section shall be located at a community or junior college. No program may be established at a military college or military junior college as defined for purposes of section 2107a of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Eligibility for Membership.—To be eligible for membership in a program under this section, a person must be a student at an institution where a unit of the Enlisted Training Corps is located.

"(c) Instructors.—The Secretary concerned may assign as an instructor for a unit established under this section an individual eligible to serve as an instructor under section 2111 or section 2031 of title 10, United States Code. Instructors who are not currently members on active duty shall be paid in a manner consistent with section 2031 of title 10, United States Code.

"(d) Financial Assistance.—The Secretary of the military department concerned may provide financial assistance to persons enrolled in a unit of the Enlisted Training Corps in exchange for an agreement in writing that the person enlist in the active component of the military department concerned upon graduation or disenrollment from the community college. Financial assistance provided under this subsection may include tuition, living expenses, stipend, or other payment.

"(e) Curriculum.—The Secretary concerned shall ensure that any programs created under this section include as part of the curriculum the following:

"(1) An introduction to the benefits of military service.

"(2) Military history.

"(3) Military customs and courtesies.

"(4) Physical fitness requirements.

"(5) Instruction on ethical behavior and decision making.

"(f) Reporting Requirement.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], and annually thereafter until the date specified by subsection (g), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of the demonstration program required by this section.

"(g) Sunset.—The requirements of this provision shall sunset on September 30, 2030."

Certification Requirement Regarding Contracting for Military Recruiting

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XV, §1555, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 581, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XV, §1542, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2149, provided that:

"(a) Certification Requirement.—Prior to the Secretary of Defense entering into any contract or other agreement (or extending, renewing, or otherwise modifying an existing contract or other agreement) with an entity for the purpose of that entity placing military recruitment advertisements on behalf of the Department of Defense, the Secretary shall require, as a condition of such contract or agreement, that the entity certify to the Secretary that the entity does not place advertisements in news sources based on personal or institutional political preferences or biases, or determinations of misinformation.

"(b) Notification Requirement.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit a notification to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] and congressional leadership each time the Department of Defense enters into a contract related to the placement of recruitment advertising with an entity specified in paragraph (2) and if such entities are used how they are used.

"(2) Entities specified.—The entities specified in this paragraph are—

"(A) NewsGuard Technologies Inc.;

"(B) the Global Disinformation Index, incorporated in the United Kingdom as 'Disinformation Index LTD'; and

"(C) any similar entity.

"(c) Sunset.—The requirement under this section shall terminate on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023]."

Pilot Program on Recruiting

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2575, provided that:

"(1) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may conduct a pilot program (such a program shall be referred to as a 'Military Recruiting Modernization Program') to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of collecting and using PRI with modern technologies to allow the Secretary to more effectively and efficiently use recruiting resources.

"(2) Treatment of prospective recruit information.—PRI collected under a pilot program under this subsection—

"(A) may be used by the Armed Forces and entities into which the Secretary has entered into an agreement regarding military recruitment only for purposes of military recruitment;

"(B) shall be kept confidential. [sic]

"(C) may not be maintained more than three years after collection; and [sic]

"(3) Opt-out.—A pilot program under this subsection may allow a prospective recruit to opt-out of the collection of PRI regarding such prospective recruit.

"(4) Termination.—Any such pilot program shall terminate three years after implementation.

"(5) Interim briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the implementing a pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall include the following:

"(A) The definition, prescribed by the Secretary, of PRI.

"(B) How the Secretary intends to handle privacy concerns related to the collection of PRI.

"(C) Legal concerns over the collection, use, and maintenance of PRI.

"(6) Final report.—Not later than 120 days after the completion of a pilot program under this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program. Such report shall include the following:

"(A) A summary of whether and how the pilot program modernized recruiting efforts.

"(B) A description of any efficiencies identified under the pilot program.

"(C) Any violations of privacy laws arising from the pilot program.

"(D) Legislative recommendations of the Under Secretary arising from this pilot program.

"(7) Definitions.—In this section:

"(A) The term 'PRI' means information, prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, regarding a prospective recruit.

"(B) The term 'prospective recruit' means an individual who is eligible to join the Armed Forces and is—

"(i) 17 years of age or older; or

"(ii) in the eleventh grade (or its equivalent) or higher."

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test Special Purpose Adjunct To Address Computational Thinking

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §594, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3666, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §581, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1755, provided that: "Not later than October 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a special purpose test adjunct to the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test to address computational thinking skills relevant to military applications, including problem decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, analytical ability, the identification of variables involved in data representation, and the ability to create algorithms and solution expressions."

Programs on Direct Commissions to Cyber Positions

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §509, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2109, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §509A, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3586, provided that:

"(a) Programs Authorized.—Each Secretary of a military department may carry out a program to improve the ability of an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to recruit cyber professionals.

"(b) Elements.—Under a program established under this section, an individual who meets educational, physical, and other requirements determined appropriate by the Secretary of the military department concerned may receive an original appointment as a commissioned officer in a cyber specialty.

"(c) Consultation.—In developing a program for the Army or the Air Force under this section, the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force may consult with the Secretary of the Navy with respect to an existing, similar program carried out by the Secretary of the Navy."

Temporary Authority To Develop and Provide Additional Recruitment Incentives

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §522, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 811, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2576, provided that:

"(a) Additional Recruitment Incentives Authorized.—The Secretary of a military department may develop and provide incentives, not otherwise authorized by law, to encourage individuals to accept an appointment as a commissioned officer, to accept an appointment as a warrant officer, or to enlist in an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

"(b) Relation to Other Personnel Authorities.—A recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) may be provided—

"(1) without regard to the lack of specific authority for the recruitment incentive under title 10 or 37, United States Code; and

"(2) notwithstanding any provision of such titles, or any rule or regulation prescribed under such provision, relating to methods of providing incentives to individuals to accept appointments or enlistments in the Armed Forces, including the provision of group or individual bonuses, pay, or other incentives.

"(c) Notice and Wait Requirement.—The Secretary of a military department may not provide a recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) until—

"(1) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a plan regarding provision of the recruitment incentive, which includes—

"(A) a description of the incentive, including the purpose of the incentive and the potential recruits to be addressed by the incentive;

"(B) a description of the provisions of titles 10 and 37, United States Code, from which the incentive would require a waiver and the rationale to support the waiver;

"(C) a statement of the anticipated outcomes as a result of providing the incentive; and

"(D) a description of the method to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the incentive; and

"(2) the expiration of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the plan was received by Congress.

"(d) Limitation on Number of Incentives.—The Secretary of a military department may not provide more than three recruitment incentives under the authority of this section.

"(e) Limitation on Number of Individuals Receiving Incentives.—The number of individuals who receive one or more of the recruitment incentives provided under subsection (a) by the Secretary of a military department during a fiscal year for an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary may not exceed 20 percent of the accession objective of that Armed Force for that fiscal year.

"(f) Duration of Developed Incentive.—A recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) may be provided for not longer than a three-year period beginning on the date on which the incentive is first provided, except that the Secretary of the military department concerned may extend the period if the Secretary determines that additional time is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the incentive.

"(g) Reporting Requirements.—If the Secretary of a military department provides an recruitment incentive under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report, not later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year, containing—

"(1) a description of each incentive provided under subsection (a) during that fiscal year; and

"(2) an assessment of the impact of the incentives on the recruitment of individuals for an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

"(h) Termination of Authority to Provide Incentives.—Notwithstanding subsection (f), the authority to provide recruitment incentives under this section expires on December 31, 2025."

[For termination, effective Dec. 30, 2021, of reporting requirements in section 522(g) of Pub. L. 114–92, set out above, see section 1702(a), (b), of Pub. L. 116–92, set out as a Termination of Reporting Requirements note under section 111 of this title.]

Policy on Military Recruitment and Enlistment of Graduates of Secondary Schools

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §573, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 772, as amended by Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(eee), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2186, provided that:

"(a) Conditions on Use of Test, Assessment, or Screening Tools.—In the case of any test, assessment, or screening tool utilized under the policy on recruitment and enlistment required by subsection (b) of section 532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1403; 10 U.S.C. 503 note) for the purpose of identifying persons for recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) implement a means for ensuring that graduates of a secondary school (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7801]), including all persons described in subsection (a)(2) of section 532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, are required to meet the same standard on the test, assessment, or screening tool; and

"(2) use uniform testing requirements and grading standards.

"(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in section 532(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 or this section shall be construed to permit the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department to create or use a different grading standard on any test, assessment, or screening tool utilized for the purpose of identifying graduates of a secondary school (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7801]), including all persons described in subsection (a)(2) of section 532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, for recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces."

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1403, as amended by Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(ddd), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2185, provided that:

"(a) Equal Treatment for Secondary School Graduates.—

"(1) Equal treatment.—For the purposes of recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of a military department shall treat a graduate described in paragraph (2) in the same manner as a graduate of a secondary school (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7801]).

"(2) Covered graduates.—Paragraph (1) applies with respect to [a] person who—

"(A) receives a diploma from a secondary school that is legally operating; or

"(B) otherwise completes a program of secondary education in compliance with the education laws of the State in which the person resides.

"(b) Policy on Recruitment and Enlistment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy on recruitment and enlistment that incorporates the following:

"(1) Means for identifying persons described in subsection (a)(2) who are qualified for recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces, which may include the use of a non-cognitive aptitude test, adaptive personality assessment, or other operational attrition screening tool to predict performance, behaviors, and attitudes of potential recruits that influence attrition and the ability to adapt to a regimented life in the Armed Forces.

"(2) Means for assessing how qualified persons fulfill their enlistment obligation.

"(3) Means for maintaining data, by each diploma source, which can be used to analyze attrition rates among qualified persons.

"(c) Recruitment Plan.—As part of the policy required by subsection (b), the Secretary of each of the military departments shall develop a recruitment plan that includes a marketing strategy for targeting various segments of potential recruits with all types of secondary education credentials.

"(d) Communication Plan.—The Secretary of each of the military departments shall develop a communication plan to ensure that the policy and recruitment plan are understood by military recruiters."

Recruitment and Enlistment of Home-Schooled Students in the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §591, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3280, provided that:

"(a) Policy on Recruitment and Enlistment.—

"(1) Policy required.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy on the recruitment and enlistment of home-schooled students in the Armed Forces.

"(2) Uniformity across the armed forces.—The Secretary shall ensure that the policy prescribed under paragraph (1) applies, to the extent practicable, uniformly across the Armed Forces.

"(b) Elements.—The policy under subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) An identification of a graduate of home schooling for purposes of recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces that is in accordance with the requirements described in subsection (c).

"(2) A communication plan to ensure that the policy described in subsection (c) is understood by recruiting officials of all the Armed Forces, to include field recruiters at the lowest level of command.

"(3) An exemption of graduates of home schooling from the requirement for a secondary school diploma or an equivalent (GED) as a precondition for enlistment in the Armed Forces.

"(c) Home School Graduates.—In prescribing the policy under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a single set of criteria to be used by the Armed Forces in determining whether an individual is a graduate of home schooling. The Secretary concerned shall ensure compliance with education credential coding requirements.

"(d) Secretary Concerned Defined.—In this section, the term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code."

Temporary Army Authority To Provide Additional Recruitment Incentives

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §681, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3320, as amended by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VI, §621, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2358, provided that:

"(a) Authority to Develop and Provide Recruitment Incentives.—The Secretary of the Army may develop and provide incentives not otherwise authorized by law to encourage individuals to accept commissions as officers or to enlist in the Army.

"(b) Relation to Other Personnel Authorities.—A recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) may be provided—

"(1) without regard to the lack of specific authority for the incentive under title 10 or 37, United States Code; and

"(2) notwithstanding any provision of such titles, or any rule or regulation prescribed under such provision, relating to methods of—

"(A) determining requirements for, and the compensation of, members of the Army who are assigned duty as military recruiters; or

"(B) providing incentives to individuals to accept commissions or enlist in the Army, including the provision of group or individual bonuses, pay, or other incentives.

"(c) Waiver of Otherwise Applicable Laws.—A provision of title 10 or 37, United States Code, may not be waived with respect to, or otherwise determined to be inapplicable to, the provision of a recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) without the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

"(d) Notice and Wait Requirement.—A recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) may not be provided to individuals until—

"(1) the Secretary of the Army submits to Congress, the appropriate elements of the Department of Defense, and the Comptroller General a plan that includes—

"(A) a description of the incentive, including the purpose of the incentive and the potential recruits to be addressed by the incentive;

"(B) a description of the provisions of titles 10 and 37, United States Code, from which the incentive would require a waiver and the rationale to support the waiver;

"(C) a statement of the anticipated outcomes as a result of providing the incentive; and

"(D) the method to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the incentive; and

"(2) a 45-day period beginning on the date on which the plan was received by Congress expires.

"(e) Limitation on Number of Incentives.—Not more than four recruitment incentives may be provided at the same time under the authority of this section.

"(f) Limitation on Number of Individuals Receiving Incentives.—The number of individuals who receive one or more of the recruitment incentives provided under subsection (a) during a fiscal year may not exceed the number of individuals equal to 20 percent of the accession mission of the Army for that fiscal year.

"(g) Duration of Developed Incentive.—A recruitment incentive developed under subsection (a) may be provided for not longer than a three-year period beginning on the date on which the incentive is first provided, except that the Secretary of the Army may extend the period if the Secretary determines that additional time is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the incentive.

"(h) Reporting Requirements.—

"(1) Secretary of the army report.—The Secretary of the Army shall submit to Congress an annual report on the recruitment incentives provided under subsection (a) during the preceding year, including—

"(A) a description of the incentives provided under subsection (a) during that fiscal year; and

"(B) an assessment of the impact of the incentives on the recruitment of individuals as officers or enlisted members.

"(2) Comptroller general report.—As soon as practicable after receipt of each plan under subsection (d), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the expected outcomes of the recruitment incentive covered by the plan in terms of cost effectiveness and mission achievement.

"(i) Duration of Authority.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary may not develop an incentive under this section, or first provide an incentive developed under this section to an individual, after December 31, 2012.

"(2) Continuation of incentives.—Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit or limit the continuing provision to an individual after the date specified in that paragraph of an incentive first provided the individual under this section before that date."

Enhanced Screening Methods and Process Improvements for Recruitment of Home Schooled and National Guard Challenge Program GED Recipients

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §593, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1934, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(4), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that:

"(a) Enhanced Screening Methods and Process Improvements.—(1) The Secretary of the Army shall carry out an initiative—

"(A) to develop screening methods and process improvements for recruiting specified GED recipients so as to achieve attrition patterns, among the GED recipients so recruited, that match attrition patterns for Army recruits who are high school diploma graduates; and

"(B) subject to subsection (b), to implement such screening methods and process improvements on a test basis.

"(2) For purposes of this section, the term 'specified GED recipients' means persons who receive a General Educational Development (GED) certificate as a result of home schooling or the completion of a program under the National Guard Challenge program.

"(b) Secretary of Defense Review.—Before the screening methods and process improvements developed under subsection (a)(1) are put into effect under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of Defense shall review the proposed screening methods and process improvements. Based on such review, the Secretary of Defense either shall approve the use of such screening methods and process improvements for testing (with such modifications as the Secretary may direct) or shall disapprove the use of such methods and process improvements on a test basis.

"(c) Secretary of Defense Decision.—If the Secretary of Defense determines under subsection (b) that the screening methods and process improvements developed under subsection (a)(1) should be implemented on a test basis, then upon completion of the test period, the Secretary of Defense shall, after reviewing the results of the test program, determine whether the new screening methods and process improvements developed by the Army should be extended throughout the Department for recruit candidates identified by the new procedures to be considered tier 1 recruits.

"(d) Reports.—(1) If the Secretary of Defense determines under subsection (b) that the screening methods and process improvements developed under subsection (a)(1) should not be implemented on a test basis, the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than 90 days thereafter, notify the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives of such determination, together with the reasons of the Secretary for such determination.

"(2) If the Secretary of Defense determines under subsection (b) that the screening methods and process improvements developed under subsection (a)(1) should be implemented on a test basis, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the committees specified in paragraph (1) a report on the results of the testing. The report shall be submitted not later than March 31, 2009, except that if the Secretary of Defense directs an earlier termination of the testing initiative, the Secretary of the Army shall submit the report under this paragraph not later than 180 days after such termination. Such report shall include the determination of the Secretary of Defense under subsection (c). If that determination is that the methods and processes tested should not be extended to the other services, the report shall include the Secretary's rationale for not recommending such extension."

Department of Defense Joint Advertising, Market Research, and Studies Program

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §548, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1481, provided that:

"(a) Program Authorized.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a joint advertising, market research, and studies program to complement the recruiting advertising programs of the military departments and improve the ability of the military departments to attract and recruit qualified individuals to serve in the Armed Forces.

"(b) Funding.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated by section 301(5) [117 Stat. 1426] for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities, $7,500,000 may be made available to carry out the joint advertising, market research, and studies program."

Notification to Local Educational Agencies

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §544(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1113, directed the Secretary of Education to provide to local educational agencies notice of the provisions of subsec. (c) of this section, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, not later than 120 days after Dec. 28, 2001.

Army Recruiting Pilot Programs

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §561], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-129, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §543, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1112, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Programs.—The Secretary of the Army shall carry out pilot programs to test various recruiting approaches under this section for the following purposes:

"(1) To assess the effectiveness of the recruiting approaches for creating enhanced opportunities for recruiters to make direct, personal contact with potential recruits.

"(2) To improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of Army recruiting activities.

"(b) Outreach Through Motor Sports.—(1) One of the pilot programs shall be a pilot program of public outreach that associates the Army with motor sports competitions to achieve the objectives set forth in paragraph (2).

"(2) The events and activities undertaken under the pilot program shall be designed to provide opportunities for Army recruiters to make direct, personal contact with high school students to achieve the following objectives:

"(A) To increase enlistments by students graduating from high school.

"(B) To reduce attrition in the Delayed Entry Program of the Army by sustaining the personal commitment of students who have elected delayed entry into the Army under the program.

"(3) Under the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall provide for the following:

"(A) For Army recruiters or other Army personnel—

"(i) to organize Army sponsored career day events in association with national motor sports competitions; and

"(ii) to arrange for or encourage attendance at the competitions by high school students, teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators of high schools located near the competitions.

"(B) For Army recruiters and other soldiers to attend national motor sports competitions—

"(i) to display exhibits depicting the contemporary Army and career opportunities in the Army; and

"(ii) to discuss those opportunities with potential recruits.

"(C) For the Army to sponsor a motor sports racing team as part of an integrated program of recruitment and publicity for the Army.

"(D) For the Army to sponsor motor sports competitions for high school students at which recruiters meet with potential recruits.

"(E) For Army recruiters or other Army personnel to compile in an Internet accessible database the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and electronic mail addresses of persons who are identified as potential recruits through activities under the pilot program.

"(F) Any other activities associated with motor sports competition that the Secretary determines appropriate for Army recruitment purposes.

"(c) Outreach at Vocational Schools and Community Colleges.—(1) One of the pilot programs shall be a pilot program under which Army recruiters are assigned, as their primary responsibility, at postsecondary vocational institutions and community colleges for the purpose of recruiting students graduating from those institutions and colleges, recent graduates of those institutions and colleges, and students withdrawing from enrollments in those institutions and colleges.

"(2) The Secretary of the Army shall select the institutions and colleges to be invited to participate in the pilot program.

"(3) The conduct of the pilot program at an institution or college shall be subject to an agreement which the Secretary shall enter into with the governing body or authorized official of the institution or college, as the case may be.

"(4) Under the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide for the following:

"(A) For Army recruiters to be placed in postsecondary vocational institutions and community colleges to serve as a resource for guidance counselors and to recruit for the Army.

"(B) For Army recruiters to recruit from among students and graduates described in paragraph (1).

"(C) For the use of telemarketing, direct mail, interactive voice response systems, and Internet website capabilities to assist the recruiters in the postsecondary vocational institutions and community colleges.

"(D) For any other activities that the Secretary determines appropriate for recruitment activities in postsecondary vocational institutions and community colleges.

"(5) In this subsection, the term 'postsecondary vocational institution' has the meaning given the term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).

"(d) Contract Recruiting Initiatives.—(1) One of the pilot programs shall be a program that expands in accordance with this subsection the scope of the Army's contract recruiting initiatives that are ongoing as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000]. Under the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall select at least 10 recruiting companies to apply the initiatives in efforts to recruit personnel for the Army.

"(2) Under the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide for the following:

"(A) For replacement of the Regular Army and Army Reserve recruiters by contract recruiters in the 10 recruiting companies selected under paragraph (1).

"(B) For operation of the 10 companies under the same rules as the other Army recruiting companies.

"(C) For use of the offices, facilities, and equipment of the 10 companies by the contract recruiters.

"(D) For reversion to performance of the recruiting activities by Regular Army and Army Reserve soldiers in the 10 companies upon termination of the pilot program.

"(E) For any other uses of contractor personnel for Army recruiting activities that the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(e) Duration of Pilot Programs.—The pilot programs required by this section shall be carried out during the period beginning on October 1, 2000, and, subject to subsection (f), ending on September 30, 2007.

"(f) Authority To Expand or Extend Pilot Programs.—The Secretary may expand the scope of any of the pilot programs (under subsection (b)(3)(F), (c)(4)(D), (d)(2)(E), or otherwise) or extend the period for any of the pilot programs. Before doing so in the case of a pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a written notification of the expansion of the pilot program (together with the scope of the expansion) or the continuation of the pilot program (together with the period of the extension), as the case may be.

"(g) Reports.—Not later than February 1, 2008, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a separate report on each of the pilot programs carried out under this section. The report on a pilot program shall include the following:

"(1) The Secretary's assessment of the value of the actions taken in the administration of the pilot program for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Army recruiting.

"(2) Any recommendations for legislation or other action that the Secretary considers appropriate to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Army recruiting."

Pilot Program To Enhance Military Recruiting by Improving Military Awareness of School Counselors and Educators

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §564], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-133, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1046(d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2394, directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct a three-year pilot program in a qualifying interactive Internet site beginning not later than 180 days after Oct. 30, 2000, to determine if cooperation with military recruiters by local educational agencies and by institutions of higher education could be enhanced by improving the understanding of school counselors and educators about military recruiting and military career opportunities.

Measures To Improve Recruit Quality and Reduce Recruit Attrition

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, subtitle D, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1738, provided that:

"SEC. 531. REFORM OF MILITARY RECRUITING SYSTEMS.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out reforms in the recruiting systems of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps in order to improve the quality of new recruits and to reduce attrition among recruits.

"(b) Specific Reforms.—As part of the reforms in military recruiting systems to be undertaken under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take the following steps:

"(1) Improve the system of pre-enlistment waivers and separation codes used for recruits by (A) revising and updating those waivers and codes to allow more accurate and useful data collection about those separations, and (B) prescribing regulations to ensure that those waivers and codes are interpreted in a uniform manner by the military services.

"(2) Develop a reliable database for (A) analyzing (at both the Department of Defense and service-level) data on reasons for attrition of new recruits, and (B) undertaking Department of Defense or service-specific measures (or both) to control and manage such attrition.

"(3) Require that the Secretary of each military department (A) adopt or strengthen incentives for recruiters to thoroughly prescreen potential candidates for recruitment, and (B) link incentives for recruiters, in part, to the ability of a recruiter to screen out unqualified candidates before enlistment.

"(4) Require that the Secretary of each military department include as a measurement of recruiter performance the percentage of persons enlisted by a recruiter who complete initial combat training or basic training.

"(5) Assess trends in the number and use of waivers over the 1991–1997 period that were issued to permit applicants to enlist with medical or other conditions that would otherwise be disqualifying.

"(6) Require the Secretary of each military department to implement policies and procedures (A) to ensure the prompt separation of recruits who are unable to successfully complete basic training, and (B) to remove those recruits from the training environment while separation proceedings are pending.

"(c) Report.—Not later than March 31, 1998, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report of the trends assessed under subsection (b)(5). The information on those trends provided in the report shall be shown by armed force and by category of waiver. The report shall include recommendations of the Secretary for changing, revising, or limiting the use of waivers referred to in that subsection.

"SEC. 532. IMPROVEMENTS IN MEDICAL PRESCREENING OF APPLICANTS FOR MILITARY SERVICE.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall improve the medical prescreening of applicants for entrance into the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps.

"(b) Specific Steps.—As part of those improvements, the Secretary shall take the following steps:

"(1) Require that each applicant for service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps (A) provide to the Secretary the name of the applicant's medical insurer and the names of past medical providers, and (B) sign a release allowing the Secretary to request and obtain medical records of the applicant.

"(2) Require that the forms and procedures for medical prescreening of applicants that are used by recruiters and by Military Entrance Processing Commands be revised so as to ensure that medical questions are specific, unambiguous, and tied directly to the types of medical separations most common for recruits during basic training and follow-on training.

"(3) Add medical screening tests to the examinations of recruits carried out by Military Entrance Processing Stations, provide more thorough medical examinations to selected groups of applicants, or both, to the extent that the Secretary determines that to do so could be cost effective in reducing attrition at basic training.

"(4) Provide for an annual quality control assessment of the effectiveness of the Military Entrance Processing Commands in identifying medical conditions in recruits that existed before enlistment in the Armed Forces, each such assessment to be performed by an agency or contractor other than the Military Entrance Processing Commands.

"SEC. 533. IMPROVEMENTS IN PHYSICAL FITNESS OF RECRUITS.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall take steps to improve the physical fitness of recruits before they enter basic training.

"(b) Specific Steps.—As part of those improvements, the Secretary shall take the following steps:

"(1) Direct the Secretary of each military department to implement programs under which new recruits who are in the Delayed Entry Program are encouraged to participate in physical fitness activities before reporting to basic training.

"(2) Develop a range of incentives for new recruits to participate in physical fitness programs, as well as for those recruits who improve their level of fitness while in the Delayed Entry Program, which may include access to Department of Defense military fitness facilities, and access to military medical facilities in the case of a recruit who is injured while participating in physical activities with recruiters or other military personnel.

"(3) Evaluate whether partnerships between recruiters and reserve components, or other innovative arrangements, could provide a pool of qualified personnel to assist in the conduct of physical training programs for new recruits in the Delayed Entry Program."

Denial of Funds for Preventing ROTC Access to Campus or Federal Military Recruiting on Campus; Exceptions

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(e) [title V, §514], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–233, 3009-270, which provided that none of the funds made available in any Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for any fiscal year could be provided by contract or by grant to a covered educational entity if the Secretary of Defense determined that the covered educational entity had a policy or practice that prohibited or prevented the maintaining, establishing, or operation of a unit of the Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps at the covered educational entity, or a student at the covered educational entity from enrolling in a unit of the Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps at another institution of higher education, or prohibited or prevented entry to campuses, or access to students on campuses, for purposes of Federal military recruiting or access by military recruiters for purposes of Federal military recruiting to student names, addresses, and telephone listings and, if known, student ages, levels of education, and majors, was repealed and restated in section 983 of this title by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §549(a)(1), (b)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 609, 611.

Military Recruiting on Campus

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §558, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2776, as amended by Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §206(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3908, which provided that no funds available to the Department of Defense or the Department of Transportation could be provided by grant or contract to any institution of higher education that had a policy of denying or preventing the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Transportation from obtaining for military recruiting purposes entry to campuses or access to students on campuses or access to directory information pertaining to students, was repealed and restated in section 983 of this title by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §549(a)(1), (b)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 609, 611.

Military Recruiting Information

Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1114(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 748, provided that: "The Congress finds that in order for Congress to carry out effectively its constitutional authority to raise and support armies, it is essential—

"(1) that the Secretary of Defense obtain and compile directory information pertaining to students enrolled in secondary schools throughout the United States; and

"(2) that such directory information be used only for military recruiting purposes and be retained in the case of each person with respect to whom such information is obtained and compiled for a limited period of time."

Access of Armed Forces Recruiting Personnel to Secondary Educational Institutions; Release of Data

Pub. L. 96–342, title III, §302(d), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1083, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress—

"(1) that secondary educational institutions in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of the United States should cooperate with the Armed Forces by allowing recruiting personnel access to such institutions; and

"(2) that it is appropriate for such institutions to release to the Armed Forces information regarding students at such institutions (including such data as names, addresses, and education levels) which is relevant to recruiting individuals for service in the Armed Forces."

§504. Persons not qualified

(a) Insanity, Desertion, Felons, Etc.—No person who is insane, intoxicated, or a deserter from an armed force, or who has been convicted of a felony, may be enlisted in any armed force. However, the Secretary concerned may authorize exceptions, in meritorious cases, for the enlistment of deserters and persons convicted of felonies.

(b) Citizenship or Residency.—(1) A person may be enlisted in any armed force only if the person is one of the following:

(A) A national of the United States, as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)).

(B) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)).

(C) A person described in section 341 of one of the following compacts:

(i) The Compact of Free Association between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States (section 201(a) of Public Law 108–188 (117 Stat. 2784; 48 U.S.C. 1921 note)).

(ii) The Compact of Free Association between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States (section 201(b) of Public Law 108–188 (117 Stat. 2823; 48 U.S.C. 1921 note)).

(iii) The Compact of Free Association between Palau and the United States (section 201 of Public Law 99–658 (100 Stat. 3678; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note)).

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), and subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary concerned may authorize the enlistment of a person not described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such person possesses a critical skill or expertise—

(A) that is vital to the national interest; and

(B) that the person will use in the primary daily duties of that person as a member of the armed forces.

(3)(A) No person who enlists under paragraph (2) may report to initial training until after the Secretary concerned has completed all required background investigations and security and suitability screening as determined by the Secretary of Defense regarding that person.

(B) A Secretary concerned may not authorize more than 1,000 enlistments under paragraph (2) per military department in a calendar year until after—

(i) the Secretary of Defense submits to Congress written notice of the intent of that Secretary concerned to authorize more than 1,000 such enlistments in a calendar year; and

(ii) a period of 30 days has elapsed after the date on which Congress receives the notice.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 754; amended Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §542(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3253; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §521(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1755.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 504 was renumbered section 500d of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–232, §521(a)(1), inserted "and subject to paragraph (3)," after "Notwithstanding paragraph (1)," substituted "person possesses a critical skill or expertise—" for "enlistment is vital to the national interest.", and added subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–232, §521(a)(2), added par. (3).

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Provision of Information Regarding Federal Service to Certain Persons Ineligible To Enlist in Certain Armed Forces

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §536, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1888, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations directing the Secretary of a military department to provide, to a person described in subsection (b), information regarding opportunities for Federal, or other public, service for which the person may be qualified.

"(b) Certain Persons Not Qualified to Enlist.—A person described in this subsection is a person ineligible to serve in a covered Armed Force.

"(c) Covered Armed Force Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered Armed Force' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force."

Prohibition on Waiver for Commissioning or Enlistment in the Armed Forces for any Individual Convicted of a Felony Sexual Offense

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §523, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1723, which provided that an individual may not be provided a waiver for commissioning or enlistment in the Armed Forces if convicted of rape or other sexual offenses, was repealed by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1711(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 963. See section 657 of this title.

§505. Regular components: qualifications, term, grade

(a) The Secretary concerned may accept original enlistments in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard, as the case may be, of qualified, effective, and able-bodied persons who are not less than seventeen years of age nor more than forty-two years of age. However, no person under eighteen years of age may be originally enlisted without the written consent of his parent or guardian, if he has a parent or guardian entitled to his custody and control.

(b) A person is enlisted in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard in the grade or rating prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(c) The Secretary concerned may accept original enlistments of persons for the duration of their minority or for a period of at least two but not more than eight years, in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard, as the case may be.

(d)(1) The Secretary concerned may accept a reenlistment in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard, as the case may be, for a period determined under this subsection.

(2) In the case of a member who has less than 10 years of service in the armed forces as of the day before the first day of the period for which reenlisted, the period for which the member reenlists shall be at least two years but not more than eight years.

(3) In the case of a member who has at least 10 years of service in the armed forces as of the day before the first day of the period for which reenlisted, the Secretary concerned may accept a reenlistment for either—

(A) a specified period of at least two years but not more than eight years; or

(B) an unspecified period.

(4) No enlisted member is entitled to be reenlisted for a period that would expire before the end of the member's current enlistment.

(e) Enlistments in the Space Force.—For enlistments in the Space Force, see sections 20301 and 20302 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 754; amended Pub. L. 93–290, May 24, 1974, 88 Stat. 173; Pub. L. 95–485, title VIII, §820(a), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1627; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1023, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 671; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §511, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2514; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §§543, 544, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3253; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §531(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4449; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(5)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 505 was renumbered section 500e of this title.

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §1717(b)(2)(A), struck out "Regular Space Force," after "Regular Marine Corps," wherever appearing.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31, §1717(b)(2)(B), added subsec. (e).

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, Regular Space Force," for "Regular Marine Corps," wherever appearing.

2008—Subsec. (d)(2), (3)(A). Pub. L. 110–417 substituted "eight years" for "six years".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163, §543, in first sentence, substituted "forty-two years of age" for "thirty-five years of age".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–163, §544, substituted "eight years" for "six years".

1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–201 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "The Secretary concerned may accept reenlistments in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard, as the case may be, for period of at least two but not more than six years. No enlisted member is entitled to be reenlisted for a period that would expire before the end of his current enlistment."

1983—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98–94 substituted "at least two but not more than six years" for "two, three, four, five, or six years".

1978—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 95–485 redesignated subsec. (e) as (d). Former subsec. (d), which provided that in the Regular Army female persons may be enlisted only in the Women's Army Corps, was struck out.

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–290, §1, struck out provisions which prohibited the Secretary from accepting original enlistments from female persons less than 18 years of age, and which required consent of the parent or guardian for an original enlistment of a female person under 21 years of age.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–290, §2, substituted provisions permitting the Secretary to accept original enlistments of persons for the duration of their minority or for a period of two, three, four, five, or six years, for provisions which limited the Secretary to accept original enlistments from male persons for the duration of their minority or for a period of two, three, four, five, or six years, and from female persons for a period of two, three, four, five, or six years.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§506. Regular components: extension of enlistments during war

An enlistment in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, Space Force, or Regular Coast Guard in effect at the beginning of a war, or entered into during a war, unless sooner terminated by the President, continues in effect until six months after the termination of that war.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 754; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(5)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 506 was renumbered section 500f of this title.

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "Regular" before "Space Force".

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, Regular Space Force," for "Regular Marine Corps,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§507. Extension of enlistment for members needing medical care or hospitalization

(a) An enlisted member of an armed force on active duty whose term of enlistment expires while he is suffering from disease or injury incident to service and not due to his misconduct, and who needs medical care or hospitalization, may be retained on active duty, with his consent, until he recovers to the extent that he is able to meet the physical requirements for reenlistment, or it is determined that recovery to that extent is impossible.

(b) This section does not prevent the retention in service, without his consent, of an enlisted member of an armed force under section 972 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 754.)

§508. Reenlistment: qualifications

(a) No person whose service during his last term of enlistment was not honest and faithful may be reenlisted in an armed force. However, the Secretary concerned may authorize the reenlistment in the armed force under his jurisdiction of such a person if his conduct after that service has been good.

(b) A person discharged from a Regular component may be reenlisted in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, Space Force, or Regular Coast Guard, as the case may be, under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe.

(c) This section does not deprive a person of any right to be reenlisted in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, Space Force, or Regular Coast Guard under any other provision of law.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 755; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(5)(C), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(4), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "Regular" before "Space Force".

2021—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, Regular Space Force," for "Regular Marine Corps,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§509. Voluntary extension of enlistments: periods and benefits

(a) Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the term of enlistment of a member of an armed force may be extended or reextended with his written consent for any period. However, the total of all such extensions of an enlistment may not exceed four years.

(b) When a member is discharged from an enlistment that has been extended under this section, he has the same rights, privileges, and benefits that he would have if discharged at the same time from an enlistment not so extended.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 755.)

§510. Enlistment incentives for pursuit of skills to facilitate national service

(a) Enlistment Incentive Program.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out an enlistment incentive program in accordance with this section under which a person who is a National Call to Service participant shall be entitled to one of the incentives specified in subsection (e). The program shall be carried out during the period ending on December 31, 2007, and may be carried out after that date.

(b) National Call to Service Participant.—In this section, the term "National Call to Service participant" means a person who has not previously served in the armed forces who enters into an original enlistment pursuant to a written agreement with the Secretary of a military department (in such form and manner as may be prescribed by that Secretary) under which the person agrees to perform a period of national service as specified in subsection (c).

(c) National Service.—The total period of national service to which a National Call to Service participant is obligated under the agreement under this section shall be specified in the agreement. Under the agreement, the participant shall—

(1) upon completion of initial entry training (as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense), serve on active duty in a military occupational specialty designated by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (d) for a period of 15 months;

(2) upon completion of the period of active duty specified in paragraph (1) and without a break in service, serve either (A) an additional period of active duty as determined by the Secretary of Defense, or (B) a period of 24 months in an active status in the Selected Reserve or the Space Force; and

(3) upon completion of the period of service specified in paragraph (2), and without a break in service, serve the remaining period of obligated service specified in the agreement—

(A) on active duty in the armed forces;

(B) in the Selected Reserve;

(C) in the Individual Ready Reserve;

(D) in the Space Force;

(E) in Americorps or another domestic national service program jointly designated by the Secretary of Defense and the head of such program for purposes of this section; or

(F) in any combination of service referred to in subparagraphs (A) through (E) that is approved by the Secretary of the military department concerned pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and specified in the agreement.

(d) Designated Military Occupational Specialties.—The Secretary of Defense shall designate military occupational specialties for purposes of subsection (c)(1). Such military occupational specialties shall be military occupational specialties that, as determined by the Secretary, will facilitate pursuit of national service by National Call to Service participants and shall include military occupational specialties for enlistments for officer training and subsequent service as an officer, in cases in which the reason for the enlistment and entry into an agreement under subsection (b) is to enter an officer training program.

(e) Incentives.—The incentives specified in this subsection are as follows:

(1) Payment of a bonus in the amount of $5,000.

(2) Payment in an amount not to exceed $18,000 of outstanding principal and interest on qualifying student loans of the National Call to Service participant.

(3) Entitlement to an allowance for educational assistance at the monthly rate equal to the monthly rate payable for basic educational assistance allowances under section 3015(a)(1) of title 38 for a total of 12 months.

(4) Entitlement to an allowance for educational assistance at the monthly rate equal to 50 percent of the monthly rate payable for basic educational assistance allowances under section 3015(b)(1) of title 38 for a total of 36 months.

(f) Election of Incentive.—A National Call to Service participant shall elect in the agreement under subsection (b) which incentive under subsection (e) to receive. An election under this subsection is irrevocable.

(g) Payment of Bonus Amounts.—(1) Payment to a National Call to Service participant of the bonus elected by the National Call to Service participant under subsection (e)(1) shall be made in such time and manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe.

(2)(A) Payment of outstanding principal and interest on the qualifying student loans of a National Call to Service participant, as elected under subsection (e)(2), shall be made in such time and manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe.

(B) Payment under this paragraph of the outstanding principal and interest on the qualifying student loans of a National Call to Service participant shall be made to the holder of such student loans, as identified by the National Call to Service participant to the Secretary of the military department concerned for purposes of such payment.

(3) Payment of a bonus or incentive in accordance with this subsection shall be made by the Secretary of the military department concerned.

(h) Coordination With Montgomery GI Bill Benefits.—(1)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a National Call to Service participant who elects an incentive under paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e) is not entitled to additional educational assistance under chapter 1606 of this title or to basic educational assistance under subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 38.

(B) If a National Call to Service participant meets all eligibility requirements specified in chapter 1606 of this title or chapter 30 of title 38 for entitlement to allowances for educational assistance under either such chapter, the participant may become eligible for allowances for educational assistance benefits under either such chapter up to the maximum allowance provided less the total amount of allowance paid under paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e).

(2)(A) Educational assistance under paragraphs (3) or (4) of subsection (e) shall be provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs under an agreement to be entered into by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The agreements shall include administrative procedures to ensure the prompt and timely transfer of funds from the Secretary concerned to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the making of payments under this section.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of sections 503, 511, 3470, 3471, 3474, 3476, 3482(g), 3483, and 3485 of title 38 and the provisions of subchapters II and III of chapter 36 of such title (with the exception of sections 3686(a), 3687, and 3692) shall be applicable to the provision of educational assistance under this chapter. The term "eligible veteran" and the term "person", as used in those provisions, shall be deemed for the purpose of the application of those provisions to this section to refer to a person eligible for educational assistance under paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e).

(3)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (1), nothing in this section shall prohibit a National Call to Service participant who satisfies through service under subsection (c) the eligibility requirements for educational assistance under chapter 1606 of this title or basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38 from an entitlement to such educational assistance under chapter 1606 of this title or basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, as the case may be.

(B)(i) A participant who made an election not to receive educational assistance under either such chapter at the applicable time specified under law or who was denied the opportunity to make an election may revoke that election or make an initial election, as the case may be, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary concerned may specify. A revocation or initial election under the preceding sentence is irrevocable.

(ii) The participant making a revocation or initial election under clause (i) shall be eligible for educational assistance under either such chapter at such time as the participant satisfies through service the applicable eligibility requirements under either such chapter.

(i) Repayment.—If a National Call to Service participant who has entered into an agreement under subsection (b) and received or benefitted from an incentive under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (e) fails to complete the total period of service specified in the agreement, the National Call to Service participant shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) or 373 of title 37.

(j) Funding.—(1) Amounts for the payment of incentives under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e) shall be derived from amounts available to the Secretary of the military department concerned for the payment of pay, allowances and other expenses of the members of the armed force concerned.

(2) Amounts for the payment of incentives under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (e) shall be derived from the Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund under section 2006 of this title.

(k) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall prescribe regulations for purposes of the program under this section.

(l) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "Americorps" means the Americorps program carried out under subtitle C of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.).

(2) The term "qualifying student loan" means a loan, the proceeds of which were used to pay any part or all of the cost of attendance (as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll) at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

(3) The term "Secretary of a military department" includes, with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(Added Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §531(a)(1), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2541; amended Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §535(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1474; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §545, title VI, §687(c)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3254, 3333; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(e)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2401; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(a)(1)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(5), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(11), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2203.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National and Community Service Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (l)(1), is Pub. L. 101–610, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3127. Subtitle C of title I of the Act is classified generally to division C (§12571 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 129 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12501 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 510 was renumbered section 12102 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (h)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "subchapters II and III" for "subchapters I and II".

2023—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §1717(b)(5)(A), inserted "or the Space Force" after "Selected Reserve".

Subsec. (c)(3)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 118–31, §1717(b)(5)(B), added subpar. (D), redesignated former subpars. (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively, and in subpar. (F) substituted "subparagraphs (A) through (E)" for "subparagraphs (A) through (D)".

2017—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or 373" before "of title 37".

2006—Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 109–163, §545(a), substituted "in Americorps or another domestic national service program" for "in the Peace Corps, Americorps, or another national service program".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–163, §545(b), as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, inserted "and shall include military occupational specialties for enlistments for officer training and subsequent service as an officer, in cases in which the reason for the enlistment and entry into an agreement under subsection (b) is to enter an officer training program" before period at end.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 109–163, §545(c), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows:

"(2)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall, to the maximum extent practicable, administer the receipt by National Call to Service participants of incentives under paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e) as if such National Call to Service participants were, in receiving such incentives, receiving educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve under chapter 1606 of this title.

"(B) The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, prescribe regulations for purposes of subparagraph (A). Such regulations shall, to the maximum extent practicable, take into account the administrative provisions of chapters 30 and 36 of title 38 that are specified in section 16136 of this title."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 109–163, §687(c)(1), amended heading and text of subsec. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of pars. (1) to (4) which related to pro rata repayments by failed National Call to Service participants, the nature of the debt owed, waiver and discharge in bankruptcy.

2003—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 108–136 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Amounts for payment of incentives under subsection (e), including payment of allowances for educational assistance under that subsection, shall be derived from amounts available to the Secretary of the military department concerned for payment of pay, allowances, and other expenses of the members of the armed force concerned."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(e), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2401, provided that the amendment made by section 1071(e)(2) is effective as of Jan. 6, 2006, and as if included in Pub. L. 109–163 as enacted.

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §687(f), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3336, provided that: "In the case of any bonus, incentive pay, special pay, or similar payment, such as education assistance or a stipend, which the United States became obligated to pay before April 1, 2006, under a provision of law amended by subsection (b), (c), or (d) of this section [amending this section and sections 2005, 2007, 2105, 2123, 2130a, 2173, 2200a, 4348, 6959, 9348, 16135, 16203, 16303, and 16401 of this title, section 182 of Title 14, Coast Guard, and sections 301b, 301d, 301e, 302, 302a, 302b, 302d to 302h, 302j, 307a, 308, 308b, 308c, 308g to 308i, 309, 312, 312b, 314 to 319, and 321 to 327 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services], such provision of law, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006], shall continue to apply to the payment, or any repayment, of the bonus, incentive pay, special pay, or similar payment under such provision of law."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Commencement of Program

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2544, directed the Secretary of Defense to prescribe the date, not later than Oct. 1, 2003, on which the program provided for under this section was to commence.

Implementation Report

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §531(d), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2544, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, no later than Mar. 31, 2003, a report on the Secretary's plans for implementation of this section.

Effectiveness Reports

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §531(e), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2545, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, no later than Mar. 31, 2005, and Mar. 31, 2007, reports on the effectiveness of the program under this section in attracting new recruits to national service.

§511. College First Program

(a) Program Authority.—The Secretary of each military department may establish a program to increase the number of, and the level of the qualifications of, persons entering the armed forces as enlisted members by encouraging recruits to pursue higher education or vocational or technical training before entry into active service.

(b) Delayed Entry With Allowance for Higher Education.—The Secretary concerned may—

(1) exercise the authority under section 513 of this title—

(A) to accept the enlistment of a person as a Reserve for service in the Selected Reserve or Individual Ready Reserve of a reserve component, or as a member of the Space Force, notwithstanding the scope of the authority under subsection (a) of that section, in the case of the Army National Guard of the United States or Air National Guard of the United States; and

(B) to authorize, notwithstanding the period limitation in subsection (b) of that section, a delay of the enlistment of any such person in a regular component under that subsection for the period during which the person is enrolled in, and pursuing a program of education at, an institution of higher education, or a program of vocational or technical training, on a full-time basis that is to be completed within the maximum period of delay determined for that person under subsection (c); and

(2) subject to paragraph (2) of subsection (d) and except as provided in paragraph (3) of that subsection, pay an allowance to a person accepted for enlistment under paragraph (1)(A) for each month of the period during which that person is enrolled in and pursuing a program described in paragraph (1)(B).

(c) Maximum Period of Delay.—The period of delay authorized a person under paragraph (1)(B) of subsection (b) may not exceed the 30-month period beginning on the date of the person's enlistment accepted under paragraph (1)(A) of such subsection.

(d) Allowance.—(1) The monthly allowance paid under subsection (b)(2) shall be equal to the amount of the subsistence allowance provided for certain members of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps with the corresponding number of years of participation under section 209(a) of title 37. The Secretary concerned may supplement that stipend by an amount not to exceed $225 per month.

(2) An allowance may not be paid to a person under this section for more than 24 months.

(3) A member of the Selected Reserve of a reserve component may be paid an allowance under this section only for months during which the member performs satisfactorily as a member of a unit of the reserve component that trains as prescribed in section 10147(a)(1) of this title or section 502(a) of title 32. Satisfactory performance shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(4) An allowance under this section is in addition to any other pay or allowance to which a member of a reserve component is entitled by reason of participation in the Ready Reserve of that component.

(e) Recoupment of Allowance.—(1) A person who, after receiving an allowance under this section, fails to complete the total period of service required of that person in connection with delayed entry authorized for the person under section 513 shall repay the United States the amount which bears the same ratio to the total amount of that allowance paid to the person as the unserved part of the total required period of service bears to the total period.

(2) An obligation to repay the United States imposed under paragraph (1) is for all purposes a debt owed to the United States.

(3) A discharge of a person in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than five years after the date on which the person was, or was to be, enlisted in the regular Army pursuant to the delayed entry authority under section 513 does not discharge that person from a debt arising under paragraph (1).

(4) The Secretary concerned may waive, in whole or in part, a debt arising under paragraph (1) in any case for which the Secretary determines that recovery would be against equity and good conscience or would be contrary to the best interests of the United States.

(f) Special Pay and Bonuses.—Upon enlisting in the regular component of the member's armed force, a person who initially enlisted as a Reserve under this section may, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, be eligible for all regular special pays, bonuses, education benefits, and loan repayment programs.

(Added Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §551(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1909; amended Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(6), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 511 was renumbered section 12103 of this title.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted "or as a member of the Space Force," after "reserve component,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Continuation for Army of Prior Army College First Program

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §551(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1911, provided that: "The Secretary of the Army shall treat the program under section 511 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), as a continuation of the program under section 573 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 [Pub. L. 106–65] ([formerly] 10 U.S.C. 513 note), and for such purpose the Secretary may treat such section 511 as having been enacted on October 1, 2004."

[§512. Renumbered §12104]

§513. Enlistments: Delayed Entry Program

(a) A person with no prior military service who is qualified under section 505 of this title and applicable regulations for enlistment in a regular component of an armed force, or who is qualified under section 20301 of this title and applicable regulations for enlistment in the Space Force, may (except as provided in subsection (c)) be enlisted as a Reserve for service in the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve, or be enlisted as a member of the Space Force, for a term of not less than six years nor more than eight years.

(b)(1) Unless sooner ordered to active duty under chapter 39 of this title or another provision of law, a person enlisted under subsection (a) shall, within 365 days after such enlistment, be discharged from the reserve component in which enlisted and immediately be enlisted in the regular component of an armed force.

(2) The Secretary concerned may extend the 365-day period described in paragraph (1) for any person for up to an additional 365 days if the Secretary determines that it is in the best interests of the armed force of which that person is a member to do so.

(3)(A) The Secretary concerned may extend by up to an additional 365 days the period of extension under paragraph (2) for a person who enlisted before October 1, 2017, under section 504(b)(2) of this title if the Secretary determines that the period of extension under this paragraph is required for the performance of adequate background and security reviews of that person.

(B) A person whose period of extension under paragraph (2) is extended under this paragraph shall undergo all security and suitability screening requirements and receive a favorable military security suitability determination before entering into service in a regular or reserve component. Screening priority shall be given to those persons who were enlisted for a military occupational specialty that requires specialized language or medical skills that are vital to the national interest.

(C) The authority to make an extension under this paragraph shall expire one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. The expiration of such authority shall not effect the validity of any extension made in accordance with this paragraph on or before that date.

(4) During the period beginning on the date on which the person enlists under subsection (a) and ending on the date on which the person is enlisted in a regular component under this subsection, the person shall be in the Ready Reserve of the armed force concerned.

(c) A person who is under orders to report for induction into an armed force under the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.), except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii) of section 6(c)(2)(A) of that Act (50 U.S.C. 3806(c)(2)(A)), may not be enlisted under subsection (a).

(d) This section shall be carried out under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §501(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1435; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(k)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §512, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2514; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §572(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(b)(1)(A), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3233; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title X, §1081(b)(1)(A)(ii), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2417; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §526, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1382; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(7), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C), means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–91, which was approved Dec. 12, 2017.

The Military Selective Service Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is title I of act June 24, 1948, ch. 625, 62 Stat. 604, which is classified principally to chapter 49 (§3801 et seq.) of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of Title 50 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 513, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 18, related to promotion of enlisted members of Reserve components, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(1), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted ", or who is qualified under section 20301 of this title and applicable regulations for enlistment in the Space Force," after "armed force" and ", or be enlisted as a member of the Space Force," after "Coast Guard Reserve".

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 redesignated second sentence of par. (1) as (2) and inserted "described in paragraph (1)" after "the 365-day period", added par. (3), and redesignated former par. (2) as (4) and substituted "this subsection" for "paragraph (1)".

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.)" for "(50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.)" and inserted "(50 U.S.C. 3806(c)(2)(A))" after "of that Act".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve".

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "additional 365 days" for "additional 180 days" in second sentence.

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–201 inserted "The Secretary concerned may extend the 365-day period for any person for up to an additional 180 days if the Secretary determines that it is in the best interests of the armed force of which that person is a member to do so." after first sentence, "(1)" before "Unless", and "(2)" before "During" and substituted "paragraph (1)" for "the preceding sentence".

1990—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 101–510 substituted "subsection (a)" for "paragraph (1)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §572(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 623, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1999, and shall apply with respect to enlistments entered into, on or after that date."

Army College First Pilot Program

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §573, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 623, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §542(a)–(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1110, 1111; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §535, title X, §1062(j)(1), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2548, 2651, directed the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program, known as the "Army College First" program, to be in effect from Oct. 1, 1999, to Sept. 30, 2004, to assess whether the Army could increase the number and qualifications of persons entering the Army as enlisted members by encouraging recruits to pursue higher education or vocational or technical training before entry into active service, and to submit to committees of Congress a report on the program not later than Feb. 1, 2004. See section 511 of this title and section 551(b) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as a note under section 511 of this title.

§514. Bounties prohibited; substitutes prohibited

(a) No bounty may be paid to induce any person to enlist in an armed force. A clothing allowance or enlistment bonus authorized by law is not a bounty for the purposes of this subsection.

(b) No person liable for active duty in an armed force under this subtitle may furnish a substitute for that active duty. No person may be enlisted or appointed in an armed force as a substitute for another person.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 19.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
514(a)     514(b)	50 App.:458 (1st sentence, less applicability to induction). 50 App.:458 (last sentence, less applicability to induction).	June 24, 1948, ch. 625, §8 (less applicability to induction), 62 Stat. 614.

In subsection (b), the words "active duty" are substituted for the words "training and service". The word "may" is substituted for the words "shall be permitted or allowed". The last sentence is substituted for 50 App.:458 (words between 1st and last semicolons). 50 App.:458 (words after last semicolon) is omitted as applicable only to induction.

§515. Reenlistment after discharge as warrant officer

A person who has been discharged from a regular component of an armed force under section 1165 or 1166 of this title may, upon his request and in the discretion of the Secretary concerned, be enlisted in that armed force in the grade prescribed by the Secretary. However, a person discharged under section 1165 of this title may not be enlisted in a grade lower than the grade that he held immediately before appointment as a warrant officer.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 19.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
515	10:600d (last 36 words of last sentence). 34:135d (last 36 words of last sentence). 10:600m (last 21 words of 3d sentence). 34:430a (last 21 words of 3d sentence).	May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §§6 (last 36 words of last sentence), 15 (last 21 words of 3d sentence), 68 Stat. 159, 164.

The first 20 words are inserted for clarity. The word "request" is substituted for the word "application".

§516. Effect upon enlisted status of acceptance of appointment as cadet or midshipman

(a) The enlistment or period of obligated service of an enlisted member of the armed forces who accepts an appointment as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy, or as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy or in the Navy Reserve, may not be terminated because of the acceptance of that appointment. However, while serving as a cadet or midshipman at an Academy, he is entitled only to the pay, allowances, compensation, pensions, and other benefits provided by law for such a cadet or midshipman or, if he is a midshipman in the Navy Reserve, to the compensation and emoluments of a midshipman in the Navy Reserve.

(b) If a person covered by subsection (a) is separated from service as a cadet or midshipman, or from service as a midshipman in the Navy Reserve, for any reason other than his appointment as a commissioned officer of a regular or reserve component of an armed force or in the Space Force, or because of a physical disability, he resumes his enlisted status and shall complete the period of service for which he was enlisted or for which he has an obligation, unless he is sooner discharged. In computing the unexpired part of an enlistment or period of obligated service for the purposes of this subsection, all service as a cadet or midshipman is counted as service under that enlistment or period of obligated service.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(9)(A), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1439; amended Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(b)(1)(B), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3233; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1717(b)(8), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 655.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
516(a) 516(b)	50:1411. 50:1412.	June 25, 1956, ch. 439, §§1, 2, 70 Stat. 333.

In subsection (a), the words "on or after June 25, 1956" are omitted as executed. The words "Regular, Reserve" and "during the continuation of the cadet or midshipman status of such member" are omitted as surplusage. The words "if he is a midshipman in the Naval Reserve * * * of a midshipman in the Naval Reserve" are substituted for the words "accruing to such reserve midshipman by virtue of his status in the Naval Reserve".

In subsection (b), the words "a person covered by subsection (a)" are substituted for 50:1412 (1st 84 words of 1st sentence). The words "his appointment as a commissioned officer of" are substituted for the words "the acceptance of a commission in". The words "and shall complete the period of service for which he was enlisted or for which he has an obligation, unless he is sooner discharged" are substituted for 50:1412 (2d sentence). The words "promoted or" are omitted as unnecessary, since the only kind of promotion involved is that to officer, in which case the member is discharged from his enlisted status. The words "as service under that enlistment" are substituted for the words "as time serviced under such contract".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted "or in the Space Force," after "armed force".

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§517. Authorized enlisted end strength: members in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9

(a) The authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty (other than for training) in an armed force in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 as of the last day of a fiscal year may not be more than 3.0 percent and 1.25 percent, respectively, of the number of enlisted members of that armed force who are on active duty (other than for training). In computing the limitations prescribed in the preceding sentence, there shall be excluded enlisted members of an armed force on active duty as authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title.

[(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IV, §403(a)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3556.]

(c) Whenever under section 527 of this title the President may suspend the operation of any provision of section 523, 525, or 526 of this title, the Secretary of Defense may suspend the operation of any provision of this section. Any such suspension shall, if not sooner ended, end in the manner specified in section 527 for a suspension under that section.

(Added Pub. L. 87–649, §2(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 492; amended Pub. L. 96–584, §4, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3377; Pub. L. 97–86, title V, §503(1), (2), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1107, 1108; Pub. L. 97–252, title V, §503(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 98–94, title V, §503(a), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 631; Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §§413(a), 414(a)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2517, 2518; Pub. L. 99–145, title IV, §413(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title IV, §413(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1083; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, §413(a), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IV, §413(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1352; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IV, §413(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1642; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §552(a), title XVI, §1662(a)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772, 2988; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title IV, §407(a), title X, §1069(a)(2), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 1996, 2135; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title IV, §421(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-95; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title IV, §403, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1069; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §416(f), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1868; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IV, §406, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 89; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IV, §403(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3556.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
517	37:232(c) (last sentence).	Oct. 12, 1949, ch. 681, §201(c) (last sentence); added May 20, 1958, Pub. L. 85–422, §1(3) (last sentence), 72 Stat. 124.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, §403(a)(1), substituted "enlisted end strength" for "daily average" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §403(a)(2), in first sentence, substituted "end strength for" for "daily average number of", "as of the last day of a fiscal year" for "in a fiscal year", and "3.0 percent" for "2.5 percent" and struck out before period at end "on the first day of that fiscal year".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §403(a)(3), struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: "Whenever the number of members serving in pay grade E–⁠9 is less than the number authorized for that grade under subsection (a), the difference between the two numbers may be applied to increase the number authorized under such subsection for pay grade E–8."

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "1.25 percent" for "1 percent".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "as authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title." for "(other than for training) in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve component of an armed force."

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "2.5 percent" for "2 percent (or, in the case of the Army, 2.5 percent)".

2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–398 added subsec. (c).

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–261, §1069(a)(2), substituted "The authorized" for "Except as provided in section 307 of title 37, the authorized".

Pub. L. 105–261, §407(a), substituted "a fiscal year" for "a calendar year" and "the first day of that fiscal year" for "January 1 of that year".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §552(a), inserted "(or, in the case of the Army, 2.5 percent)" after "may not be more than 2 percent".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337, §1661(a)(4)(B), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out "or whenever the number of members serving in pay grade E–⁠9 for duty described in subsection (b) is less than the number authorized for that grade under subsection (b)," after "under subsection (a),".

Pub. L. 103–337, §1662(a)(4)(A), struck out subsec. (b) which limited the number of enlisted members in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 who could be on active duty (other than for training) or on full-time National Guard duty under the authority of section 502(f) of title 32 (other than for training) as of the end of any fiscal year in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components or the National Guard.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, §1662(a)(4)(B), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b).

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–160, in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the Air Force to 328 and 840 from 279 and 800, respectively.

1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–190, in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grade E–8 on active duty affecting reserve components of the Air Force from 670 to 800, and increased limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grade E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the Army from 557 to 569, the Air Force from 231 to 279, and the Marine Corps from 13 to 14.

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–189, §413(a)(2), in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Army, to 557 and 2,585 from 542 and 2,504, respectively; Navy, to 202 and 429 from 200 and 425, respectively; Air Force, to 231 and 670 from 224 and 637, respectively. Marine Corps figures remained unchanged.

Pub. L. 101–189, §413(a)(1), in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Army, to 542 and 2,504 from 529 and 2,350, respectively; Navy, to 200 and 425 from 180 and 400, respectively; Air Force, to 224 and 637 from 150 and 425, respectively. Marine Corps figures remained unchanged.

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–180, §413(a)(2), in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Army, to 529 and 2,350 from 517 and 2,295, respectively; Navy, to 180 and 400 from 175 and 390, respectively; Air Force, to 150 and 425 from 125 and 425, respectively. Marine Corps figures remained unchanged.

Pub. L. 100–180, §413(a)(1), in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Navy, to 175 and 390 from 165 and 381, respectively; Air Force, to 125 and 425 from 80 and 358, respectively; Marine Corps, to 13 and 74 from 9 and 74, respectively. Army figures remained unchanged.

1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145 in table, changed fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Navy, to 165 and 381 from 156 and 381, respectively; Air Force, to 80 and 358 from 87 and 455, respectively. Army and Marine Corps figures remained unchanged.

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525, §414(a)(2), inserted "(other than for training) or on full-time National Guard duty under the authority of section 502(f) of title 32 (other than for training)" and substituted "or the National Guard" for "of the armed forces" and "for that grade and armed force" for "prescribed for the grade and the armed force".

Pub. L. 98–525, §413(a), in table, increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Army, to 2,295 and 517 from 1,494 and 314; Air Force, to 455 and 87 from 617 and 143; Marine Corps, to 74 and 9 from 56 and 6. Navy figures remained unchanged.

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–94 increased fiscal year limitation on number of enlisted men in pay grades E–8 and E–⁠9 on active duty affecting reserve components of the armed forces: Army, to 1,494 and 314 from 1,244 and 265; Navy, to 381 and 156 from 329 and 156; Air Force, to 617 and 143 from 441 and 132; Marine Corps figures remained unchanged.

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–252 increased the numbers in columns from 222, 146, 76, and 4 in the line for E–⁠9 to 265, 156, 132, and 6, respectively, and from 908, 319, 307, and 12 in line for E–8 to 1,244, 329, 441, and 56, respectively.

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–86, §503(1), inserted column for "Marine Corps" in table and increased numbers in existing columns headed "Army", "Navy", and "Air Force" from 209, 140, and 71 in line for E–⁠9 to 222, 146, and 76, respectively, and from 823, 302, and 302 in line for E–8 to 908, 319, and 307, respectively.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–86, §503(2), added subsec. (c).

1980—Pub. L. 96–584 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted provisions respecting computation of limitations, and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title IV, §407(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 1996, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1999."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §552(c), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to the number of enlisted members of the Army on active duty in pay grade E–8 during 1994."

Amendment by section 1662(a)(4) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, §413(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1433, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1990.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title IV, §413(a)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1083, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1988.

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title IV, §413(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 620, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 524 [now 12011] of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1985."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §413(c), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2518, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 524 [now 12011] of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1984."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–94, title V, §503(c), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 631, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 524 [now 12011] of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1983."

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Temporary Exemption From End Strength Grade Restrictions for the Space Force

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §526, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2572, provided that: "Section 517 and section 523 (as amended by section 501 of this Act) of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to the Space Force until January 1, 2024."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior acts:

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §528(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1690.

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §929, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3832.

Authorized Active Duty Strengths for Army Enlisted Members in Pay Grade E–8; Special Rule for 1995

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §552(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2772, provided that the percentage applicable to enlisted members of the Army in pay grade E–8 under subsec. (a) of this section during 1995 would be 2.3 percent, rather than the percentage provided by the amendment made by Pub. L. 103–337, §552(a).

Authority To Waive Grade Strength Laws for Fiscal Year 1991; Certification; Relationship to Other Suspension Authority

Pub. L. 102–25, title II, §§201(b), 202, 205(b), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 79, 80, authorized Secretary of a military department to suspend, for fiscal year 1991, the operation of any provision of this section and section 523, 524 (now 12011), 525, or 526 of this title with respect to that military department, that such Secretary may exercise such authority only after submission to the congressional defense committees of a certification in writing that such authority is necessary because of personnel actions associated with Operation Desert Storm, and that such authority is in addition to the authority provided in section 527 of this title.

§518. Temporary enlistments

Temporary enlistments may be made only in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, without specification of component.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 755; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(2)(A)(iii), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, Space Force," for "Marine Corps,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§519. Temporary enlistments: during war or emergency

Except as provided in section 505 of this title and except for enlistments as Reserves of an armed force—

(1) temporary enlistments in an armed force entered into in time of war or of emergency declared by Congress shall be for the duration of the war or emergency plus six months; and

(2) only persons at least eighteen years of age and otherwise qualified under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned are eligible for such enlistments.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 755.)

§520. Limitation on enlistment and induction of persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level

(a)(1) The number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in any armed force during any fiscal year whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is at or above the tenth percentile and below the thirty-first percentile may not exceed 4 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed force during such fiscal year.

(2) Upon the request of the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of Defense may authorize an armed force to increase the limitation specified in paragraph (1) to not exceed 20 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed force during such fiscal year. The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after using such authority.

(b) A person who is not a high school graduate may not be accepted for enlistment in the armed forces unless the score of that person on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is at or above the thirty-first percentile; however, a person may not be denied enlistment in the armed forces solely because of his not having a high school diploma if his enlistment is needed to meet established strength requirements.

(Added Pub. L. 96–342, title III, §302(b)(1), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1082; amended Pub. L. 96–579, §9, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3368; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §402(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 98–94, title XII, §1268(3), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 705; Pub. L. 100–370, §1(a)(1), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 840; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §542, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 264; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(12), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

1988 Act

Amendment of subsection (b) is based on Pub. L. 93–307, title IV, §401, June 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 234, as amended by Pub. L. 93–365, title VII, §705, Aug. 5, 1974, 88 Stat. 406.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "armed force" for "armed forced".

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "may not exceed 4 percent" for "may not exceed 20 percent", and added par. (2).

1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–370 inserted before period at end "; however, a person may not be denied enlistment in the armed forces solely because of his not having a high school diploma if his enlistment is needed to meet established strength requirements".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–94 struck out provisions under which, for fiscal years beginning on October 1, 1980, and October 1, 1981, the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the armed forces during such fiscal years whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test was at or above the tenth percentile and below the thirty-first percentile could not exceed 25 percent of the number of such persons enlisted or inducted into the armed forces during such fiscal years, and, in the provisions remaining applicable to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1982, substituted "20 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed force" for "20 percent of the number of such persons enlisted or inducted into such armed force".

1981—Pub. L. 97–86 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1980—Pub. L. 96–579 struck out subsec. (a) designation and subsec. (b) authorizing the Secretary of Defense for national security reasons to waive the enlistment and induction limitation based on percentile limits conditioned upon notification of the Congress and a concurrent resolution of approval.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §402(b)(2), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect at the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 1, 1981]."

Future Servicemember Preparatory Course

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §546, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 266, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §531, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1886, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—If the number of nonprior service enlisted personnel covered under section 520 of title 10, United States Code, exceeds 10 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted in an Armed Force during a fiscal year, the Secretary concerned shall establish a future servicemember preparatory course within the Armed Force concerned.

"(b) Purpose.—The course established under subsection (a) shall be designed to improve the physical and aptitude qualifications of military recruits.

"(c) Criteria.—Each course established under this section shall comply with the following requirements:

"(1) Enrollment.—All nonprior service enlisted persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below the thirty-first percentile must be enrolled in the course prior to attending initial basic training.

"(2) Graduation requirement.—Prior to attending initial basic training, all enlisted persons attending the course established under this section must achieve a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test that is—

"(A) at least 10 points higher than the individual's most recent score taken prior to the individual's date of enlistment; or

"(B) no longer subject to the restrictions of section 520 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) Effect of course failure.—Any enlisted person who fails to achieve meaningful progress, as determined by the Secretary concerned, within 90 days of enlistment shall be separated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

"(d) Report.—If a preparatory course under this section is established by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the structure and results of the course for the preceding fiscal year by December 1st of the subsequent fiscal year. The report shall include the following elements:

"(1) The number of individuals who attended the preparatory course.

"(2) The number of individuals who graduated the preparatory course.

"(3) The average improvement in the Armed Forces Qualification Test score for individuals who graduated from the prepatory course.

"(4) The determination of the Secretary regarding the effectiveness of the preparatory course.

"(5) Recommendations of the Secretary regarding—

"(A) how to improve the preparatory course;

"(B) whether to expand the preparatory course.

"(6) Any other matter the Secretary determines relevant.

"(e) Sunset.—The requirements of this section shall expire on September 30th, 2028."

Pilot Program for Treating GED and Home School Diploma Recipients as High School Graduates for Determinations of Eligibility for Enlistment in Armed Forces

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §571, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2033, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(3), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774, directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program during the period Oct. 1, 1998, to Sept. 30, 2003, to assess whether the Armed Forces could better meet recruiting requirements by treating GED recipients and home school diploma recipients as having graduated from high school with a high school diploma for the purpose of determining eligibility of those persons to enlist in the Armed Forces, and to submit to committees of Congress a report on the program not later than Feb. 1, 2004.

Maximum Number of Army Enlistees and Inductees Who Are Not High School Graduates

Pub. L. 96–342, title III, §302(a), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1082, as amended by Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §402(a), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 97–252, title IV, §403, Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 725; Pub. L. 98–94, title IV, §402, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 629; Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §402, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2516; Pub. L. 99–145, title IV, §402, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 618, provided that the number of male individuals enlisted or inducted into the Army during the fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1, 1985, who were not high school graduates could not exceed, as of Sept. 30, 1986, 35 percent of all male individuals enlisted or inducted into the Army during such fiscal year.

Denial of Enlistment for Lack of High School Diploma Prohibited

Pub. L. 93–307, title IV, §401, June 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 234, as amended by Pub. L. 93–365, title VII, §705, Aug. 5, 1974, 88 Stat. 406, which provided that no volunteer for enlistment into the Armed Forces shall be denied enlistment solely because of his not having a high school diploma when his enlistment is needed to meet established strength requirements, was repealed and restated in sections 520(b) and 3262 of this title by Pub. L. 100–370, §1(a), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 840.

[§520a. Repealed. Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1076(g)(1)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-282]

Section, added Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1114(c)(1), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 749; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774, related to criminal history information for military recruiting purposes.

§520b. Applicants for enlistment: authority to use funds for the issue of authorized articles

Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense may be used for the issue of authorized articles to applicants for enlistment.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2614; amended Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1303(a)(4)(A), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 738.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Oct. 12, 1984, Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8006], 98 Stat. 1904, 1923.

Dec. 8, 1983, Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §709, 97 Stat. 1439.

Dec. 21, 1982, Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §709], 96 Stat. 1833, 1851.

Dec. 29, 1981, Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §709, 95 Stat. 1579.

Dec. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §709, 94 Stat. 3081.

Dec. 21, 1979, Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §709, 93 Stat. 1153.

Oct. 13, 1978, Pub. L. 95–457, title VIII, §809, 92 Stat. 1244.

Sept. 21, 1977, Pub. L. 95–111, title VIII, §808, 91 Stat. 900.

Sept. 22, 1976, Pub. L. 94–419, title VII, §708, 90 Stat. 1292.

Feb. 9, 1976, Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, §708, 90 Stat. 169.

Oct. 8, 1974, Pub. L. 93–437, title VIII, §808, 88 Stat. 1225.

Jan. 2, 1974, Pub. L. 93–238, title VII, §708, 87 Stat. 1039.

Oct. 26, 1972, Pub. L. 92–570, title VII, §708, 86 Stat. 1197.

Dec. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–204, title VII, §708, 85 Stat. 728.

Jan. 11, 1971, Pub. L. 91–668, title VIII, §808, 84 Stat. 2031.

Dec. 29, 1969, Pub. L. 91–171, title VI, §608, 83 Stat. 480.

Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90–580, title V, §507, 82 Stat. 1130.

Sept. 29, 1967, Pub. L. 90–96, title VI, §607, 81 Stat. 242.

Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–687, title VI, §607, 80 Stat. 991.

Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–213, title VI, §607, 79 Stat. 874.

Aug. 19, 1964, Pub. L. 88–446, title V, §507, 78 Stat. 475.

Oct. 17, 1963, Pub. L. 88–149, title V, §507, 77 Stat. 264.

Aug. 9, 1962, Pub. L. 87–577, title V, §507, 76 Stat. 328.

Aug. 17, 1961, Pub. L. 87–144, title II, §201, 75 Stat. 367, 369.

July 7, 1960, Pub. L. 86–601, title II, §201, 74 Stat. 340, 342.

Aug. 18, 1959, Pub. L. 86–166, title II, §201, 73 Stat. 368, 370.

Aug. 22, 1958, Pub. L. 85–724, title III, §301, title V, §501, 72 Stat. 714, 721.

Aug. 2, 1957, Pub. L. 85–117, title III, §301, title V, §501, 71 Stat. 314, 321.

July 2, 1956, ch. 488, title III, §301, title V, §501, 70 Stat. 457, 464.

July 13, 1955, ch. 358, title III, §301, title V, §501, 69 Stat. 304, 312.

June 30, 1954, ch. 432, title IV, §401, title VI, §601, 68 Stat. 339, 347.

Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 305, title III, §301, title V, §501, 67 Stat. 339, 348.

July 10, 1952, ch. 630, title III, §301, title V, §501, 66 Stat. 520, 530.

Oct. 18, 1951, ch. 512, title III, §301, title V, §501, 65 Stat. 429, 443.

Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. X, title III, §301, title V, §501, 64 Stat. 735, 750.

Oct. 29, 1949, ch. 787, title III, §301, title V, §501, 63 Stat. 992, 1015.

June 24, 1948, ch. 632, 62 Stat. 655.

July 30, 1947, ch. 357, title I, §1, 61 Stat. 557.

July 16, 1946, ch. 583, §1, 60 Stat. 547, 548.

July 3, 1945, ch. 265, §1, 59 Stat. 390.

June 28, 1944, ch. 303, §1, 58 Stat. 580.

July 1, 1943, ch. 185, §1, 57 Stat. 354.

July 2, 1942, ch. 477, §1, 56 Stat. 617.

June 30, 1941, ch. 262, §1, 55 Stat. 373.

June 13, 1940, ch. 343, §1, 54 Stat. 358, 359.

Apr. 26, 1939, ch. 88, §1, 53 Stat. 600.

June 11, 1938, ch. 37, §1, 52 Stat. 649.

July 1, 1937, ch. 423, §1, 50 Stat. 450.

May 15, 1936, ch. 404, §1, title I, 49 Stat. 1286.

Apr. 9, 1935, ch. 54, §1, title I, 49 Stat. 128.

Apr. 26, 1934, ch. 165, title I, 48 Stat. 621.

Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 281, title I, 47 Stat. 1577.

July 14, 1932, ch. 482, title I, 47 Stat. 670, 671.

Feb. 23, 1931, ch. 279, title I, 46 Stat. 1283, 1284.

May 28, 1930, ch. 348, title I, 46 Stat. 438.

Feb. 28, 1929, ch. 366, title I, 45 Stat. 1356.

Mar. 23, 1928, ch. 232, title I, 45 Stat. 332.

Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 167, title I, 44 Stat. 1113.

Apr. 15, 1926, ch. 146, title I, 44 Stat. 262.

Feb. 12, 1925, ch. 225, title I, 43 Stat. 900.

Amendments

1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "enlistment" for "enlistments".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1404, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2621, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 1401 [enacting this section and sections 956, 979 to 981, 1047 to 1050, 1074b [now 1074c], 1093, 1589, 2007 to 2009, 2484, 2638, and 2639 of this title, amending sections 1074, 1077, 1079, 2104, and 7204 of this title, and repealing section 7208 of this title], 1402 [enacting section 306a of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, and amending sections 206 and 404 of Title 37], and 1403 [amending provisions set out as a note under section 138 of this title and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 138 and 2102 of this title] take effect on October 1, 1985."

§520c. Recruiting functions: provision of meals and refreshments

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for recruitment of military personnel may be expended for small meals and refreshments during recruiting functions for the following persons:

(1) Persons who have enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program authorized by section 513 of this title.

(2) Persons who are objects of armed forces recruiting efforts.

(3) Persons whose assistance in recruiting efforts of the military departments is determined to be influential by the Secretary concerned.

(4) Members of the armed forces and Federal employees when attending recruiting functions in accordance with a requirement to do so.

(5) Other persons whose presence at recruiting functions will contribute to recruiting efforts.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title III, §361(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2491; amended Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §545, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1113; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(a)(8)(A), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1596.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2003—Pub. L. 108–136 substituted "provision of meals and refreshments" for "use of funds" in section catchline, struck out "(a) Provision of Meals and Refreshments.—" before "Under regulations", and struck out heading and text of subsec. (b). Text read as follows: "Not later than February 1 of each of the years 1998 through 2002, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the extent to which the authority under subsection (a) was exercised during the fiscal year ending in the preceding year."

2001—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, §545(b)(1), substituted "recruiting functions" for "recruiting events".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 107–107, §545(b)(2), substituted "presence at recruiting functions" for "presence at recruiting efforts".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107, §545(a), struck out heading and text of subsec. (c). Text read as follows: "The authority in subsection (a) may not be exercised after September 30, 2001."

CHAPTER 32—OFFICER STRENGTH AND DISTRIBUTION IN GRADE

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §501(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 240, renumbered item 526a as 526, struck out "after December 31, 2022" after "Authorized strength" in item 526, and struck out former items 526 "Authorized strength: general and flag officers on active duty" and 526a "Authorized strength after December 31, 2022: general officers and flag officers on active duty". Renumbering, amendment, and striking of item 526 were made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §501(h)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102, added item 526a.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §502(d)(2)(B), 125 Stat. 1388, added item 528 and struck out former item 528 "Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; exclusion from distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances."

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §501(b)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2176, substituted "Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; exclusion from distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances" for "Exclusion: officers serving in certain intelligence positions" in item 528.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §507(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3228, substituted "Exclusion: officers serving in certain intelligence positions" for "Exclusion: Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support" in item 528.

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(b)(2), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1873, struck out item 522 "Authorized total strengths: regular commissioned officers on active duty".

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §507(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1458, added item 528.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §501(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1079, struck out item 528 "Limitation on number of officers on active duty in grades of general and admiral".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(b)(2), title XVI, §1671(b)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2745, 3013, struck out item 524 "Authorized strengths: reserve officers on active duty or on full-time National Guard duty for administration of the reserves or the National Guard in grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel and Navy grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain", struck out "524," after "523," in item 527, and added item 528.

1988—Pub. L. 100–370, §1(b)(3), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 840, struck out former item 526 "Authority to suspend sections 523, 524, and 525", and added items 526 and 527.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §414(a)(4)(B)(ii), inserted references to the National Guard and to full-time National Guard duty in item 524.

§521. Authority to prescribe total strengths of officers on active duty and officer strengths in various categories

(a) Whenever the needs of the services require, but at least once each fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the total authorized active-duty strength as of the end of the fiscal year for officers in grades above chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, for each of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department.

(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of each military department may, for an armed force under his jurisdiction, prescribe the strength of any category of officers that may serve on active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2841; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1131(1)(A), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1505.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted "chief warrant officer, W–⁠5," for "warrant officer (W–4)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1132, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1506, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 571 to 583 and 742 of this title, amending this section, sections 522, 597 [now 12241], 598 [now 12242], 603, 628, 644, 741, 1166, 1174, 1305, 1406, 5414, 5457, 5458, 5501 to 5503, 5596, 5600, 5665, 6389, and 6391 of this title, sections 286a and 334 of Title 14, Coast Guard, and sections 201, 301, 301c, 305a, and 406 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, repealing sections 555 to 565, 602, and 745 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 555 and 571 of this title and section 1009 of Title 37] and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on February 1, 1992."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this chapter effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

Evaluation of Effects of Officer Strength Reductions on Officer Personnel Management Systems

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §502, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2402, directed the Secretary of Defense to provide for an independent, federally funded research and development center to review the officer personnel management system of each of the military departments and to determine and evaluate the effects of post-Cold War officer strength reductions on that officer personnel management system, required the center to submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of the review and evaluation not later than Dec. 31, 1993, and directed the Secretary to transmit the report to committees of Congress within 60 days after receipt.

Strength of Active Duty Officer Corps

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, §402(c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1963, provided that:

"(1) The number of officers serving on active duty (excluding officers in categories specified in paragraph (2)) as of September 30, 1990, may not exceed—

"(A) in the case of the Army, 106,427; and

"(B) in the case of the Air Force, 102,438.

"(2) Officers in the categories described in section 403(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 [Pub. L. 99–661, set out below] shall be excluded in counting officers under this subsection."

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1081, as amended by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, §402(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1963, provided that:

"(a) Authority To Increase for Fiscal Year 1988.—Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may increase by not more than 1 percentage point (to not more than 98 percent) the percentage limitation prescribed in section 403(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 (Public Law 99–661; 100 Stat. 3859) [set out below] applicable to the total number of commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps that may be serving on active duty as of September 30, 1988.

"(b) Certification and Report.—The Secretary may exercise the authority under subsection (a) only if—

"(1) the Secretary makes a determination that such increase is necessary in order to avoid severe personnel management problems in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps during fiscal year 1988 and certifies such determination to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and

"(2) the Secretary submits to those Committees with such certification a report providing legislative recommendations for temporary changes in chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, and other provisions of law enacted by the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (Public Law 96–513) [see Tables for classification] that the Secretary considers necessary in order to implement the required officer reductions under such section 403 [set out below] with the least possible adverse effect on the Armed Forces."

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title IV, §403, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3859, as amended by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, §402(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1963; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(e)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1463; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1677(e), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3020, provided that:

"(a) Reduction in Size of Officer Corps.—On and after each of the dates set forth in column 1 of the following table, the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) may not exceed the percentage, set forth in column 2 opposite such date, of the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty as of September 30, 1986 (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)):

Column 1	Column 2
On and after:	Percentage of total commissioned officers serving on active duty as of September 30, 1986:
September 30, 1987	99
September 30, 1988	97

"(b) Exclusions.—In computing the authorized strength of commissioned officers under subsection (a), officers in the following categories shall be excluded:

"(1) Reserve officers—

"(A) on active duty for training;

"(B) on active duty under section 10148(a), 10211, 10302 through 10305, 12301(a), or 12402 of title 10, United States Code, or under section 708 of title 32, United States Code;

"(C) on active duty under section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components or the National Guard;

"(D) on active duty to pursue special work;

"(E) ordered to active duty under section 12304 of title 10, United States Code; or

"(F) on full-time National Guard duty.

"(2) Retired officers on active duty under a call or order to active duty for 180 days or less.

"(3) Reserve or retired officers on active duty under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2)) [now 50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2)] for the administration of the Selective Service System.

"(c) Apportionment of Reductions by Secretary of Defense.—The Secretary of Defense shall apportion the reductions in the number of commissioned officers serving on active duty required by subsection (a) among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Not later than February 1 of each fiscal year in which reductions are required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the manner in which the reductions have been or are to be apportioned for that fiscal year and for the next fiscal year for which such reductions are required."

[§522. Repealed. Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(b)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1873]

Section, added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2841; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §522, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2523; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1131(1)(B), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1505, related to authorized total strengths of regular commissioned officers on active duty.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004, see section 501(g) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as an Effective Date of 2004 Amendment note under section 531 of this title.

§523. Authorized strengths: commissioned officers on active duty in grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel and Navy grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain

(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (c), of the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps at the end of any fiscal year (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)), the number of officers who may be serving on active duty in each of the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel may not, as of the end of such fiscal year, exceed a number determined in accordance with the following table:

Total number of commissioned officers (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) on active duty:	Number of officers who may be serving on active duty in grade of:
	Major	Lieutenant Colonel	Colonel
Army:
20,000	7,768	5,253	1,613
25,000	8,689	5,642	1,796
30,000	9,611	6,030	1,980
35,000	10,532	6,419	2,163
40,000	11,454	6,807	2,347
45,000	12,375	7,196	2,530
50,000	13,297	7,584	2,713
55,000	14,218	7,973	2,897
60,000	15,140	8,361	3,080
65,000	16,061	8,750	3,264
70,000	16,983	9,138	3,447
75,000	17,903	9,527	3,631
80,000	18,825	9,915	3,814
85,000	19,746	10,304	3,997
90,000	20,668	10,692	4,181
95,000	21,589	11,081	4,364
100,000	22,511	11,469	4,548
110,000	24,354	12,246	4,915
120,000	26,197	13,023	5,281
130,000	28,040	13,800	5,648
170,000	35,412	16,908	7,116
Air Force:
35,000	9,216	7,090	2,125
40,000	10,025	7,478	2,306
45,000	10,835	7,866	2,487
50,000	11,645	8,253	2,668
55,000	12,454	8,641	2,849
60,000	13,264	9,029	3,030
65,000	14,073	9,417	3,211
70,000	14,883	9,805	3,392
75,000	15,693	10,193	3,573
80,000	16,502	10,582	3,754
85,000	17,312	10,971	3,935
90,000	18,121	11,360	4,115
95,000	18,931	11,749	4,296
100,000	19,741	12,138	4,477
105,000	20,550	12,527	4,658
110,000	21,360	12,915	4,838
115,000	22,169	13,304	5,019
120,000	22,979	13,692	5,200
125,000	23,789	14,081	5,381
Marine Corps:
10,000	2,802	1,615	633
12,500	3,247	1,768	658
15,000	3,691	1,922	684
17,500	4,135	2,076	710
20,000	4,579	2,230	736
22,500	5,024	2,383	762
25,000	5,468	2,537	787
Space Force: 1
3,900	1,016	782	234
4,300	1,135	873	262
5,000	1,259	845	315
7,000	1,659	1,045	415
10,000	2,259	1,345	565.

¹ Table heading editorially supplied.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c), of the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in the Navy at the end of any fiscal year (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)), the number of officers who may be serving on active duty in each of the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain may not, as of the end of such fiscal year, exceed a number determined in accordance with the following table:

Total number of commissioned officers (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) on active duty:	Number of officers who may be serving on active duty in grade of:
	Lieutenant Commander	Commander	Captain
Navy:
30,000	7,698	5,269	2,222
33,000	8,189	5,501	2,334
36,000	8,680	5,733	2,447
39,000	9,172	5,965	2,559
42,000	9,663	6,197	2,671
45,000	10,155	6,429	2,784
48,000	10,646	6,660	2,896
51,000	11,136	6,889	3,007
54,000	11,628	7,121	3,120
57,000	12,118	7,352	3,232
60,000	12,609	7,583	3,344
63,000	13,100	7,813	3,457
66,000	13,591	8,044	3,568
70,000	14,245	8,352	3,718
90,000	17,517	9,890	4,467.

(3) If the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in an armed force (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) is between any two consecutive figures listed in the first column of the appropriate table in paragraph (1) or (2), the corresponding authorized strengths for each of the grades shown in that table for that armed force are determined by mathematical interpolation between the respective numbers of the two strengths. If the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in an armed force (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) is greater or less than the figures listed in the first column of the appropriate table in paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary concerned shall fix the corresponding strengths for the grades shown in that table in the same proportion as reflected in the nearest limit shown in the table.

(b) Officers in the following categories shall be excluded in computing and determining authorized strengths under this section:

(1) Reserve officers—

(A) on active duty as authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b)(1) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title;

(B) on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under section 708 of title 32; or

(C) on full-time National Guard duty.

(2) General and flag officers.

(3) Medical officers.

(4) Dental officers.

(5) Warrant officers.

(6) Retired officers on active duty under a call or order to active duty for 180 days or less.

(7) Retired officers on active duty under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2)) for the administration of the Selective Service System.

(8) Permanent professors of the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy and professors of the United States Naval Academy who are career military professors (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy), but not to exceed 50 from any such academy.

(9) Officers who are Senior Military Acquisition Advisors under section 1725 of this title, but not to exceed 15.

(c) Whenever the number of officers serving in any grade is less than the number authorized for that grade under this section, the difference between the two numbers may be applied to increase the number authorized under this section for any lower grade.

(d) An officer may not be reduced in grade, or have his pay or allowances reduced, because of a reduction in the number of commissioned officers authorized for his grade under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2842; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §414(a)(3), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2518; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §511(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §531(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IV, §431, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1354; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1673(c)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3014; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §403(a), (b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2504, 2505; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §406, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2526; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §§404, 416(g), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1864, 1868; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(1)(B), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IV, §§404, 405, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 88; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §501, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1386; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §866(b), title X, §1081(b)(1)(A)(iii), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2306, 2418; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §501, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2557.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, in table, inserted items relating to number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Space Force after items relating to Marine Corps.

2016—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 114–328, §1081(b)(1)(A)(iii), substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2))" for "(50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2))".

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 114–328, §866(b), added par. (9).

2011—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Marine Corps in each grade covered as follows: Major to 2,802, 3,247, 3,691, 4,135, 4,579, 5,024, and 5,468 from 2,525, 2,900, 3,275, 3,650, 4,025, 4,400, and 4,775, respectively; Lieutenant Colonel to 1,615, 1,768, 1,922, 2,076, 2,230, 2,383, and 2,537 from 1,480, 1,600, 1,720, 1,840, 1,960, 2,080, and 2,200, respectively; and Colonel to 633, 658, 684, 710, 736, 762, and 787 from 571, 632, 653, 673, 694, 715, and 735, respectively.

2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–181, §404, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Army in the grade of Major to 7,768, 8,689, 9,611, 10,532, 11,454, 12,375, 13,297, 14,218, 15,140, 16,061, 16,983, 17,903, 18,825, 19,746, 20,668, 21,589, 22,511, 24,354, 26,197, 28,040, and 35,412 from 6,948, 7,539, 8,231, 8,922, 9,614, 10,305, 10,997, 11,688, 12,380, 13,071, 13,763, 14,454, 15,146, 15,837, 16,529, 17,220, 17,912, 19,295, 20,678, 22,061, and 27,593, respectively.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–181, §405, amended table generally, extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.

2006—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–364 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 108–375, §416(g)(1). See 2004 Amendment note below.

2004—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–375, §416(g)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows:

"(1) Reserve officers—

"(A) on active duty for training;

"(B) on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under section 708 of title 32;

"(C) on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components;

"(D) on active duty to pursue special work;

"(E) ordered to active duty under section 12304 of this title; or

"(F) on full-time National Guard duty."

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 108–375, §416(g)(2), substituted "Retired officers" for "Reserve or retired officers".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 108–375, §404, added par. (8).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–314, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Marine Corps in the grade of Colonel to 571, 632, 653, 673, 694, 715, and 735 from 571, 592, 613, 633, 654, 675, and 695, respectively.

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, §403(a), amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–201, §403(b), amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.

1994—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(3)(A), substituted "10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402" for "265, 3021, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, or 8496".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(3)(B), substituted "12301(d)" for "672(d)".

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(3)(C), substituted "12304" for "673b".

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–190, in table, decreased numbers of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of Colonel to 3,392, 3,573, 3,754, 3,935, 4,115, 4,296, 4,477, 4,658, 4,838, 5,019, 5,200, and 5,381 from 3,642, 3,823, 4,004, 4,185, 4,365, 4,546, 4,727, 4,908, 5,088, 5,269, 5,450, and 5,631, respectively.

1986—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–433 substituted "3021" and "8021" for "3033" and "8033", respectively.

1985—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145 increased fiscal year limitation on authorized number of Marine Corps majors to 2,766, 3,085, 3,404, 3,723, and 4,042 from 2,717, 2,936, 3,154, 3,373, and 3,591, respectively.

1984—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–525, §414(a)(3)(A), struck out "or section 502 or 503 of title 32" after "section 672(d) of this title".

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 98–525, §414(a)(3)(B)–(D), added subpar. (F).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that the amendment made by section 1071(g)(1)(B) is effective as of Oct. 28, 2004, and as if included in Pub. L. 108–375 as enacted.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §403(d), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as notes below] shall take effect on September 1, 1997."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §511(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 623, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1985."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Temporary Exclusion of Mental Health Care Providers From Authorized Strengths of Certain Officers on Active Duty

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title IV, §403(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1863, provided that: "During fiscal years 2025 through 2027, officers who are licensed mental health providers (including clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health nurse practitioners, and psychiatric physician assistants) shall be excluded in computing and determining authorized strengths under section 523 of title 10, United States Code."

Temporary Exemption From End Strength Grade Restrictions for the Space Force

This section not to apply to the Space Force until Jan. 1, 2024, see section 526 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 517 of this title.

Temporary Variation in DOPMA Authorized End Strength Limitations for Active Duty Air Force and Navy Officers in Certain Grades

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §402, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 286, provided that the numbers of officers of the Air Force authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 and the numbers of officers in the Navy authorized under subsec. (a)(2) of this section to be serving on active duty in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 were limited to numbers in tables, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §403(c)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506.

Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Army Majors and Lieutenant Colonels

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §402, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2743, provided that number of officers of the Army authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in grades of major and lieutenant colonel for fiscal years 1995 through 1997 was limited to numbers set forth in table prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §403(c)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506.

Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Marine Corps Majors and Lieutenant Colonels

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IV, §402, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1639, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §403, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2743, provided that number of officers of the Marine Corps authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in grades of major and lieutenant colonel for fiscal years 1994 through 1997 was limited to numbers set forth in table prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §403(c)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2505.

Temporary Increase in Officer Grade Limitations

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, §403, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1431, authorized the Secretary of Defense, until Sept. 30, 1991, to increase the strength-in-grade limitations specified in subsec. (a) of this section by a total of 250 positions, to be distributed among grades and services as the Secretary considers appropriate and directed the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the adequacy of the strength-in-grade limitations prescribed in subsec. (a) of this section.

Temporary Reduction in Number of Air Force Colonels

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, §402, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1431, as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IV, §404, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1545, provided that the number of officers authorized under subsec. (a) of this section to be serving on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of colonel during fiscal year 1992 was reduced by 250.

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, §403, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1963, provided that the number of officers authorized under this section to be serving on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of colonel during fiscal year 1989 was reduced by 125, and the number of such officers authorized to be serving on active duty during fiscal year 1990 was reduced by 250.

Ceilings on Commissioned Officers on Active Duty

Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, §811(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 335, as amended by Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §817, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 818; Pub. L. 96–342, title X, §1003, Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1120; Pub. L. 97–86, title VI, §602, Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1110, which provided that after Oct. 1, 1981, the total number of commissioned officers on active duty in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps above the grade of colonel, and on active duty in the Navy above the grade of captain, could not exceed 1,073, and that in time of war, or of national emergency declared by Congress, the President could suspend the operation of this provision, was repealed and restated in section 526 of this title by Pub. L. 100–370, §1(b)(1)(B), (4).

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions increasing for the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 1981, the maximum number of officers authorized by this section to be serving on active duty, see section 627 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

[§524. Renumbered §12011]

§525. Distribution of commissioned officers on active duty in general officer and flag officer grades

(a) For purposes of the applicable limitation in section 526(a) of this title on general and flag officers on active duty, no appointment of an officer on the active duty list may be made—

(1) in the Army, if that appointment would result in more than—

(A) 8 officers in the grade of general;

(B) 46 officers in a grade above the grade of major general; or

(C) 90 officers in the grade of major general;

(2) in the Air Force, if that appointment would result in more than—

(A) 9 officers in the grade of general;

(B) 44 officers in a grade above the grade of major general; or

(C) 73 officers in the grade of major general;

(3) in the Navy, if that appointment would result in more than—

(A) 6 officers in the grade of admiral;

(B) 34 officers in a grade above the grade of rear admiral; or

(C) 49 officers in the grade of rear admiral;

(4) in the Marine Corps, if that appointment would result in more than—

(A) 2 officers in the grade of general;

(B) 18 officers in a grade above the grade of major general; or

(C) 21.¹ officers in the grade of major general; and

(5) in the Space Force, if that appointment would result in more than—

(A) 2 officers in the grade of general;

(B) 7 officers in a grade above the grade of major general; or

(C) 6 officers in the grade of major general.

(b) The limitations of subsection (a) do not include the following:

(1) An officer released from a joint duty assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty assignment, except that the Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of a military department to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, but no more than three officers from each armed forces may be on active duty who are excluded under this paragraph.

(2) The number of officers required to serve in joint duty assignments as authorized by the Secretary of Defense under section 526(b) for each military service.

(c)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the President—

(A) may make appointments in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force in the grades of lieutenant general and general in excess of the applicable numbers determined under this section if each such appointment is made in conjunction with an offsetting reduction under paragraph (2); and

(B) may make appointments in the Navy in the grades of vice admiral and admiral in excess of the applicable numbers determined under this section if each such appointment is made in conjunction with an offsetting reduction under paragraph (2).

(2) For each appointment made under the authority of paragraph (1) in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force in the grade of lieutenant general or general or in the Navy in the grade of vice admiral or admiral, the number of appointments that may be made in the equivalent grade in one of the other armed forces (other than the Coast Guard) shall be reduced by one. When such an appointment is made, the President shall specify the armed force in which the reduction required by this paragraph is to be made.

(3)(A) The number of officers that may be serving on active duty in the grades of lieutenant general and vice admiral by reason of appointments made under the authority of paragraph (1) may not exceed 15.

(B) The number of officers that may be serving on active duty in the grades of general and admiral by reason of appointments made under the authority of paragraph (1) may not exceed 5.

(4) Upon the termination of the appointment of an officer in the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral or general or admiral that was made in connection with an increase under paragraph (1) in the number of officers that may be serving on active duty in that armed force in that grade, the reduction made under paragraph (2) in the number of appointments permitted in such grade in another armed force by reason of that increase shall no longer be in effect.

(d) An officer continuing to hold the grade of general or admiral under section 601(b)(5) of this title after relief from the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine Corps, or Chief of Space Operations shall not be counted for purposes of this section.

(e) The following officers shall not be counted for purposes of this section:

(1) An officer of that armed force in the grade of brigadier general or above or, in the case of the Navy, in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above, who is on leave pending the retirement, separation, or release of that officer from active duty, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of such leave of such officer.

(2) At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, an officer of that armed force who has been relieved from a position designated under section 601(a) of this title or by law to carry one of the grades specified in such section, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the assignment of the officer to the first position is terminated or until the officer is assigned to a second such position, whichever occurs first.

(f) An officer while serving as Attending Physician to the Congress is in addition to the number that would otherwise be permitted for that officer's armed force for officers serving on active duty in grades above brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) under subsection (a).

(g) A naval officer while serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps is in addition to the number that would otherwise be permitted for the Navy for officers serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) under subsection (a).

(h)(1) The limitations of this section do not apply to a reserve component general or flag officer who is on active duty for a period in excess of 365 days, but not to exceed three years, except that the number of officers from each reserve component who are covered by this subsection and are not serving in a position that is a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title may not exceed 5 per component, unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense.

(2) Not later than 30 days after authorizing a number of reserve component general or flag officers in excess of the number specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives of such authorization, and shall include with such notice a statement of the reason for such authorization.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2844; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §202(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1010; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §511(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IV, §405, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1546; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2744; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §403(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 286; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §404(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title IV, §§404, 406, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 1996; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §§509(b), (c), 532(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 592, 604; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §507(g)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-105; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §§404(a), (b), 405(b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2525, 2526; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §504(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1456; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §503(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3226; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §507(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2180; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §§501(b), 543(d), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 94, 115; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §§503(d), 504(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4433, 4434; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §502(b)–(d), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2273–2275; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(12), (d)(2), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369, 4372; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §§502(a)(1), (b)(2), 511(a)(3), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1386, 1387, 1391; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2107; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §501(c)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3563; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §§502, 503, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2557, 2558; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §§501, 509B(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868, 1872.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 118–159, §501(1), substituted "18 officers" for "17 officers".

Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 118–159, §501(2), substituted "21. officers" for "22 officers".

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 118–159, §509B(b), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §502(1)(A), substituted "made—" for "made as follows:" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117–263, §503(1), substituted "34" for "33".

Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 117–263, §503(2), substituted "49" for "50".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 117–263, §502(1)(B), (C), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §502(2)(A), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §502(2)(B), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263, §502(3), substituted "Commandant of the Marine Corps, or Chief of Space Operations" for "or Commandant of the Marine Corps".

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "8" for "7".

2016—Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §503(a)(1), substituted "17" for "15".

Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 114–328, §503(a)(2), substituted "22" for "23".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §502(b)(2)(A)–(C), substituted "46" for "45" in par. (1)(B), "44" for "43" in par. (2)(B), and "33" for "32" in par. (3)(B).

Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 112–81, §502(b)(2)(D), substituted "23" for "22".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–81, §502(a)(1), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to exclusions from limitations on appointment of general officers on active duty in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and flag officers on active duty in the Navy.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 112–81, §511(a)(3)(A), struck out subpar. (D) which read as follows: "An officer while serving as Chief of the National Guard Bureau."

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(d)(2), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 111–84, §502(c)(3). See 2009 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(12)(A), substituted "section 601(b)(5)" for "section 601(b)(4)".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(12)(B), substituted "and are not" for "and is not" and inserted period at end.

Subsec. (g)(2), (3). Pub. L. 112–81, §511(a)(3)(B), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The exception in paragraph (1) does apply to the position of Chief of the National Guard Bureau."

2009—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(b), added subsecs. (a) and (b) and struck out former subsecs. (a) and (b) which related to limitations on appointments in a grade above brigadier general in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps or in a grade above rear admiral (lower half) in the Navy and limitations on appointments in a grade above major general in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps or in a grade above rear admiral in the Navy, respectively.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(c)(1)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "may make appointments in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps in the grade of lieutenant general and in the Army and Air Force in the grade of general in excess of the applicable numbers determined under subsection (b)(1), and may make appointments in the Marine Corps in the grade of general in addition to the Commandant and Assistant Commandant, if each such appointment is made in conjunction with an offsetting reduction under paragraph (2); and".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(c)(1)(B), substituted "this section" for "subsection (b)(2)".

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(c)(2), substituted "15" for "the number equal to 10 percent of the total number of officers that may be serving on active duty in those grades in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps under subsection (b)".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(c)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(d)(2), substituted "5" for "the number equal to 15 percent of the total number of general officers and flag officers that may be serving on active duty in those grades in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(d)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "The following officers shall not be counted for purposes of this section:" for "In determining the total number of general officers or flag officers of an armed force on active duty for purposes of this section, the following officers shall not be counted:".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–84, §502(d)(2), added subsec. (g).

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–417, §504(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 110–417, §503(d)(1), substituted "the Army or Air Force, or more than 51 percent of the general officers of the Marine Corps," for "that armed force".

Subsec. (b)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 110–417, §503(d)(2)(A), substituted "16.4 percent" for "16.3 percent" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 110–181, §543(d), substituted "16.3 percent" for "15.7 percent" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 110–417, §503(d)(2)(B), substituted "19 percent" for "17.5 percent".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 110–181, §501(b), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "An officer of that armed force who has been relieved from a position designated under section 601(a) of this title and is under orders to assume another such position, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date on which those orders are published."

2006—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–163 added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364 added subsec. (f).

2003—Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 108–136 struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "This paragraph shall cease to be effective at the end of December 31, 2004."

2002—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–314, §404(b), substituted "17.5 percent" for "16.2 percent".

Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 107–314, §405(b), substituted "December 31, 2004" for "September 30, 2003".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 107–314, §404(a), added par. (8).

2000—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §507(g)(1)], in first sentence, substituted "Army or Air Force" for "Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps" and "15.7 percent" for "15 percent" and, in second sentence, substituted "Of" for "In the case of the Army and Air Force, of" and "15.7 percent" for "15 percent" and inserted "of the Army or Air Force" after "general officers".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §507(g)(2)], designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "15.7 percent" for "15 percent" in two places, and added subpar. (B).

1999—Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 106–65, §509(c), inserted at end "Any increase by reason of the preceding sentence in the number of officers of an armed force serving on active duty in grades above major general or rear admiral may only be realized by an increase in the number of lieutenant generals or vice admirals, as the case may be, serving on active duty, and any such increase may not be construed as authorizing an increase in the limitation on the total number of general or flag officers for that armed force under section 526(a) of this title or in the number of general and flag officers that may be designated under section 526(b) of this title."

Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 106–65, §509(b), substituted "September 30, 2003" for "September 30, 2000".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 106–65, §532(b), added par. (7).

1998—Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 105–261, §404, substituted "seven" for "six".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–261, §406, added par. (6).

1996—Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "September 30, 2000" for "September 30, 1997".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (d).

1994—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 103–337 added par. (5).

1990—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–510, §405(b), substituted "that would otherwise be permitted for" for "authorized".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 101–510, §405(a), added par. (4).

1987—Pub. L. 100–180 added subsec. (c).

1986—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–433 inserted "or Vice Chairman".

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore" in two places.

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral" in two places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §502(a)(2), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1387, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2012."

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §502(b)(3), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1387, as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §501(c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1714, provided that:

"(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 526 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2013.

"(B) Marine corps officers.—The amendments made by paragraphs (1)(A)(iv) [amending section 526 of this title] and (2)(D) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2012."

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4372, provided that the amendment by section 1075(d)(2) is effective as of Oct. 28, 2009, and as if included in Pub. L. 111–84 as enacted.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §404(d), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2526, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the receipt by Congress of the report required by subsection (c) [set out below]."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Implementation of 2000 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §507(i)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-106, provided that:

"(1) An appointment or reappointment, in the case of the incumbent in a reserve component chief position, shall be made to each of the reserve component chief positions not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000], in accordance with the amendments made by subsections (a) through (e) [amending sections 3038, 5143, 5144, 8038, and 10506 of this title].

"(2) An officer serving in a reserve component chief position on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000] may be reappointed to that position under the amendments made by subsection (a) through (e), if eligible and otherwise qualified in accordance with those amendments. If such an officer is so reappointed, the appointment may be made for the remainder of the officer's original term or for a full new term, as specified at the time of the appointment.

"(3) An officer serving on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000] in a reserve component chief position may continue to serve in that position in accordance with the provisions of law in effect immediately before the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 3038, 5143, 5144, 8038, and 10506 of this title and repealing section 12505 of this title] until a successor is appointed under paragraph (1) (or that officer is reappointed under paragraph (1)).

"(4) The amendments made by subsection (g) [amending this section] shall be implemented so that each increase authorized by those amendments in the number of officers in the grades of lieutenant general and vice admiral is implemented on a case-by-case basis with an initial appointment made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000], as specified in paragraph (1), to a reserve component chief position.

"(5) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'reserve component chief position' means a position specified in section 3038, 5143, 5144, or 8038 [now 7038, 8083, 8084, or 9038] of title 10, United States Code, or the position of Director, Army National Guard or Director, Air National Guard under section 10506(a)(1) of such title."

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §511(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1088, provided that: "An officer of the Armed Forces on active duty holding an appointment in the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral or general or admiral on September 30, 1987, shall not have that appointment terminated by reason of the numerical limitations determined under section 525(b) of title 10, United States Code. In the case of an officer of the Marine Corps serving in the grade of general by reason of an appointment authorized by section 511(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 (Public Law 99–661; 100 Stat. 3869) [see below], that appointment shall not be terminated except as provided in section 601 of title 10, United States Code."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Availability on the Internet of Certain Information About Officers Serving in General or Flag Officer Grades

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §510A, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1347, provided that:

"(a) Availability Required.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of each military department shall make available on an internet website of such department available to the public information specified in paragraph (2) on each officer in a general or flag officer grade under the jurisdiction of such Secretary, including any such officer on the reserve active-status list.

"(2) Information.—The information on an officer specified by this paragraph to be made available pursuant to paragraph (1) is the information as follows:

"(A) The officer's name.

"(B) The officer's current grade, duty position, command or organization, and location of assignment.

"(C) A summary list of the officer's past duty assignments while serving in a general or flag officer grade.

"(b) Additional Public Notice on Certain Officers.—Whenever an officer in a grade of O–7 or above is assigned to a new billet or reassigned from a current billet, the Secretary of the military department having jurisdiction of such officer shall make available on an internet website of such department available to the public a notice of such assignment or reassignment.

"(c) Limitation on Withholding of Certain Information or Notice.—

"(1) Limitation.—The Secretary of a military department may not withhold the information or notice specified in subsections (a) and (b) from public availability pursuant to subsection (a), unless and until the Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives in writing of the information or notice that will be so withheld, together with justification for withholding the information or notice from public availability.

"(2) Limited duration of withholding.—The Secretary concerned may withhold from the public under paragraph (1) information or notice on an officer only on the basis of individual risk or national security, and may continue to withhold such information or notice only for so long as the basis for withholding remains in force."

Reduction in Number of General and Flag Officers on Active Duty and Authorized Strength After December 31, 2022, of Such General and Flag Officers

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §501(a)–(g), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2096–2099, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §502(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868, provided that:

"(a) Reduction in Number of General and Flag Officers by December 31, 2022.—

"(1) Required reduction.—Except as otherwise provided by an Act enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016] that expressly modifies the requirements of this paragraph, by not later than December 31, 2022, the Secretary of Defense shall reduce the number of general and flag officers on active duty by 110 from the aggregate authorized number of general and flag officers authorized by sections 525 and 526 of title 10, United States Code, as of December 31, 2015.

"(2) Distribution of authorized positions.—Effective as of December 31, 2022, and reflecting the reduction required by paragraph (1), authorized general and flag officer positions shall be distributed among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and joint pool as follows:

"(A) The Army is authorized 220 positions in the general officer grades.

"(B) The Navy is authorized 151 positions in the flag officer grades.

"(C) The Air Force is authorized 187 positions in the general officer grades.

"(D) The Marine Corps is authorized 62 positions in the general officer grades.

"(E) The joint pool is authorized 232 positions in the general or flag officer grades, to be distributed as follows:

"(i) 82 positions in the general officer grades from the Army.

"(ii) 60 positions in the flag officer grades from the Navy.

"(iii) 69 positions in the general officer grades from the Air Force.

"(iv) 21 positions in the general officer grades from the Marine Corps.

"[(3) Repealed. Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §502(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868.]

"(b) Plan to Achieve Required Reduction and Distribution.—

"(1) Plan required.—Utilizing the study conducted under subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan to achieve, by the date specified in subsection (a)(1)—

"(A) the reduction required by such subsection in the number of general and flag officers; and

"(B) the distribution of authorized positions required by subsection (a)(2).

"(2) Submission of plan.—When the budget for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2019 is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report setting forth the plan developed under this subsection.

"(3) Progress reports.—The Secretary of Defense shall include with the budget for the Department of Defense for each of fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022 a report describing and assessing the progress of the Secretary in implementing the plan developed under this subsection.

"(c) Study for Purposes of Plan.—

"(1) Study required.—For purposes of complying with subsection (a) and preparing the plan required by subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive and deliberate global manpower study of requirements for general and flag officers with the goal of identifying—

"(A) the requirement justification for each general or flag officer position in terms of overall force structure, scope of responsibility, command and control requirements, and force readiness and execution;

"(B) an additional 10 percent reduction in the aggregate number of authorized general officer and flag officer positions after the reductions required by subsection (a); and

"(C) an appropriate redistribution of all general officer and flag officer positions within the reductions so identified.

"(2) Submission of study results.—Not later than April 1, 2017, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report setting forth the results of the study conducted under this subsection, including the justification for general and flag officer position to be retained and the reductions identified by general and flag officer position.

"(3) Interim report.—If practicable before the date specified in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim report describing the progress made toward the completion of the study under this subsection, including—

"(A) the specific general and flag officer positions that have been evaluated;

"(B) the results of that evaluation; and

"(C) recommendations for achieving the additional 10 percent reduction in the aggregate number of authorized general officer and flag officer positions to be identified under paragraph (1)(C) and recommendations for redistribution of general and flag officer positions that have been developed to that point.

"(d) Exclusions.—

"(1) Related to joint duty assignments.—For purposes of complying with subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may exclude—

"(A) a general or flag officer released from a joint duty assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty assignment, except that the Secretary may authorize the Secretary of a military department to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, but not more than three officers on active duty from each Armed Force may be covered by the additional extension at the same time; and

"(B) the number of officers required to serve in joint duty assignments for each Armed Force as authorized by the Secretary under section 526a(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (h) of this section.

"(2) Related to relief from chief of staff duty.—For purposes of complying with subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may exclude an officer who continues to hold the grade of general or admiral under section 601(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code, after relief from the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, or Commandant of the Marine Corps.

"(3) Related to retirement, separation, release, or relief.—For purposes of complying with subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may exclude the following officers:

"(A) An officer of an Armed Force in the grade of brigadier general or above or, in the case of the Navy, in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above, who is on leave pending the retirement, separation, or release of that officer from active duty, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of such leave of such officer.

"(B) An officer of an Armed Force who has been relieved from a position designated under section 601(a) of title 10, United States Code, or by law to carry one of the grades specified in such section, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the assignment of the officer to the first position is terminated or until the officer is assigned to a second such position, whichever occurs first.

"(e) Secretarial Authority to Grant Exceptions to Limitations.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense may alter the reduction otherwise required by subsection (a)(1) in the number of general and flag officer or the distribution of authorized positions otherwise required by subsection (a)(2) in the interest of the national security of the United States.

"(2) Notice to congress of exceptions.—Not later than 30 days after authorizing a number of general or flag officers in excess of the number required as a result of the reduction required by subsection (a)(1) or altering the distribution of authorized positions under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives written notice of such exception, including a statement of the reason for such exception and the anticipated duration of the exception.

"(f) Orderly Transition for Officers Recently Assigned to Positions to Be Eliminated.—

"(1) Covered officers.—In order to provide an orderly transition for personnel in general or flag officer positions to be eliminated pursuant to the plan prepared under subsection (b), any general or flag officer who has not completed, as of December 31, 2022, at least 24 months in a position to be eliminated pursuant to the plan may remain in the position until the last day of the month that is 24 months after the month in which the officer assumed the duties of the position.

"(2) Report to congress on covered officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall include in the annual report required by section 526(j) of title 10, United States Code, in 2020 a description of the positions in which an officer will remain pursuant to paragraph (1), including the latest date on which the officer may remain in such position pursuant to that paragraph.

"(3) Notice to congress on detachment of covered officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a notice on the date on which each officer covered by paragraph (1) is detached from the officer's position pursuant to such paragraph.

"(g) Relation to Subsequent General or Flag Nominations.—

"(1) Notice to senate with nomination.—In order to help achieve the requirements of the plan required by subsection (b), effective 30 days after the commencement of the implementation of the plan, the Secretary of Defense shall include with each nomination of an officer to a grade above colonel or captain (in the case of the Navy) that is forwarded by the President to the Senate for appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a certification to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate that the appointment of the officer to the grade concerned will not interfere with achieving the reduction required by subsection (a)(1) in the number of general and flag officer positions or the distribution of authorized positions required by subsection (a)(2).

"(2) Implementation.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the submission of the plan required by subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall revise applicable guidance of the Department of Defense on general and flag officer authorizations in order to ensure that—

"(A) the achievement of the reductions required pursuant to subsection (a) is incorporated into the planning for the execution of promotions by the military departments and for the joint pool;

"(B) to the extent practicable, the resulting grades for general and flag officer positions are uniformly applied to positions of similar duties and responsibilities across the military departments and the joint pool; and

"(C) planning achieves a reduction in the headquarters functions and administrative and support activities and staffs of the Department of Defense and the military departments commensurate with the achievement of the reductions required pursuant to subsection (a)."

Delayed Authority To Alter Distribution Requirements for Commissioned Officers on Active Duty in General Officer and Flag Officer Grades and Limitations on Authorized Strengths of General and Flag Officers on Active Duty

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §506, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4434, related to distribution requirements for commissioned officers on active duty in general officer and flag officer grades and limitations on authorized strengths of general and flag officers on active duty, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §502(j), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2277.

Review of Active Duty and Reserve General and Flag Officer Authorizations

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §404(c), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2525, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing any recommendations of the Secretary (together with the rationale of the Secretary for the recommendations) concerning the following:

"(A) Revision of the limitations on general and flag officer grade authorizations and distribution in grade prescribed by sections 525, 526, and 12004 of title 10, United States Code.

"(B) Statutory designation of the positions and grades of any additional general and flag officers in the commands specified in chapter 1006 of title 10, United States Code, and the reserve component offices specified in sections 3038, 5143, 5144, and 8038 [now 7038, 8083, 8084, and 9038] of such title.

"(2) The provisions of subsection (b) through (e) of section 1213 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104–201; 110 Stat. 2694) shall apply to the report under paragraph (1) in the same manner as they applied to the report required by subsection (a) of that section."

Report on Management of Senior General and Flag Officer Positions

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(d), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2745, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report on the implementation of the amendments made by Pub. L. 103–337, §405, enacting sections 528 and 604 of this title and amending this section, not later than Mar. 1, 1996.

Temporary Exclusion of Superintendent of Naval Academy From Counting Toward Number of Senior Admirals Authorized To Be on Active Duty

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §406, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2746, provided that: "The officer serving as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994], while so serving, shall not be counted for purposes of the limitations contained in [former] section 525(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code."

Temporary Increase in Number of General and Flag Officers Authorized To Be on Active Duty

Temporary increases in the number of officers authorized in particular grades under this section were contained in the following authorization acts:

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §511, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3869.

Pub. L. 99–570, title III, §3058, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–79.

Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §515, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 630.

Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §511, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2521.

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1001, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 654.

Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1116, Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 750.

¹ So in original. The period probably should not appear.

§526. Authorized strength: general officers and flag officers on active duty

(a) Limitations.—The number of general officers on active duty in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, and the number of flag officers on active duty in the Navy, may not exceed the number specified for the armed force concerned as follows:

(1) For the Army, 219.

(2) For the Navy, 150.

(3) For the Air Force, 171.

(4) For the Marine Corps, 64.

(5) For the Space Force, 21.

(b) Limited Exclusion for Joint Duty Requirements.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may designate up to 232 general officer and flag officer positions that are joint duty assignments for purposes of chapter 38 of this title for exclusion from the limitations in subsection (a).

(2) Minimum number.—Unless the Secretary of Defense determines that a lower number is in the best interest of the Department of Defense, the minimum number of officers serving in positions designated under paragraph (1) for each armed force shall be as follows:

(A) For the Army, 75.

(B) For the Navy, 53.

(C) For the Air Force, 68.

(D) For the Marine Corps, 17.

(E) For the Space Force, 6.

(c) Exclusion of Certain Officers of Reserve Components.—The limitations of this section do not apply to the following:

(1) A general or flag officer of a reserve component who is on active duty—

(A) for training; or

(B) under a call or order specifying a period of less than 180 days.

(2)(A) A general or flag officer of a reserve component who is authorized by the Secretary of the military department concerned to serve on active duty for a period of at least 180 days and not longer than 365 days.

(B) The Secretary of the military department concerned may authorize a number, determined under subparagraph (C), of officers in the reserve component of each armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary to serve as described in subparagraph (A).

(C) Each number described in subparagraph (B) may not exceed 10 percent of the number of general or flag officers, as the case may be, authorized to serve in the armed force concerned under section 12004 of this title. In determining a number under this subparagraph, any fraction shall be rounded down to the next whole number that is greater than zero.

(3)(A) A general or flag officer of a reserve component who is on active duty for a period longer than 365 days and not longer than three years.

(B) The number of officers described in subparagraph (A) who do not serve in a position that is a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title may not exceed five per armed force, unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense.

(d) Exclusion of Certain Officers Pending Separation or Retirement or Between Senior Positions.—The limitations of this section do not apply to—

(1) an officer of an armed force in the grade of brigadier general or above or, in the case of the Navy, in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above, who is on leave pending the retirement, separation, or release of that officer from active duty, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of such leave of such officer; or

(2) an officer of an armed force who has been relieved from a position designated under section 601(a) of this title or by law to carry one of the grades specified in such section, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the assignment of the officer to the first position is terminated or until the officer is assigned to a second such position, whichever occurs first.

(e) Temporary Exclusion for Assignment to Certain Temporary Billets.—

(1) In general.—The limitations in subsection (a) do not apply to a general officer or flag officer assigned to a temporary joint duty assignment designated by the Secretary of Defense.

(2) Duration of exclusion.—A general officer or flag officer assigned to a temporary joint duty assignment as described in paragraph (1) may not be excluded under this subsection from the limitations in subsection (a) for a period of longer than one year.

(f) Exclusion of Officers Departing From Joint Duty Assignments.—The limitations in subsection (a) do not apply to an officer released from a joint duty assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty assignment. The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of a military department to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, except that not more than three officers on active duty from each armed force may be covered by the additional extension at the same time.

(g) Exclusion of Medical Officer of Marine Corps.—The limitations of this section do not apply to the flag officer who is serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps.

(h) Secretary of Defense Adaptive Force Account.—The limitations in subsection (a) and in section 525(a) of this title do not apply to a general officer or flag officer assigned to the Secretary of Defense Adaptive Force Account as designated by the Secretary of Defense. The total number of positions designated as the Secretary of Defense Adaptive Force Account for purposes of this subsection shall not exceed 35.

(i) Active-Duty Baseline.—

(1) Notice and wait requirements.—If the Secretary of a military department proposes an action that would increase above the baseline the number of general officers or flag officers of an armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary who would be on active duty and would count against the statutory limit applicable to that armed force under subsection (a), the action shall not take effect until after the end of the 60-calendar day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary provides notice of the proposed action, including the rationale for the action, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

(2) Baseline defined.—In paragraph (1), the term "baseline" for an armed force means the lower of—

(A) the statutory limit of general officers or flag officers of that armed force under subsection (a); or

(B) the actual number of general officers or flag officers of that armed force who, as of January 1, 2023, counted toward the statutory limit of general officers or flag officers of that armed force under subsection (a).

(j) Joint Duty Assignment Baseline.—

(1) Notice and wait requirement.—If the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposes an action that would increase above the baseline the number of general officers and flag officers of the armed forces in joint duty assignments who count against the statutory limit under subsection (b)(1), the action shall not take effect until after the end of the 60-calendar day period beginning on the date on which such Secretary or the Chairman, as the case may be, provides notice of the proposed action, including the rationale for the action, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

(2) Baseline defined.—In paragraph (1), the term "baseline" means the lower of—

(A) the statutory limit on general officer and flag officer positions that are joint duty assignments under subsection (b)(1); or

(B) the actual number of general officers and flag officers who, as of January 1, 2023, were in joint duty assignments counted toward the statutory limit under subsection (b)(1).

(k) Annual Report.—Not later than March 1 each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report specifying the following:

(1) The numbers of general officers and flag officers who, as of January 1 of the calendar year in which the report is submitted, counted toward the service-specific limits of subsection (a).

(2) The number of general officers and flag officers in joint duty assignments who, as of such January 1, counted toward the statutory limit under subsection (b)(1).

(l) Transfer of Authorizations Among the Military Services.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may increase the maximum number of brigadier generals or major generals in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or rear admirals (lower half) or rear admirals in the Navy, allowed under subsection (a) and section 525 of this title and the President may appoint officers in the equivalent grades equal to the number increased by the Secretary of Defense if each appointment is made in conjunction with an offsetting reduction under paragraph (2).

(2) For each increase and appointment made under the authority of paragraph (1) in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, the number of appointments that may be made in the equivalent grade in one of the other armed forces (other than the Coast Guard) shall be reduced by one. When such an increase and appointment is made, the Secretary of Defense shall specify the armed force in which the reduction required by this paragraph is to be made.

(3) The total number of general officers and flag officers increased under paragraph (1), combined with the total number of general officers and flag officers increased under section 526(k)(1) of this title, may not exceed 15 at any one time.

(4) The Secretary may not increase the maximum number of general officers or flag officers under paragraph (1) until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary provides, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, written notice of—

(A) such increase; and

(B) each offsetting reduction under paragraph (2), specifying the armed force and billet so reduced.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §501(h)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2100, §526a; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §501(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3562; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §501(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1679; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §504, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2558; renumbered §526 and amended Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §501(a)(2), (4), (b), title XVIII, §1801(a)(9), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 240, 684; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §§502(a), 509B(c), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868, 1873.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 526, added Pub. L. 100–370, §1(b)(1)(B), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 840; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IV, §403, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2398; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §404, title V, §512, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2744, 2752; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §§1502(a)(1), 1503(a)(3), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502, 510; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §405, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title IV, §405, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 1996; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §553, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 615, 774; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §405(c), title X, §1041(a)(3), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2526, 2645; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §504(c), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §§503(b), 510, 515(b)(1)(C), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3226, 3231, 3233; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §507(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2180; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §502, title XVIII, §1824(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 95, 501; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §§503(a)–(c), 525, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4433, 4448; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §502(e)–(g), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2275, 2276; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §502(b)(1), (c)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1387; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §501(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1714; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §501(a), (b)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 748, 749; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §§501(h)(2), 503(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102, 2107; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(17), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §501(c)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3563; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §501(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1678, related to authorized strength of general officers on active duty in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and the number of flag officers on active duty in the Navy, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §501(a)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 240.

Another prior section 526 was renumbered section 527 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 118–159, §509(c), added subsec. (g) and redesignated subsec. (g), as added by section 502(a)(2), as (h).

Pub. L. 118–159, §502(a)(2), added subsec. (g), which was subsequently redesignated (h).

Subsecs. (i) to (l). Pub. L. 118–159, §§502(a)(1), 509B(c)(1), successively redesignated subsecs. (g) to (j) as (h) to (k), then as (i) to (l), respectively.

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §501(a)(4), struck out "after December 31, 2022" after "Authorized strength" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 118–31, §501(a)(2), renumbered section 526a of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §501(b)(1)(A), struck out "after December 31, 2022," after "in the Navy," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §501(b)(1)(B), substituted "219" for "218".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §501(b)(1)(C), substituted "150" for "149".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 118–31, §501(b)(1)(D), substituted "171" for "170".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 118–31, §501(b)(1)(E), substituted "64" for "62".

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 118–31, §§501(b)(2), 1801(a)(9), amended section identically, redesignating subsec. (i) relating to transfer of authorizations among the military services as (j).

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(1)(A), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(1)(B), substituted "218" for "220".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(1)(C), substituted "149" for "151".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(1)(D), substituted "170" for "187".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(1)(E), added par. (5).

Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 117–263, §504(2), added subpar. (E).

2021—Subsecs. (c) to (h). Pub. L. 116–283, §501(a), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) to (g) as (d) to (h), respectively. Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (i) relating to transfer of authorizations among military services.

Pub. L. 116–283, §501(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i) relating to annual report.

[§526a. Renumbered §526]

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Exclusion of Officers Serving as Lead Special Trial Counsel From Limitations on Authorized Strengths for General and Flag Officers

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §506, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2558, which related to certain general or flag officers serving in the position of lead special trial counsel pursuant to an appointment under section 1044f(a)(2) of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §501(c), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 240.

§527. Authority to suspend sections 523, 525, and 526

In time of war, or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President after November 30, 1980, the President may suspend the operation of any provision of section 523, 525, or 526 of this title. So long as such war or national emergency continues, any such suspension may be extended by the President. Any such suspension shall, if not sooner ended, end on the last day of the two-year period beginning on the date on which the suspension (or the last extension thereof) takes effect or on the last day of the one-year period beginning on the date of the termination of the war or national emergency, whichever occurs first. With respect to the end of any such suspension, the preceding sentence supersedes the provisions of title II of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621–1622) which provide that powers or authorities exercised by reason of a national emergency shall cease to be exercised after the date of the termination of the emergency.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2845, §526; renumbered §527 and amended Pub. L. 100–370, §1(b)(1)(A), (2), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 840; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(c)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3014.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Emergencies Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–412, Sept. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1255, as amended. Title II of the National Emergencies Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§1621 et seq.) of chapter 34 of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 50 and Tables.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 struck out "524," after "523," in section catchline and in text.

1988—Pub. L. 100–370 renumbered section 526 of this title as this section, substituted "524, 525, and 526" for "524, and 525" in section catchline, and "524, 525, or 526" for "524, or 525" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Authority To Waive Grade Strength Laws For Fiscal Year 1991; Certification; Relationship to Other Suspension Authority

Pub. L. 102–25, title II, §§201(b), 202, 205(b), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 79, 80, authorized Secretary of a military department to suspend, for fiscal year 1991, the operation of any provision of section 517, 523, 524, 525, or 526 of this title with respect to that military department, that such Secretary may exercise such authority only after submission to the congressional defense committees of a certification in writing that such authority is necessary because of personnel actions associated with Operation Desert Storm, and that such authority is in addition to the authority provided in this section.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under this section to suspend operation of sections 523, 524 [now 12011], and 525 of this title, relating to authorized strength of commissioned officers, delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform during a time of war or national emergency, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, provided that, during a national emergency declared by President, the exercise of any such authority be specifically directed by President in accordance with section 1631 of Title 50, War and National Defense, and that Secretary ensure that actions taken pursuant to any authority so delegated be accounted for as required by section 1641 of Title 50, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§2, 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Delegation of Authority

Authority of President under this section as invoked by sections 2 and 3 of Ex. Ord. No. 13223, Sept. 14, 2001, 66 F.R. 48201, as amended, delegated to Secretary of Defense by section 4 of Ex. Ord. No. 13223, set out as a note under section 12302 of this title.

§528. Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; application of distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances

(a) Military Status.—An officer of the armed forces, while serving in a position covered by this section—

(1) shall not be subject to supervision or control by the Secretary of Defense or any other officer or employee of the Department of Defense, except as directed by the Secretary of Defense concerning reassignment from such position; and

(2) may not exercise, by reason of the officer's status as an officer, any supervision or control with respect to any of the military or civilian personnel of the Department of Defense except as otherwise authorized by law.

(b) Director and Deputy Director of CIA.—When the position of Director or Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency is held by an officer of the armed forces, the position, so long as the officer serves in the position, shall be designated, pursuant to subsection (b) of section 526 of this title, as one of the general officer and flag officer positions to be excluded from the limitations in subsection (a) of such section.

(c) Associate Director of Military Affairs, CIA.—When the position of Associate Director of Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency, or any successor position, is held by an officer of the armed forces, the position, so long as the officer serves in the position, shall be designated, pursuant to subsection (b) of section 526 of this title, as one of the general officer and flag officer positions to be excluded from the limitations in subsection (a) of such section.

(d) Officers Serving in Office of DNI.—When a position in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence designated by agreement between the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence is held by a general officer or flag officer of the armed forces, the position, so long as the officer serves in the position, shall be designated, pursuant to subsection (b) of section 526 of this title, as one of the general officer and flag officer positions to be excluded from the limitations in subsection (a) of such section. However, not more than five of such positions may be included among the excluded positions at any time.

(e) Effect of Appointment.—Except as provided in subsection (a), the appointment or assignment of an officer of the armed forces to a position covered by this section shall not affect—

(1) the status, position, rank, or grade of such officer in the armed forces; or

(2) any emolument, perquisite, right, privilege, or benefit incident to or arising out of such status, position, rank, or grade.

(f) Military Pay and Allowances.—(1) An officer of the armed forces on active duty who is appointed or assigned to a position covered by this section shall, while serving in such position and while remaining on active duty, continue to receive military pay and allowances and shall not receive the pay prescribed for such position.

(2) Funds from which pay and allowances under paragraph (1) are paid to an officer while so serving shall be reimbursed as follows:

(A) For an officer serving in a position within the Central Intelligence Agency, such reimbursement shall be made from funds available to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

(B) For an officer serving in a position within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, such reimbursement shall be made from funds available to the Director of National Intelligence.

(g) Covered Positions.—The positions covered by this section are the positions specified in subsections (b) and (c) and the positions designated under subsection (d).

(Added Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §507(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1458; amended Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §507(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3228; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §501(a), (b)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2175, 2176; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title IX, §933, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4576; Pub. L. 111–259, title VIII, §803, Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2746; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §502(d)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1387, 1388.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 528, added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2744; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §403(b), title XV, §1503(a)(4), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 287, 511; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1074(a)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2658, which related to limitation on number of officers on active duty in grades of general and admiral, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §501(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1079.

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, §502(d)(2)(A), substituted "Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; application of distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances" for "Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; exclusion from distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 112–81, §502(d)(1), added subsecs. (b) to (d) and struck out former subsecs. (b) to (d) which related to Director and Deputy Director of CIA, Associate Director of Military Affairs of CIA, and Officers Serving in the Office of DNI, respectively.

2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–259 substituted "Associate Director of Military Affairs, CIA" for "Associate Director of CIA for Military Affairs" in heading and "Associate Director of Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency, or any successor position" for "Associate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Military Affairs" in text.

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–417 substituted "Military Affairs" for "Military Support" in heading and text.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §501(b)(1), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Officers serving in certain intelligence positions: military status; exclusion from distribution and strength limitations; pay and allowances" for "Exclusion: officers serving in certain intelligence positions".

Pub. L. 109–163 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) When none of the individuals serving in a position specified in subsection (b) is an officer of the armed forces, an officer of the armed forces assigned to the position of Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support, while serving in that position, shall not be counted against the numbers and percentages of officers of the grade of that officer authorized for that officer's armed force.

"(b) The positions referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

"(1) Director of Central Intelligence.

"(2) Deputy Director of Central Intelligence.

"(3) Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Community Management."

Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §501(a)(1), added subsecs. (a) and (b) and struck out former subsecs. (a) and (b) which read as follows:

"(a) Exclusion of Officer Serving in Certain CIA Positions.—When either of the individuals serving in a position specified in subsection (b) is an officer of the armed forces, one of those officers, while serving in that position, shall be excluded from the limitations in sections 525 and 526 of this title.

"(b) Covered Positions.—The positions referred to in this subsection are the following:

"(1) Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"(2) Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency."

Subsecs. (e) to (g). Pub. L. 109–364, §501(a)(2), added subsecs. (e) to (g).

CHAPTER 33—ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS OF REGULAR OFFICERS IN GRADES ABOVE WARRANT OFFICER GRADES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(b)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1501, substituted "ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS OF REGULAR OFFICERS IN GRADES ABOVE WARRANT OFFICER GRADES" for "APPOINTMENTS IN REGULAR COMPONENTS" as chapter heading, struck out analysis of subchapters listing subchapter I "Original Appointments of Regular Officers in Grades above Warrant Officer Grades" and subchapter II "Appointments of Regular Warrant Officers", and struck out subchapter I heading.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §104(a), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2845, inserted an analysis of subchapters immediately following chapter heading, added subchapter I heading, and, in analysis of sections following subchapter I heading, added items 531, 532, and 533 preceding item 541, re-enacted item 541 without change, and struck out, following item 541, items 555 to 565. The items 555 to 565 formerly set out in the analysis of sections immediately following chapter heading were transferred to a position following a new heading for subchapter II preceding section 555.

§531. Original appointments of commissioned officers

(a)(1) Original appointments in the grades of second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, and Space Force, and in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy shall be made by the President alone.

(2) Original appointments in the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, and Space Force, and in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) The grade of a person receiving an appointment under this section who at the time of appointment (1) is credited with service under section 533 of this title, and (2) is not a commissioned officer of a reserve component shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense based upon the amount of service credited. The grade of a person receiving an appointment under this section who at the time of the appointment is a commissioned officer of a reserve component is determined under section 533(f) of this title.

(c) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the President, an original appointment as a commissioned officer in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, Regular Navy, Regular Marine Corps, or Space Force may be made by the Secretary of Defense in the case of a reserve commissioned officer upon the transfer of such officer from the reserve active-status list of a reserve component of the armed forces to the active-duty list of an armed force, notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §104(a), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2845; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §3(a), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 124; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(a)(4), (c)(5), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1873, 1874; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §501(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1343; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(A), (13), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822, 3823; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1716(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 633; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(c)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1880.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–159, §521(c)(1)(A), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, and Space Force, and in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy" for "and Regular Marine Corps in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy, and in the equivalent grades in the Space Force".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §521(c)(1)(B), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, and Space Force, and in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy" for "and Regular Marine Corps in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy, and in the equivalent grades in the Space Force".

2023—Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "Regular" before "Space Force" wherever appearing.

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(13)(A), substituted "in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy, and in the equivalent grades in the Regular Space Force" for "and in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(13)(B), substituted "in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy, and in the equivalent grades in the Regular Space Force" for "and in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(4)(A), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2019—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "the Secretary of Defense" for "the Secretary concerned".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(a)(4), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Original appointments in the grades of second lieutenant through colonel in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, and Regular Marine Corps and in the grades of ensign through captain in the Regular Navy shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(c)(5), added subsec. (c).

1981—Pub. L. 97–22 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(g), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1875, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting section 647 of this title, amending this section and sections 532, 619, 641, 1174, 2114, 12201, 12203, and 12731 of this title, and repealing section 522 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004].

"(2) The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending section 532 of this title] shall take effect on May 1, 2005."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this chapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

Program To Increase Use of Certain Nurses by Military Departments

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §708, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1475, provided that:

"(a) Program Required.—(1) Not later than September 30, 1991, the Secretary of each military department shall implement a program to appoint persons who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing (but have not received a baccalaureate degree in nursing) as officers and to assign such officers to duty as nurses.

"(2) An officer appointed pursuant to the program required by subsection (a) shall be appointed in a warrant officer grade or in a commissioned grade not higher than O–3. Such officer may not be promoted above the grade of O–3 unless the officer receives a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

"(b) Report on Implementation.—Not later than April 1, 1990, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the actions taken by the Secretaries of the military departments to implement the program required by this section."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13384. Assignment of Functions Relating to Original Appointments as Commissioned Officers and Chief Warrant Officer Appointments in the Armed Forces

Ex. Ord. No. 13384, July 27, 2005, 70 F.R. 43739, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Assignment of Functions to the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense shall perform the functions of the President under the following provisions of title 10, United States Code:

(a) subsection 531(a)(1); and

(b) the second sentence of subsection 571(b).

Sec. 2. Reassignment of Functions Assigned. The Secretary of Defense may not reassign the functions assigned to him by this order.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the President as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, or under the Constitution and laws of the United States to nominate or to make or terminate appointments.

(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

George W. Bush.      

§532. Qualifications for original appointment as a commissioned officer

(a) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, an original appointment as a commissioned officer (other than as a commissioned warrant officer) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps may be given only to a person who—

(1) is a citizen of the United States;

(2) is of good moral character;

(3) is physically qualified for active service; and

(4) has such other special qualifications as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe by regulation.

(b)(1) Original appointments in the Regular Army in the Medical Corps or Dental Corps, and original appointments in the Regular Air Force with a view to designation of an officer as a medical or dental officer, may be made in the grades of first lieutenant through colonel. Original appointments in the Regular Navy in the Medical Corps or Dental Corps may be made in the grades of lieutenant (junior grade) through captain. Such appointments may be made only from persons who are qualified doctors of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry.

(2) To be eligible for an original appointment as a medical officer, a doctor of osteopathy must—

(A) be a graduate of a college of osteopathy whose graduates are eligible to be licensed to practice medicine or surgery in a majority of the States;

(B) be licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy in a State or in the District of Columbia;

(C) under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, have completed a number of years of osteopathic and preosteopathic education equal to the number of years of medical and premedical education prescribed for persons entering recognized schools of medicine who become doctors of medicine and who would be qualified for an original appointment in the grade for which that person is being considered for appointment; and

(D) have such other qualifications as the Secretary of the military department concerned prescribes after considering the recommendations, if any, of the Surgeon General of the armed force concerned.

(c) Original appointments in the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps of officers designated for limited duty shall be made under section 8139 or 8146 of this title.

[(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §501(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1739.]

[(e) Repealed. Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1872.]

(f) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) with respect to a person who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, or for a United States national otherwise eligible for appointment as a cadet or midshipman under section 2107(a) of this title or as a cadet under section 2107a of this title, when the Secretary determines that the national security so requires, but only for an original appointment in a grade below the grade of major or lieutenant commander.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §104(a), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2845; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §3(b), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 124; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(7), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §501, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1354; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §510, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1648; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(a)(1)–(3)(A), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1872; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §534(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §501(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4206; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §501(a), (b), title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1739, 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1716(b)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 633.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" in introductory provisions.

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

2018—Subsec. (a)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 115–232, §501(a), redesignated pars. (3) to (5) as (2) to (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "is able to complete 20 years of active commissioned service before his sixty-second birthday;".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–232, §809(a), substituted "section 8139 or 8146" for "section 5589 or 5596".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232, §501(b), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows:

"(1) A person receiving an original appointment as a medical or dental officer, as a chaplain, or as an officer designated for limited duty in the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps is not subject to clause (2) of subsection (a).

"(2) A commissioned officer appointed in a medical skill other than as a medical officer or dental officer (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense) is not subject to clause (2) of subsection (a)."

2011—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 111–383 struck out "reserve" before "commissioned officer".

2006—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–163 inserted ", or for a United States national otherwise eligible for appointment as a cadet or midshipman under section 2107(a) of this title or as a cadet under section 2107a of this title," after "for permanent residence".

2004—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(a)(2), substituted "sixty-second birthday" for "fifty-fifth birthday".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(a)(1), struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: "After September 30, 1996, no person may receive an original appointment as a commissioned officer in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps until that person has completed one year of service on active duty as a commissioned officer (other than a warrant officer) of a reserve component."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(a)(3)(A), added subsec. (f).

1993—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–160 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–190 added subsec. (e).

1982—Pub. L. 97–295 inserted "a" after "original appointment as" in section catchline.

1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–22 substituted "medical or dental officer, as a chaplain, or as an officer designated for limited duty in the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps" for "medical officer or dental officer or as a chaplain".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §501(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1739, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], and shall apply with respect to original appointments of regular commissioned officers of the Armed Forces made on or after that date."

Amendment by section 809(a) of Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by section 501(a)(1) of Pub. L. 108–375 effective on May 1, 2005, and amendment by section 501(a)(2), (3)(A) of Pub. L. 108–375 effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004, see section 501(g) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as a note under section 531 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Appointment of Citizens of Northern Mariana Islands as Commissioned Officers

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1006, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 661, provided that a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands who indicates in writing to a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the United States an intent to become a citizen, and not a national, of the United States, and who is otherwise qualified for military service under applicable laws and regulations, may be appointed as an officer in the Armed Forces of the United States, may be appointed or enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program of any of the Armed Forces under chapter 103 of title 10, United States Code, and may be selected to be a participant in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship program under chapter 105 of such title, and that this section shall expire upon the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Commonwealth was established as of 12:01 a.m., Nov. 4, 1986, see section 2(a), (b) of Proc. No. 5564, set out as a note under section 1801 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§533. Service credit upon original appointment as a commissioned officer

(a)(1) For the purpose of determining the grade and rank within grade of a person receiving an original appointment in a commissioned grade (other than a warrant officer grade) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Space Force, such person shall be credited at the time of such appointment with any active commissioned service (other than service as a commissioned warrant officer) that he performed in any armed force, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Public Health Service before such appointment.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations, which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to limit the amount of prior active commissioned service with which a person receiving an original appointment may be credited under paragraph (1), or to deny any such credit, in the case of a person who at the time of such appointment is credited with constructive service under subsection (b).

(b)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall credit a person who is receiving an original appointment in a commissioned grade (other than a commissioned warrant officer grade) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Space Force and who has advanced education or training or special experience with constructive service for such education, training, or experience as follows:

(A) One year for each year of advanced education beyond the baccalaureate degree level, for persons appointed, designated, or assigned in officer categories requiring such advanced education or an advanced degree as a prerequisite for such appointment, designation, or assignment. In determining the number of years of constructive service to be credited under this clause to officers in any professional field, the Secretary concerned shall credit an officer with, but with not more than, the number of years of advanced education required by a majority of institutions that award degrees in that professional field for completion of the advanced education or award of the advanced degree.

(B)(i) Credit for any period of advanced education in a health profession (other than medicine and dentistry) beyond the baccalaureate degree level which exceeds the basic education criteria for appointment, designation, or assignment, if such advanced education will be directly used by the armed force concerned.

(ii) Credit for experience in a health profession (other than medicine or dentistry), if such experience will be directly used by the armed force concerned.

(C) Additional credit of (i) not more than one year for internship or equivalent graduate medical, dental, or other formal professional training required by the armed forces, and (ii) not more than one year for each additional year of such graduate-level training or experience creditable toward certification in a specialty required by the armed forces.

(D) Additional credit as follows:

(i) For special training or experience in a particular officer field as designated by the Secretary concerned, if such training or experience is directly related to the operational needs of the armed force concerned.

(ii) During fiscal years 2021 through 2025, for advanced education in an officer field so designated, if such education is directly related to the operational needs of the armed force concerned.

(E) Additional credit for experience as a physician or dentist, if appointed as a medical or dental officer in the Army or Navy or, in the case of the Air Force, with a view to designation as a medical or dental officer.

(2) The amount of constructive service credited an officer under this subsection may not exceed the amount required in order for the officer to be eligible for an original appointment in the grade of colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or captain in the Navy.

(3) Constructive service credited an officer under this subsection is in addition to any service credited that officer under subsection (a) and shall be credited at the time of the original appointment of the officer.

(c) Constructive service credited an officer under subsection (b) shall be used only for determining the officer's—

(1) initial grade as a regular officer;

(2) rank in grade; and

(3) service in grade for promotion eligibility.

(d)(1) Constructive service may not be credited under subsection (b) for education, training, or experience obtained while serving as a commissioned officer (other than a warrant officer) on active duty or in an active status. However, in the case of an officer who completes advanced education or receives an advanced degree while on active duty or in an active status and in less than the number of years normally required to complete such advanced education or receive such advanced degree, constructive service may, subject to regulations prescribed under subsection (a)(2), be credited to the officer under subsection (b)(1)(A) to the extent that the number of years normally required to complete such advanced education or receive such advanced degree exceeds the actual number of years in which such advanced education or degree is obtained by the officer.

(2) A graduate of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy is not entitled to service credit under this section for service performed, or education, training, or experience obtained, before graduation from such Academy.

(e) If the Secretary of Defense determines that the number of qualified judge advocates serving on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps in grades below major or lieutenant commander is critically below the number needed by such armed force in such grades, he may authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to credit any person receiving an original appointment in the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the Army or Navy, or any person receiving an original appointment in the Air Force or Marine Corps with a view to designation as a judge advocate, with a period of constructive service in such an amount (in addition to any period of service credited such person under subsection (b)(1)) as will result in the grade of such person being that of captain or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, lieutenant and the date of rank of such person being junior to that of all other officers of the same grade serving on active duty.

(f) A reserve officer (other than a warrant officer) who receives an original appointment as an officer (other than as a warrant officer) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Space Force shall—

(1) in the case of an officer on the active-duty list immediately before that appointment as a regular officer, be appointed in the same grade and with the same date of rank as the grade and date of rank held by the officer on the active-duty list immediately before the appointment; and

(2) in the case of an officer not on the active-duty list immediately before that appointment as a regular officer, be appointed in the same grade and with the same date of rank as the grade and date of rank which the officer would have held had the officer been serving on the active-duty list on the date of the appointment as a regular officer.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §104(a), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2846; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 125; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1007(c)(1), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 662; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §714(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1112; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §509(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1647; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §502, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 750; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §512(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1377; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §502(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1739; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §502(a), title IX, §924(b)(1)(B), (4)(C), (14), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3563, 3820, 3822, 3823; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1716(b)(4), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 633; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1881.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force, or captain in the Navy" for "or Marine Corps, captain in the Navy, or an equivalent grade in the Space Force".

2023—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(1), (f). Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "Regular" before "Space Force".

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(4)(C), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(1)(B), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(4)(C), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 116–283, §502(a), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "Additional credit for special training or experience in a particular officer career field as designated by the Secretary concerned, if such training or experience is directly related to the operational needs of the armed force concerned."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(14), substituted ", captain in the Navy, or an equivalent grade in the Space Force" for "or captain in the Navy".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(4)(C), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

2018—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–232, §502(a)(2)(A), struck out "or (g)" after "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–232, §502(a)(1)(A), added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "Additional credit, in unusual cases, based on special experience in a particular field."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–232, §502(a)(1)(B), substituted "The amount" for "Except as authorized by the Secretary concerned in individual cases and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in the case of a medical or dental officer, the amount" and "in the grade of colonel in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps or captain in the Navy" for "in the grade of major in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps or lieutenant commander in the Navy".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–232, §502(a)(2)(A), struck out "or (g)" after "subsection (b)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–232, §502(a)(2)(B), struck out subsec. (g) which related to constructive service credited to commissioned officers with cyberspace-related experience or advanced education serving on active duty.

2017—Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "2023" for "2018".

2013—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–66, §502(1), inserted "or (g)" after "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–66, §502(1), inserted "or (g)" after "subsection (b)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–66, §502(2), added subsec. (g).

1993—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–160, §509(a)(1), in second sentence, substituted "In determining" for "Except as provided in clause (E), in determining" and "advanced education required" for "postsecondary education in excess of four that are required".

Subsec. (b)(1)(E), (F). Pub. L. 103–160, §509(a)(2), (3), redesignated subpar. (F) as (E) and struck out former subpar. (E) which read as follows: "Additional credit of one year for advanced education in a health profession if the number of years of baccalaureate education completed by 75 percent or more of the students entering advanced training in that health profession exceeds, by one or more, the minimum number of years of preprofessional education required by a majority of institutions which award degrees in that health profession. The percentage of such persons shall be computed on an annual basis for each health profession from the data for the year in which the person being appointed, designated, or assigned was admitted to a professional school. However, a person may not receive additional credit under this clause if the amount of his baccalaureate education does not exceed, by one or more, the minimum number of years of preprofessional education required by a majority of institutions which award degrees for that health profession, determined on the basis prescribed in the preceding sentence."

1987—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–180 designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii).

1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–94 inserted ", the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Public Health Service".

1981—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c)(1), inserted ", designated, or assigned" in first sentence after "persons appointed" and substituted "Except as provided in clause (E), in determining the number of years of constructive service to be credited under this clause to officers in any professional field, the Secretary concerned shall credit an officer with, but with not more than, the number of years of postsecondary education in excess of four that are required by a majority of institutions that award degrees in that professional field for completion of the advanced education or award of the advanced degree" for "(Except as provided in clause (E), in determining the years of constructive service under this clause, the Secretary concerned shall grant credit for only the number of years normally required to complete the advanced education or receive the advanced degree".

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c)(2), substituted "appointment, designation, or assignment, if such advanced education" for "appointment as an officer, if such advanced education".

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c)(3), substituted "person being appointed, designated, or assigned was admitted" for "person being appointed was admitted".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c)(4), inserted provision that, in the case of an officer who completes advanced education or receives an advanced degree while on active duty or in an active status and in less than the number of years normally required to complete such advanced education or receive such advanced degree, constructive service may, subject to regulations prescribed under subsection (a)(2), be credited to the officer under subsection (b)(1)(A) to the extent that the number of years normally required to complete such advanced education or receive such advanced degree exceeds the actual number of years in which such advanced education or degree is obtained by the officer.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–22, §3(c)(5), substituted "A reserve officer (other than a warrant officer) who receives an original appointment as an officer (other than as a warrant officer) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps shall (1) in the case of an officer on the active-duty list immediately before that appointment as a regular officer, be appointed in the same grade and with the same date of rank as the grade and date of rank held by the officer on the active-duty list immediately before the appointment; and (2) in the case of an officer not on the active-duty list immediately before that appointment as a regular officer, be appointed in the same grade and with the same date of rank as the grade and date of rank which the officer would have held had the officer been serving on the active-duty list on the date of the appointment as a regular officer" for "An officer of a reserve component who receives an original appointment as an officer (other than a warrant officer) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps shall be appointed in the grade and with the date of rank to which he would have been entitled had he been serving on active duty as an officer of a reserve component on the date of such original appointment as a regular officer".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Annual Report

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §502(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3564, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than February 1, 2022, and every four years thereafter [sic], each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the use of the authorities in subparagraph (D) of section 553(b)(1) [probably means section 533(b)(1)] of title 10, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), and subparagraph (D) of section 12207(b)(1) of such title (as amended by subsection (b)) (each referred to in this subsection as a 'constructive credit authority') during the preceding fiscal year for the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary.

"(2) Elements.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, for the fiscal year and Armed Forces covered by such report, the following:

"(A) The manner in which constructive service credit was calculated under each constructive credit authority.

"(B) The number of officers credited constructive service credit under each constructive credit authority.

"(C) A description and assessment of the utility of the constructive credit authorities in meeting the operational needs of the Armed Force concerned.

"(D) Such other matters in connection with the constructive credit authorities as the Secretary of the military department concerned considers appropriate."

Ratification of Service Credit Awarded Prior to November 30, 1993

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §509(e), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1648, provided that: "To the extent that service credit awarded before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1993] under section 533, 3353, 5600, or 8353 of title 10, United States Code, based on advanced education in medicine or dentistry was awarded consistent with that section as amended by this section (whether or not properly awarded under that section as in effect before such amendment), the awarding of that service credit is hereby ratified."

Transition Provision Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For savings provision relating to constructive service previously granted, see section 625 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§541. Graduates of the United States Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each cadet at the United States Military Academy or the United States Air Force Academy, and each midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, is entitled, before graduating from that Academy, to state his preference for appointment, upon graduation, as a commissioned officer in either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

(b) With the consent of the Secretary of the military department administering the Academy from which the cadet or midshipman is to be graduated, and of the Secretary of the military department having jurisdiction over the armed force for which that graduate stated his preference, the graduate is entitled to be accepted for appointment in that armed force. However, not more than 12½ percent of any graduating class at an Academy may be appointed in armed forces not under the jurisdiction of the military department administering that Academy.

(c) The Secretary of Defense shall, by regulation, provide for the equitable distribution of appointments in cases where more than 12½ percent of the graduating class of any Academy request appointment in armed forces not under the jurisdiction of the military department administering that Academy.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 19; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
541(a)	10:1092c–1(a) (1st 59 words of 1st sentence).	Apr. 1, 1954, ch. 127, §8, 68 Stat. 48.
	10:1856(a) (1st 59 words of 1st sentence).
	34:1057–1(a) (1st 59 words of 1st sentence).
541(b)	10:1092c–1(a) (1st sentence, less 1st 59 words).
	10:1856(a) (1st sentence, less 1st 59 words).
	34:1057–1(a) (1st sentence, less 1st 59 words).
541(c)	10:1092c–1 (less (a)).
	10:1856 (less (a)).
	34:1057–1 (less (a)).

In subsection (a), the words "is entitled * * * to" are substituted for the words "shall * * * be afforded an opportunity to".

In subsection (b), the words "is entitled" are substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (c), the words "and fair" are omitted as surplusage. 10:1092c–1(c), 10:1856(c), and 34:1057–1(c) are omitted as covered by section 51(a) of the bill.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §52(a), 70A Stat. 641, provided that: "Section 541 of title 10, United States Code, enacted by section 1 of this Act, takes effect (1) in the year in which the initial class graduates from the United States Air Force Academy, or (2) upon the rescission of the agreement under which graduates of the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy may volunteer for appointment in the Air Force, whichever is earlier."

Appointment of United States Military Academy Graduates in Air Force

Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §44, 70A Stat. 637, provided that a cadet who had graduated from the United States Military Academy could, upon graduation and before the effective date of section 541 of this title, be appointed a second lieutenant in the Regular Air Force, and set forth provisions relating to date of appointment, service credit, rank among graduates, and increase in authorized strength.

[§§555 to 565. Repealed. Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1492]

Section 555, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 20; Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–649, §§6(f)(2), 14c(2), 76 Stat. 494, 501; July 30, 1977, Pub. L. 95–79, title III, §302(a)(4), 91 Stat. 326; Nov. 8, 1985, Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §531(a), title XIII, §1303(a)(5), 99 Stat. 633, 739, related to warrant officer grades. See section 571(a) and (b) of this title.

Section 556, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 20, related to credit for service of persons originally appointed in regular warrant officer grades under section 555 of this title. See section 572 of this title.

Section 557, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 20, related to qualifications for promotion of regular warrant officers.

Section 558, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 20, related to appointment of selection boards to consider promotions of regular warrant officers. See section 573(a), (b), (e), and (f) of this title.

Section 559, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 21, related to eligibility of regular warrant officers for promotion.

Section 560, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 21; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–861, §33(a)(3), 72 Stat. 1564, related to selection procedure for promotion of warrant officers. See section 576(a) to (e) of this title.

Section 561, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 22, related to effect of failure of selection of regular warrant officers for promotion. See section 577 of this title.

Section 562, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 22, related to disapproval of promotion of regular warrant officers by Secretary concerned, President, or Senate. See section 579 of this title.

Section 563, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 22, related to effective date of promotion of regular warrant officer.

Section 564, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 22; Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–649, §6(f)(3), 76 Stat. 494; Nov. 2, 1966, Pub. L. 89–718, §3, 80 Stat. 1115; Dec. 12, 1980, Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(6), 94 Stat. 2907, related to effect of second failure of promotion for regular warrant officers. See section 580(a) to (d) of this title.

Section 565, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 24, related to suspension of laws for promotion or mandatory retirement or separation of regular warrant officers during war or emergency.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

Preservation of Existing Law for Coast Guard

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1125(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1505, provided that sections 555 to 565 of this title, as in effect on the day before Feb. 1, 1992, would continue to apply to the Coast Guard on and after that date, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(f)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2766.

CHAPTER 33A—APPOINTMENT, PROMOTION, AND INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT FOR MEMBERS ON THE WARRANT OFFICER ACTIVE-DUTY LIST

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §504(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1645, added item 580a.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(6), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499, inserted "to be" after "Information" in item 576 and substituted "Promotions:" for "Promotions;" in item 578.

§571. Warrant officers: grades

(a) The regular warrant officer grades in the armed forces corresponding to the pay grades prescribed for warrant officers by section 201(b) of title 37 are as follows:

Warrant officer grade:

Chief warrant officer, W–⁠5.

Chief warrant officer, W–4.

Chief warrant officer, W–3.

Chief warrant officer, W–2.

Warrant officer, W–1.

(b) Appointments in the grade of regular warrant officer, W–1, shall be made by warrant, except that with respect to an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary concerned may provide by regulation that appointments in that grade in that armed force shall be made by commission. Appointments in regular chief warrant officer grades shall be made by commission by the President, and appointments (whether by warrant or commission) in the grade of regular warrant officer, W–1, shall be made by the President, except that appointments in that grade in the Coast Guard shall be made by the Secretary concerned.

(c) An appointment may not be made in any of the armed forces in the regular warrant officer grade of chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, if the appointment would result in more than 5 percent of the warrant officers of that armed force on active duty being in the grade of chief warrant officer, W–⁠5. In computing the limitation prescribed in the preceding sentence, there shall be excluded warrant officers described in section 582 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1493; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2764; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §502(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4207.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 555 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted ", except that with respect to an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary concerned may provide by regulation that appointments in that grade in that armed force shall be made by commission" for "by the Secretary concerned" and inserted ", and appointments (whether by warrant or commission) in the grade of regular warrant officer, W–1, shall be made by the President, except that appointments in that grade in the Coast Guard shall be made by the Secretary concerned" after "commission by the President".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 inserted a period at end of each item in table.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(h), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767, provided that: "This section [enacting section 215 of Title 14, Coast Guard, amending this section, sections 573 to 576, 580, 580a, 581, and 583 of this title, and sections 41, 214, 286a, and 334 of Title 14, repealing sections 212 and 213 of Title 14, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, and repealing a provision set out as a note under former section 555 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the fourth month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994]."

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

Short Title

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1101, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1491, provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter and section 742 of this title, amending sections 521, 522, 597, 598 [now 12242], 603, 628, 644, 741, 1166, 1174, 1305, 1406, 5414, 5457, 5458, 5501 to 5503, 5596, 5600, 5665, 6389, and 6391 of this title, sections 286a and 334 of Title 14, Coast Guard, and sections 201, 301, 301c, 305a, and 406 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, repealing sections 555 to 565, 602, and 745 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 521 and 555 of this title, and section 1009 of Title 37] may be cited as the 'Warrant Officer Management Act'."

Transition and Savings Provisions

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(c), (d), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2765, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1504(a)(3), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 513, provided that:

"(c) Transition for Certain Regular Warrant Officers Serving in a Higher Temporary Grade Below Chief Warrant Officer, W–5.—(1) A regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who on the effective date of this section [see Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note above] is on active duty and—

"(A) is serving in a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is higher than that warrant officer's permanent grade;

"(B) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5; or

"(C) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a permanent grade higher than the grade in which that warrant officer is serving;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 573 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (b), for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the grade in which that warrant officer is serving or for which that warrant officer has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(2) An officer referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) who is not promoted to the grade to which that warrant officer is considered under such subsection to have been recommended for promotion because that officer's name is removed from a list of officers who are considered under such paragraph to have been recommended for promotion shall be considered by a board convened under section 573 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (b), for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the temporary grade in which that warrant officer was serving on the effective date of this section as if that warrant officer were serving in the permanent grade.

"(3) The date of rank of an officer referred to in paragraph (1)(A) who is promoted to the grade in which that warrant officer is serving on the effective date of this section is the date of that officer's temporary appointment in that grade.

"(d) Transition for Certain Reserve Warrant Officers Serving in a Higher Temporary Grade Below Chief Warrant Officer, W–5.—(1)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a reserve warrant officer of the Coast Guard who on the effective date of this section [see Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note above] is subject to placement on the warrant officer active-duty list and who—

"(i) is serving in a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is higher than that warrant officer's permanent grade; or

"(ii) is on a list of warrant officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is the same as or higher than that warrant officer's permanent grade;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 598 [now 12242] of title 10, United States Code, for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the grade in which the warrant officer is serving or for which that warrant officer has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(B) The date of rank of a warrant officer referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) who is promoted to the grade in which that warrant officer is considered under such subparagraph to have been recommended for promotion is the date of the temporary appointment of that warrant officer in that grade.

"(2) A reserve warrant officer of the Coast Guard who on the effective date of this section—

"(A) is subject to placement on the warrant officer active-duty list;

"(B) is serving on active duty in a temporary grade; and

"(C) holds a permanent grade higher than the temporary grade in which that warrant officer is serving;

shall while continuing on active duty retain such temporary grade and shall be considered for promotion to a grade equal to or lower than the permanent grade as if such temporary grade is a permanent grade. If such warrant officer is recommended for promotion, the appointment of that warrant officer to such grade shall be a temporary appointment."

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §§1121–1124, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1503–1505, provided that:

"SEC. 1121. TRANSITION FOR CERTAIN REGULAR WARRANT OFFICERS SERVING IN A HIGHER TEMPORARY GRADE BELOW CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER, W–⁠5.

"(a) Certain Officers To Be Considered as Recommended for Promotion.—A regular warrant officer of the Armed Forces (other than the Coast Guard) who on the effective date of this title [Feb. 1, 1992] is on active duty and—

"(1) is serving in a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is higher than his permanent grade;

"(2) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5; or

"(3) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a permanent grade higher than the grade in which he is serving;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 573 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this title, for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the grade in which he is serving or for which he has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(b) Board Consideration for Officers Removed From Promotion List.—An officer referred to in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) who is not promoted to the grade to which he is considered under such subsection to have been recommended for promotion because his name is removed from a list of officers who are considered under such paragraph to have been recommended for promotion shall be considered by a board convened under section 573 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this title, for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the temporary grade in which he was serving on the effective date of this title as if he were serving in his permanent grade.

"(c) Date of Rank.—The date of rank of an officer referred to in subsection (a)(1) who is promoted to the grade in which he is serving on the effective date of this title is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"SEC. 1122. TRANSITION FOR CERTAIN RESERVE WARRANT OFFICERS SERVING IN A HIGHER TEMPORARY GRADE BELOW CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER, W–⁠5.

"(a) Certain Officers To Be Considered as Recommended for Promotion.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), a reserve warrant officer of the Armed Forces (other than the Coast Guard) who on the effective date of this title [Feb. 1, 1992] is subject to placement on the warrant officer active-duty list and who—

"(A) is serving in a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is higher than his permanent grade; or

"(B) is on a list of warrant officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, that is the same as or higher than his permanent grade;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 598 [now 12242] of title 10, United States Code, for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the grade in which he is serving or for which he has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(2) The date of rank of a warrant officer referred to in paragraph (1)(A) who is promoted to the grade in which he is considered under such paragraph to have been recommended for promotion is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"(b) Reserves on Active Duty.—A reserve warrant officer who on the effective date of this title—

"(1) is subject to placement on the warrant officer active-duty list;

"(2) is serving on active duty in a temporary grade; and

"(3) holds a permanent grade higher than the temporary grade in which he is serving,

shall while continuing on active duty retain such temporary grade and shall be considered for promotion to a grade equal to or lower than his permanent grade as if such temporary grade is a permanent grade. If such warrant officer is recommended for promotion, his appointment to such grade shall be a temporary appointment.

"SEC. 1123. CONTINUATION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS OF NAVY AND MARINE CORPS WARRANT OFFICERS.

"A warrant officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who, on the effective date of this title [Feb. 1, 1992], is subject to placement on the warrant officer active-duty list and who—

"(1) was appointed as a temporary warrant officer under section 5596 [now 8146] of title 10, United States Code, and

"(2) has retained a permanent enlisted status,

shall, while continuing on active duty, retain such temporary status and grade. Such an officer shall be considered for promotion to a higher warrant officer grade under this title [see Short Title note above] as if that temporary grade is a permanent grade. If the officer is recommended for promotion, the officer's appointment to that grade shall be a temporary appointment.

"SEC. 1124. SAVINGS PROVISION FOR CERTAIN REGULAR ARMY WARRANT OFFICERS FACING MANDATORY RETIREMENT FOR LENGTH OF SERVICE.

"(a) Savings Provision.—Subject to subsection (b), a regular warrant officer of the Army who on the effective date of this title [Feb. 1, 1992]—

"(1) is a permanent regular chief warrant officer; or

"(2) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a regular chief warrant officer grade,

may be retained on active duty until he completes 30 years of active service or 24 years of active warrant officer service, whichever is later, that could be credited to him under section 511 of the Career Compensation Act of 1949 (70 Stat. 114) [act Oct. 12, 1949, formerly set out as a note under section 580 of this title] (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this part [Feb. 1, 1992]), and then be retired under the appropriate provision of title 10, United States Code, on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes that service.

"(b) Exceptions.—Subsection (a) does not apply to a regular warrant officer who—

"(1) is sooner retired or separated under another provision of law;

"(2) is promoted to the regular grade of chief warrant officer, W–⁠5; or

"(3) is continued on active duty under section 580(e) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this title."

Establishment of Permanent Grade of Chief Warrant Officer, W–5

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2764, provided that: "The grade of chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, is hereby established in the Coast Guard."

[For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1111(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1491, provided that: "The grade of chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, is hereby established in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Authority of President under subsec. (b) of this section to appoint by commission regular chief warrant officers and reserve chief warrant officers in the Coast Guard delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by Ex. Ord. No. 14106, §1(g), (h), Aug. 14, 2023, 88 F.R. 55905, set out in a note under section 2101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Functions of President under second sentence of subsec. (b) of this section delegated to Secretary of Defense by section 1(b) of Ex. Ord. No. 13384, July 27, 2005, 70 F.R. 43739, set out as a note under section 531 of this title.

§572. Warrant officers: original appointment; service credit

(a) For the purposes of promotion, persons originally appointed in regular or reserve warrant officer grades shall be credited with such service as the Secretary concerned may prescribe. However, such a person may not be credited with a period of service greater than the period of active service performed in the grade, or pay grade corresponding to the grade, in which so appointed, or in any higher grade or pay grade.

(b) The Secretary concerned shall credit a person who is receiving an original appointment as a warrant officer in the regular component of an armed force under the jurisdiction of such Secretary concerned, and who has advanced education or training or special experience, with constructive service for such education, training, or experience, as follows:

(1) For special training or experience in a particular warrant officer field designated by the Secretary concerned, if such training or experience is directly related to the operational needs of the armed force concerned, as determined by such Secretary concerned.

(2) For advanced education in a warrant officer field designated by the Secretary concerned, if such education is directly related to the operational needs of the armed force concerned, as determined by such Secretary concerned.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1493; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §507(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2558.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 556 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§573. Convening of selection boards

(a)(1) Whenever the Secretary concerned determines that the needs of the service so require, he shall convene a selection board to recommend for promotion to the next higher warrant officer grade warrant officers on the warrant officer active-duty list who are in the grade of chief warrant officer, W–2, chief warrant officer, W–3, or chief warrant officer, W–4.

(2) Warrant officers serving on the warrant officer active-duty list in the grade of warrant officer, W–1, shall be promoted to the grade of chief warrant officer, W–2, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned. Such regulations shall require that an officer have served not less than 18 months on active duty in the grade of warrant officer, W–1, before promotion to the grade of warrant officer, W–2.

(b) A selection board shall consist of five or more officers who are on the active-duty list of the same armed force as the warrant officers under consideration by the board. At least five members of a selection board must be serving in a permanent grade above major or lieutenant commander. The Secretary concerned may appoint warrant officers, senior in grade to those under consideration, as additional members of the selection board. If warrant officers are appointed members of the selection board and if competitive categories have been established by the Secretary under section 574(b) of this title, at least one must be appointed from each warrant officer competitive category under consideration by the board, unless there is an insufficient number of warrant officers in the competitive category concerned who are senior in grade to those under consideration and qualified, as determined by the Secretary concerned, to be appointed as additional members of the board. The members of a selection board shall represent the diverse population of the armed force concerned to the extent practicable.

(c) The Secretary concerned may convene selection boards to recommend regular warrant officers for continuation on active duty under section 580 of this title and for retirement under section 581 of this title.

(d) When reserve warrant officers of one of the armed forces are to be considered by a selection board convened under subsection (a), the membership of the board shall, if practicable, include at least one reserve officer of that armed force, with the exact number of reserve officers to be determined by the Secretary concerned.

(e) No officer may serve on two consecutive boards under this section, if the second board considers any warrant officer who was considered by the first board.

(f) The Secretary concerned shall prescribe all other matters relating to the functions and duties of the boards, including the number of members constituting a quorum, and instructions concerning notice of convening of boards and communications with boards.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1493; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2764; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1503(a)(5), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 511; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §503(a)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3564.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 558 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted at end "The members of a selection board shall represent the diverse population of the armed force concerned to the extent practicable."

1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "active-duty list" for "active duty list".

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(1)(A), substituted "Secretary concerned" for "Secretary of a military department".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(1)(B), struck out "of the military department" after "Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

Other Selection Boards

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §503(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3565, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the members of each selection board described in paragraph (2) represent the diverse population of the Armed Force concerned to the extent practicable.

"(2) Selection board described.—A selection board described in this paragraph (1) is any selection board used with respect to the promotion, education, or command assignments of members of the Armed Forces that is not covered by the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 612 and 14102 of this title]."

§574. Warrant officer active-duty lists; competitive categories; number to be recommended for promotion; promotion zones

(a) The Secretary concerned shall maintain for each armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary a single list of all warrant officers (other than warrant officers described in section 582 of this title) who are on active duty.

(b) The Secretary concerned may establish competitive categories for promotion. Warrant officers in the same competitive category shall compete among themselves for promotion.

(c) Before convening a selection board under section 573 of this title, the Secretary concerned shall determine for each grade (or grade and competitive category) to be considered by the board the following:

(1) The maximum number of warrant officers to be recommended for promotion.

(2) A promotion zone for warrant officers on the warrant officer active-duty list.

(d) The position of a warrant officer on the warrant officer active-duty list shall be determined as follows:

(1) Warrant officers shall be carried in the order of seniority of the grade in which they are serving on active duty.

(2) Warrant officers serving in the same grade shall be carried in the order of their rank in that grade.

(3) A warrant officer on the warrant officer active-duty list who receives a temporary appointment or a temporary assignment in a grade other than a warrant officer grade or chief warrant officer grade shall retain his position on the warrant officer active-duty list while so serving.

(e) A chief warrant officer may not be considered for promotion to the next higher grade under this chapter until the officer has completed two years of service on active duty in the grade in which the officer is serving.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1494; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(3), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(b)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2764; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §506(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2512.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "two years of service" for "three years of service".

1994—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Secretary concerned" for "Secretary of each military department".

1992—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "active-duty list" for "active duty list" before "while".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§575. Recommendations for promotion by selection boards

(a) A selection board convened under section 573(a) of this title shall recommend for promotion to the next higher grade those warrant officers considered by the board whom the board, giving due consideration to the needs of the armed force concerned for warrant officers with particular skills, considers best qualified for promotion within each grade (or grade and competitive category) considered by the board.

(b)(1) In the case of a selection board to consider warrant officers for selection for promotion to the grade of chief warrant officer, W–3, chief warrant officer, W–4, or chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, the Secretary concerned shall establish the number of warrant officers that the selection board may recommend from among warrant officers being considered from below the promotion zone within each grade (or grade and competitive category). The number of warrant officers recommended for promotion from below the promotion zone does not increase the maximum number of warrant officers which the board is authorized under section 574 of this title to recommend for promotion.

(2) The number of officers recommended for promotion from below the promotion zone may not exceed 10 percent of the total number recommended, except that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, may authorize such percentage to be increased to not more than 15 percent. If the number determined under this subsection with respect to a promotion zone within a grade (or grade and competitive category) is less than one, the board may recommend one such officer for promotion from below the zone within that grade (or grade and competitive category).

(c) A selection board convened under section 573(a) of this title may not recommend a warrant officer for promotion unless—

(1) the officer receives the recommendation of a majority of the members of the board; and

(2) a majority of the members of the board find that the officer is fully qualified for promotion.

(d) Each time a selection board is convened under section 573(a) of this title to consider warrant officers in a competitive category for promotion to the next higher grade, each warrant officer in the promotion zone, and each warrant officer above the promotion zone, for the grade and competitive category under consideration (except for a warrant officer precluded from consideration under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned under section 577 of this title) shall be considered for promotion.

(e)(1) In selecting the warrant officers to be recommended for promotion, a selection board shall, when authorized by the Secretary concerned, recommend warrant officers of particular merit, pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary concerned, from among those warrant officers selected for promotion, to be placed higher on the promotion list contained in the report of such board under section 576(c) of this title.

(2) A selection board may recommend that a warrant officer be placed higher on a promotion list under paragraph (1) only if the warrant officer receives the recommendation of at least a majority of the members of the board, unless the Secretary concerned establishes an alternative requirement. Any such alternate requirement shall be furnished to the board as part of the guidelines furnished to the board under section 576 of this title.

(3) For the warrant officers recommended to be placed higher on a promotion list under paragraph (1), the board shall recommend the order in which those warrant officers should be placed on the list.

(f)(1) Upon the request of a warrant officer, the Secretary concerned may exclude the warrant officer from consideration for promotion under this section.

(2) The Secretary concerned may approve a request of a warrant officer under paragraph (1) only if—

(A) the basis for the request is to allow the officer to complete—

(i) an assignment in support of career progression;

(ii) advanced education;

(iii) an assignment such Secretary determines is of significant value to the Armed Force concerned; or

(iv) a career progression requirement delayed by an assignment or education;

(B) such Secretary determines that such exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Armed Force concerned; and

(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests exclusion from consideration.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1495; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §§501(a), 541(b)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2748, 2764; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §506(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2512; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §505, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §508(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2559.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 117–263 added subsecs. (e) and (f).

2002—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–65 inserted at end "If the number determined under this subsection with respect to a promotion zone within a grade (or grade and competitive category) is less than one, the board may recommend one such officer for promotion from below the zone within that grade (or grade and competitive category)."

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–201 inserted "chief warrant officer, W–3," after "promotion to the grade of" in first sentence.

1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(3), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy," after "Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–337, §501(a), inserted "(except for a warrant officer precluded from consideration under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned under section 577 of this title)" after "under consideration".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by section 541(b)(3) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§576. Information to be furnished to selection boards; selection procedures

(a) The Secretary concerned shall furnish to each selection board convened under section 573 of this title the following:

(1) The maximum number of warrant officers that may be recommended for promotion from those serving in any grade (or grade and competitive category) to be considered, as determined in accordance with section 574 of this title.

(2) The names and pertinent records of all officers in each grade (or grade and competitive category) to be considered.

(3) Such information or guidelines relating to the needs of the armed force concerned for warrant officers having particular skills, including guidelines or information relating to the need for either a minimum number or a maximum number of officers with particular skills within a grade or competitive category, as the Secretary concerned determines to be relevant in relation to the requirements of that armed force.

(b) From each promotion zone for a grade (or grade and competitive category), the selection board shall recommend for promotion to the next higher warrant officer grade those warrant officers whom it considers best qualified for promotion, but no more than the number specified by the Secretary concerned.

(c) The names of warrant officers selected for promotion under this section shall be arranged in the report of such board in the following order of priority:

(1) Warrant officers recommended under section 575(e) of this title to be placed higher on the promotion list, in the order in which the board determines.

(2) Warrant officers otherwise recommended for promotion, in the order of seniority on the warrant officer active-duty list.

(d) Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the selection board shall report the names of those warrant officers considered by it whose records establish, in its opinion, their unfitness or unsatisfactory performance. A regular warrant officer whose name is so reported shall be considered, under regulations provided by the Secretary concerned, for retirement or separation under section 1166 of this title.

(e) The report of the selection board shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned. The Secretary may approve or disapprove all or part of the report.

(f)(1) Upon receipt of the report of a selection board submitted to him under subsection (e), the Secretary concerned shall review the report to determine whether the board has acted contrary to law or regulation or to guidelines furnished the board under this section.

(2) If, on the basis of a review of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned determines that the board acted contrary to law or regulation or to guidelines furnished the board under this section, the Secretary shall return the report, together with a written explanation of the basis for such determination, to the board for further proceedings. Upon receipt of a report returned by the Secretary concerned under this paragraph, the selection board (or a subsequent selection board convened under section 573 of this title for the same grade and competitive category) shall conduct such proceedings as may be necessary in order to revise the report to be consistent with law, regulation, and such guidelines and shall resubmit the report, as revised, to the Secretary in accordance with subsection (e).

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1496; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §§501(b), 541(b)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2748, 2764; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §508(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2560.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 560 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–263 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "The names of warrant officers selected for promotion under this section shall be arranged in the board's report in order of the seniority on the warrant officer active-duty list."

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(4)(A), struck out "of the military department" after "The Secretary" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(4)(B), struck out "of the military department" after "submitted to the Secretary".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §501(b), struck out after first sentence "Following such review, unless the Secretary concerned makes a determination as described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit the report as required by subsection (e)."

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(4)(C), struck out "of the military department" after "paragraph (1), the Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by section 541(b)(4) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§577. Promotions: effect of failure of selection for

A warrant officer who has been considered for promotion by a selection board convened under section 573 of this title, but not selected, shall be considered for promotion by each subsequent selection board that considers officers in his grade (or grade and competitive category) until he is retired or separated or he is selected for promotion. However, the Secretary concerned may, by regulation, preclude from consideration by a selection board by which he would otherwise be eligible to be considered, a warrant officer who has an established separation date that is within 90 days after the date on which the board is convened or an approved retirement date.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1497; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 561 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "or an approved retirement date" after "an established separation date that is within 90 days after the date on which the board is convened".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§578. Promotions: how made; effective date

(a) When the report of a selection board convened under this chapter is approved by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary shall place the names of the warrant officers approved for promotion on a single promotion list for each grade (or grade and competitive category), in the order set forth in section 576(c) of this title.

(b) Promotions of warrant officers on the warrant officer promotion list shall be made when, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary concerned, additional warrant officers in that grade (or grade and competitive category), are needed.

(c) A regular warrant officer who is promoted is appointed in the regular grade to which promoted, and a reserve warrant officer who is promoted is appointed in the reserve grade to which promoted. The date of appointment in that grade and date of rank shall be prescribed by the Secretary concerned. A warrant officer is entitled to the pay and allowances for the grade to which appointed from the date specified in the appointment order.

(d) Promotions shall be made in the order in which the names of warrant officers appear on the promotion list and after warrant officers previously selected for promotion in the applicable grade (or grade and competitive category) have been promoted.

(e) A warrant officer who is appointed to a higher grade under this section is considered to have accepted such appointment on the date on which the appointment is made unless the officer expressly declines the appointment.

(f) A warrant officer who has served continuously as an officer since subscribing to the oath of office prescribed in section 3331 of title 5 is not required to take a new oath upon appointment to a higher grade under this section.

(g) Notwithstanding subsection (d), and subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in the case of a warrant officer who is selected for promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter, and prior to the placement of the warrant officer's name on the applicable promotion list as approved for transfer to a new component within the same or a different armed force, the Secretary concerned may place the warrant officer's name on a corresponding promotion list of the new component without regard to the warrant officer's competitive category. A warrant officer's promotion under this subsection shall be made pursuant to section 12242 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1497; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(4), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §501(c), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2748; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §508(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2560; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 240; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(13), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2203.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "as approved" for "is approved".

2023—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsec. (g).

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "set forth in section 576(c) of this title" for "of the seniority of such officers on the warrant officer active-duty list".

1994—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 103–337 added subsecs. (e) and (f).

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "Promotions:" for "Promotions;" in section catchline.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§579. Removal from a promotion list

(a) The name of a warrant officer recommended for promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter may be removed from the report of the selection board by the President.

(b) The Secretary concerned may remove the name of a warrant officer who is on a promotion list as a result of being recommended for promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter at any time before the promotion is effective.

(c) An officer whose name is removed from the list of officers recommended for promotion by a selection board continues to be eligible for consideration for promotion.

(d) If the next selection board that considers the warrant officer for promotion under this chapter selects the warrant officer for promotion and the warrant officer is promoted, the Secretary concerned may, upon his promotion, grant him the same effective date for pay and allowances and the same date of rank, and the same position on the warrant officer active-duty list as the warrant officer would have had if his name had not been so removed.

(e) If the next selection board does not select the warrant officer for promotion, or if his name is again removed under subsection (a) from the list of officers recommended for promotion by the selection board or under subsection (b) from the warrant officer promotion list, he shall be treated for all purposes as if he has twice failed of selection for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1497.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 562 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§580. Regular warrant officers twice failing of selection for promotion: involuntary retirement or separation

(a)(1) Unless retired or separated sooner under some other provision of law, a regular chief warrant officer who has twice failed of selection for promotion to the next higher regular warrant officer grade shall be retired under paragraph (2) or (3) or separated from active duty under paragraph (4).

(2) If a warrant officer described in paragraph (1) has more than 20 years of creditable active service on (A) the date on which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board under section 576(e) of this title, or (B) the date on which his name was removed from the recommended list under section 579 of this title, whichever applies, the warrant officer shall be retired. The date of such retirement shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the applicable date under the preceding sentence, except as provided by section 8301 of title 5. A warrant officer retired under this paragraph shall receive retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title.

(3) If a warrant officer described in paragraph (1) has at least 18 but not more than 20 years of creditable active service on (A) the date on which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board under section 576(e) of this title, or (B) the date on which his name was removed from the recommended list under section 579 of this title, whichever applies, the warrant officer shall be retired not later than the date determined under the next sentence unless he is selected for promotion to the next higher regular warrant officer grade before that date. The date of the retirement of a warrant officer under the preceding sentence shall be on a date specified by the Secretary concerned, but not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the date upon which he completes 20 years of active service, except as provided by section 8301 of title 5. A warrant officer retired under this paragraph shall receive retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title.

(4)(A) If a warrant officer described in paragraph (1) has less than 18 years of creditable active service on (i) the date on which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board under section 576(e) of this title, or (ii) the date on which his name was removed from the recommended list under section 579 of this title, whichever applies, the warrant officer shall be separated (except as provided in subparagraph (C)). The date of such separation shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the applicable date under the preceding sentence.

(B) A warrant officer separated under this paragraph shall receive separation pay computed under section 1174 of this title, or severance pay computed under section 286a ¹ of title 14, as appropriate, except in a case in which—

(i) upon his request and in the discretion of the Secretary concerned, he is enlisted in the grade prescribed by the Secretary; or

(ii) he is serving on active duty in a grade above chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, and he elects, with the consent of the Secretary concerned, to remain on active duty in that status.

(C) If on the date on which a warrant officer is to be separated under subparagraph (A) the warrant officer has at least 18 years of creditable active service, the warrant officer shall be retained on active duty until retired under paragraph (3) in the same manner as if the warrant officer had had at least 18 years of service on the applicable date under subparagraph (A) or (B) of that paragraph.

(5) A warrant officer who is subject to retirement or discharge under this subsection is not eligible for further consideration for promotion.

(6) In this subsection, the term "creditable active service" means active service that could be credited to a warrant officer under section 511 of the Career Compensation Act of 1949, as amended (70 Stat. 114).

(b) The Secretary concerned may defer, for not more than four months, the retirement or separation under this section of a warrant officer if, because of unavoidable circumstances, evaluation of his physical condition and determination of his entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed before the date on which he would otherwise be required to retire or be separated under this section.

(c) The Secretary concerned may defer, until such date as he prescribes, the retirement under subsection (a) of a warrant officer who is serving on active duty in a grade above chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, and who elects to continue to so serve.

(d) If a warrant officer who also holds a grade above chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, is retired or separated under subsection (a), his commission in the higher grade shall be terminated on the date on which he is so retired or separated.

(e)(1) A regular warrant officer subject to discharge or retirement under this section may, subject to the needs of the service, be continued on active duty if—

(A) in the case of a warrant officer in the grade of chief warrant officer, W–2, or chief warrant officer, W–3, the warrant officer is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title; and

(B) in the case of a warrant officer in the grade of chief warrant officer, W–4, the warrant officer is selected for continuation on active duty by the Secretary concerned under such procedures as the Secretary may prescribe.

(2)(A) A warrant officer who is selected for continuation on active duty under this subsection but declines to continue on active duty shall be discharged, retired, or retained on active duty, as appropriate, in accordance with this section.

(B) A warrant officer in the grade of chief warrant officer, W–4, who is retained on active duty pursuant to procedures prescribed under paragraph (1)(B) is eligible for further consideration for promotion while remaining on active duty.

(3) Each warrant officer who is continued on active duty under this subsection, not subsequently promoted or continued on active duty, and not on a list of warrant officers recommended for continuation or for promotion to the next higher regular grade shall, unless sooner retired or discharged under another provision of law—

(A) be discharged upon the expiration of his period of continued service; or

(B) if he is eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retired under that law on the first day of the first month following the month in which he completes his period of continued service.

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a warrant officer who would otherwise be discharged under such subparagraph and who is within two years of qualifying for retirement under section 1293 of this title shall, unless he is sooner retired or discharged under some other provision of law, be retained on active duty until he is qualified for retirement under that section and then be retired.

(4) The retirement or discharge of a warrant officer pursuant to this subsection shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement or discharge for purposes of any other provision of law.

(5) Continuation of a warrant officer on active duty under this subsection pursuant to the action of a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title is subject to the approval of the Secretary concerned.

(6) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this subsection.

(f) A warrant officer subject to discharge or retirement under this section, but against whom any action has been commenced with a view to trying the officer by court-martial, may be continued on active duty, without prejudice to such action, until the completion of such action.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1498; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §505(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1645; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(b)(5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2765; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §505(a), (b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2179; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §541, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4218.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 286a of title 14, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B), was redesignated section 2147 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, and references to section 286a of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Section 511 of the Career Compensation Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is section 511 of act Oct. 12, 1949, ch. 681, which was formerly set out as a note below.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 564 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, §1112(a).

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–383 added subsec. (f).

2006—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §505(a), substituted "continued on active duty if—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "continued on active duty if he is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 109–364, §505(b), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

2002—Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1994—Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(5)(A), inserted ", or severance pay computed under section 286a of title 14, as appropriate," after "section 1174 of this title".

Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(b)(5)(B), inserted "and the Secretary of Transportation, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy," after "Secretary of Defense".

1993—Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 103–160, §505(a)(1), inserted "(except as provided in subparagraph (C))" after "shall be separated".

Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 103–160, §505(a)(2), added subpar. (C).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §505(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1646, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to warrant officers who have not been separated pursuant to section 580(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1993]."

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

Retired and Retainer Pay of Members on Retired Lists or Receiving Retainer Pay

Act Oct. 12, 1949, ch. 681, title V, §511, 63 Stat. 829, as amended May 19, 1952, ch. 310, §4, 66 Stat. 80; Apr. 23, 1956, ch. 208, §1, 70 Stat. 114, set forth methods of computing retired pay, retirement pay, retainer pay, or equivalent pay on and after Oct. 1, 1949, for members of the uniformed services who had retired for reasons other than for physical disability before Oct. 1, 1949, members who had transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve before such date, and certain members of the Army Nurse Corps or the Navy Nurse Corps who had retired before such date, and provided that the amount of such pay would not exceed 75 percentum of the monthly basic pay upon which the computation had been based.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§580a. Enhanced authority for selective early discharges

(a) The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of a military department, during the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 1, 2019, to take the action set forth in subsection (b) with respect to regular warrant officers of an armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.

(b) The Secretary of a military department may, with respect to regular warrant officers of an armed force, when authorized to do so under subsection (a), convene selection boards under section 573(c) of this title to consider for discharge regular warrant officers on the warrant officer active-duty list—

(1) who have served at least one year of active duty in the grade currently held;

(2) whose names are not on a list of warrant officers recommended for promotion; and

(3) who are not eligible to be retired under any provision of law and are not within two years of becoming so eligible.

(c)(1) In the case of an action under subsection (b), the Secretary of the military department concerned may submit to a selection board convened pursuant to that subsection—

(A) the names of all regular warrant officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category; or

(B) the names of all regular warrant officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category who also are in particular year groups or specialties, or both, within that competitive category.

(2) The Secretary concerned shall specify the total number of warrant officers to be recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to subsection (b). That number may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered—

(A) in each grade in each competitive category; or

(B) in each grade, year group, or specialty (or combination thereof) in each competitive category.

(3) A warrant officer who is recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to subsection (b) and whose discharge is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be discharged on a date specified by the Secretary concerned.

(4) Selection of warrant officers for discharge under this subsection shall be based on the needs of the service.

(d) The discharge of any warrant officer pursuant to this section shall be considered involuntary for purposes of any other provision of law.

(e) This section applies to the Secretary of Homeland Security in the same manner and to the same extent as it applies to the Secretary of Defense. The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall take the action set forth in subsection (b) with respect to regular warrant officers of the Coast Guard.

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §504(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1644; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(g), title X, §1070(a)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767, 2855; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §501, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 806.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–92, §501(1), substituted "October 1, 2015, and ending on October 1, 2019" for "November 30, 1993, and ending on October 1, 1999".

Subsec. (c)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 114–92, §501(2), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "The total number of regular warrant officers described in subsection (b) from any of the armed forces (or from any of the armed forces in a particular grade) who may be recommended during a fiscal year for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to the authority of that subsection may not exceed 70 percent of the decrease, as compared to the preceding fiscal year, in the number of warrant officers of that armed force (or the number of warrant officers of that armed force in that grade) authorized to be serving on active duty as of the end of that fiscal year."

2002—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §1070(a)(3), substituted "November 30, 1993," for "the date of the enactment of this section".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–337, §541(g), added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by section 541(g) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

§581. Selective retirement

(a) A regular warrant officer who holds a warrant officer grade above warrant officer, W–1, and whose name is not on a list of warrant officers recommended for promotion and who is eligible to retire under any provision of law may be considered for retirement by a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title. The Secretary concerned shall specify the maximum number of warrant officers that such a board may recommend for retirement.

(b) A warrant officer who is recommended for retirement under this section and whose retirement is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be retired, under any provision of law under which he is eligible to retire, on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for retirement.

(c) The retirement of a warrant officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement for purposes of any other provision of law.

(d)(1) The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(2) Such regulations shall require that when the Secretary concerned submits a list of regular warrant officers to a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title to consider regular warrant officers for selection for retirement under this section, the list shall include—

(A) the name of each warrant officer on the active-duty list in the same grade or same grade and competitive category whose position on the active-duty list is between that of the most junior regular warrant officer in that grade whose name is submitted to the board and that of the most senior regular warrant officer in that grade whose name is submitted to the board; or

(B) with respect to a group of warrant officers designated under subparagraph (A) who are in a particular grade and competitive category, only those warrant officers in that grade and competitive category who are also in a particular year group or specialty, or any combination thereof determined by the Secretary concerned.

(3) Such regulations shall establish procedures to exclude from consideration by the board any warrant officer who has been approved for voluntary retirement, or who is to be mandatorily retired under any other provision of law, during the fiscal year in which the board is convened or during the following fiscal year. An officer not considered by a selection board convened under section 573(c) of this title under such regulations because the officer has been approved for voluntary retirement shall be retired on the date approved for the retirement of such officer as of the convening date of such selection board unless the Secretary concerned approves a modification of such date in order to prevent a personal hardship for the officer or for other humanitarian reasons.

(e)(1) The Secretary concerned may defer for not more than three months the retirement of an officer otherwise approved for early retirement under this section in order to prevent a personal hardship to the officer or for other humanitarian reasons. Any such deferral shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering the circumstances of the case of the particular officer concerned. The authority of the Secretary to grant such a deferral may not be delegated.

(2) An officer recommended for early retirement under this section, if approved for deferral under paragraph (1), shall be retired on the date requested by the officer, and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the tenth calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1500; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(5), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(b)(6), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2765; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §504(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 295; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §§501, 502(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3353.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–291, §501, redesignated second sentence of par. (1) as (2) and former par. (2) as (3), and, in par. (2), substituted "the list shall include—" for "the list shall include each", inserted "(A) the name of each" before "warrant officer on the active-duty list", substituted "; or" for period at end, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–291, §502(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "three months" for "90 days", and added par. (2).

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (e).

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337 struck out "in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps" after "A regular warrant officer".

1992—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "board" for "Board" in two places in first sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§582. Warrant officer active-duty list: exclusions

Warrant officers in the following categories are not subject to this chapter:

(1) Reserve warrant officers—

(A) on active duty as authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b)(1) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title; or

(B) on full-time National Guard duty.

(2) Retired warrant officers on active duty (other than retired warrant officers who were recalled to active duty before February 1, 1992, and have served continuously on active duty since that date).

(3) Students enrolled in the Army Physician's Assistant Program.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1500; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §501(d), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2748; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c)(5), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §416(i), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1869.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Par. (1). Pub. L. 108–375 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Reserve warrant officers—

"(A) on active duty for training;

"(B) on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components;

"(C) on active duty to pursue special work;

"(D) ordered to active duty under section 12304 of this title; or

"(E) on full-time National Guard duty."

1996—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "section 12301(d)" for "section 672(d)".

Par. (1)(D). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "section 12304" for "section 673b".

1994—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–337 inserted before period at end "(other than retired warrant officers who were recalled to active duty before February 1, 1992, and have served continuously on active duty since that date)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 1, 1994, and as if included as an amendment made by the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as originally enacted.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§583. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) The term "promotion zone" means a promotion eligibility category consisting of officers on a warrant officer active-duty list in the same grade (or the same grade and competitive category) who—

(A) in the case of grades below chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, have neither (i) failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade, nor (ii) been removed from a list of warrant officers recommended for promotion to that grade (other than after having been placed on that list after a selection from below the promotion zone); and

(B) are senior to the warrant officer designated by the Secretary concerned to be the junior warrant officer in the promotion zone eligible for promotion to the next higher grade.

(2) The term "warrant officers above the promotion zone" means a group of officers on a warrant officer active-duty list in the same grade (or the same grade and competitive category) who—

(A) are eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade;

(B) are in the same grade as warrant officers in the promotion zone; and

(C) are senior to the senior warrant officer in the promotion zone.

(3) The term "warrant officers below the promotion zone" means a group of officers on a warrant officer active-duty list in the same grade (or the same grade and competitive category) who—

(A) are eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade;

(B) are in the same grade as warrant officers in the promotion zone; and

(C) are junior to the junior warrant officer in the promotion zone.

(4) The active-duty list referred to in section 573(b) of this title includes the active-duty promotion list established by section 41a ¹ of title 14.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1501; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(f)(7), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 41a of title 14, referred to in par. (4), was redesignated section 2102 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, and references to section 41a of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Amendments

1994—Par. (4). Pub. L. 103–337 added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

CHAPTER 34—APPOINTMENTS AS RESERVE OFFICERS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1662(d)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2991, amended analysis generally, substituting item 591 for former items 591 to 600a.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §515(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2407, added item 596.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §508(d)(1)(B), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3867, added item 600a.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2849, substituted "34" for "35" as chapter number.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(11), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1440, added item 592 and struck out item 596 "Officers: promotion".

§591. Reference to chapters 1205 and 1207

Provisions of law relating to appointments of reserve officers other than warrant officers are set forth in chapter 1205 of this title (beginning with section 12201). Provisions of law relating to appointments and promotion of reserve warrant officers are set forth in chapter 1207 (beginning with section 12241).

(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1662(d)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2991.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 591 to 594, 595, and 596 were renumbered sections 12201 to 12204, 12208, and 12205 of this title, respectively.

Another prior section 596, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 25, related to promotion of officers in the Reserve components, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(2), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570.

Prior sections 596a, 596b, 597 to 599, 600, and 600a were renumbered sections 12206, 12207, 12241 to 12243, 12209, and 12210 of this title, respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

CHAPTER 35—TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS IN OFFICER GRADES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §504(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 241, added item 602.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §503(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1742, added item 605.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2745, added item 604.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1113(d)(1)(B), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502, struck out item 602 "Warrant officers: temporary promotions" and substituted "Appointments in time of war or national emergency" for "Commissioned officer grades: time of war or national emergency" in item 603.

§601. Positions of importance and responsibility: generals and lieutenant generals; admirals and vice admirals

(a) The President may designate positions of importance and responsibility to carry the grade of general or admiral or lieutenant general or vice admiral. The President may assign to any such position an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who is serving on active duty in any grade above colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, any grade above captain. An officer assigned to any such position has the grade specified for that position if he is appointed to that grade by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Except as provided in subsection (b), the appointment of an officer to a grade under this section for service in a position of importance and responsibility ends on the date of the termination of the assignment of the officer to that position.

(b) An officer who is appointed to the grade of general, admiral, lieutenant general, or vice admiral for service in a position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry that grade shall continue to hold that grade—

(1) while serving in that position;

(2) while under orders transferring him to another position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades, beginning on the day his assignment to the first position is terminated and ending on the day before the day on which he assumes the second position;

(3) while hospitalized, beginning on the day of the hospitalization and ending on the day he is discharged from the hospital, but not for more than 180 days;

(4) at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, while the officer is awaiting orders after being relieved from the position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades, but not for more than 60 days beginning on the day the officer is relieved from the position, unless, during such period, the officer is placed under orders to another position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades, in which case paragraph (2) will also apply to the officer; and

(5) while awaiting retirement, beginning on the day he is relieved from the position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades and ending on the day before his retirement, but—

(A) subject to subparagraph (B), not for more than 60 days; and

(B) with respect to an officer awaiting retirement following not less than one year of consecutive deployment outside of the United States to a combat zone (as defined in section 112(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or in support of a contingency operation, not for more than 90 days.

(c)(1) An appointment of an officer under subsection (a) does not vacate the permanent grade held by the officer.

(2) An officer serving in a grade above major general or rear admiral who holds the permanent grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) shall be considered for promotion to the permanent grade of major general or rear admiral, as appropriate, as if he were serving in his permanent grade.

(d)(1) When an officer is recommended to the President for an initial appointment to the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral, or for an initial appointment to the grade of general or admiral, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall submit to the Secretary of Defense the Chairman's evaluation of the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other joint duty assignments. The Secretary of Defense shall submit the Chairman's evaluation to the President at the same time the recommendation for the appointment is submitted to the President.

(2) Whenever a vacancy occurs in a position within the Department of Defense that the President has designated as a position of importance and responsibility to carry the grade of general or admiral or lieutenant general or vice admiral or in an office that is designated by law to carry such a grade, the Secretary of Defense shall inform the President of the qualifications needed by an officer serving in that position or office to carry out effectively the duties and responsibilities of that position or office.

(e) Prior to making a recommendation to the Secretary of Defense for the nomination of an officer for appointment to a position of importance and responsibility under this section, which appointment would result in the initial appointment of the officer concerned in the grade of lieutenant general or general in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force or vice admiral or admiral in the Navy, the Secretary concerned shall consider all officers determined to be among the best qualified for such position.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2849; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §523, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2523; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §403, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1031; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §502(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1354; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §403(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §501(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 94; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §551(b)(1), title IX, §924(b)(3)(C), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3630, 3821; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §505, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2558; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(a)(4), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 679.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (b)(5)(B), is classified to section 112 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force or" for "or Marine Corps," and struck out "or the commensurate grades in the Space Force," after "in the Navy,".

2022—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "retirement, but—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "retirement, but not for more than 60 days."

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(3)(C), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, §551(b)(1), added subsec. (e).

2008—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 110–181 added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106, §403(c)(1), in introductory provisions substituted "designated under subsection (a) or by law" for "of importance and responsibility designated".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–106, §403(c)(2), struck out "of importance and responsibility" after "position".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, §403(c)(3), substituted "designated under subsection (a) or by law" for "designating".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–106, §403(c)(4), inserted "under subsection (a) or by law" after "designated".

1991—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted "60 days" for "90 days".

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–433 added subsec. (d).

1985—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525 amended subsec. (b) generally, which prior to amendment had provided that if the assignment of an officer who was serving in a position designated to carry the grade of general, admiral, lieutenant general, or vice admiral was terminated (1) by the assignment of such officer to another position designated to carry one of those grades, such officers would hold, during the period beginning on the day of that termination and ending on the day before the day on which he assumed the other position, the grade that he had held on the day before the termination; (2) by the hospitalization of such officer, such officer would hold, during the period beginning on the day of that termination and ending on the day he was discharged from the hospital, but not for more than 180 days, the grade that he had held on the day before the termination; or (3) by the retirement of such officer, such officer would hold, during the period beginning on the day of that termination and ending on the day before his retirement, but not for more than 90 days, the grade that he had held on the day before the termination.

1981—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §502(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1355, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first month that begins more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 5, 1991]."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this chapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions relating to temporary appointments of officers serving in grades above major general or rear admiral, see section 623 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§602. Flexibility in determining terms of appointment for certain senior officer positions

The Secretary of Defense may extend or reduce the duration of an appointment made under section 152, 154, 7033, 8033, 8043, 9033, or 9082 of this title by up to six months if the Secretary determines that such an extension or reduction is necessary either in the interests of national defense, or to ensure an appropriate staggering of terms of senior military leadership.

(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §504(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 241.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 602, Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2849, related to temporary promotions of warrant officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1113(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502.

§603. Appointments in time of war or national emergency

(a) In time of war, or of national emergency declared by the Congress or the President after November 30, 1980, the President may appoint any qualified person (whether or not already a member of the armed forces) to any officer grade in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, except that appointments under this section may not be made in grades above major general or rear admiral. Appointments under this section shall be made by the President alone, except that an appointment in the grade warrant officer, W–1, shall be made by warrant by the Secretary concerned.

(b) Any appointment under this section is a temporary appointment and may be vacated by the President at any time.

(c)(1) Any person receiving an original appointment under this section is entitled to service credit as authorized under section 533 of this title.

(2) An appointment under this section of a person who is not on active duty becomes effective when that person begins active duty under that appointment.

(d) An appointment under this section does not change the permanent status of a member of the armed forces so appointed. A member who is appointed under this section shall not incur any reduction in the pay and allowances to which the member was entitled, by virtue of his permanent status, at the time of his appointment under this section.

(e)(1) An officer who receives an appointment to a higher grade under this section is considered to have accepted such appointment on the date of the order announcing the appointment unless he expressly declines the appointment.

(2) An officer who has served continuously since he subscribed to the oath of office prescribed in section 3331 of title 5 is not required to take a new oath upon appointment to a higher grade under this section.

(f) Unless sooner terminated, an appointment under this section terminates on the earliest of the following:

(1) The second anniversary of the appointment.

(2) The end of the six-month period beginning on the last day of the war or national emergency during which the appointment was made.

(3) The date the person appointed is released from active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2850; amended Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1462; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1113(b), (d)(1)(A), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(D), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, §1113(d)(1)(A), substituted "Appointments in time of war or national emergency" for "Commissioned officer grades: time of war or national emergency" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–190, §1113(b), struck out "commissioned" before "officer grade in the Army" and "in warrant officer grades or" before "in grades above major general" and inserted before period at end ", except that an appointment in the grade warrant officer, W–1, shall be made by warrant by the Secretary concerned".

1989—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "terminates on the earliest of the following:" for "terminates—" in introductory provisions, and made numerous amendments to style and punctuation. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) read as follows: "Unless sooner terminated, an appointment under this section terminates—

"(1) on the second anniversary of the appointment;

"(2) at the end of the six-month period beginning on the last day of the war or national emergency during which the appointment was made; or

"(3) on the date the person appointed is released from active duty;

whichever is earliest."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsecs. (a) and (b) to make or vacate certain temporary commissioned appointments delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform during a time of war or national emergency, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, provided that, during a national emergency declared by President, exercise of any such authority be specifically directed by President in accordance with section 1631 of Title 50, War and National Defense, and that Secretary ensure any authority so delegated be accounted for as required by section 1641 of Title 50, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§2, 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Ex. Ord. No. 13321. Appointments During National Emergency

Ex. Ord. No. 13321, Dec. 17, 2003, 68 F.R. 74465, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to further respond to the national emergency I declared in Proclamation 7463 of September 14, 2001 [50 U.S.C. 1621 note], I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Emergency Appointments Authority. The emergency appointments authority at section 603 of title 10, United States Code, is invoked and made available to the Secretary of Defense in accordance with the terms of that statute and of Executive Order 12396 of December 9, 1982 [3 U.S.C. 301 note].

Sec. 2. Judicial Review. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any person.

Sec. 3. Administration. This order shall be transmitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register.

George W. Bush.      

§604. Senior joint officer positions: recommendations to the Secretary of Defense

(a) Joint 4-Star Officer Positions.—(1) Whenever a vacancy occurs, or is anticipated to occur, in a position specified in subsection (b)—

(A) the Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretary of the Army to submit the name of at least one Army officer, the Secretary of the Navy to submit the name of at least one Navy officer and the name of at least one Marine Corps officer, and the Secretary of the Air Force to submit the name of at least one Air Force officer and the name of at least one Space Force officer for consideration by the Secretary for recommendation to the President for appointment to that position; and

(B) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may submit to the Secretary of Defense the name of one or more officers (in addition to the officers whose names are submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A)) for consideration by the Secretary for recommendation to the President for appointment to that position.

(2) Whenever the Secretaries of the military departments are required to submit the names of officers under paragraph (1)(A), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall submit to the Secretary of Defense the Chairman's evaluation of the performance of each officer whose name is submitted under that paragraph (and of any officer whose name the Chairman submits to the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B) for consideration for the same vacancy). The Chairman's evaluation shall primarily consider the performance of the officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other joint duty assignments, but may include consideration of other aspects of the officer's performance as the Chairman considers appropriate.

(b) Covered Positions.—Subsection (a) applies to the following positions:

(1) Commander of a combatant command.

(2) Commander, United States Forces, Korea.

(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, §405(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2745; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §404(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §509(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 592; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §405(a), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2526; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §504(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1456; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(15), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3823.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "and the name of at least one Space Force officer" after "Air Force officer".

2016—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "Deputy commander, United States European Command, but only if the commander of that command is also the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe."

2003—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–136 struck out heading and text of subsec. (c). Text read as follows: "This section shall cease to be effective at the end of December 31, 2004."

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "December 31, 2004" for "September 30, 2003".

1999—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "September 30, 2003" for "September 30, 2000".

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "September 30, 2000" for "September 30, 1997".

§605. Promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills: colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, captain; captain, commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant

(a) In General.—An officer in the grade of first lieutenant, captain, major, or lieutenant colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant (junior grade), lieutenant, lieutenant commander, or commander in the Navy, who is described in subsection (b) may be temporarily promoted to the grade of captain, major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain in the Navy, as applicable, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned. Appointments under this section shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Covered Officers.—An officer described in this subsection is any officer in a grade specified in subsection (a) who—

(1) has a skill in which the armed force concerned has a critical shortage of personnel (as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned); and

(2) is serving in a position (as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned) that—

(A) is designated to be held by a captain, major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain in the Navy, as applicable; and

(B) requires that an officer serving in such position have the skill possessed by such officer.

(c) Preservation of Position and Status of Officers Appointed.—An appointment under this section does not change the position on the active-duty list or the permanent, probationary, or acting status of the officer so appointed, prejudice the officer in regard to other promotions or appointments, or abridge the rights or benefits of the officer.

(d) Board Recommendation Required.—A temporary promotion under this section may be made only upon the recommendation of a board of officers convened by the Secretary of the military department concerned for the purpose of recommending officers for such promotions.

(e) Acceptance and Effective Date of Appointment.—Each appointment under this section, unless expressly declined, is, without formal acceptance, regarded as accepted on the date such appointment is made, and a member so appointed is entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade of the temporary promotion under this section from the date the appointment is made.

(f) Termination of Appointment.—Unless sooner terminated, an appointment under this section terminates—

(1) on the date the officer who received the appointment is promoted to the permanent grade of captain, major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain in the Navy; or

(2) on the date the officer is detached from a position described in subsection (b)(2), unless the officer is on a promotion list to the permanent grade of captain, major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain in the Navy, in which case the appointment terminates on the date the officer is promoted to that grade.

(g) Limitation on Number of Eligible Positions.—An appointment under this section may only be made for service in a position designated by the Secretary of the military department concerned for the purposes of this section. The number of positions so designated may not exceed the following:

(1) In the case of the Army—

(A) as captain, 120;

(B) as major, 350;

(C) as lieutenant colonel, 200; and

(D) as colonel, 100.

(2) In the case of the Air Force—

(A) as captain 95;

(B) as major, 305;

(C) as lieutenant colonel, 165; and

(D) as colonel, 75.

(3) In the case of the Space Force—

(A) as captain, 5;

(B) as major, 20;

(C) as lieutenant colonel, 10; and

(D) as colonel, 5.

(4) In the case of the Marine Corps—

(A) as captain, 50;

(B) as major, 175;

(C) as lieutenant colonel, 100; and

(D) as colonel, 50.

(5) In the case of the Navy—

(A) as lieutenant, 100;

(B) as lieutenant commander, 425;

(C) as commander, 175; and

(D) as captain, 80.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §503(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1740; amended Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §505, title XVII, §1716(d), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 241, 653.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §1716(d)(1), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force," for "or Marine Corps," wherever appearing.

Subsec. (g)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 118–31, §1716(d)(2), added pars. (2) and (3), redesignated former par. (3) as (4), and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "In the case of the Air Force—

"(A) as captain, 100;

"(B) as major, 325;

"(C) as lieutenant colonel, 175; and

"(D) as colonel, 80."

Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (g)(4)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §505, substituted "425" for "325".

Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 118–31, §1716(d)(2), redesignated par. (4) as (5).

CHAPTER 36—PROMOTION, SEPARATION, AND INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON THE ACTIVE-DUTY LIST

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1748, added item for subchapter VI.

SUBCHAPTER I—SELECTION BOARDS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §547(d)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2216, added item 613a.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(a)(2)(B), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1357, struck out "; communications with boards" after "selection boards" in item 614.

§611. Convening of selection boards

(a) Whenever the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall convene selection boards to recommend for promotion to the next higher permanent grade, under subchapter II of this chapter, officers on the active-duty list in each permanent grade from first lieutenant through brigadier general in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force and from lieutenant (junior grade) through rear admiral (lower half) in the Navy. The preceding sentence does not require the convening of a selection board in the case of officers in the permanent grade of first lieutenant or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant (junior grade) when the Secretary concerned recommends for promotion to the next higher grade under section 624(a)(3) of this title all such officers whom the Secretary finds to be fully qualified for promotion.

(b) Whenever the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned may convene selection boards to recommend officers for continuation on active duty under section 637 of this title or for early retirement under section 638 of this title.

(c) The convening of selection boards under subsections (a) and (b) shall be under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2851; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(a)(3), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1086; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(d)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1881.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(a)(3)(A), substituted "Whenever the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned" for "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the military department concerned, whenever the needs of the service require," and inserted at end "The preceding sentence does not require the convening of a selection board in the case of officers in the permanent grade of first lieutenant or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant (junior grade) when the Secretary concerned recommends for promotion to the next higher grade under section 624(a)(3) of this title all such officers whom the Secretary finds to be fully qualified for promotion."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(a)(3)(B), substituted "Whenever the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned" for "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the military department concerned, whenever the needs of the service require,".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(a)(3)(C), added subsec. (c).

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this subchapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition From Grade of Commodore to Grade of Rear Admiral (Lower Half)

Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(e), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 630, provided that:

"(1) An officer who on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1985] is serving in or has the grade of commodore shall as of the date of the enactment of this Act be serving in or have the grade of rear admiral (lower half).

"(2) An officer who on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act is on a list of officers selected for promotion to the grade of commodore shall as of the date of the enactment of this Act be considered to be on a list of officers selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half)."

Transition Provisions Covering 1980 Amendments by Defense Officer Personnel Management Act [Pub. L. 96–513]

Parts A to C of title VI of Pub. L. 96–513, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2940, as amended by Pub. L. 97–22, §8(a)–(n), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 132–135; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(d)(1), (2)(A), (e), (f), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1106, eff. Sept. 15, 1981; Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §§530–532, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2527; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §503, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1967, provided that:

"Part A—Transition Provisions Relating Only to the Army and Air Force

"regular officers serving in a higher temporary grade below lieutenant general or recommended for promotion to a higher grade

"Sec. 601. (a) Except as provided in sections 603 and 604, any regular officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981, except as otherwise provided in section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title] is on active duty and—

"(1) is serving in a temporary grade below lieutenant general that is higher than his regular grade;

"(2) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below lieutenant general; or

"(3) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a regular grade higher than the grade in which he is serving;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, for promotion to the regular grade equivalent to the grade in which he is serving or for which he has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(b) An officer referred to in clause (1) of subsection (a) who is not promoted to the grade to which he is considered under such subsection to have been recommended for promotion because his name is removed from a list of officers who are considered under such subsection to have been recommended for promotion shall be considered under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, for promotion to the regular grade equivalent to the temporary grade in which he was serving on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] as if he were serving in his regular grade.

"(c) Notwithstanding section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the date of rank of an officer referred to in subsection (a)(1) who is promoted to the temporary grade in which he is serving on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"(d)(1) Any delay of a promotion of an officer referred to in clause (2) or (3) of subsection (a) that was in effect on September 14, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect on such date shall continue in effect on and after September 15, 1981, as if such promotion had been delayed under section 624(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(2) Any action to remove from a promotion list the name of an officer referred to in clause (2) or (3) of subsection (a) that was initiated before September 15, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect before such date shall continue on and after such date as if such removal action had been initiated under section 629 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"reserve officers serving in a higher temporary grade below lieutenant general or recommended for promotion to a higher grade

"Sec. 602. (a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) and sections 605 and 606, any reserve officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is subject to placement on the active-duty list of his armed force and—

"(A) is serving in a temporary grade below lieutenant general that is higher than his reserve grade; or

"(B) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a temporary grade below lieutenant general that is the same as or higher than his reserve grade;

shall be considered to have been recommended by a board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, for promotion to the reserve grade equivalent to the grade in which he is serving or for which he has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be.

"(2) Notwithstanding section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the date of rank of an officer referred to in paragraph (1)(A) who is promoted to the grade to which he is considered under such paragraph to have been recommended for promotion is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"(b) A reserve officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) is subject to placement on the active-duty list of his armed force;

"(2) is serving on active duty in a temporary grade; and

"(3) either holds a reserve grade higher than the temporary grade in which he is serving or is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to a reserve grade higher than the temporary grade in which he is serving,

shall while continuing on active duty retain such temporary grade and shall be considered for promotion under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, to a grade equal to or lower than his reserve grade as if such temporary grade is a permanent grade. If such officer is recommended for promotion under such chapter to such a grade, his appointment to such grade shall be a temporary appointment.

"(c)(1) Any delay of a promotion of an officer referred to in clause (B) of subsection (a)(1) that was in effect on September 14, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect on such date shall continue in effect on and after September 15, 1981, as if such promotion has been delayed under section 624(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(2) Any action to remove from a promotion list the name of an officer referred to in clause (B) of subsection (a)(1) that was initiated before September 15, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect before such date shall continue on and after such date as if such removal action had been initiated under section 629 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"regular officers once failed of selection for promotion

"Sec. 603. (a) An officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) holds the regular grade of first lieutenant, captain, or major; and

"(2) has been considered once but not recommended for promotion to the next higher regular grade by a selection board convened under the laws in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act,

shall, within one year after the effective date of this Act, be considered for promotion to the next higher regular grade by a selection board convened by the Secretary concerned under the laws in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(b)(1)(A) An officer described in subsection (a) who is recommended for promotion by the selection board which considers him pursuant to such subsection shall be considered to have been recommended for promotion to the next higher regular grade or the grade in which he is serving, whichever grade is higher, by a board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act. Notwithstanding section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the date of rank of an officer referred to in the preceding sentence who was serving in the temporary grade equivalent to the grade to which he is considered to have been recommended for promotion and who is promoted to that grade is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"(2) An officer described in subsection (a) who is not recommended for promotion by such board shall, unless continued on active duty under section 637 of such title, as added by this Act, be retired, if eligible to retire, be discharged, or be continued on active duty until eligible to retire and then be retired, under the laws applicable on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981].

"regular officers twice failed of selection for promotion

"Sec. 604. An officer of the Army or Air Force who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) holds the regular grade of first lieutenant, captain, or major; and

"(2) has twice failed of selection for promotion to the next higher regular grade,

shall, unless continued on active duty under section 637 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, be retired, if eligible to retire, be discharged, or be continued on active duty until eligible to retire and then be retired, under the laws in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"reserve officers once failed of selection for promotion

"Sec. 605. (a) A reserve officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) is on active duty and subject to placement on the active-duty list of his armed force;

"(2) holds the reserve grade of first lieutenant, captain, or major; and

"(3) has been considered once but not selected for promotion to the next higher reserve grade under section 3366, 3367, 8366, or 8367 [see section 14301 et seq. of this title], as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code,

shall, unless sooner promoted, be considered again for promotion to that grade by a selection board convened under section 3366, 3367, 8366, or 8367, as appropriate, of such title.

"(b)(1) An officer described in subsection (a) who is serving on active duty in a temporary grade higher than his reserve grade on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] and who is recommended by the selection board which considers him pursuant to such subsection for promotion to the reserve grade equivalent to the temporary grade in which he is serving on such date shall be considered as having been recommended for promotion to that reserve grade in the report of a selection board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act. Notwithstanding section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the date of rank of an officer referred to in the preceding sentence who is promoted to the reserve grade equivalent to the temporary grade in which he is serving on such date is the date of his temporary appointment in that grade.

"(2) An officer described in subsection (a) who is serving on active duty in a temporary grade equivalent to or lower than his reserve grade on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] and who is recommended by the selection board which considers him pursuant to such subsection for promotion to a reserve grade higher than the temporary grade in which he was serving on such date shall be considered as having been recommended for promotion to that reserve grade in the report of a selection board convened under section 3366, 3367, 8366, or 8367 [see section 14301 et seq. of this title], as appropriate, of such title. If such an officer is not ordered to active duty in his reserve grade, he shall while continuing on active duty retain such temporary grade and shall be considered for promotion under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, to a grade equal to or lower than his reserve grade as if such temporary grade is a permanent grade. If such officer is recommended for promotion under such chapter to such a grade, his appointment to such grade shall be a temporary appointment to such grade.

"(3) An officer described in subsection (a) who is not recommended for promotion by the selection board which considers him pursuant to such subsection shall be governed by section 3846 or 8846, as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code, as a deferred officer.

"reserve officers twice failed of selection for promotion

"Sec. 606. An officer of the Army or Air Force who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) was on active duty and subject to placement on the active-duty list of his armed force; and

"(2) held the reserve grade of first lieutenant, captain, or major; and

"(3) was considered to have twice failed of selection for promotion to the next higher reserve grade,

shall be governed by [former] section 3846 or 8846, as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code, as a deferred officer.

"entitlement to severance pay or separation pay of officers separated or discharged pursuant to this part

"Sec. 607. (a) An officer who is discharged in accordance with section 603(b)(2) or 604 is entitled, at his election, to—

"(1) the severance pay to which he would have been entitled under the laws in effect before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]; or

"(2) separation pay, if eligible therefor, under section 1174(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(b) An officer who is separated in accordance with section 605(b)(3) or 606 is entitled, at his election, to—

"(1) readjustment pay under section 687 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]; or

"(2) separation pay, if eligible therefor, under section 1174(c) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"special tenure provisions for officers serving in temporary grades of brigadier general and major general

"Sec. 608. (a) Notwithstanding section 635 or 636 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, but subject to subsection (b), a regular officer of the Army or Air Force—

"(1) who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is serving in or is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the temporary grade of brigadier general or major general;

"(2) whose regular grade on such date is below such temporary grade; and

"(3) who is promoted pursuant to section 601(a) to the regular grade equivalent to such temporary grade,

shall be subject to mandatory retirement for years of service in accordance with the laws applicable on the day before the effective date of this Act to officers in the permanent grade he held on such date. However, such an officer shall not be subject to a mandatory retirement date which is earlier than the first day of the month following the month of the thirtieth day after he completes 30 years of service as computed under section 3927(a) or 8927(a), as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(b)(1) The Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as appropriate, may convene selection boards under this section for the purpose of recommending from among officers described in subsection (a) officers to be selected to be subject to mandatory retirement for years of service in accordance with the laws applicable on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] to officers in the permanent grade to which such officers were promoted pursuant to section 601(a) or to officers in a lower permanent grade higher than the permanent grade held by such officers on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(2) Upon the recommendation of a selection board convened under this section, the Secretary concerned may select officers described in subsection (a) to be subject to mandatory retirement in accordance with the provisions of section 3922, 3923, 8922, or 8923, as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981], rather than in the manner described in subsection (a).

"(3) Any selection board convened under this section shall be convened in accordance with the provisions of section 3297 or 8297, as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981].

"(c) This section does not apply to an officer who—

"(1) is sooner retired or separated under another provision of law;

"(2) is promoted to the permanent grade of brigadier general pursuant to section 601(a) and is subsequently promoted to the permanent grade of major general under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act; or

"(3) is continued on active duty under section 637 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"right of majors and colonels to complete years of service allowed under prior law

"Sec. 609. (a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(A) holds the regular grade of major; or

"(B) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the regular grade of major,

shall be retained on active duty until he completes twenty-one years of service as computed under section 3927(a) or 8927(a), as appropriate, of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act), and then be retired under the provisions of section 3913 or 8913 of such title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act) on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes that service.

"(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an officer who—

"(A) is sooner retired or separated under another provision of law;

"(B) is promoted to the regular grade of lieutenant colonel; or

"(C) is continued on active duty under section 637 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an officer of the Army or Air Force who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(A) holds the regular grade of colonel; or

"(B) is on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the regular grade of colonel,

shall be retired under section 3921 or 8921 [now 7321 or 9321], as appropriate, of such title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act).

"(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an officer who—

"(A) is sooner retired or separated under another provision of law;

"(B) is promoted to the regular grade of brigadier general; or

"(C) is continued on active duty under section 637 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"regular officers whose retirement has been deferred

"Sec. 610. A regular officer of the Army or Air Force serving on active duty on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] whose retirement under chapter 367 or 867 [now 741 or 941] of title 10, United States Code, has been deferred before that date—

"(1) under a provision of such chapter; or

"(2) by virtue of a suspension, under any provision of law, of provisions of such chapter which would otherwise require such retirement,

may continue to serve on active duty to complete the period for which his retirement was deferred or until such suspension is removed.

"Part B—Transition Provisions Relating Only to the Navy and Marine Corps

"officers serving in a temporary grade below vice admiral or lieutenant general or recommended for promotion

"Sec. 611. (a) Subject to subsection (b), any regular officer of the Navy or Marine Corps, and any reserve officer of the Navy and Marine Corps who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is subject to placement on the active-duty list, who on the effective date of this Act—

"(1) is serving on active duty in a temporary grade below vice admiral or lieutenant general that is higher than his permanent grade; or

"(2) is on a promotion list,

shall be considered to have been recommended for promotion to the permanent grade equivalent to the grade in which he is serving or for which he has been recommended for promotion, as the case may be, by a board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(b) This section does not apply to an officer—

"(1) serving in a temporary grade which, by its own terms, is limited in duration;

"(2) designated for limited duty in a grade to which he was appointed under section 5596 [now 8146] of title 10, United States Code, before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]; or

"(3) recommended for promotion or promoted to a grade under section 5787 of such title, as in effect before the effective date of this Act.

"(c)(1) Any delay of a promotion of an officer referred to in clause (2) of subsection (a) that was in effect on September 14, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect on such date, shall continue in effect on and after September 15, 1981, as if such promotion had been delayed under section 624(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(2) Any action to remove from a promotion list the name of an officer referred to in clause (2) of subsection (a) which was initiated before September 15, 1981, under the laws and regulations in effect before such date shall continue on and after such date as if such removal action had been initiated under section 629 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"officers failed of selection for promotion

"Sec. 612. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is considered to have failed of selection for promotion one or more times to a grade below the grade of captain, in the case of an officer of the Navy, or below the grade of colonel, in the case of an officer of the Marine Corps, is subject to chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, as if such failure or failures had occurred under the provisions of such chapter.

"(b) An officer who during fiscal year 1981—

"(1) failed twice of selection for promotion to the grade of either lieutenant or lieutenant commander, in the case of an officer in the Navy, or to either captain or major, in the case of an officer in the Marine Corps; and

"(2) had not previously failed of selection for promotion to that grade,

may not, because of such failures of selection, be involuntarily separated, involuntarily discharged, or retired under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, before June 30, 1982, unless the officer so requests.

"right of certain officers to retire under prior law

"Sec. 613. (a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an officer who on September 15, 1981—

"(A) holds the grade of lieutenant commander, commander, or captain in the Regular Navy or the grade of major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel in the Regular Marine Corps; or

"(B) is on a promotion list to any such grade,

shall be retired on the date provided under the laws in effect on September 14, 1981, except that an officer for whom no means can be established under the laws in effect on September 14, 1981, for computing creditable service in determining whether the officer is subject to involuntary retirement shall be retired under chapter 573 [now 843] of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on September 14, 1981, on the basis of the years of service of such officer as determined under regulations prescribed under section 624(b).

"(2) This subsection does not apply to an officer—

"(A) removed from active duty under section 1184 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act;

"(B) promoted to a higher grade in the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps;

"(C) continued on active duty under section 637 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act; or

"(D) selected for early retirement under section 638 of title 10, United States Code.

"(b)(1) An officer of the Navy who on September 14, 1981—

"(A) has the grade of rear admiral in the Regular Navy; or

"(B) was on a promotion list to such grade,

shall be continued on active duty or retired in accordance with the laws in effect on September 14, 1981.

"(2) An officer of the Marine Corps who on September 14, 1981—

"(A) has the grade of brigadier general in the Regular Marine Corps; or

"(B) was on a promotion list to such grade,

shall be retired in accordance with the laws in effect on September 14, 1981.

"transition provisions to new commodore grade

"Sec. 614. (a)(1) An officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(A) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was receiving the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half; or

"(B) was serving on active duty in the grade of admiral or vice admiral and would have been entitled to receive the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half had he not been serving in such grade on such date,

shall after such date hold the permanent grade of rear admiral.

"(2) An officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(A) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was receiving the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half; or

"(B) was serving on active duty in the grade of admiral or vice admiral and would have been entitled to receive the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half had he not been serving in such grade on such date,

shall after such date hold the permanent grade of commodore, but shall retain the title of rear admiral.

"(3) An officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] was on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral shall, upon promotion, hold the grade of commodore with the title of rear admiral.

"(b) An officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half; or

"(2) was on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral,

shall, on and after the effective date of this Act, or in the case of an officer on such a list, upon promotion to the grade of commodore, be entitled to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral.

"(c) Except as otherwise provided by law, an officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] held the grade of rear admiral on the retired list or the temporary disability retired list retains the grade of rear admiral and is entitled after such date to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral. Such an officer, when ordered to active duty—

"(1) holds the grade and has the right to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral; and

"(2) ranks among commissioned officers of the armed forces as and is entitled to the basic pay of—

"(A) a commodore, if his retired pay was based on the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half on the day before the effective date of this Act; or

"(B) a rear admiral, if his retired pay was based on the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(d)(1) An officer of the Navy who—

"(A) on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(i) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half or was serving on active duty in the grade of admiral or vice admiral and would have been entitled to receive the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half had he not been serving in such grade on such date; or

"(ii) was on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral; and

"(B) after such date holds the permanent grade of commodore pursuant to subsection (a),

shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, relating to selection for promotion and promotion to the next higher grade.

"(2) Officers to whom this subsection applies become entitled to hold the permanent grade of rear admiral under the circumstances prescribed for entitlement to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half under the provisions of subsections (a) through (d) of section 202 of title 37, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]. For the purposes of this subsection, officers serving in the permanent grade of rear admiral or commodore in accordance with subsection (a) shall be considered as serving in the grade of rear admiral, as such grade was in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(e) Unless entitled to a higher grade under another provision of law, an officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) was serving on active duty; and

"(2) held the grade of rear admiral;

and who retires on or after the effective date of this Act, retires in the grade of rear admiral and is entitled to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral. If such an officer is ordered to active duty after his retirement, he is considered, for the purposes of determining his pay, uniform and insignia, and rank among other commissioned officers, as having held the grade of rear admiral on the retired list on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(f) A reserve officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] was in an active status and was serving in the grade of rear admiral or was on a list of reserve officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral is not subject to [former] subsection (f) of section 6389 [now 8373] of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"female officers

"Sec. 615. (a) Except as provided under subsection (c), each regular officer who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is serving on the active list in the line of the Navy or on the active list of the Marine Corps under an appointment made under section 5590 of title 10, United States Code, shall be reappointed in the line of the Navy or in the Marine Corps, as appropriate, in the grade and with the date of rank held by such officer immediately before such reappointment. Each such reappointment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of such title as amended by this Act but notwithstanding any limitation otherwise applicable with regard to age, grade, or physical standards.

"(b) Each officer of the Navy who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is serving in a staff corps under an appointment made under section 5590 of title 10, United States Code, shall be reappointed in that corps in the grade and with the date of rank held by such officer immediately before such reappointment. Each such reappointment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of such title as amended by this Act but notwithstanding any limitation otherwise applicable with regard to age, grade, or physical standards.

"(c) Any officer who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is serving on the active list in the line of the Navy under an appointment made under section 5590 of title 10, United States Code, and who meets the qualifications for appointment in a staff corps of the Navy may, request appointment in a staff corps and, with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, be appointed in that staff corps. Any appointment under this subsection shall be in lieu of the reappointment of the officer under subsection (a).

"(d) Each officer reappointed in a staff corps pursuant to subsection (b) or appointed in a staff corps under subsection (c) shall be considered for all purposes as having been originally appointed in such staff corps in accordance with the provisions of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this Act.

"(e) Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all provisions of law relating to appointment, promotion, separation, and retirement which are applicable to male officers of the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps, as appropriate, apply to officers reappointed pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) or appointed under subsection (c).

"(f)(1) As soon as practicable after completion of the appointments and reappointments provided for in subsections (a), (b), and (c), the name of each officer so appointed or reappointed shall be entered on the appropriate active-duty list of the Navy or the Marine Corps in a position among officers of her grade determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy. Such officers shall be placed on the appropriate active-duty list without change in their relative positions held on the lineal list or any list for promotion established for them while they were serving under an appointment under any provision of title 10, United States Code, repealed by this Act.

"(2) Any female officer—

"(A) who, by virtue of her date of rank and other considerations, would be placed on a list of officers eligible for consideration for promotion in a position senior to an officer who has failed of selection for promotion one or more times; and

"(B) who is considered to have failed of selection for promotion once or is considered to have never failed of selection for promotion,

shall, for purposes of determining her eligibility for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade, be considered with those officers who are considered to have failed of selection for promotion once, or who are considered never to have failed of selection for promotion, as the case may be.

"(3) A female officer who is considered to have failed of selection for promotion one or more times and whose position on the active-duty list is junior to the position of any male officer who is considered to have failed of selection for promotion a fewer number of times or not at all may not derive any advantage in the selection process by virtue of such position on the active-duty list.

"(g) Except as provided in section 638 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, a regular officer of the Navy or Marine Corps appointed under section 5590 of such title who—

"(1) before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] had not twice failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade; and

"(2) is not selected for promotion to a higher regular grade on or after such effective date,

may not be retired earlier than such officer would have been retired had this Act not been enacted.

"(h)(1) Any officer who—

"(A) on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is a lieutenant in the Navy or a captain in the Marine Corps;

"(B) under section 6396(c) or 6401 of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act), would have been discharged on June 30 of the fiscal year in which that officer (i) was not on a promotion list, and (ii) had completed 13 years of active commissioned service; and

"(C) because of the enactment of this Act, is subject to discharge under section 632 of such title because such officer has twice failed of selection for promotion,

shall, if such officer has not completed 13 years of active commissioned service at the time otherwise prescribed for the discharge of such officer under such section and such officer so requests, not be discharged until June 30 of the fiscal year in which the officer completes 13 years of active commissioned service.

"(2) Any officer who—

"(A) on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is a lieutenant (junior grade) in the Navy or a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps;

"(B) under section 6396(d) or 6402 of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act), would have been discharged on June 30 of the fiscal year in which that officer (i) was not on a promotion list, and (ii) had completed 7 years of active commissioned service; and

"(C) because of the enactment of this Act, is subject to discharge under section 631 of such title because such officer has twice failed of selection for promotion,

shall, if that officer has not completed 7 years of active commissioned service at the time otherwise prescribed for such discharge under such section and such officer so requests, not be discharged until June 30 of the fiscal year in which the officer completes 7 years of active commissioned service.

"limited-duty officers

"Sec. 616. (a) An officer of the Regular Navy or Regular Marine Corps who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is an officer who was designated for limited duty before that date under section 5589 [now 8139] of title 10, United States Code, is subject to section 6383 [now 8372] of such title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act), unless promoted to a higher permanent grade under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"(b) Any female member of the Navy who on April 2, 1981, was appointed under section 591 [now 12201] or 5590 of title 10, United States Code, in the grade of ensign as an officer designated for limited duty may after September 14, 1981, be reappointed as an officer designated for limited duty under section 5596 [now 8146] of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this Act. A member so reappointed shall have a date of rank as an ensign of April 2, 1981, and shall have the same permanent pay grade and status as that member held on April 1, 1981.

"(c) An officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who on September 15, 1981, was an officer designated for limited duty under section 5589 [now 8139] of title 10, United States Code, and who on the date of the enactment of this subsection [Oct. 19, 1984] is serving in a temporary grade above the grade of lieutenant, in the case of an officer of the Navy, or captain, in the case of an officer of the Marine Corps, may be reappointed under section 5589 [now 8139] of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on or after September 15, 1981), in the same permanent grade and with the same date of rank held by that officer on the active-duty list immediately before such reappointment if he is otherwise eligible for appointment under that section.

"certain navy lieutenants holding temporary appointments in the grade of lieutenant commander

"Sec. 617. Any officer who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] holds a temporary appointment in the grade of lieutenant commander under section 5787d of title 10, United States Code, shall on and after such date be considered to be serving in such grade as if such appointment had been made under [former] section 5721 of such title, as added by this Act.

"director of budget and reports of the navy

"Sec. 618. (a) An officer of the Navy who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] was serving on active duty and entitled to rank and privileges of retirement under section 5064 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act, shall have his rank and retirement privileges determined under the laws in effect on such date.

"contingency authority for navy promotions under prior law

"Sec. 619. If necessary because of unforeseen circumstances, the Secretary of the Navy, during fiscal year 1982, may convene boards to select officers for promotion under chapters 545 and 549 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on September 14, 1981, and officers so selected may be promoted in accordance with such chapters. An officer promoted to a higher grade under the authority of this section shall be subject to sections 613 and 629 as if he held that grade on September 14, 1981, and shall have a date of rank to be determined under section 741 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this Act.

"retention on active duty of certain reserve lieutenant commanders

"Sec. 620. Notwithstanding section 6389 [now 8373] of title 10, United States Code, an officer who on September 14, 1981—

"(1) holds the grade of lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve [now Navy Reserve];

"(2) is on active duty as the result of recall orders accepted subsequent to a break in active commissioned service;

"(3) is subject to placement on the active-duty list; and

"(4) is considered—

"(A) to have failed of selection for promotion to the grade of commander one or more times under chapter 545 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on September 14, 1981; or

"(B) to have been later considered to have failed of selection for promotion to the grade of commander one or more times under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act,

may be retained on active duty by the Secretary of the Navy for such period as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"Part C—General Transition Provisions

"establishment of initial active-duty lists

"Sec. 621. (a)(1) Not later than 6 months after the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981], all officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps who are required to be placed on the active-duty list for their armed force under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, shall be placed on such list with the same relative seniority which they held on the day before the effective date of this Act. An officer placed on an active-duty list under this section shall be considered to have been placed on such list as of the effective date of this Act.

"(2) Regulations prescribed under section 620 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, shall be applicable to the placement of officers on the active-duty list under paragraph (1).

"(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, the Secretary of the military department concerned, in order to maintain the relative seniority among officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps as it existed on September 14, 1981, may adjust the date of rank of officers—

"(1) below the grade of brigadier general or commodore during the one-year period beginning on September 15, 1981; and

"(2) above the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain until there are no longer any officers to whom section 614(d) is applicable.

"officers serving in the same temporary grade and permanent grade; date of rank

"Sec. 622. (a) Any officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is serving on active duty in a temporary grade which is the same as his permanent grade shall on such date be serving in such grade subject to this title and the amendments made by this Act. The date of rank of such officer in that grade is the date of his temporary appointment to that grade.

"officers serving in grades above major general or rear admiral

"Sec. 623. (a) Any officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] held a temporary appointment in the grade of lieutenant general or general under section 3066, 5232, or 8066 of title 10, United States Code, or a temporary appointment in the grade of vice admiral or admiral under section 5231 of such title, shall on and after such date be considered to be serving in such grade as if such appointment had been made under section 601 of such title, as added by this Act.

"(b)(1) Any designation of a position as a position of importance and responsibility made by the President under section 3066 or 8066 of title 10, United States Code, before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981], shall remain in effect, unless changed by the President, as a designation of such position as a position of importance and responsibility under section 601 of such title, as added by this Act.

"(2) Any position held by an officer under section 5231 or 5232 of title 10, United States Code, on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] shall, unless changed by the President, be deemed to be a position of importance and responsibility designated by the President under section 601 of title 10, United States Code.

"(c) Any officer who before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] served in the grade of lieutenant general, general, vice admiral, or admiral but was not serving in such grade on the day before the effective date of this Act shall for the purposes of [former] section 1370(c) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, be deemed to have held such position under an appointment made under section 601 of such title, as added by this Act.

"years of service for involuntary retirement or discharge

"Sec. 624. (a) In determining whether any officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who was on active duty on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is subject to involuntary retirement or discharge under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the years of service of the officer for such purpose shall be computed by adding—

"(1) the amount of service creditable to such officer on the day before the effective date of this Act for the purpose of determining whether the officer is subject to involuntary retirement or discharge; and

"(2) all subsequent active commissioned service of such officer.

"(b) In the case of an officer subject to placement on the active-duty list on September 15, 1981, for whom no means of computing service creditable in determining whether the officer is subject to involuntary retirement or discharge existed under the law in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981], the amount of creditable service of such officer for such purpose for the period before the effective date of this Act shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, except that such an officer may not be credited with an amount of service less than the amount of his active commissioned service.

"savings provision for constructive service previously granted

"Sec. 625. (a) The amendments made by this Act do not affect the crediting of years of service to any person who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]—

"(1) had been credited with years of service upon an original appointment as an officer or after such an appointment; or

"(2) was participating in a program leading to an appointment as an officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps and the crediting of years of service.

"(b)(1) Any officer who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] is an officer of the Army or Navy in the Medical or Dental Corps of his armed force, an officer of the Air Force designated as a medical or dental officer, or an officer of the Public Health Service commissioned as a medical or dental officer is entitled to include in the years of service creditable to him for the computation of basic pay and retired pay the years of service creditable to him for such purposes under clauses (7) and (8) of section 205(a) of title 37, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

"(2) Any person who on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] was enrolled in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences under chapter 104 of this title or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program under chapter 105 of this title and who on or after the effective date of this Act graduates from such university or completes such program, as the case may be, and is appointed in one of the categories specified in paragraph (1) is entitled to include in the years of service creditable to him for the computation of basic pay and retired pay the years of service that would have been credited to him under clauses (7) and (8) of section 205(a) of title 37, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act, had such clauses not been repealed by this Act.

"miscellaneous provisions relating to years of service

"Sec. 626. (a) For the purpose of computing the years of service for pay and allowances of an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, including retired pay, severance pay, readjustment pay, separation pay, and basic pay, the total years of service of such officer shall be computed by adding to that service so creditable on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] all subsequent service as computed under title 10, United States Code, as amended by this Act.

"(b) An officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who was on active duty on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] and who is retired under section 1251 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, shall be entitled to retired pay in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the basic pay upon which his retired pay is based.

"(c) The service that an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps has in a particular grade is the sum of—

"(A) the years, months, and days of service in that grade accrued under the laws in effect before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981]; and

"(B) the years, months, and days of service in that grade accrued under the laws in effect on and after the effective date of this Act.

"transition to officer grade-strength tables during fiscal year 1981

"Sec. 627. For the fiscal year ending on September 30, 1981, the maximum number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty as of the end of such fiscal year in each of the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and in each of the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain for the Navy, under section 523 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, is increased by the number equal to one-half the difference between (1) the actual number of officers of that armed force serving on active duty in that grade on September 30, 1980 (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b) of such section), and (2) the number specified in the table contained in such section for such armed force and grade based upon the total number of commissioned officers of such armed force on active duty on September 30, 1981 (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b) of such section).

"right of commissioned officers with permanent enlisted or warrant officer status to retire in highest enlisted or warrant officer grade held

"Sec. 628. (a) A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who—

"(1) on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] had a permanent status as an enlisted member or as a warrant officer (or had a statutory right to be enlisted or to be appointed as a warrant officer) and was serving as an officer under a temporary appointment; and

"(2) on or after the effective date of this Act and before completing 10 years of commissioned service for purposes of retirement eligibility under section 3911, 6323, or 8911 [now 7311, 8323, or 9311] of title 10, United States Code, completes 20 years of total service, as determined under section 1405 of such title,

is entitled to retire or transfer to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve in the highest grade he held as an enlisted member or a warrant officer.

"savings provision for retired grade for officers not subsequently promoted

"Sec. 629. In applying [former] section 1370(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, to an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who was on active duty on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] and who on or after the effective date of this Act is not promoted to a grade higher than the grade he held on the day before the effective date of this Act or, in the case of an officer who was on a list of officers recommended for promotion on such date, is not promoted to a grade higher than the grade to which he was recommended for promotion, 'two years' shall be substituted for 'three years'. The Secretary of the military department concerned may waive the requirements of this section and of section 1370(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, with respect to any officer described in the preceding sentence.

"exemption of certain officers from selective early retirement provisions

"Sec. 630. An officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who was recommended for continuation on the active list under the Act entitled 'An Act to provide improved opportunity for promotion for certain officers in the naval service, and for other purposes', approved August 11, 1959 (Public Law 86–155; 10 U.S.C. 5701 note), or under section 10 of the Act entitled 'An Act relating to the promotion and separation of certain officers of the regular components of the armed forces', approved July 12, 1960 (Public Law 86–616; 10 U.S.C. 3297 note), is not subject to section 638 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, relating to selective early retirement.

"savings provision for entitlement to readjustment pay or severance pay under prior provisions of law

"Sec. 631. (a) A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who—

"(1) was on active duty (other than for training) on Sept. 14, 1981; and

"(2) after such date is involuntarily discharged or released from active duty under any provision of title 10, United States Code, as in effect after such date,

is entitled to receive any readjustment payment or severance pay to which he would have been entitled under laws in effect on Sept. 14, 1981, unless (in the case of a member discharged or released on or after the date of the enactment of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 [Oct. 19, 1984]) the Secretary concerned determines that the conditions under which the member is discharged or separated do not warrant such pay.

"(b) If a member who is entitled to receive a readjustment payment or severance pay under subsection (a) is also eligible to receive separation pay under section 1174 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, the member may not receive both the readjustment payment and severance pay under laws in effect on Sept. 14, 1981, and separation pay under such section, but shall elect which he will receive. If the number fails to make an election in a timely manner, he shall be paid the amount which is more favorable to him.

"officers on active duty in grade above general

"Sec. 632. Section 1251 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, relating to mandatory retirement for age, shall not apply to any officer who on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 15, 1981] was on active duty in a grade above general.

"definitions

"Sec. 633. For the purposes of this title:

"(1) The term 'officer' does not include warrant officers.

"(2) The term 'active-duty list' means the active-duty list established by the Secretary of the military department concerned pursuant to section 620 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.

"savings provision for retired grade of certain reserve officers

"Sec. 634. Unless entitled to a higher grade under any other provision of law, a member of the Army or Air Force who is a reserve officer and who—

"(1) is on active duty on September 14, 1981; and

"(2) after such date retires under section 3911 or 8911 [now 7311 or 9311] of title 10, United States Code,

is entitled to retire in the reserve grade which he held or to which he had been selected for promotion on September 14, 1981.

"savings provision for original appointment in certain grades under existing regulations

"Sec. 635. Any person who before September 15, 1981—

"(1) was selected for participation in a postbaccalaureate educational program leading to an appointment as a commissioned officer or had completed a postbaccalaureate program and was selected for appointment as a commissioned officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps;

"(2) under regulations of the Secretary of the military department concerned in effect on December 12, 1980, would have been appointed and ordered to active duty in a grade specified or determined in accordance with such regulations; and

"(3) had not been so appointed and ordered to active duty,

may be appointed and ordered to active duty in such grade with a date of rank and position on the active-duty list junior to that of all other officers of the same grade and competitive category serving on active duty.

"retention in grade of certain reserve officers

"Sec. 636. A reserve officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who on September 14, 1981—

"(1) is serving on active duty (A) under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2)) [now 50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2)] for the administration of the Selective Service System, or (B) under section 708 of title 32; and

"(2) is serving in a temporary grade or is selected for promotion to a temporary grade,

may continue to serve in or may be promoted to and serve in such grade until promoted to a higher grade, separated, or retired.

"savings provision regarding discharge of regular officers

"Sec. 637. An officer of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps who on September 14, 1981, was serving on active duty may not be discharged under section 630(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, on or after the day on which that officer completes three years of continuous service as a regular commissioned officer.

"repayment of readjustment and severance pay

"Sec. 638. Notwithstanding section 1174(h) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act, a person who received readjustment or severance pay before September 15, 1981, and who, on or after September 15, 1981, becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay under any provision of title 10 or title 14, United States Code, shall be required to repay that readjustment pay or severance pay in accordance with the laws in effect on September 14, 1981.

"savings provision for promotion consideration of certain retired officers

"Sec. 639. Notwithstanding sections 619, 620, and 641(4) of title 10, United States Code, a retired officer serving on active duty on the date of the enactment of this section [Oct. 19, 1984] who on September 14, 1981, was on active duty as a retired officer recalled to active duty and who—

"(1) was eligible for consideration for promotion on that date; and

"(2) has served continuously on active duty since that date,

may be considered for promotion (under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned) by a selection board that convenes after the date of the enactment of this section as if he had been placed on the active-duty list pursuant to section 621 of this Act."

[In determining retired grade of certain commissioned officers of the Armed Forces who retire after Jan. 1, 2021, any reference to section 1370 of title 10 in such determination with respect to such officers deemed to be a reference to section 1370a of title 10, see section 508(c) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note under section 1370 of this title.]

§612. Composition of selection boards

(a)(1) Members of selection boards shall be appointed by the Secretary of the military department concerned in accordance with this section. A selection board shall consist of five or more officers of the same armed force as the officers under consideration by the board. Each member of a selection board (except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)) shall be an officer on the active-duty list. Each member of a selection board must be serving in a grade higher than the grade of the officers under consideration by the board, except that no member of a board may be serving in a grade below major or lieutenant commander. The members of a selection board shall represent the diverse population of the armed force concerned to the extent practicable.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a selection board shall include at least one officer from each competitive category of officers to be considered by the board.

(B) A selection board need not include an officer from a competitive category to be considered by the board when there are no officers of that competitive category on the active-duty list in a grade higher than the grade of the officers to be considered by the board and eligible to serve on the board. However, in such a case the Secretary of the military department concerned, in his discretion, may appoint as a member of the board an officer of that competitive category who is not on the active-duty list from among officers of the same armed force as the officers under consideration by the board who hold a higher grade than the grade of the officers under consideration and who are retired officers, reserve officers serving on active duty but not on the active-duty list, or members of the Ready Reserve.

(3) When reserve officers of an armed force are to be considered by a selection board, the membership of the board shall include at least one reserve officer of that armed force on active duty (whether or not on the active-duty list). The actual number of reserve officers shall be determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the Secretary's discretion. Notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph, in the case of a board which is considering officers in the grade of colonel or brigadier general or, in the case of officers of the Navy, captain or rear admiral (lower half), no reserve officer need be included if there are no reserve officers of that armed force on active duty in the next higher grade who are eligible to serve on the board.

(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), if qualified officers on the active-duty list are not available in sufficient number to comprise a selection board, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall complete the membership of the board by appointing as members of the board officers who are members of the same armed force and hold a grade higher than the grade of the officers under consideration by the board and who are retired officers, reserve officers serving on active duty but not on the active-duty list, or members of the Ready Reserve.

(5) A retired general or flag officer who is on active duty for the purpose of serving on a selection board shall not, while so serving, be counted against any limitation on the number of general and flag officers who may be on active duty.

(b) No officer may be a member of two successive selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title for the consideration of officers of the same competitive category and grade.

(c)(1) Each selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title that will consider an officer described in paragraph (2) shall include at least one officer designated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who is a joint qualified officer.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies with respect to an officer who—

(A) is serving on, or has served on, the Joint Staff; or

(B) is a joint qualified officer.

(3) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement in paragraph (1) in the case of—

(A) any selection board of the Marine Corps or the Space Force; or

(B) any selection board that is considering officers in specialties identified in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 619a(b) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2851; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 125; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §402(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1030; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §504(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-101; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §522(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4214; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §503(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3564; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(d)(2), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1881.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "or the Space Force" after "of the Marine Corps".

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted at end "The members of a selection board shall represent the diverse population of the armed force concerned to the extent practicable."

2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "Each selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title that will consider officers who are serving in, or have served in, joint duty assignments shall include at least one officer designated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who is currently serving in a joint duty assignment. The Secretary of Defense may waive the preceding sentence in the case of any selection board of the Marine Corps."

2000—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §504(a)(1)], struck out "who are on the active-duty list" after "five or more officers" in second sentence and inserted after second sentence "Each member of a selection board (except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)) shall be an officer on the active-duty list."

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §504(a)(2)], substituted "of that armed force on active duty (whether or not on the active-duty list). The actual number of reserve officers shall be" for "of that armed force, with the exact number of reserve officers to be" and "the Secretary's discretion. Notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph," for "his discretion, except that".

1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–433 added subsec. (c).

1985—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1981—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a selection board" for "A selection board", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a)(2), inserted ", with the exact number of reserve officers to be determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned in his discretion" after "at least one reserve officer of that armed force" and inserted "who are eligible to serve on the board" after "the next higher grade".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a)(3), substituted "Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3)" for "Except as provided in paragraph (3)" and "officers who are members of the same armed force and hold a grade higher than the grade of the officers under consideration by the board and who are retired officers, reserve officers serving on active duty but not on the active-duty list, or members of the Ready Reserve" for "retired officers of the same armed force who hold a retired grade higher than the grade of the officers under consideration by the board" and designated as par. (5) provisions that retired general or flag officers on active duty for the purpose of serving on a selection board not be counted against any limitation on the number of general and flag officers who may be on active duty.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a)(3), added par. (5) consisting of provisions, formerly contained in par. (4).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(a)(4), inserted "convened under section 611(a) of this title" after "selection boards".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §504(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-102, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to any selection board convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, on or after August 1, 1981."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §406(f), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1034, provided that: "The amendments made by section 402 [amending this section and sections 615 and 618 of this title] shall take effect with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, after the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1986]."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§613. Oath of members of selection boards

Each member of a selection board shall swear that he will perform his duties as a member of the board without prejudice or partiality and having in view both the special fitness of officers and the efficiency of his armed force.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2851.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§613a. Nondisclosure of board proceedings

(a) Prohibition on Disclosure.—The proceedings of a selection board convened under section 573, 611, 628, or 20211 of this title may not be disclosed to any person not a member of the board, except as authorized or required to process the report of the board. This prohibition is a statutory exemption from disclosure, as described in section 552(b)(3) of title 5.

(b) Prohibited Uses of Board Discussions, Deliberations, Notes, and Records.—The discussions and deliberations of a selection board described in subsection (a) and any written or documentary record of such discussions and deliberations—

(1) are immune from legal process;

(2) may not be admitted as evidence; and

(3) may not be used for any purpose in any action, suit, or judicial or administrative proceeding without the consent of the Secretary of the military department concerned.

(c) Applicability.—This section applies to all selection boards convened under section 573, 611, 628, or 20211 of this title, regardless of the date on which the board was convened.

(Added Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §547(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2215; amended Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §503(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4207; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 668.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "573, 611, 628, or 20211" for "573, 611, or 628".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–383, §503(a)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The proceedings of a selection board convened under section 611 this title may not be disclosed to any person not a member of the board."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–383, §503(a)(2), substituted "Notes, and Records" for "and Records" in heading.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383, §503(a)(3), added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §547(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2216, provided that: "Section 613a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to the proceedings of all selection boards convened under section 611 of that title, including selection boards convened before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006]. Section 14104 of such title, as amended by subsection (b), shall apply with respect to the proceedings of all selection boards convened under section 14101 of that title, including selection boards convened before the date of the enactment of this Act."

§614. Notice of convening of selection boards

(a) At least 30 days before a selection board is convened under section 611(a) of this title to recommend officers in a grade for promotion to the next higher grade, the Secretary concerned (1) shall notify in writing the officers eligible for consideration for promotion of the date on which the board is to convene and the name and date of rank of the junior officer, and of the senior officer, in the promotion zone as of the date of the notification, or (2) shall issue a general written notice to the armed force concerned regarding the convening of the board which shall include the convening date of the board and the name and date of rank of the junior officer, and of the senior officer, in the promotion zone as of the date of the notification.

(b) An officer eligible for consideration by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may send a written communication to the board, to arrive not later than 10 calendar days before the date the board convenes, calling attention to any matter concerning himself that the officer considers important to his case. The selection board shall give consideration to any timely communication under this subsection.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2852; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(b), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 126; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(a)(2)(A), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1357; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §505(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3227; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §501(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1373.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "10 calendar days before" for "the day before" in first sentence.

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–163 inserted "the day before" after "not later than" in first sentence.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190 struck out "; communications with boards" after "selection boards" in section catchline.

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–22 substituted "which shall include the convening date of the board" for ", the names of the officers eligible for consideration by the board as of the date of the notification, the convening date of the board,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §501(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1373, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14106 of this title] shall apply with respect to promotion selection boards convened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017]."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §505(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3227, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14106 of this title] shall take effect on March 1, 2006, and shall apply with respect to selection boards convened on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 applicable to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 60-day period beginning Dec. 5, 1991, see section 504(e) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§615. Information furnished to selection boards

(a)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations governing information furnished to selection boards convened under section 611(a) or 20211 of this title. Those regulations shall apply uniformly among the military departments. Any regulations prescribed by the Secretary of a military department to supplement those regulations may not take effect without the approval of the Secretary of Defense in writing.

(2) No information concerning a particular eligible officer may be furnished to a selection board except for the following:

(A) Information that is in the officer's official military personnel file and that is provided to the selection board in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to paragraph (1).

(B) Other information that is determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned, after review by that Secretary in accordance with standards and procedures set out in the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to paragraph (1), to be substantiated, relevant information that could reasonably and materially affect the deliberations of the selection board.

(C) Subject to such limitations as may be prescribed in those regulations, information communicated to the board by the officer in accordance with this section, section 614(b) of this title (including any comment on information referred to in subparagraph (A) regarding that officer), or other applicable law.

(D) A factual summary of the information described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) that, in accordance with the regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1), is prepared by administrative personnel for the purpose of facilitating the work of the selection board.

(3)(A) In the case of an eligible officer considered for promotion to a grade specified in subparagraph (B), any credible information of an adverse nature, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented investigation or inquiry, shall be furnished to the selection board in accordance with standards and procedures set out in the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to paragraph (1).

(B) A grade specified in this subparagraph is as follows:

(i) In the case of a regular officer or an officer in the Space Force, a grade above captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant.

(ii) In the case of a reserve officer, a grade above lieutenant colonel or, in the case of the Navy, commander.

(C) The standards and procedures referred to in subparagraph (A) shall require the furnishing to the selection board, and to each individual member of the board, the information described in that subparagraph with regard to an officer in a grade specified in subparagraph (B) at each stage or phase of the selection board, concurrent with the screening, rating, assessment, evaluation, discussion, or other consideration by the board or member of the official military personnel file of the officer, or of the officer.

(D) With respect to the consideration of an officer for promotion to a grade at or below major general or in the case of the Navy, rear admiral, the requirements in subparagraphs (A) and (C) may be met through the convening and actions of a special selection review board with respect to the officer under section 628a of this title.

(4) Information provided to a selection board in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be made available to all members of the board and shall be made a part of the record of the board. Communication of such information shall be in a written form or in the form of an audio or video recording. If a communication is in the form of an audio or video recording, a written transcription of the recording shall also be made a part of the record of the selection board.

(5) Paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) do not apply to the furnishing of appropriate administrative processing information to the selection board by administrative staff designated to assist the board, but only to the extent that oral communications are necessary to facilitate the work of the board.

(6) Information furnished to a selection board that is described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (2), or in paragraph (3), may not be furnished to a later selection board unless—

(A) the information has been properly placed in the official military personnel file of the officer concerned; or

(B) the information is provided to the later selection board in accordance with paragraph (2) or (3), as applicable.

(7)(A) Before information described in paragraph (2)(B) or (3) regarding an eligible officer is furnished to a selection board, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall ensure—

(i) that such information is made available to such officer; and

(ii) that the officer is afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on that information to the selection board.

(B) If an officer cannot be given access to the information referred to in subparagraph (A) because of its classification status, the officer shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be furnished with an appropriate summary of the information.

(b) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall furnish each selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title with—

(1) the maximum number, as determined in accordance with section 622 of this title, of officers in each competitive category under consideration that the board may recommend for promotion to the next higher grade;

(2) the names of all officers in each competitive category to be considered by the board for promotion;

(3) the pertinent records (as determined by the Secretary) of each officer whose name is furnished to the board;

(4) information or guidelines relating to the needs of the armed force concerned for officers having particular skills, including guidelines or information relating to the need for either a minimum number or a maximum number of officers with particular skills within a competitive category;

(5) guidelines, based upon guidelines received by the Secretary from the Secretary of Defense under subsection (c), for the purpose of ensuring that the board gives appropriate consideration to the performance of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers; and

(6) such other information and guidelines as may be necessary to enable the board to properly perform its functions.

(c) The Secretary of Defense, with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall furnish to the Secretaries of the military departments guidelines for the purpose of ensuring that each selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title gives appropriate consideration to the performance of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers.

(d) Information or guidelines furnished to a selection board under subsection (b) may not be modified, withdrawn, or supplemented after the board submits the report to the Secretary of the military department concerned pursuant to section 617(a) of this title, except that, in the case of a report returned to a board pursuant to section 618(a)(2) of this title for further proceedings because of a determination by the Secretary of the military department concerned that the board acted contrary to law, regulation, or guidelines, the Secretary may modify, withdraw, or supplement such information or guidelines as part of a written explanation to the board as provided in that section.

(e) The Secretary of each military department, under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, shall include in guidelines furnished to a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title that is considering officers in a health-professions competitive category for promotion to a grade below colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain, a direction that the board give consideration to an officer's clinical proficiency and skill as a health professional to at least as great an extent as the board gives to the officer's administrative and management skills.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2852; amended Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §402(b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1030; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §501(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1965; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §519, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1444; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(a)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1355; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(7), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §506(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3227; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §522(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4215; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §502(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §505(c)(1), (2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3572; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 668.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(2)(A), inserted "or 20211" after "section 611(a)".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(2)(B)(i), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by substituting "regular officer or an officer in the Space Force, a grade above captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant." for " 'regular officer' and all that follows", was executed only through the end of cl. (i) of subpar. (B) by making the substitution for "regular officer, a grade above captain, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant, or in the case of the Space Force, the equivalent grade." to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(3)(D). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(2)(B)(ii), substituted "major general or" for "major general," and struck out "or, in the case of the Space Force, the equivalent grade," after "rear admiral,".

2021—Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(c)(1), substituted ", in the case of the Navy, lieutenant, or in the case of the Space Force, the equivalent grade" for "or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant".

Subsec. (a)(3)(D). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(c)(2), added subpar. (D).

2019—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–92 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "a grade specified in subparagraph (B)" for "a grade above colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain", and added subpars. (B) and (C).

2011—Subsecs. (b)(5), (c). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers" for "in joint duty assignments of officers who are serving, or have served, in such assignments".

2006—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(1)(B), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(2)(A), substituted "paragraphs (2) and (3)" for "paragraph (2)".

Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(1)(A), redesignated par. (3) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(2)(B), substituted ", (3), and (4)" for "and (3)".

Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(1)(A), redesignated par. (4) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(2)(C)(i), inserted ", or in paragraph (3)," after "paragraph (2)" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(1)(A), redesignated par. (5) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (a)(6)(B). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(2)(C)(ii), inserted "or (3), as applicable" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(1)(A), redesignated par. (6) as (7).

Subsec. (a)(7)(A). Pub. L. 109–163, §506(a)(2)(D), inserted "or (3)" after "paragraph (2)(B)" in introductory provisions.

1992—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(7)(A), substituted "subsection (c)" for "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(7)(B), substituted "subsection (b)" for "subsection (a)".

1991—Pub. L. 102–190 added subsec. (a) and redesignated former subsecs. (a) to (d) as (b) to (e), respectively.

1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–189 added subsec. (d).

1988—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–456, §501(a)(1), added cl. (4) and struck out former cl. (4) which read as follows: "information relating to the needs of the armed force concerned for officers having particular skills;".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–456, §501(a)(2), added subsec. (c).

1986—Pub. L. 99–433 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), added par. (5), redesignated former par. (5) as (6), and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §502(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1344, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §505(c)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3572, provided that:

"(1) Effective date.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on December 20, 2019, and shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), apply with respect to the proceedings of promotion selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, after that date.

"(2) Delayed applicability for boards for promotion to non-general and flag officer grades.—The amendments made this section shall apply with respect to the proceedings of promotion selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, for consideration of officers for promotion to a grade below the grade of brigadier general or, in the case of the Navy, rear admiral (lower half), only if such boards are so convened after January 1, 2021."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §506(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3228, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14107 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2006, and shall apply with respect to promotion selection boards convened on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(e), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1358, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 614, 616, 618, and 619 of this title] shall apply to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, after the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 5, 1991]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §501(e), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1966, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 616 to 618 of this title] shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 29, 1988] and shall apply with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, on or after that effective date."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–433 effective with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 120-day period beginning on Oct. 1, 1986, see section 406(f) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 612 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Pilot Program on Peer and Subordinate Assessments of Certain Officers

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §509F, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1874, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary concerned shall implement, in a covered Armed Force, a five-year pilot program, pursuant to which—

"(1) an officer described in subsection (b) shall be assessed by peers and subordinates; and

"(2) the results of such assessments may be available to a command selection or command qualification board concerned; and

"(3) the command selection or command qualification board may consider such results in determining whether to recommend such officer for such selection or qualification.

"(b) Covered Officers.—An officer described in this subsection is a regular officer—

"(1) eligible for consideration for command;

"(2) in grade O-5 or O-6; and

"(3) in a career field—

"(A) specified in subsection (c); or

"(B) determined by the Secretary concerned.

"(c) Covered Career Fields.—The career fields specified in this subsection are the following:

"(1) In the Navy, surface warfare, submarine warfare, special warfare, or explosive ordnance disposal.

"(2) In the Marine Corps, infantry, logistics, or field artillery.

"(3) In the Air Force, operations or logistics.

"(4) In the Space Force, space operations.

"(d) Selection of Assessors.—The Secretary concerned may select an individual to assess an officer under the pilot program if the Secretary determines such individual has worked with the officer closely enough to have an informed opinion regarding the officer's leadership abilities. An officer may not have any input regarding the selection of an individual who shall assess such officer.

"(e) Report.—Not later than three months after the termination of a pilot program, a Secretary concerned shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report regarding the pilot program. Elements of each such report shall include the following:

"(1) The determination of the Secretary concerned whether the pilot program improved the command selection or command qualification process of the covered Armed Force.

"(2) The rationale and findings of the Secretary concerned in determining whether to use such assessments in the command selection or command qualification process of such covered Armed Force.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered Armed Force' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.

"(2) The terms 'regular' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code."

Exclusion of Official Photographs of Members From Records Furnished to Promotion Selection Boards

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §524(a)–(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3599, provided that:

"(a) Active Duty Officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall include in the regulations prescribed pursuant to section 615(a) of title 10, United States Code, a prohibition on the inclusion of an official photograph of an officer in the information furnished to a selection board pursuant to section 615(b) of such title.

"(b) Reserve Officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall include in regulations prescribed pursuant to section 14107(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, a prohibition on the inclusion of an official photograph of an officer in the information furnished to a selection board pursuant to section 14107(a)(2) of such title.

"(c) Enlisted Members.—Each Secretary of a military department shall prescribe regulations that prohibit the inclusion of an official photograph of an enlisted member in the information furnished to a board that considers enlisted members under the jurisdiction of such Secretary for promotion."

§616. Recommendations for promotion by selection boards

(a) A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall recommend for promotion to the next higher grade those officers considered by the board whom the board, giving due consideration to the needs of the armed force concerned for officers with particular skills (as noted in the guidelines or information furnished the board under section 615(b) of this title), considers best qualified for promotion within each competitive category considered by the board.

(b) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall establish the number of officers such a selection board may recommend for promotion from among officers being considered from below the promotion zone in any competitive category. Such number may not exceed the number equal to 10 percent of the maximum number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion in such competitive category, except that the Secretary of Defense may authorize a greater number, not to exceed 15 percent of the total number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion, if the Secretary of Defense determines that the needs of the service so require. If the number determined under this subsection is less than one, the board may recommend one such officer. The number of officers recommended for promotion from below the promotion zone does not increase the maximum number of officers which the board is authorized under section 615 of this title to recommend for promotion.

(c) A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may not recommend an officer for promotion unless—

(1) the officer receives the recommendation of a majority of the members of the board;

(2) a majority of the members of the board finds that the officer is fully qualified for promotion; and

(3) a majority of the members of the board, after consideration by all members of the board of any adverse information about the officer that is provided to the board under section 615 of this title, finds that the officer is among the officers best qualified for promotion to meet the needs of the armed force concerned consistent with the requirement of exemplary conduct set forth in section 7233, 8167, or 9233 of this title, as applicable.

(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the number of officers recommended for promotion by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may not exceed the number equal to 95 percent of the number of officers included in the promotion zone established under section 623 of this title for consideration by the board, except, the Secretary concerned may authorize a greater number of officers so recommended that is less than 100 percent of the number of officers so included, for medical and dental officers recommended for promotion to major or lieutenant commander, if the Secretary concerned determines that such greater number is necessary to maintain or improve medical readiness.

(2) During the period beginning on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2030, the number of officers recommended for promotion by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may not equal or exceed 100 percent of the number of officers included in the promotion zone established under section 623 of this title for consideration by the board, for nurse officers recommended for promotion to major or lieutenant commander, if the Secretary concerned determines that such greater number is necessary to maintain or improve medical readiness.

(e) Except as otherwise provided by law, an officer on the active-duty list may not be promoted to a higher grade under this chapter unless he is considered and recommended for promotion to that grade by a selection board convened under this chapter.

(f) The recommendations of a selection board may be disclosed only in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Those recommendations may not be disclosed to a person not a member of the board (or a member of the administrative staff designated by the Secretary concerned to assist the board) until the written report of the recommendations of the board, required by section 617 of this title, is signed by each member of the board.

(g) The Secretary convening a selection board under section 611(a) of this title, and an officer or other official exercising authority over any member of a selection board, may not—

(1) censure, reprimand, or admonish the selection board or any member of the board with respect to the recommendations of the board or the exercise of any lawful function within the authorized discretion of the board; or

(2) attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence any action of a selection board or any member of a selection board in the formulation of the board's recommendations.

(h)(1) In selecting the officers to be recommended for promotion, a selection board shall, when authorized by the Secretary of the military department concerned, recommend officers of particular merit, pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary, from among those officers selected for promotion, to be placed higher on the promotion list established by the Secretary under section 624(a)(1) of this title.

(2) An officer may be recommended to be placed higher on a promotion list under paragraph (1) only if the officer receives the recommendation of at least a majority of the members of the board, unless the Secretary concerned establishes an alternative requirement. Any such alternative requirement shall be furnished to the board as part of the guidelines furnished to the board under section 615 of this title.

(3) For the officers recommended to be placed higher on a promotion list under paragraph (1), the board shall recommend, pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the order in which those officers should be placed on the list.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2852; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §501(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1966; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1357; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(8), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §512(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2184; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §504(a), title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1742, 1840; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §504(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3565; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §506, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 242; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §504, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1869.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–159 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (2), the number" for "The number", and added par. (2).

2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted before period at end ", except, the Secretary concerned may authorize a greater number of officers so recommended that is less than 100 percent of the number of officers so included, for medical and dental officers recommended for promotion to major or lieutenant commander, if the Secretary concerned determines that such greater number is necessary to maintain or improve medical readiness".

2021—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §504(a)(1), substituted "shall" for "may" and inserted "pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary," after "officers of particular merit,".

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 116–283, §504(a)(2), inserted ", pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary concerned," after "shall recommend".

2019—Subsecs. (d) to (h). Pub. L. 116–92 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (d) to (g) as (e) to (h), respectively.

2018—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–232, §809(a), substituted "section 7233, 8167, or 9233" for "section 3583, 5947, or 8583".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–232, §504(a), added subsec. (g).

2006—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 109–364 added par. (3).

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "section 615(b)" for "section 615(a)".

1991—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 102–190 added subsecs. (e) and (f).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456 inserted "(as noted in the guidelines or information furnished the board under section 615(a) of this title)" after "particular skills".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §504(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3565, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], and shall apply with respect to officers recommended for promotion by promotion selection boards convened on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §503(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1344, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], and shall apply with respect to consideration by promotion selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, of promotion zones that are established under section 623 of that title on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by section 809(a) of Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §512(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2184, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14108 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006] and shall apply with respect to selection boards convened on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 applicable to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 60-day period beginning Dec. 5, 1991, see section 504(e) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–456 effective 60 days after Sept. 29, 1988, and applicable with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title on or after that effective date, see section 501(e) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§617. Reports of selection boards

(a) Each selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall submit to the Secretary of the military department concerned a written report, signed by each member of the board, containing a list of the names of the officers it recommends for promotion and certifying (1) that the board has carefully considered the record of each officer whose name was furnished to it under section 615 of this title, and (2) that, in the opinion of a majority of the members of the board, the officers recommended for promotion by the board are best qualified for promotion to meet the needs of the armed force concerned (as noted in the guidelines or information furnished the board under section 615(b) of this title) among those officers whose names were furnished to the selection board.

(b) A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall include in its report to the Secretary concerned the name of any regular or reserve officer before it for consideration for promotion whose record, in the opinion of a majority of the members of the board, indicates that the officer should be required under chapter 60 or 1411 of this title to show cause for his retention on active duty.

(c) A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall include in its report to the Secretary concerned the name of any officer considered and not recommended for promotion by the board who submitted to the board a request not to be selected for promotion or who otherwise directly caused his nonselection through written communication to the Board under section 614(b) of this title.

(d) A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall, when authorized under section 616(h) of this title, include in its report to the Secretary concerned the names of those officers recommended by the board to be placed higher on the promotion list and the order in which the board recommends that those officers should be placed on the list.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2853; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §501(c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1966; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(8), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1623, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2961; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §502(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2003; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §503(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 590; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §504(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1742; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(18), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3871.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "section 616(h)" for "section 616(g)".

2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232 added subsec. (d).

1999—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–65 struck out "regular" before "officer".

1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–261 added subsec. (c).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337 inserted "or reserve" after "any regular" and "or 1411" after "chapter 60".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "section 615(b)" for "section 615(a)".

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–456 inserted "(as noted in the guidelines or information furnished the board under section 615(a) of this title)" after "concerned".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §503(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 590, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999]."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §502(c), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2003, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1174 of this title] shall apply with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of title 10, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 1998]."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1691(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–456 effective 60 days after Sept. 29, 1988, and applicable with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title on or after that effective date, see section 501(e) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§618. Action on reports of selection boards

(a)(1) Upon receipt of the report of a selection board submitted to him under section 617(a) of this title, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall review the report to determine whether the board has acted contrary to law or regulation or to guidelines furnished the board under section 615(b) of this title. Following such review, unless the Secretary concerned makes a determination as described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit the report as required by subsection (b) or (c), as appropriate.

(2) If, on the basis of a review of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that the board acted contrary to law or regulation or to guidelines furnished the board under section 615(b) of this title, the Secretary shall return the report, together with a written explanation of the basis for such determination, to the board for further proceedings. Upon receipt of a report returned by the Secretary concerned under this paragraph, the selection board (or a subsequent selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title for the same grade and competitive category) shall conduct such proceedings as may be necessary in order to revise the report to be consistent with law, regulation, and such guidelines and shall resubmit the report, as revised, to the Secretary in accordance with section 617 of this title.

(b)(1) After completing the requirements of subsection (a), the Secretary concerned, in the case of the report of a selection board that considered officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers, shall submit the report to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(2) The Chairman, in accordance with guidelines furnished to the Chairman by the Secretary of Defense, shall review the report for the purpose of determining if—

(A) the selection board acted consistent with the guidelines of the Secretary of Defense under section 615(c) of this title to ensure that selection boards give appropriate consideration to the performance of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers; and

(B) the selection board otherwise gave appropriate consideration to the performance of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers.

(3) After reviewing the report, the Chairman shall return the report, with his determinations and comments, to the Secretary concerned.

(4) If the Chairman determines that the board acted contrary to the guidelines of the Secretary of Defense under section 615(c) of this title or otherwise failed to give appropriate consideration to the performance of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers, the Secretary concerned may—

(A) return the report, together with the Chairman's determinations and comments, to the selection board (or a subsequent selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title for the same grade and competitive category) for further proceedings in accordance with subsection (a);

(B) convene a special selection board in the manner provided for under section 628 of this title; or

(C) take other appropriate action to satisfy the concerns of the Chairman.

(5) If, after completion of all actions taken under paragraph (4), the Secretary concerned and the Chairman remain in disagreement with respect to the report of a selection board, the Secretary concerned shall indicate such disagreement, and the reasons for such disagreement, as part of his transmittal of the report of the selection board to the Secretary of Defense under subsection (c). Such transmittal shall include any comments submitted by the Chairman.

(c)(1) After his final review of the report of a selection board, the Secretary concerned shall submit the report, with his recommendations thereon, to the Secretary of Defense for transmittal to the President for his approval or disapproval. The Secretary of Defense shall, before transmitting the report of a selection board to the President, take appropriate action to resolve any disagreement between the Secretary concerned and the Chairman transmitted to him under subsection (b)(5). If the authority of the President under this paragraph to approve or disapprove the report of a selection board is delegated to the Secretary of Defense, it may not be redelegated except to an official in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

(2) If the report of a selection board names an officer as having a record which indicates that the officer should be required to show cause for his retention on active duty, the Secretary concerned may provide for the review of the record of that officer as provided for under regulations prescribed under section 1181 of this title.

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the name of an officer recommended for promotion by a selection board may be removed from the report of the selection board only by the President.

(2) In the case of an officer recommended by a selection board for promotion to a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), the name of the officer may also be removed from the report of the selection board by the Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

(e)(1) The names of the officers recommended for promotion in the report of a selection board shall be disseminated to the armed force concerned as follows:

(A) In the case of officers recommended for promotion to a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), such names may be disseminated upon, or at any time after, the transmittal of the report to the President.

(B) In the case of officers recommended for promotion to a grade above colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain, such names may be disseminated upon, or at any time after, the approval of the report by the President.

(C) In the case of officers whose names have not been sooner disseminated, such names shall be promptly disseminated upon confirmation by the Senate.

(2) A list of names of officers disseminated under paragraph (1) may not include—

(A) any name removed by the President from the report of the selection board containing that name, if dissemination is under the authority of subparagraph (B) of such paragraph; or

(B) the name of any officer whose promotion the Senate failed to confirm, if dissemination is under the authority of subparagraph (C) of such paragraph.

[(f) Repealed. Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §547(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2216.]

(g) If the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Defense makes a recommendation under this section that the name of an officer be removed from a report of a selection board and the recommendation is accompanied by information that was not presented to that selection board, that information shall be made available to that officer. The officer shall then be afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on that information to the officials making the recommendation and the officials reviewing the recommendation. If an eligible officer cannot be given access to such information because of its classification status, the officer shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be provided with an appropriate summary of the information.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2853; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §524(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2524; Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §402(c), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1030; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §501(d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1966; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(c), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1357; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(8), (9), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §503(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-100; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §§513(a), 547(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2184, 2216; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §522(c), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4215.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §522(c)(1), substituted "are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers" for "are serving, or have served, in joint duty assignments".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–383, §522(c)(2), substituted "of officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers" for "in joint duty assignments of officers who are serving, or have served, in such assignments" in subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 111–383, §522(c)(3), substituted "who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff or are joint qualified officers" for "in joint duty assignments" in introductory provisions.

2006—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §513(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), the name" for "The name", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364, §547(a)(2), struck out subsec. (f) which read as follows: "Except as authorized or required by this section, proceedings of a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may not be disclosed to any person not a member of the board."

2000—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–398 amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "Upon approval by the President of the report of a selection board, the names of the officers recommended for promotion by the selection board (other than any name removed by the President) may be disseminated to the armed force concerned. If such names have not been sooner disseminated, such names (other than the name of any officer whose promotion the Senate failed to confirm) shall be promptly disseminated to the armed force concerned upon confirmation by the Senate."

1992—Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(8), substituted "section 615(b)" for "section 615(a)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A), (4). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(9), substituted "section 615(c)" for "section 615(b)".

1991—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–190 added subsec. (g).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456, §501(d)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "If, after reviewing the report of a selection board submitted to him under section 617(a) of this title, the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary shall return the report to the board for further proceedings. Upon receipt of a report returned by the Secretary concerned under this subsection, the selection board (or a subsequent selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title for the same grade and competitive category) shall conduct such proceedings as may be necessary in order to revise the report and shall resubmit the report, as revised, to the Secretary in accordance with section 617 of this title."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–456, §501(d)(2), struck out ", modification," after "for his approval" and inserted at end "If the authority of the President under this paragraph to approve or disapprove the report of a selection board is delegated to the Secretary of Defense, it may not be redelegated except to an official in the Office of the Secretary of Defense."

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–433, §402(c)(1), (2), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–433, §402(c)(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c) and in par. (1) inserted provisions directing the Secretary of Defense, before transmitting the report, to take appropriate action to resolve any disagreement between the Secretary concerned and the Chairman. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 99–433, §402(c)(1), redesignated subsecs. (c) to (e) as (d) to (f), respectively.

1984—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "If the report of a selection board names an officer as having a record which indicates that the officer should be required to show cause for his retention on active duty, the Secretary concerned may provide for the review of the record of that officer as provided for under regulations prescribed under section 1181 of this title" for "The Secretary concerned may submit to a board of officers convened under section 1181 of this title the name of any officer who is named in the report of a selection board as having a record which indicates that the officer should be required to show cause for his retention on active duty".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §513(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2185, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14111 of this title] shall apply with respect to selection boards convened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006]."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 applicable to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 60-day period beginning Dec. 5, 1991, see section 504(e) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–456 effective 60 days after Sept. 29, 1988, and applicable with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title on or after that effective date, see section 501(e) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–433 effective with respect to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 120-day period beginning on Oct. 1, 1986, see section 406(f) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 612 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (b)(1) to approve, modify, or disapprove report of a selection board delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§1(a), 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Nothing in section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12396 deemed to delegate authority vested in President by subsec. (c) of this section to remove a name from a selection board report, see section 1(g) of Ex. Ord. No. 12396.

SUBCHAPTER II—PROMOTIONS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §521(b)(2), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4444, added item 619a and struck out former item 619a "Eligibility for consideration for promotion: joint duty assignment required before promotion to general or flag grade; exceptions".

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(c)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1734, added items 619 and 619a and struck out former item 619 "Eligibility for consideration for promotion".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(4)(B), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628, substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore" in item 625.

1981—Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(4)(B), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1106, substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral" in item 625.

§619. Eligibility for consideration for promotion: time-in-grade and other requirements

(a) Time-in-Grade Requirements.—(1) An officer who is on the active-duty list of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps and holds a permanent appointment in the grade of second lieutenant or first lieutenant or is on the active-duty list of the Navy and holds a permanent appointment in the grade of ensign or lieutenant (junior grade) may not be promoted to the next higher permanent grade until he has completed the following period of service in the grade in which he holds a permanent appointment:

(A) Eighteen months, in the case of an officer holding a permanent appointment in the grade of second lieutenant or ensign.

(B) Two years, in the case of an officer holding a permanent appointment in the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade), except that the minimum period of service in effect under this subparagraph before October 1, 2008, shall be eighteen months.

(2) Subject to paragraph (5), an officer who is on the active-duty list of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps and holds a permanent appointment in a grade above first lieutenant or is on the active-duty list of the Navy and holds a permanent appointment in a grade above lieutenant (junior grade) may not be considered for selection for promotion to the next higher permanent grade until he has completed the following period of service in the grade in which he holds a permanent appointment:

(A) Three years, in the case of an officer of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps holding a permanent appointment in the grade of captain, major, or lieutenant colonel or of an officer of the Navy holding a permanent appointment in the grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, or commander.

(B) One year, in the case of an officer of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps holding a permanent appointment in the grade of colonel or brigadier general or of an officer of the Navy holding a permanent appointment in the grade of captain or rear admiral (lower half).

(3) When the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe a longer period of service in grade for eligibility for promotion, in the case of officers to whom paragraph (1) applies, or for eligibility for consideration for promotion, in the case of officers to whom paragraph (2) applies.

(4) When the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe a shorter period of service in grade, but not less than two years, for eligibility for consideration for promotion, in the case of officers designated for limited duty to whom paragraph (2) applies.

(5) The Secretary of the military department concerned may waive paragraph (2) to the extent necessary to assure that officers described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph have at least two opportunities for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade as officers below the promotion zone.

(6) In computing service in grade for purposes of this section, service in a grade held as a result of assignment to a position is counted as service in the grade in which the officer would have served except for such assignment or appointment.

(b) Continued Eligibility for Consideration for Promotion of Officers Who Have Previously Failed of Selection.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an officer who has failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade remains eligible for consideration for promotion to that grade as long as he continues on active duty in other than a retired status and is not promoted.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a regular officer who is ineligible for consideration for promotion under section 631(c) of this title or to a reserve officer who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of captain or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, lieutenant for the second time.

(c) Officers To Be Considered by Promotion Boards.—(1) Each time a selection board is convened under section 611(a) of this title for consideration of officers in a competitive category for promotion to the next higher grade, each officer in the promotion zone (except as provided under paragraph (2)), and each officer above the promotion zone, for the grade and competitive category under consideration shall be considered for promotion.

(2) The Secretary of the military department concerned—

(A) may, in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in regulations which shall apply uniformly among the military departments, limit the officers to be considered by a selection board from below the promotion zone to those officers who are determined to be exceptionally well qualified for promotion;

(B) may, by regulation, prescribe a period of time, not to exceed one year, from the time an officer is placed on the active-duty list during which the officer shall be ineligible for consideration for promotion; and

(C) may, by regulation, preclude from consideration by a selection board by which he would otherwise be eligible to be considered, an officer who has an established separation date that is within 90 days after the date the board is convened or an approved retirement date.

(3)(A) The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to preclude from consideration by selection boards for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) officers in the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain who—

(i) have been considered and not selected for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) by at least two selection boards; and

(ii) are determined, in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed pursuant to subparagraph (B), as not being exceptionally well qualified for promotion.

(B) If the Secretary of Defense authorizes the Secretaries of the military departments to have the authority described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the standards and procedures for the exercise of such authority. Those regulations shall apply uniformly among the military departments and shall include the following provisions:

(i) A requirement that the Secretary of a military department may exercise such authority in the case of a particular selection board only if the Secretary of Defense approves the exercise of that authority for that board.

(ii) A requirement that an officer may be precluded from consideration by a selection board under this paragraph only upon the recommendation of a preselection board of officers convened by the Secretary of the military department concerned and composed of at least three officers all of whom are serving in a grade higher than the grade of such officer.

(iii) A requirement that such a preselection board may not recommend that an officer be precluded from such consideration unless the Secretary concerned has given the officer advance written notice of the convening of such board and of the military records that will be considered by the board and has given the officer a reasonable period before the convening of the board in which to submit comments to the board.

(iv) A requirement that the Secretary convening such a preselection board shall provide general guidance to the board in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in those regulations.

(v) A requirement that the preselection board may recommend that an officer be precluded from consideration by a selection board only on the basis of the general guidance provided by the Secretary of the military department concerned, information in the officer's official military personnel records that has been described in the notice provided the officer as required pursuant to clause (iii), and any communication to the board received from that officer before the board convenes.

(d) Certain Officers Not To Be Considered.—A selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may not consider for promotion to the next higher grade any of the following officers:

(1) An officer whose name is on a promotion list for that grade as a result of his selection for promotion to that grade by an earlier selection board convened under that section.

(2) An officer who is recommended for promotion to that grade in the report of an earlier selection board convened under that section, in the case of such a report that has not yet been approved by the President.

(3) An officer of the Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty and who holds a grade above major.

(4) An officer in the grade of first lieutenant or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant (junior grade) who is on an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list under section 624(a)(3) of this title.

(5) An officer in the grade of captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant who is not a citizen of the United States.

(6) An officer excluded under subsection (e).

(e) Authority To Allow Officers To Opt Out of Selection Board Consideration.—(1) The Secretary of a military department may provide that an officer under the jurisdiction of the Secretary may, upon the officer's request and with the approval of the Secretary, be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade.

(2) The Secretary concerned may only approve a request under paragraph (1) if—

(A) the basis for the request is to allow an officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Department, training, or a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment, education, or training;

(B) the Secretary determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the military department concerned; and

(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2854; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(c), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 126; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §§525(a), (b), 529(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2524, 2525, 2526; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §404, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1032; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §§1305(a), 1314(b)(4), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1173, 1175; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §515(a)(1), (b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1970; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §504(d), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1357; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(b), (c)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1734; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(b)(7), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2857; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §503(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1724; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §§504, 505(c)(1)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1085, 1087; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(a)(3)(B), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1873; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §506, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2179; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §505(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1742; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(E), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §502, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1680; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §§503(b), 505(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1868, 1869.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 118–159, §503(b), inserted "or an approved retirement date" after "an established separation date that is within 90 days after the date the board is convened".

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §505(a)(1), inserted "training," after "Department," and substituted "assignment, education, or training" for "assignment or education".

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "or Marine Corps" for "Marine Corps, or Space Force" wherever appearing.

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §502(1), substituted "paragraph (5)" for "paragraph (4)".

Subsec. (a)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 117–81, §502(2), (3), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively.

2018—Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 115–232, §505(a)(1), added par. (6).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–232, §505(a)(2), added subsec. (e).

2006—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–364 substituted "October 1, 2008" for "October 1, 2005".

2004—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 108–375 added par. (5).

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(b)(1), inserted heading.

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(a), inserted ", except that the minimum period of service in effect under this subparagraph before October 1, 2005, shall be eighteen months" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(c), substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "clause (A)".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(b)(2), inserted heading.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(b)(3), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–107, §504(b)(4), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(c)(1)(A), added par. (4).

1997—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–85, §503(a)(1), substituted "grade any of the following officers:" for "grade—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–85, §503(a)(2), substituted "An officer" for "an officer" and a period for "; or".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, §503(a)(4), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 105–85, §503(a)(3), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and substituted "An officer" for "an officer".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 103–160, §931(c)(1). See 1993 Amendment note below.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, §931(c)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, inserted ": time-in-grade and other requirements" in section catchline.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–160, §931(b), struck out subsec. (e) which specified certain requirements for appointment to grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half). See section 619a of this title.

1991—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–190, §504(d)(1), added subpar. (A), redesignated subpars. (C) and (D) as (B) and (C) respectively, and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:

"(A) may, by regulation, prescribe procedures to limit the officers to be considered by a selection board—

"(i) from below the promotion zone; or

"(ii) in the case of a selection board to recommend officers for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half),

to those officers who are determined to be exceptionally well qualified for promotion;

"(B) may, by regulation, prescribe criteria for determining which officers below the promotion zone or in the grades of colonel and, in the case of officers of the Navy, captain are exceptionally well qualified for promotion for the purposes of clause (A);".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–190, §504(d)(2), added par. (3).

1988—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–456, §515(a)(1)(A), substituted "January 1, 1994" for "January 1, 1992" in second sentence.

Subsec. (e)(2)(D), (E). Pub. L. 100–456, §515(b)(1), added subpars. (D) and (E) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "until January 1, 1992, in the case of an officer who served before October 1, 1986, in an assignment (other than a joint duty assignment) that involved significant experience in joint matters (as determined by the Secretary)."

Subsec. (e)(3)(C). Pub. L. 100–456, §515(b)(2), substituted "paragraph (2) (other than under subparagraph (A) of that paragraph)" for "paragraph (2)(B), (2)(C), or (2)(D)".

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 100–456, §515(a)(1)(B), added par. (5).

1987—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–180, §1305(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "An officer may not be selected for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) unless the officer has served in a joint duty assignment."

Subsec. (e)(2)(D). Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(b)(4), substituted "October 1, 1986," for "the date of the enactment of this subsection".

1986—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–433 added subsec. (e).

1985—Subsecs. (a)(2)(B), (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525, §525(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), an officer" for "An officer", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 98–525, §525(b), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 98–525, §529(a), struck out "Navy or" before "Marine Corps" and struck out "lieutenant commander or" before "major".

1981—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(c)(1), struck out "and" after "promotion;".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(c)(2), substituted "for the purposes of clause (A); and" for the period at end of cl. (B).

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(c)(3), added cl. (C).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–375 effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004, see section 501(g) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as a note under section 531 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §503(d), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1725, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14301 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997] and shall apply with respect to selection boards that are convened under section 611(a), 14101(a), or 14502 of title 10, United States Code, on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2856, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Nov. 30, 1993, and as if included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, Pub. L. 103–160, as enacted.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 applicable to selection boards convened under section 611(a) of this title after end of 60-day period beginning Dec. 5, 1991, see section 504(e) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 615 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this subchapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§619a. Eligibility for consideration for promotion: designation as joint qualified officer required before promotion to general or flag grade; exceptions

(a) General Rule.—An officer on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may not be appointed to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) unless the officer has been designated as a joint qualified officer in accordance with section 661 of this title.

(b) Exceptions.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) in the following circumstances:

(1) When necessary for the good of the service.

(2) In the case of an officer whose proposed selection for promotion is based primarily upon scientific and technical qualifications for which joint requirements do not exist.

(3) In the case of—

(A) a medical officer, dental officer, veterinary officer, medical service officer, nurse, or biomedical science officer;

(B) a chaplain; or

(C) a judge advocate.

(4) In the case of an officer selected by a promotion board for appointment to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) while serving in a joint duty assignment if the officer's total consecutive service in joint duty assignments is not less than two years and the officer has successfully completed a program of education described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 2155 of this title.

(5) In the case of an officer who served in a joint duty assignment that began before January 1, 1987, if the officer served in that assignment for a period of sufficient duration (which may not be less than 12 months) for the officer's service to have been considered a full tour of duty under the policies and regulations in effect on September 30, 1986.

(c) Waiver To Be Individual.—A waiver may be granted under subsection (b) only on a case-by-case basis in the case of an individual officer.

(d) Special Rule for Good-of-the-Service Waiver.—In the case of a waiver under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall provide that the first duty assignment as a general or flag officer of the officer for whom the waiver is granted shall be in a joint duty assignment.

(e) Limitation on Delegation of Waiver Authority.—The authority of the Secretary of Defense to grant a waiver under subsection (b) (other than under paragraph (1) of that subsection) may be delegated only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, an Under Secretary of Defense, or an Assistant Secretary of Defense.

(f) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. The regulations shall specifically identify for purposes of subsection (b)(2) those categories of officers for which selection for promotion to brigadier general or, in the case of the Navy, rear admiral (lower half) is based primarily upon scientific and technical qualifications for which joint requirements do not exist.

(g) Limitation for General and Flag Officers Previously Receiving Joint Duty Assignment Waiver.—A general officer or flag officer who before January 1, 1999, received a waiver of subsection (a) under the authority of this subsection (as in effect before that date) may not be appointed to the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral until the officer completes a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment.

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1732; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §508, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §525(a), (b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1099; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §533, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §521(a), (b)(1), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4444; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(F), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

2008—Pub. L. 110–417, §521(b)(1), substituted "Eligibility for consideration for promotion: designation as joint qualified officer required before promotion to general or flag grade; exceptions" for "Eligibility for consideration for promotion: joint duty assignment required before promotion to general or flag grade; exceptions" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–417, §521(a)(1), substituted "unless the officer has been designated as a joint qualified officer" for "unless—

"(1) the officer has completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as described in section 664(f) of this title); and

"(2) for appointments after September 30, 2008, the officer has been selected for the joint specialty".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–417, §521(a)(2)(A), substituted "subsection (a)" for "paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subsection (a), or both paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a)," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–417, §521(a)(2)(B), substituted "is not less than two years and the officer has successfully completed a program of education described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 2155 of this title" for "within that immediate organization is not less than two years".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–417, §521(a)(3), struck out heading and text of subsec. (h). Text read as follows: "An officer of the Navy designated as a qualified nuclear propulsion officer who before January 1, 1997, is appointed to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) without regard to subsection (a) may not be appointed to the grade of rear admiral until the officer completes a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment."

2004—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–375, §533(a), substituted "September 30, 2008" for "September 30, 2007".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–375, §533(b), substituted "if the officer's" for "if—

"(A) at least 180 days of that joint duty assignment have been completed on the date of the convening of that selection board; and

"(B) the officer's".

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §525(a), substituted "unless—" and pars. (1) and (2) for "unless the officer has completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as described in section 664(f) of this title)."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107, §525(b), in introductory provisions, substituted "may waive paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subsection (a), or both paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), in the following circumstances:" for "may waive subsection (a) in the following circumstances:".

1999—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–65, §508(a), amended heading and text of subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) authorized the Secretary until Jan. 1, 1999, to waive subsecs. (a) and (d) for certain officers and contained restrictions on appointments of those officers.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–65, §508(b), substituted "An officer of the Navy" for "(1) Until January 1, 1997, an officer of the Navy" and "who before January 1, 1997, is" for "may be" and struck out ". An officer so appointed" before "may not be appointed" and par. (2) which read as follows: "Not later than March 1 of each year from 1994 through 1997, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation during the preceding calendar year of the transition plan developed by the Secretary pursuant to section 1305(b) of Public Law 100–180 (10 U.S.C. 619a note) with respect to service by qualified nuclear propulsion officers in joint duty assignments."

1996—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Proposed Legislative Changes

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §525(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1099, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress, not later than Dec. 1, 2002, a draft proposal for such legislative changes to this section as the Secretary considered were needed to implement the amendment made to this section by section 525(a), (b) of Pub. L. 107–107.

Report on Plans for Compliance

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(d), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1734, directed the Secretary of Defense to certify to Congress, not later than Feb. 1, 1994, that the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps had each developed and implemented a plan for officer personnel assignment and promotion policies so as to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section, and provided that each such plan should ensure that by Jan. 1, 1999, the service covered by the plan would have enough officers who had completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment so as to permit the orderly promotion of officers to brigadier general or, in the case of the Navy, rear admiral (lower half).

Plan for Service by Qualified Nuclear Propulsion Officers in Joint Duty Assignments by January 1, 1997; Implementation; Report

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(f)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1734, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(b)(8)(A), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2857, directed the Secretary of Defense to revise the transition plan developed pursuant to Pub. L. 100–180, §1305(b), formerly set out below, and to report on the revisions.

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §515(a)(3), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1970, directed the Secretary of Defense to revise the transition plan developed pursuant to Pub. L. 100–180, §1305(b), formerly set out below, and to report on the revisions.

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1305(b)–(d), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1173, 1174, as amended by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §515(a)(2), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1970; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §931(f)(1), (3), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1734; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(b)(8), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2857, directed the Secretary of Defense to develop and carry out a transition plan, to be implemented no later than six months after Dec. 4, 1987, for ensuring that during the period before Jan. 1, 1997, the maximum practicable number of officers of the Navy who were qualified nuclear propulsion officers had served in joint duty assignments and that by Jan. 1, 1997, the maximum practicable number of qualified nuclear propulsion officers in the grade of captain had qualified for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) by completing a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment, and directed the Secretary to submit to committees of Congress on the date on which the plan was implemented a copy of the plan and a report explaining how the plan had fulfilled objectives.

§620. Active-duty lists

(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall maintain a single list of all officers (other than officers described in section 641 of this title) who are on active duty for each armed force under his jurisdiction (other than the Coast Guard when it is operating as a service in the Navy).

(b) Officers shall be carried on the active-duty list of the armed force of which they are members in the order of seniority of the grade in which they are serving on active duty. Officers serving in the same grade shall be carried in the order of their rank in that grade.

(c) An officer whose position on the active-duty list results from service under a temporary appointment or in a grade held by reason of assignment to a position has, when that appointment or assignment ends, the grade and position on the active-duty list that he would have held if he had not received that appointment or assignment.

(d) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, a reserve officer who is ordered to active duty (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) during a war or national emergency and who would otherwise be placed on the active-duty list may be excluded from that list as determined by the Secretary concerned. Exclusion of an officer from the active-duty list as the result of action by the Secretary concerned under the preceding sentence shall expire not later than 24 months after the date on which the officer enters active duty under an order to active duty covered by that sentence.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2855; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1624, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2961; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 495.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106 made technical amendment to Pub. L. 103–337, §1624. See 1994 Amendment note below.

1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–337, §1624, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective as if included in the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as enacted on Oct. 5, 1994, see section 1501(f)(3) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 113 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1691(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

Regulations prescribed under this section applicable to establishment of initial active-duty lists, see section 621(a) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§621. Competitive categories for promotion

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of each military department shall establish competitive categories for promotion. Each officer whose name appears on an active-duty list shall be carried in a competitive category of officers. Officers in the same competitive category shall compete among themselves for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2856.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§622. Numbers to be recommended for promotion

Before convening a selection board under section 611(a) of this title for any grade and competitive category, the Secretary of the military department concerned, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, shall determine (1) the number of positions needed to accomplish mission objectives which require officers of such competitive category in the grade to which the board will recommend officers for promotion, (2) the estimated number of officers needed to fill vacancies in such positions during the period in which it is anticipated that officers selected for promotion will be promoted, and (3) the number of officers authorized by the Secretary of the military department concerned to serve on active duty in the grade and competitive category under consideration. Based on such determinations, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall determine the maximum number of officers in such competitive category which the selection board may recommend for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2856.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§623. Establishment of promotion zones

(a) Before convening a selection board under section 611(a) of this title to consider officers for promotion to any grade above first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall establish a promotion zone for officers serving in each grade and competitive category to be considered by the board.

(b) The Secretary concerned shall determine the number of officers in the promotion zone for officers serving in any grade and competitive category from among officers who are eligible for promotion in that grade and competitive category. Such determination shall be made on the basis of an estimate of—

(1) the number of officers needed in that competitive category in the next higher grade in each of the next five years;

(2) the number of officers to be serving in that competitive category in the next higher grade in each of the next five years;

(3) in the case of a promotion zone for officers to be promoted to a grade to which section 523 of this title is applicable, the number of officers authorized for such grade under such section to be on active duty on the last day of each of the next five fiscal years; and

(4) the number of officers that should be placed in that promotion zone in each of the next five years to provide to officers in those years relatively similar opportunity for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2856.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§624. Promotions: how made

(a)(1) When the report of a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title is approved by the President, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall place the names of all officers approved for promotion within a competitive category on a single list for that competitive category, to be known as a promotion list, in the order of the seniority of such officers on the active-duty list or based on particular merit, as determined by the promotion board. A promotion list is considered to be established under this section as of the date of the approval of the report of the selection board under the preceding sentence.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (d), officers on a promotion list for a competitive category shall be promoted to the next higher grade when additional officers in that grade and competitive category are needed. Promotions shall be made in the order in which the names of officers appear on the promotion list and after officers previously selected for promotion in that competitive category have been promoted. Officers to be promoted to the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade) shall be promoted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(3)(A) Except as provided in subsection (d), officers on the active-duty list in the grade of first lieutenant or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant (junior grade) who are on an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list shall be promoted to the next higher grade in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(B) An all-fully-qualified-officers list shall be considered to be approved for purposes of subparagraph (A) when the list is approved by the President. When so approved, such a list shall be treated in the same manner as a promotion list under this chapter.

(C) The Secretary of a military department may make a recommendation to the President for approval of an all-fully-qualified-officers list only when the Secretary determines that all officers on the list are needed in the next higher grade to accomplish mission objectives.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph, an all-fully-qualified-officers list is a list of all officers on the active-duty list in a grade who the Secretary of the military department concerned determines—

(i) are fully qualified for promotion to the next higher grade; and

(ii) would be eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title upon the convening of such a board.

(E) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that one or more officers or former officers were not placed on an all-fully-qualified-list under this paragraph because of administrative error, the Secretary may prepare a supplemental all-fully-qualified-officers list containing the names of any such officers for approval in accordance with this paragraph.

(b)(1) A regular officer who is promoted under this section is appointed in the regular grade to which promoted and a reserve officer who is promoted under this section is appointed in the reserve grade to which promoted.

(2) The date of rank of an officer appointed to a higher grade under this section is determined under section 741(d) of this title.

(c) Appointments under this section shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, except that appointments under this section in the grade of first lieutenant or captain, in the case of officers of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant, in the case of officers of the Navy, shall be made by the President alone.

(d)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the appointment of an officer under this section may be delayed if—

(A) sworn charges against the officer have been received by an officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the officer and such charges have not been disposed of;

(B) an investigation is being conducted to determine whether disciplinary action of any kind should be brought against the officer;

(C) a board of officers has been convened under chapter 60 of this title to review the record of the officer;

(D) a criminal proceeding in a Federal or State court is pending against the officer;

(E) substantiated adverse information about the officer that is material to the decision to appoint the officer is under review by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned; or

(F) the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that credible information of an adverse nature, including a substantiated adverse finding or conclusion described in section 615(a)(3)(A) of this title, with respect to the officer will result in the convening of a special selection review board under section 628a of this title to review the officer and recommend whether the recommendation for promotion of the officer should be sustained.

If no disciplinary action is taken against the officer, if the charges against the officer are withdrawn or dismissed, if the officer is not ordered removed from active duty by the Secretary concerned under chapter 60 of this title, if the officer is acquitted of the charges brought against him, or if, after a review of substantiated adverse information about the officer regarding the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 7233, 8167, or 9233 of this title, as applicable, the officer is determined to be among the officers best qualified for promotion, as the case may be, then unless action to delay an appointment has also been taken under paragraph (2) the officer shall be retained on the promotion list (including an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list, if applicable) and shall, upon promotion to the next higher grade, have the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of the grade to which promoted, and the same position on the active-duty list as he would have had if no delay had intervened, unless the Secretary concerned determines that the officer was unqualified for promotion for any part of the delay. If the Secretary makes such a determination, the Secretary may adjust such date of rank, effective date of pay and allowances, and position on the active-duty list as the Secretary considers appropriate under the circumstances.

(2) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the appointment of an officer under this section may also be delayed in any case in which there is cause to believe that the officer has not met the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 7233, 8167, or 9233 of this title, as applicable, or is mentally, physically, morally, or professionally unqualified to perform the duties of the grade for which he was selected for promotion. If it is later determined by a civilian official of the Department of Defense (not below the level of Secretary of a military department) that the officer is qualified for promotion to such grade and, after a review of adverse information regarding the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 7233, 8167, or 9233 of this title, as applicable, the officer is determined to be among the officers best qualified for promotion to such grade, the officer shall be retained on the promotion list (including an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list, if applicable) and shall, upon such promotion, have the same date of rank, the same effective date for pay and allowances in the higher grade to which appointed, and the same position on the active-duty list as he would have had if no delay had intervened, unless the Secretary concerned determines that the officer was unqualified for promotion for any part of the delay. If the Secretary makes such a determination, the Secretary may adjust such date of rank, effective date of pay and allowances, and position on the active-duty list as the Secretary considers appropriate under the circumstances.

(3) In the case of an officer whose promotion is delayed pursuant to paragraph (1)(F) and whose recommendation for promotion is sustained, authorities for the promotion of the officer are specified in section 628a(f) of this title.

(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the appointment of an officer may not be delayed under this subsection unless the officer has been given written notice of the grounds for the delay, unless it is impracticable to give such written notice before the effective date of the appointment, in which case such written notice shall be given as soon as practicable. An officer whose promotion has been delayed under this subsection shall be afforded an opportunity to make a written statement to the Secretary concerned in response to the action taken. Any such statement shall be given careful consideration by the Secretary.

(B) In the case of an officer whose promotion is delayed pursuant to paragraph (1)(F), requirements applicable to notice and opportunity for response to such delay are specified in section 628a(c)(3) of this title.

(5) An appointment of an officer may not be delayed under this subsection for more than six months after the date on which the officer would otherwise have been appointed unless the Secretary concerned specifies a further period of delay. An officer's appointment may not be delayed more than 90 days after final action has been taken in any criminal case against such officer in a Federal or State court, more than 90 days after final action has been taken in any court-martial case against such officer, or more than 18 months after the date on which such officer would otherwise have been appointed, whichever is later.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), in the case of an officer who is selected for promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter, and prior to the placement of the officer's name on the applicable promotion list as approved for transfer to the reserve active-status list of the same or a different armed force, the Secretary concerned may place the officer's name on a corresponding promotion list on the reserve active-status list without regard to the officer's competitive category. An officer's promotion under this subsection shall be made pursuant to section 14308 of this title.

(f) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3), in the case of an officer who is placed on an all-fully-qualified-officers list, and is subsequently approved for transfer to the reserve active-status list, the Secretary concerned may place the officer's name on an appropriate all-fully-qualified-officers list on the reserve active-status list. An officer's promotion under this subsection shall be made pursuant to section 14308 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2857; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 126; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(8), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §526, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2525; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(a)(1), (c)(2)(A), (d)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1085, 1087, 1088; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(2), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2649; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §511(a), (d)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2181, 2183; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(c)(3), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 322; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §502(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 806; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §504(c), title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1742, 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §505(a)(3), title IX, §924(b)(3)(G), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3568, 3821; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §503(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 241; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(14), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2203.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "as approved" for "is approved".

2023—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsecs. (e) and (f).

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(3)(G), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

Subsec. (d)(1)(F). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(a)(3)(A), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(a)(3)(C), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(a)(3)(B), (D), redesignated par. (3) as (4), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the appointment" for "The appointment", and added subpar. (B). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 116–283, §505(a)(3)(B), redesignated par. (4) as (5).

2018—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, §504(c), inserted "or based on particular merit, as determined by the promotion board" after "active-duty list".

Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 115–232, §809(a), substituted "section 7233, 8167, or 9233" for "section 3583, 5947, or 8583" in concluding provisions of par. (1) and in two places in par. (2).

2015—Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 114–92 added subpar. (E).

2008—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–181 amended directory language of Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(2)(D)(i). See 2006 Amendment note below.

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §511(d)(1), inserted at end "A promotion list is considered to be established under this section as of the date of the approval of the report of the selection board under the preceding sentence."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(2)(D)(ii), inserted "or if, after a review of substantiated adverse information about the officer regarding the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 3583, 5947, or 8583 of this title, as applicable, the officer is determined to be among the officers best qualified for promotion," after "brought against him," in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(2)(D)(i), as amended by Pub. L. 110–181, struck out "or" after "chapter 60 of this title,".

Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(1), substituted "prescribed by the Secretary of Defense" for "prescribed by the Secretary concerned" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(E). Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(2)(A)–(C), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(3), in first sentence inserted "has not met the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 3583, 5947, or 8583 of this title, as applicable, or" before "is mentally, physically," and in second sentence substituted "If it is later determined by a civilian official of the Department of Defense (not below the level of Secretary of a military department) that the officer is qualified for promotion to such grade and, after a review of adverse information regarding the requirement for exemplary conduct set forth in section 3583, 5947, or 8583 of this title, as applicable, the officer is determined to be among the officers best qualified for promotion to such grade" for "If the Secretary concerned later determines that the officer is qualified for promotion to such grade".

Pub. L. 109–364, §511(a)(1), substituted "prescribed by the Secretary of Defense" for "prescribed by the Secretary concerned".

2002—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "paragraph (2)" for "subsection (d)(2)" in concluding provisions.

2001—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(a)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(1), inserted ", in the case of officers of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps," after "captain" and ", in the case of officers of the Navy," after "(junior grade) or lieutenant".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(c)(2)(A)(i), inserted "(including an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list, if applicable)" after "retained on the promotion list" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(c)(2)(A)(ii), inserted "shall be retained on the promotion list (including an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list, if applicable) and" after "to such grade, the officer" in second sentence.

1984—Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 98–525 inserted provision for a determination by the Secretary concerned that the officer was unqualified for promotion for any part of the delay in the officer's promotion, with the inserted provision that if the Secretary made such a determination, the Secretary could adjust such date of rank, effective date of pay and allowances, and position on the active-duty list as the Secretary considered appropriate under the circumstances.

1982—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "this subsection" for "the subsection".

1981—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(1)(A), struck out "or in the case of officers selected for promotion to the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade), when a list of officers selected for promotion is approved by the President," after "by the President,".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(1)(B), inserted provision that officers to be promoted to grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade) shall be promoted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(2), substituted "under this section in the grade of first lieutenant or captain or lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant" for "in the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade) under this section".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(3)(A), (B), substituted "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the appointment of an officer under this section may be delayed" for "The Secretary concerned may delay the appointment of an officer under this section" in provisions preceding subpar. (A) and, in provisions following subpar. (D), inserted "then unless action to delay an appointment has also been taken under subsection (d)(2)" after "as the case may be,".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(3)(C), substituted "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the appointment of an officer under this section may also be delayed in any case in which" for "The Secretary concerned may also delay the appointment of an officer to the next higher grade under this section in any case in which the Secretary finds that".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(d)(3)(D), (E), inserted ", unless it is impracticable to give such written notice before the effective date of the appointment, in which case such written notice shall be given as soon as practicable" after "grounds for the delay" and struck out "by the Secretary" after "the action taken".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by section 809(a) of Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 322, provided that the amendment made by section 1063(c) is effective Oct. 17, 2006, and as if included in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Pub. L. 109–364, as enacted.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §511(e), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2184, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 14308 and 14311 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006] and shall apply with respect to officers on promotion lists established on or after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Deadline for Uniform Regulations on Delay of Promotions

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §511(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2183, provided that:

"(1) Deadline.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the regulations required by section 624(d) of title 10, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)(1) of this section), and the regulations required by section 14311 of such title (as amended by subsection (b)(1) of this section) not later than March 1, 2008.

"(2) Savings clause for existing regulations.—Until the Secretary of Defense prescribes regulations pursuant to paragraph (1), regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments under the sections referred to in paragraph (1) shall remain in effect."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (c) to appoint officers in grades of first lieutenant and captain in Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps or in grades of lieutenant (junior grade) and lieutenant in Navy delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§1(c), 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§625. Authority to vacate promotions to grades of brigadier general and rear admiral (lower half)

(a) The President may vacate the promotion to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) of an officer who has served less than 18 months in that grade after promotion to that grade under this chapter.

(b) An officer of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps whose promotion is vacated under this section holds the regular grade of colonel, if he is a regular officer, or the reserve grade of colonel, if he is a reserve officer. An officer of the Navy whose promotion is vacated under this section holds the regular grade of captain, if he is a regular officer, or the reserve grade of captain, if he is a reserve officer.

(c) The position on the active-duty list of an officer whose promotion is vacated under this section is the position he would have held had he not been promoted to the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half).

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2858; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), (4)(A), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), (4)(A), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(H), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(4), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 668.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "or Marine Corps" for "Marine Corps, or Space Force".

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore" in section catchline and subsecs. (a) and (c).

1981—Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral" in section catchline and subsecs. (a) and (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§626. Acceptance of promotions; oath of office

(a) An officer who is appointed to a higher grade under section 624 of this title is considered to have accepted such appointment on the date on which the appointment is made unless he expressly declines the appointment.

(b) An officer who has served continuously since he subscribed to the oath of office prescribed in section 3331 of title 5 is not required to take a new oath upon appointment to a higher grade under section 624 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2858.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER III—FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION AND RETIREMENT FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(6)(E), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 670, substituted "and Space Force lieutenant colonels; regular Navy" for "lieutenant colonels and" in item 633, "and Space Force colonels; regular" for "colonels and" in item 634, "and Space Force brigadier generals; regular Navy" for "brigadier generals and" in item 635, and "and Space Force officers in grades above brigadier general; regular Navy officers in grades above" for "officers in grades above brigadier general and" in item 636. Amendments were made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §508(a)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 242, which directed amendment of the analysis for this chapter by adding item 632 and striking out former item 632 "Effect of failure of selection for promotion: captains and majors of the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and lieutenants and lieutenant commanders of the Navy", was executed by making the amendment to the analysis for this subchapter to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §505(a)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3568, added item 628a.

2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §503(a)(3), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 95, substituted "six years" for "five years" in item 630.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(d)(4), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1088, struck out "regular" before "commissioned officers" in item 630, struck out "regular" before "first lieutenants" in item 631, and struck out "regular" before "captains and majors" and before "lieutenants and lieutenant commanders" in item 632.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §506(c), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1726, substituted "regular officers in grades above brigadier general and rear admiral (lower half)" for "regular major generals and rear admirals" in item 636.

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(5)(B), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628, substituted "rear admirals (lower half)" for "commodores" in item 635.

1981—Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(5)(B), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1106, substituted "commodores" for "commodore admirals" in item 635.

§627. Failure of selection for promotion

An officer in a grade below the grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain who is in or above the promotion zone established for his grade and competitive category under section 623 of this title and is considered but not selected for promotion by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title shall be considered to have failed of selection for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2859.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this subchapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§628. Special selection boards

(a) Persons Not Considered by Promotion Boards Due to Administrative Error.—(1) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that because of administrative error a person who should have been considered for selection for promotion from in or above the promotion zone by a promotion board was not so considered, the Secretary shall convene a special selection board under this subsection to determine whether that person (whether or not then on active duty) should be recommended for promotion.

(2) A special selection board convened under paragraph (1) shall consider the record of the person whose name was referred to it for consideration as that record would have appeared to the board that should have considered him. That record shall be compared with a sampling of the records of those officers of the same competitive category who were recommended for promotion, and those officers who were not recommended for promotion, by the board that should have considered him.

(3) If a special selection board convened under paragraph (1) does not recommend for promotion a person whose name was referred to it for consideration for selection for appointment to a grade other than a general officer or flag officer grade, the person shall be considered to have failed of selection for promotion.

(b) Persons Considered by Promotion Boards in Unfair Manner.—(1) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines, in the case of a person who was considered for selection for promotion by a promotion board but was not selected, that there was material unfairness with respect to that person, the Secretary may convene a special selection board under this subsection to determine whether that person (whether or not then on active duty) should be recommended for promotion. In order to determine that there was material unfairness, the Secretary must determine that—

(A) the action of the promotion board that considered the person was contrary to law in a matter material to the decision of the board or involved material error of fact or material administrative error; or

(B) the board did not have before it for its consideration material information.

(2) A special selection board convened under paragraph (1) shall consider the record of the person whose name was referred to it for consideration as that record, if corrected, would have appeared to the board that considered him. That record shall be compared with the records of a sampling of those officers of the same competitive category who were recommended for promotion, and those officers who were not recommended for promotion, by the board that considered him.

(3) If a special selection board convened under paragraph (1) does not recommend for promotion a person whose name was referred to it for consideration, the person incurs no additional failure of selection for promotion.

(c) Reports of Boards.—(1) Each special selection board convened under this section shall submit to the Secretary of the military department concerned a written report, signed by each member of the board, containing the name of each person it recommends for promotion and certifying that the board has carefully considered the record of each person whose name was referred to it.

(2) The provisions of sections 617(b) and 618 of this title apply to the report and proceedings of a special selection board convened under this section in the same manner as they apply to the report and proceedings of a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title. However, in the case of a board convened under this section to consider a warrant officer or former warrant officer, the provisions of sections 576(d), 576(f), and 613a of this title (rather than the provisions of sections 617(b) and 618 of this title) apply to the report and proceedings of the board in the same manner as they apply to the report and proceedings of a selection board convened under section 573 of this title.

(d) Appointment of Persons Selected by Boards.—(1) If the report of a special selection board convened under this section, as approved by the President, recommends for promotion to the next higher grade a person whose name was referred to it for consideration, that person shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to that grade in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 624 of this title. However, in the case of a board convened under this section to consider a warrant officer or former warrant officer, if the report of that board, as approved by the Secretary concerned, recommends that warrant officer or former warrant officer for promotion to the next higher grade, that person shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to the next higher grade in accordance with provisions of section 578(c) of this title (rather than subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 624 of this title).

(2) A person who is appointed to the next higher grade as the result of the recommendation of a special selection board convened under this section shall, upon that appointment, have the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of that grade, and the same position on the active-duty list as he would have had if he had been recommended for promotion to that grade by the board which should have considered, or which did consider, him. In the case of a person who is not on the active-duty list when appointed to the next higher grade, placement of that person on the active-duty list pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be only for purposes of determination of eligibility of that person for consideration for promotion by any subsequent special selection board under this section.

(e) Deceased Persons.—If a person whose name is being considered for referral to a special selection board under this section dies before the completion of proceedings under this section with respect to that person, this section shall be applied to that person posthumously.

(f) Convening of Boards.—A board convened under this section—

(1) shall be convened under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense;

(2) shall be composed in accordance with section 612 of this title or, in the case of board to consider a warrant officer or former warrant officer, in accordance with section 573 of this title and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned; and

(3) shall be subject to the provisions of section 613 of this title.

(g) Judicial Review.—(1)(A) A court of the United States may review a determination by the Secretary of a military department under subsection (a)(1) or (b)(1) not to convene a special selection board in the case of any person. In any such case, the court may set aside the Secretary's determination only if the court finds the determination to be—

(i) arbitrary or capricious;

(ii) not based on substantial evidence;

(iii) a result of material error of fact or material administrative error; or

(iv) otherwise contrary to law.

(B) If a court sets aside a determination by the Secretary of a military department not to convene a special selection board under this section, it shall remand the case to the Secretary concerned, who shall provide for consideration by such a board.

(2) A court of the United States may review the action of a special selection board convened under this section or an action of the Secretary of the military department concerned on the report of such a board. In any such case, a court may set aside the action only if the court finds that the action was—

(A) arbitrary or capricious;

(B) not based on substantial evidence;

(C) a result of material error of fact or material administrative error; or

(D) otherwise contrary to law.

(3)(A) If, six months after receiving a complete application for consideration by a special selection board under this section in any case, the Secretary concerned has not convened such a board and has not denied consideration by such a board in that case, the Secretary shall be deemed for the purposes of this subsection to have denied the consideration of the case by such a board.

(B) If, six months after the convening of a special selection board under this section in any case, the Secretary concerned has not taken final action on the report of the board, the Secretary shall be deemed for the purposes of this subsection to have denied relief in such case.

(C) Under regulations prescribed under subsection (j), the Secretary of a military department may waive the applicability of subparagraph (A) or (B) in a case if the Secretary determines that a longer period for consideration of the case is warranted. Such a waiver may be for an additional period of not more than six months. The Secretary concerned may not delegate authority to make a determination under this subparagraph.

(h) Limitations of Other Jurisdiction.—No official or court of the United States may, with respect to a claim based to any extent on the failure of a person to be selected for promotion by a promotion board—

(1) consider the claim unless the person has first been referred by the Secretary concerned to a special selection board convened under this section and acted upon by that board and the report of the board has been approved by the President; or

(2) except as provided in subsection (g), grant any relief on the claim unless the person has been selected for promotion by a special selection board convened under this section to consider the person for recommendation for promotion and the report of the board has been approved by the President.

(i) Existing Jurisdiction.—Nothing in this section limits—

(1) the jurisdiction of any court of the United States under any provision of law to determine the validity of any law, regulation, or policy relating to selection boards; or

(2) the authority of the Secretary of a military department to correct a military record under section 1552 of this title.

(j) Regulations.—(1) The Secretary of each military department shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Regulations under this subsection may not apply to subsection (g), other than to paragraph (3)(C) of that subsection.

(2) The Secretary may prescribe in the regulations under paragraph (1) the circumstances under which consideration by a special selection board may be provided for under this section, including the following:

(A) The circumstances under which consideration of a person's case by a special selection board is contingent upon application by or for that person.

(B) Any time limits applicable to the filing of an application for such consideration.

(3) Regulations prescribed by the Secretary of a military department under this subsection may not take effect until approved by the Secretary of Defense.

(k) Promotion Board Defined.—In this section, the term "promotion board" means a selection board convened by the Secretary of a military department under section 573(a) or 611(a) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2859; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §527(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2525; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1131(4), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1506; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1052(10), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §501(a)–(e), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2000–2002; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-290; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §§503(b), 505(c)(3)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1083, 1088; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §514(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2185; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §503(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4208; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §502(c)(1), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 807.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–92 struck out "or the name of a person that should have been placed on an all-fully-qualified-officers list under section 624(a)(3) of this title was not so placed," after "not so considered,".

2011—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "sections 576(d), 576(f), and 613a" for "sections 576(d) and 576(f)".

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §514(a)(1), inserted "from in or above the promotion zone" after "for selection for promotion".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–364, §514(a)(2), inserted "in a matter material to the decision of the board" after "contrary to law".

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(c)(3)(A), inserted "or the name of a person that should have been placed on an all-fully-qualified-officers list under section 624(a)(3) of this title was not so placed," after "not so considered,".

Subsecs. (g) to (k). Pub. L. 107–107, §503(b), added subsecs. (g) to (j) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (k).

2000—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "sections" for "section" after "rather than the provisions of".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(a)(1), inserted subsec. heading, added par. (1), and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "In the case of an officer who is eligible for promotion who the Secretary of the military department concerned determines was not considered for selection for promotion by a selection board because of administrative error, the Secretary concerned, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, shall convene a special selection board under this subsection (composed in accordance with section 612 of this title or, in the case of a warrant officer, composed in accordance with section 573 of this title and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned) to determine whether such officer should be recommended for promotion."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(a)(2), substituted "the person whose name was referred to it for consideration as that record" for "the officer as his record".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(a)(3), substituted "a person whose name was referred to it for consideration for selection for appointment to a grade other than a general officer or flag officer grade, the person" for "an officer in a grade below the grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain whose name was referred to it for consideration, the officer".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(b)(1), inserted subsec. heading, added par. (1), and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "In the case of an officer who is eligible for promotion who was considered for selection for promotion by a selection board but was not selected, the Secretary of the military department concerned, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may convene a special selection board under this subsection (composed in accordance with section 612 of this title or, in the case of a warrant officer, composed in accordance with section 573 of this title and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned) to determine whether such officer should be recommended for promotion if the Secretary concerned determines that—

"(A) the action of the board which considered the officer was contrary to law or involved material error of fact or material administrative error; or

"(B) the board did not have before it for its consideration material information."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(b)(2), substituted "the person whose name was referred to it for consideration as that record" for "the officer as his record".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(b)(3)(A), substituted "a person" for "an officer" and "the person" for "the officer".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(1)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(1)(B), substituted "person" for "officer" in two places.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(1)(C), inserted at end "However, in the case of a board convened under this section to consider a warrant officer or former warrant officer, the provisions of sections 576(d) and 576(f) of this title (rather than the provisions of section 617(b) and 618 of this title) apply to the report and proceedings of the board in the same manner as they apply to the report and proceedings of a selection board convened under section 573 of this title."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(2)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(2)(B)–(E), substituted "a person" for "an officer", "that person" for "such officer", and "that grade in" for "the next higher grade in" and inserted at end "However, in the case of a board convened under this section to consider a warrant officer or former warrant officer, if the report of that board, as approved by the Secretary concerned, recommends that warrant officer or former warrant officer for promotion to the next higher grade, that person shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to the next higher grade in accordance with provisions of section 578(c) of this title (rather than subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 624 of this title)."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(c)(3), substituted "A person who is appointed" for "An officer who is promoted" and "that appointment" for "such promotion" and inserted at end "In the case of a person who is not on the active-duty list when appointed to the next higher grade, placement of that person on the active-duty list pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be only for purposes of determination of eligibility of that person for consideration for promotion by any subsequent special selection board under this section."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(d), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "The provisions of section 613 of this title apply to members of special selection boards convened under this section."

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 105–261, §501(e), added subsecs. (f) and (g).

1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "section 573" for "section 558".

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted "section 573" for "section 558".

1984—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "(composed in accordance with section 612 of this title or, in the case of a warrant officer, composed in accordance with section 558 of this title and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned)" for "(composed in accordance with section 612 of this title)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §514(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2185, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14502 of this title] shall take effect on March 1, 2007, and shall apply with respect to selection boards convened on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §503(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1084, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting section 1558 of this title and amending this section] shall apply with respect to any proceeding pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001] without regard to whether a challenge to an action of a selection board of any of the Armed Forces being considered in the proceeding was initiated before, on, or after that date.

"(2) The amendments made by this section shall not apply with respect to any action commenced in a court of the United States before the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Ratification of Codified Practice

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §501(f), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2002, provided that the consideration by a special selection board convened under this section before Oct. 17, 1998, of a person who, at the time of consideration, had been a retired officer or former officer of the Armed Forces (including a deceased retired or former officer) was ratified.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (d)(1) to approve, modify, or disapprove report of a selection board delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§1(a), 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§628a. Special selection review boards

(a) In General.—(1)(A) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that a person recommended by a promotion board for promotion to a grade at or below the grade of major general or rear admiral in the Navy is the subject of credible information of an adverse nature, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion described in section 615(a)(3)(A) of this title, that was not furnished to the promotion board during its consideration of the person for promotion as otherwise required by such section, the Secretary shall convene a special selection review board under this section to review the person and recommend whether the recommendation for promotion of the person should be sustained.

(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a Secretary concerned from deferring consideration of adverse information concerning an officer subject to this section until the next regularly scheduled promotion board applicable to such officer, in lieu of furnishing such adverse information to a special selection review board under this section.

(2) If a person and the recommendation for promotion of the person is subject to review under this section by a special selection review board convened under this section, the name of the person—

(A) shall not be disseminated or publicly released on the list of officers recommended for promotion by the promotion board recommending the promotion of the person; and

(B) shall not be forwarded for appointment or nomination to the Secretary of Defense, the President, or the Senate, as applicable.

(b) Convening.—(1) Any special selection review board convened under this section shall be convened in accordance with the provisions of section 628(f) of this title.

(2) Any special selection review board convened under this section may review such number of persons, and recommendations for promotion of such persons, as the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify in convening such special selection review board.

(c) Information Considered.—(1) In reviewing a person and recommending whether the recommendation for promotion of the person should be sustained under this section, a special selection review board convened under this section shall be furnished and consider the following:

(A) The record and information concerning the person furnished in accordance with section 615(a)(2) of this title to the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion.

(B) Any credible information of an adverse nature on the person, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented investigation or inquiry described in section 615(a)(3)(A) of this title.

(2) The furnishing of information to a special selection review board under paragraph (1)(B) shall be governed by the standards and procedures referred to in paragraph (3)(C) of section 615(a) of this title applicable to the furnishing of information described in paragraph (3)(A) of such section to selection boards in accordance with that section.

(3)(A) Before information on a person described in paragraph (1)(B) is furnished to a special selection review board for purposes of this section, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall ensure that—

(i) such information is made available to the person; and

(ii) subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), the person is afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on such information to the special selection review board before its review of the person and the recommendation for promotion of the person under this section.

(B) If information on a person described in paragraph (1)(B) is not made available to the person as otherwise required by subparagraph (A)(i) due to the classification status of such information, the person shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be furnished a summary of such information appropriate to the person's authorization for access to classified information.

(C)(i) An opportunity to submit comments on information is not required for a person under subparagraph (A)(ii) if—

(I) such information was made available to the person in connection with the furnishing of such information under section 615(a) of this title to the promotion board that recommended the promotion of the person subject to review under this section; and

(II) the person submitted comments on such information to that promotion board.

(ii) The comments on information of a person described in clause (i)(II) shall be furnished to the special selection review board.

(D) A person may waive either or both of the following:

(i) The right to submit comments to a special selection review board under subparagraph (A)(ii).

(ii) The furnishing of comments to a special selection review board under subparagraph (C)(ii).

(d) Consideration.—(1) In considering the record and information on a person under this section, the special selection review board shall compare such record and information with an appropriate sampling of the records of those officers of the same competitive category who were recommended for promotion by the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion, and an appropriate sampling of the records of those officers who were considered by and not recommended for promotion by that promotion board.

(2) Records and information shall be presented to a special selection review board for purposes of paragraph (1) in a manner that does not indicate or disclose the person or persons for whom the special selection review board was convened.

(3) In considering whether the recommendation for promotion of a person should be sustained under this section, a special selection review board shall, to the greatest extent practicable, apply standards used by the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion.

(4) The recommendation for promotion of a person may be sustained under this section only if the special selection review board determines that the person—

(A) ranks in the upper half of an order of merit created by the special selection review board or ranks on an order of merit created by the special selection review board as better qualified for promotion than the sample officer highest on the order of merit list who was considered by and not recommended for promotion by the promotion board concerned; and

(B) is comparable in qualification for promotion to those sample officers who were recommended for promotion by that promotion board.

(5) A recommendation for promotion of a person may be sustained under this section only by a vote of a majority of the members of the special selection review board.

(6) If a special selection review board does not sustain a recommendation for promotion of a person under this section, the person shall be considered to have failed of selection for promotion.

(e) Reports.—(1) Each special selection review board convened under this section shall submit to the Secretary of the military department concerned a written report, signed by each member of the board, containing the name of each person whose recommendation for promotion it recommends for sustainment and certifying that the board has carefully considered the record and information of each person whose name was referred to it.

(2) The provisions of sections 617(b) and 618 of this title apply to the report and proceedings of a special selection review board convened under this section in the same manner as they apply to the report and proceedings of a promotion board convened under section 611(a) of this title. However, in the case of an officer on the Space Force officer list, the provisions of sections 618, 20215, and 20216 of this title apply to the report and proceedings of a special selection review board convened under this section in the same manner as they apply to the report and proceedings of a promotion board convened under section 20211 of this title.

(f) Appointment of Persons.—(1) If the report of a special selection review board convened under this section recommends the sustainment of the recommendation for promotion to the next higher grade of a person whose name was referred to it for review under this section, and the President approves the report, the person shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to that grade in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of section 624 of this title. However, if the report of a special selection review board convened under this section recommends the sustainment of the recommendation for promotion to the next higher grade of an officer on the Space Force officer list who was referred to it for review under this section, and the President approves the report, the officer shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to the grade in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of section 20252 of this title.

(2) A person who is appointed to the next higher grade as described in paragraph (1) shall, upon that appointment, have the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of that grade, and the same position on the active-duty list as the person would have had pursuant to the original recommendation for promotion of the promotion board concerned.

(g) Regulations.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall apply uniformly across the military departments.

(2) Any regulation prescribed by the Secretary of a military department to supplement the regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) may not take effect without the approval of the Secretary of Defense, in writing.

(h) Promotion Board Defined.—In this section, the term "promotion board" means a selection board convened by the Secretary of a military department under section 611(a) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §505(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3565; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §521, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2570; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §507(a), title XVII, §1722(b)(5), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 242, 668; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §506(a), title XVII, §1701(a)(15), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1870, 2203.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (d)(4)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §506(a), inserted "ranks in the upper half of an order of merit created by the special selection review board or" before "ranks on an order of merit created by the special selection review board as better qualified".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §1701(a)(15)(A), substituted "apply to the report and proceedings of a promotion board convened under section 20211" for "apply to report and proceedings of a promotion board convened under section 20211".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–159, §1701(a)(15)(B), substituted "section 20252" for "section 20251".

2023—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(5)(A), substituted "major general or" for "major general," and struck out ", or an equivalent grade in the Space Force" after "in the Navy".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §507(a), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "shall not be forwarded to the Secretary of Defense, the President, or the Senate, as applicable, or included on a promotion list under section 624(a) of this title."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(5)(B), inserted at end: "However, in the case of an officer on the Space Force officer list, the provisions of sections 618, 20215, and 20216 of this title apply to the report and proceedings of a special selection review board convened under this section in the same manner as they apply to report and proceedings of a promotion board convened under section 20211 of this title."

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(5)(C), inserted at end: "However, if the report of a special selection review board convened under this section recommends the sustainment of the recommendation for promotion to the next higher grade of an officer on the Space Force officer list who was referred to it for review under this section, and the President approves the report, the officer shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to the grade in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of section 20251 of this title."

2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §521(1), which directed amendment of par. (1) by inserting subpar. (A) designation before "If the Secretary concerned", was executed by inserting the designation before "If the Secretary of the military department concerned", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–263, §521(2), added subpar. (B).

§629. Removal from a list of officers recommended for promotion

(a) Removal by President.—The President may remove the name of any officer from a list of officers recommended for promotion by a selection board convened under this chapter.

(b) Removal Due to Senate Not Giving Advice and Consent.—If, after consideration of a list of officers approved for promotion by the President to a grade for which appointment is required by section 624(c) of this title to be made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the Senate does not give its advice and consent to the appointment of an officer whose name is on the list, that officer's name shall be removed from the list.

(c) Removal After 18 Months.—(1) If an officer whose name is on a list of officers approved for promotion under section 624(a) of this title to a grade for which appointment is required by section 624(c) of this title to be made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate is not appointed to that grade under such section during the officer's promotion eligibility period, the officer's name shall be removed from the list unless as of the end of such period the Senate has given its advice and consent to the appointment.

(2) Before the end of the promotion eligibility period with respect to an officer under paragraph (1), the President may extend that period for purposes of paragraph (1) by an additional 12 months.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply when the military department concerned is not able to obtain and provide to the Senate the information the Senate requires to give its advice and consent to the appointment concerned because that information is under the control of a department or agency of the Federal Government other than the Department of Defense.

(4) In this subsection, the term "promotion eligibility period" means, with respect to an officer whose name is on a list of officers approved for promotion under section 624(a) of this title to a grade for which appointment is required by section 624(c) of this title to be made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the period beginning on the date on which the list is so approved and ending on the first day of the eighteenth month following the month during which the list is so approved.

(d) Administrative Removal.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, if an officer on the active-duty list is discharged or dropped from the rolls or transferred to a retired status after having been recommended for promotion to a higher grade under this chapter, but before being promoted, the officer's name shall be administratively removed from the list of officers recommended for promotion by a selection board.

(e) Continued Eligibility for Promotion.—(1) An officer whose name is removed from a list under subsection (a), (b), or (c) continues to be eligible for consideration for promotion. If he is recommended for promotion by the next selection board convened for his grade and competitive category and he is promoted, the Secretary of the military department concerned may, upon such promotion, grant him the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of the grade to which promoted, and the same position on the active-duty list as he would have had if his name had not been so removed.

(2) If such an officer who is in a grade below the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain is not recommended for promotion by the next selection board convened for his grade and competitive category, or if his name is again removed from the list of officers recommended for promotion, or if the Senate again does not give its advice and consent to his promotion, he shall be considered for all purposes to have twice failed of selection for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2860; amended Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §515(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2185; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §504(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4208; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §504, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2107; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §502, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1373.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, which directed amendment of par. (3) by substituting "the military department concerned is not able to obtain and provide to the Senate the information the Senate requires" for "the Senate is not able to obtain the information necessary", was executed by making the substitution for "the Senate is not able to obtain information necessary", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2016—Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 114–328 added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

2011—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 111–383 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

2008—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–181 inserted comma after "(a)".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §515(a)(4)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §515(a)(1), inserted heading and inserted "to a grade for which appointment is required by section 624(c) of this title to be made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate" after "the President".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–364, §515(a)(2)(B), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §515(a)(2)(A), (4)(B), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §515(a)(3), substituted "(b), or (c)" for "or (b)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §515(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2187, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 14310 of this title] shall apply to any promotion list approved by the President after January 1, 2007."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (a) to remove name of any officer from a promotion list to any grade below commodore or brigadier general delegated to Secretary of Defense to perform, without approval, ratification, or other action by President, and with authority for Secretary to redelegate, see Ex. Ord. No. 12396, §§1(b), 3, Dec. 9, 1982, 47 F.R. 55897, 55898, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Functions of President under subsec. (c)(2) delegated to Secretary of Defense, with authority for Secretary to redelegate, see Ex. Ord. No. 13598, §§1(b), 2, Jan. 27, 2012, 77 F.R. 5371, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§630. Discharge of commissioned officers with less than six years of active commissioned service or found not qualified for promotion for first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade)

The Secretary of the military department concerned, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense—

(1) may discharge any officer on the active-duty list who—

(A) has less than six years of active commissioned service; or

(B) is serving in the grade of second lieutenant or ensign and has been found not qualified for promotion to the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade); and

(2) shall, unless the officer has been promoted, discharge any officer described in paragraph (1)(B) at the end of the 18-month period beginning on the date on which the officer is first found not qualified for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2861; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(11), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(d)(2), (4)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §505(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §503(a)(1), (2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 95.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §503(a)(2), substituted "six years" for "five years" in section catchline.

Par. (1)(A). Pub. L. 110–181, §503(a)(1), substituted "six years" for "five years".

2003—Par. (2). Pub. L. 108–136 substituted "paragraph" for "clause".

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(4)(A), struck out "regular" before "commissioned officers" in section catchline.

Par. (1). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(2), struck out "regular" before "officer" in introductory provisions and before "grade of first lieutenant" in subpar. (B).

1984—Par. (2). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "18-month" for "eighteen-month".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§631. Effect of failure of selection for promotion: first lieutenants and lieutenants (junior grade)

(a) Except an officer of the Navy and Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty (to whom section 8146(e) or 8372 of this title applies), each officer of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force on the active-duty list who holds the grade of first lieutenant and has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of captain for the second time, and each officer of the Navy on the active-duty list who holds the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) and has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant for the second time, whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the next higher grade shall—

(1) be discharged on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary of the military department concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public;

(2) if he is eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retired under that law on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public; or

(3) if on the date on which he is to be discharged under paragraph (1) he is within two years of qualifying for retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, be retained on active duty until he is qualified for retirement and then be retired under that section, unless he is sooner retired or discharged under another provision of law.

(b) The retirement or discharge of an officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement or discharge for purposes of any other provision of law.

(c) An officer who is subject to discharge under subsection (a)(1) is not eligible for further consideration for promotion.

(d) For the purposes of this chapter, an officer of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who holds the grade of first lieutenant, and an officer of the Navy who holds the grade of lieutenant (junior grade), shall be treated as having failed of selection for promotion if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that the officer would be eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade by a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title if such a board were convened but is not fully qualified for promotion when recommending for promotion under section 624(a)(3) of this title all fully qualified officers of the officer's armed force in such grade who would be eligible for such consideration.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2861; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §525(c), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2525; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(a)(2), (d)(3), (4)(B), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1086, 1088; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §505(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(I), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §505(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1869.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public" for "the President approves the report of the board which considered him for the second time".

2021—Subsecs. (a), (d). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" in introductory provisions in subsec. (a) and in subsec. (d).

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8146(e) or 8372" for "section 5596(e) or 6383" in introductory provisions and "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911" in par. (3).

2003—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–136 substituted "paragraph" for "clause".

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(4)(B), struck out "regular" before "first lieutenants" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(3), in introductory provisions, substituted "Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps on the active-duty list" for "Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps" and "Navy on the active-duty list" for "Regular Navy" and struck out "regular" before "grade" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–525 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§632. Effect of failure of selection for promotion: captains and majors of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force and lieutenants and lieutenant commanders of the Navy

(a) Except an officer of the Navy and Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty (to whom section 8146(e) or 8372 of this title applies) and except as provided under section 637(a) of this title, each officer of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force on the active-duty list who holds the grade of captain or major, and each officer of the Navy on the active-duty list who holds the grade of lieutenant or lieutenant commander, who has failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade for the second time and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the next higher grade shall—

(1) except as provided in paragraph (3) and in subsection (c), be discharged on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public;

(2) if he is eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retired under that law on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public; or

(3) if on the date on which he is to be discharged under paragraph (1) he is within two years of qualifying for retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, be retained on active duty until he is qualified for retirement and then retired under that section, unless he is sooner retired or discharged under another provision of law.

(b) The retirement or discharge of an officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement or discharge for purposes of any other provision of law.

(c)(1) If an officer is subject to discharge under subsection (a)(1) and, as of the date on which the officer is to be discharged under that subsection, the officer has not completed the officer's active duty service obligation, the officer shall be retained on active duty until completion of such active duty service obligation, and then be discharged under subsection (a)(1), unless sooner retired or discharged under another provision of law.

(2) The Secretary concerned may waive the applicability of paragraph (1) to any officer if the Secretary determines that completion of the active duty service obligation of that officer is not in the best interest of the service.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2862; amended Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §505(d)(3), (4)(C), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §505(a), (b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(d)(6), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(J), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §508(a)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 242; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §§505(b)(2), 507, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1869, 1871.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §505(b)(2), substituted "the Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public" for "the President approves the report of the board which considered him for the second time".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–159, §507, amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) related to retention of discharged health professions officers on active duty until completion of such active duty service obligation.

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §508(a)(1)(A), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §508(a)(1)(B), substituted "Secretary concerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered the officer for the second time to the public" for "President approves the report of the board which considered him for the second time".

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8146(e) or 8372" for "section 5596(e) or 6383" in introductory provisions and "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911" in par. (3).

2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "paragraph (3)" for "paragraph (2)" and "under that subsection" for "under that paragraph" before ", the officer has not".

2003—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–136, §505(a)(1), inserted "except as provided in paragraph (3) and in subsection (c)," before "be discharged".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–136, §505(b), substituted "paragraph" for "clause".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–136, §505(a)(2), added subsec. (c).

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(4)(C), struck out "regular" before "captains and majors" and before "lieutenants and lieutenant commanders" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §505(d)(3), in introductory provisions, substituted "Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps on the active-duty list" for "Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps" and "Navy on the active-duty list" for "Regular Navy" and struck out "regular" before "grade" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §505(c), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1457, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply in the case of an officer who as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003] is required to be discharged under section 632(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, by reason of having failed of selection for promotion to the next higher regular grade a second time."

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§633. Retirement for years of service: regular and Space Force lieutenant colonels; regular Navy commanders

(a) 28 Years of Active Commissioned Service.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) and as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps who holds the regular grade of lieutenant colonel, and each officer of the Regular Navy who holds the regular grade of commander, who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the regular grade of colonel or captain, respectively, shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes 28 years of active commissioned service.

(2) Except as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Space Force who holds the grade of lieutenant colonel who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of colonel shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 28 years of active commissioned service.

(b) Exceptions.—Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:

(1) An officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty to whom section 8146(e) or 8372 of this title applies.

(2) An officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who is a permanent professor at the United States Naval Academy.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2862; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §529(b), title XIV, §1405(12), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2526, 2622; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §504(a), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2403; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(e), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1667; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §504(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2004; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §509(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3229; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(D), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(6)(A), (E)(i), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 669, 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(E)(i), substituted "and Space Force lieutenant colonels; regular Navy" for "lieutenant colonels and" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(A), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force", and added par. (2).

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8146(e) or 8372" for "section 5596(e) or 6383".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "or 637a" after "637(b)".

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, substituted "Except as provided in subsection (b) and as provided" for "Except an officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) or 6383 of this title applies and except as provided", and added subsec. (b).

1998—Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "Except an officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) or 6383 of this title applies" for "Except an officer of the Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) of this title applies and an officer of the Marine Corps designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) or section 6383 of this title applies" and struck out at end "During the period beginning on July 1, 1993, and ending on October 1, 1999, the preceding sentence shall not apply to an officer of the Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 6383 of this title applies."

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "October 1, 1999" for "October 1, 1995".

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 inserted at end "During the period beginning on July 1, 1993, and ending on October 1, 1995, the preceding sentence shall not apply to an officer of the Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 6383 of this title applies."

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, §1405(12), substituted "28" for "twenty-eight".

Pub. L. 98–525, §529(b), substituted "Except an officer of the Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) of this title applies and an officer of the Marine Corps designated for limited duty to whom section 5596(e) or section 6383 of this title applies" for "Except an officer of the Navy and Marine Corps who is an officer designated for limited duty (to whom section 5596(e) or 6383 of this title applies)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§634. Retirement for years of service: regular and Space Force colonels; regular Navy captains

(a) 30 Years of Active Commissioned Service.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) and as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps who holds the regular grade of colonel, and each officer of the Regular Navy who holds the regular grade of captain, who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the regular grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), respectively, shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes 30 years of active commissioned service.

(2) Except as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Space Force who holds the grade of colonel who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of brigadier general shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 30 years of active commissioned service.

(b) Exceptions.—Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:

(1) An officer of the Navy who is designated for limited duty to whom section 8372(a)(4) of this title applies.

(2) An officer of the Navy or Marine Corps who is a permanent professor at the United States Naval Academy.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2862; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(13), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §504(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2403; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(e), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1667; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §504(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2004; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §509(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3229; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(E), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(6)(B), (E)(ii), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 669, 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(E)(ii), substituted "and Space Force colonels; regular" for "colonels and" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(B), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force", and added par. (2).

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8372(a)(4)" for "section 6383(a)(4)".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "or 637a" after "637(b)".

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, substituted "Except as provided in subsection (b) and as provided" for "Except an officer of the Navy who is designated for limited duty to whom section 6383(a)(4) of this title applies and except as provided", and added subsec. (b).

1998—Pub. L. 105–261 inserted "an officer of the Navy who is designated for limited duty to whom section 6383(a)(4) of this title applies and except" after "Except" and struck out at end "During the period beginning on July 1, 1993, and ending on October 1, 1999, the preceding sentence shall not apply to an officer of the Regular Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 6383(a)(4) of this title applies."

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "October 1, 1999" for "October 1, 1995".

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 inserted at end "During the period beginning on July 1, 1993, and ending on October 1, 1995, the preceding sentence shall not apply to an officer of the Regular Navy designated for limited duty to whom section 6383(a)(4) of this title applies."

1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "30" for "thirty".

1981—Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§635. Retirement for years of service: regular and Space Force brigadier generals; regular Navy rear admirals (lower half)

(a) Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.—Except as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps who holds the regular grade of brigadier general, and each officer of the Regular Navy who holds the regular grade of rear admiral (lower half), who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the regular grade of major general or rear admiral, respectively, shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the fifth anniversary of his appointment to that grade or on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes 30 years of active commissioned service, whichever is later.

(b) Space Force.—Except as provided under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Space Force who holds the grade of brigadier general who is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of major general shall, if not earlier retired, be retired as specified in subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2863; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), (5)(A), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105, 1106; Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(13), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), (5)(A), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(b)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(F), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(6)(C), (E)(iii), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 669, 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "and Space Force brigadier generals; regular Navy" for "brigadier generals and" in section catchline; designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force"; and added subsec. (b).

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "or 637a" after "637(b)".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admirals (lower half)" for "commodores" in section catchline and "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore" in text.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "30" for "thirty".

1981—Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodores" for "commodore admirals" in section catchline and "commodore" for "commodore admiral" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§636. Retirement for years of service: regular and Space Force officers in grades above brigadier general; regular Navy officers in grades above rear admiral (lower half)

(a) Major Generals and Rear Admirals Serving in Grade.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) and under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps who holds the regular grade of major general, and each officer of the Regular Navy who holds the regular grade of rear admiral, shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the fifth anniversary of his appointment to that grade or on the first day of the month after the month in which he completes 35 years of active commissioned service, whichever is later.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) and under section 637(b) or 637a of this title, each officer of the Space Force who holds the grade of major general shall, if not earlier retired, be retired as specified in paragraph (1).

(b) Lieutenant Generals and Vice Admirals.—In the administration of subsection (a) in the case of an officer who is serving in the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral, the number of years of active commissioned service applicable to the officer is 38 years.

(c) Generals and Admirals.—In the administration of subsection (a) in the case of an officer who is serving in the grade of general or admiral, the number of years of active commissioned service applicable to the officer is 40 years.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2863; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(14), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §506(a), (b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(b)(4), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(G), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(b)(6)(D), (E)(iv), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 669, 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(E)(iv), substituted "and Space Force officers in grades above brigadier general; regular Navy officers in grades above" for "officers in grades above brigadier general and" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(b)(6)(D), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force", and added par. (2).

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "or 637a" after "637(b)".

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, §506(b), substituted "regular officers in grades above brigadier general and rear admiral (lower half)" for "regular major generals and rear admirals" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 105–85, §506(a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, substituted "Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) and" for "Except as provided", and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "35" for "thirty-five".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER IV—CONTINUATION ON ACTIVE DUTY AND SELECTIVE EARLY RETIREMENT

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108, added item 637a.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §504(a)(2), 125 Stat. 1390, added item 638b.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §521(a)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1561, added item 638a.

§637. Selection of regular officers for continuation on active duty

(a)(1) An officer subject to discharge or retirement in accordance with section 632 of this title may, subject to the needs of the service, be continued on active duty if he is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title.

(2) An officer who holds the regular grade of captain in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or the regular grade of lieutenant in the Navy, and who is subject to discharge or retirement in accordance with section 632 of this title may not be continued on active duty under this subsection for a period which extends beyond the last day of the month in which he completes 20 years of active commissioned service unless he is promoted to the regular grade of major or lieutenant commander, respectively.

(3) An officer who holds the regular grade of major or lieutenant commander who is subject to discharge or retirement in accordance with section 632 of this title may not be continued on active duty under this subsection for a period which extends beyond the last day of the month in which he completes 24 years of active commissioned service unless he is promoted to the regular grade of lieutenant colonel or commander, respectively.

(4) An officer who is selected for continuation on active duty under this subsection but declines to continue on active duty shall be discharged, retired, or retained on active duty, as appropriate, in accordance with section 632 of this title.

(5) Each officer who is continued on active duty under this subsection, is not subsequently promoted or continued on active duty, and is not on a list of officers recommended for continuation or for promotion to the next higher regular grade shall, unless sooner retired or discharged under another provision of law—

(A) be discharged upon the expiration of his period of continued service; or

(B) if he is eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retired under that law on the first day of the first month following the month in which he completes his period of continued service.

Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (A), any officer who would otherwise be discharged under such clause and is within two years of qualifying for retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, shall unless he is sooner retired or discharged under some other provision of law, be retained on active duty until he is qualified for retirement under that section and then be retired.

(6) The retirement or discharge of an officer pursuant to this subsection shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement or discharge for purposes of any other provision of law.

(b)(1) An officer subject to retirement under section 633 or 634 of this title may, subject to the needs of the service, have his retirement deferred and be continued on active duty if he is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title.

(2) An officer subject to retirement under section 635 or 636 of this title who is serving in the grade of brigadier general, rear admiral (lower half), major general, or rear admiral may, subject to the needs of the service, have his retirement deferred and be continued on active duty by the Secretary concerned. An officer subject to retirement under section 635 or 636 of this title who is serving in a grade above major general or rear admiral may have his retirement deferred and be continued on active duty by the President.

(3) Any deferral of retirement and continuation on active duty under this subsection shall be for a period not to exceed five years, except as provided under section 1251 or 1253 of this title.

(c) Continuation of an officer on active duty under this section pursuant to the action of a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title is subject to the approval of the Secretary of the military department concerned. The period of the continuation on active duty of an officer under this section may be reduced by the Secretary concerned in the case of any officer as provided in section 638a of this title.

(d) For purposes of this section, a period of continuation on active duty under this section expires or is completed on the earlier of (1) the date originally established for the termination of such period, or (2) the date established for the termination of such period by any shortening of such period under section 638a of this title.

(e) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2863; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(e), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 127; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(15), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §521(b)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1561; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §504, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 95; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(K), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".

2018—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911" in concluding provisions.

2008—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "except as provided under section 1251 or 1253 of this title" for "but such period may not (except as provided under section 1251(b) of this title) extend beyond the date of the officer's sixty-second birthday".

1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–510, §521(b)(1)(A), inserted at end "The period of the continuation on active duty of an officer under this section may be reduced by the Secretary concerned in the case of any officer as provided in section 638a of this title."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 101–510, §521(b)(1)(B), (C), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1985—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1984—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–525, §1405(15)(A), substituted "20" for "twenty".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–525, §1405(15)(B), substituted "24" for "twenty-four".

1981—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(e)(1), substituted "section 633 or 634" for "section 633, 634, 635, or 636".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Pub. L. 97–22, §4(e)(2), inserted provision that an officer subject to retirement under section 635 or 636 of this title who is serving in the grade of brigadier general, commodore admiral, major general, or rear admiral may, subject to the needs of the service, have his retirement deferred and be continued on active duty by the Secretary concerned and struck out requirement that the deferral of the retirement of an officer subject to retirement under section 635 or 636 of this title serving in a grade above major general or rear admiral was subject to the needs of the service.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this subchapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§637a. Continuation on active duty: officers in certain military specialties and career tracks

(a) In General.—The Secretary of the military department concerned may authorize an officer in a grade above grade O–2 to remain on active duty after the date otherwise provided for the separation or retirement of the officer in section 632, 633, 634, 635, or 636 of this title, as applicable, if the officer has a military occupational specialty, rating, or specialty code in a military specialty designated pursuant to subsection (b).

(b) Military Specialties.—Each Secretary of a military department shall designate the military specialties in which a military occupational specialty, rating, or specialty code, as applicable, assigned to members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary authorizes the members to be eligible for continuation on active duty as provided in subsection (a).

(c) Duration of Continuation.—An officer continued on active duty pursuant to this section shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 40 years of active service.

(d) Regulations.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall carry out this section in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The regulations shall specify the criteria to be used by the Secretaries of the military departments in designating military specialties for purposes of subsection (b).

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §505(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2107; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §506, title X, §1081(a)(8), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1743, 1983; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §504, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1345.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92 inserted "separation or" after "provided for the".

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232, §506, substituted "grade O–2" for "grade O–4" and inserted "632," before "633,".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(a)(8), substituted "specialties" for "specialities".

§638. Selective early retirement

(a)(1) A regular officer on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may be considered for selective early retirement by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title if the officer is described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (D) as follows:

(A) An officer holding the regular grade of lieutenant colonel or commander who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain two or more times and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(B) An officer holding the regular grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain who has served at least four years of active duty in that grade and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(C) An officer holding the regular grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) who has served at least three and one-half years of active duty in that grade and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(D) An officer holding the regular grade of major general or rear admiral who has served at least three and one-half years of active duty in that grade.

(2) The Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify the number of officers described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) which a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title may recommend for early retirement. Such number may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade in each competitive category.

(3) A regular officer on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may also be considered for early retirement under the circumstances prescribed in section 638a of this title.

(b)(1)(A) An officer in a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) who is recommended for early retirement under this section or section 638a of this title and whose early retirement is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be retired, under any provision of law under which he is eligible to retire, on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(B) If an officer described in subparagraph (A) is not eligible for retirement under any provision of law, the officer shall be retained on active duty until the officer is qualified for retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, and then be retired under that section, unless the officer is sooner retired or discharged under some other provision of law, with such retirement under that section occurring not later than the later of the following:

(i) The first day of the month beginning after the month in which the officer becomes qualified for retirement under that section.

(ii) The first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(2) An officer who holds the regular grade of brigadier general, major general, rear admiral (lower half), or rear admiral who is recommended for early retirement under this section and whose early retirement is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be retired, under any provision of law under which he is eligible to retire, on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the tenth calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approved the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(3)(A) The Secretary concerned may defer for not more than three months the retirement of an officer otherwise approved for early retirement under this section or section 638a of this title in order to prevent a personal hardship to the officer or for other humanitarian reasons. Any such deferral shall be made on a case-by-case basis considering the circumstances of the case of the particular officer concerned. The authority of the Secretary to grant such a deferral may not be delegated.

(B) An officer recommended for early retirement under paragraph (1)(A) or section 638a of this title, if approved for deferral under subparagraph (A), shall be retired on the date requested by the officer, and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the tenth calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(C) The Secretary concerned may defer the retirement of an officer otherwise approved for early retirement under paragraph (1)(B), but in no case later than the first day of the tenth calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(D) An officer recommended for early retirement under paragraph (2), if approved for deferral under subparagraph (A), shall be retired on the date requested by the officer, and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the thirteenth calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement.

(c) So long as an officer in a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) holds the same grade, he may not be considered for early retirement under this section more than once in any five-year period.

(d) The retirement of an officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be an involuntary retirement for purposes of any other provision of law.

(e)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(2)(A) Such regulations shall require that when the Secretary of the military department concerned submits a list of officers to a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title to consider officers for selection for early retirement under this section, such list (except as provided in subparagraph (B)) shall include each officer on the active-duty list in the same grade and competitive category whose position on the active-duty list is between that of the most junior officer in that grade and competitive category whose name is submitted to the board and that of the most senior officer in that grade and competitive category whose name is submitted to the board.

(B) A list under subparagraph (A) may not include an officer in that grade and competitive category (i) who has been approved for voluntary retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, or (ii) who is to be involuntarily retired under any provision of law during the fiscal year in which the selection board is convened or during the following fiscal year.

(C) An officer not considered by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title by reason of subparagraph (B) shall be retired on the date approved for the retirement of that officer as of the convening date of such selection board unless the Secretary concerned approves a modification of such date in order to prevent a personal hardship for the officer or for other humanitarian reasons.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2864; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §4(f), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 127; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §504, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1967; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §521(b)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1561; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1355; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §506, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1646; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §504(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 295; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §502(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3354; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(L), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1), (3). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" in introductory provisions of par. (1) and in par. (3).

2018—Subsecs. (b)(1)(B), (e)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911".

2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–291, §502(b)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "An officer in a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) who is recommended for early retirement under this section or section 638a of this title and whose early retirement is approved by the Secretary concerned shall—

"(A) be retired, under any provision of law under which he is eligible to retire, on the date requested by him and approved by the Secretary concerned, which date shall be not later than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which the Secretary concerned approves the report of the board which recommended the officer for early retirement; or

"(B) if the officer is not eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retained on active duty until he is qualified for retirement under section 3911, 6323, or 8911 of this title, and then be retired under that section, unless he is sooner retired or discharged under some other provision of law."

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–291, §502(b)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "three months" for "90 days", and added subpars. (B) to (D).

1996—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–106 added par. (3).

1993—Subsec. (e)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–160 inserted "(i)" after "grade and competitive category", inserted "(ii)" after "of this title, or", and struck out comma after "any provision of law".

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–190 designated existing provisions as pars. (1) and (2)(A), in par. (2)(A) inserted "(except as provided in subparagraph (B))" after "under this section, such list", and added subpars. (B) and (C).

1990—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–510, §521(b)(2)(A), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, §521(b)(2)(B), inserted "or section 638a of this title" after "under this section".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "A regular officer on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps—

"(1) who holds the regular grade of lieutenant colonel or commander and has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain two or more times and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion;

"(2) who holds the regular grade of colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, captain and has served at least four years of active duty in that grade and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion;

"(3) who holds the regular grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) and has served at least three and one-half years of active duty in that grade and whose name is not on a list of officers recommended for promotion; or

"(4) who holds the regular grade of major general or rear admiral and has served at least three and one-half years of active duty in that grade,

may be considered for early retirement by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title. The Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify the number of officers described in clauses (1) and (2) which such a board may recommend for early retirement, but such number may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade in each competitive category."

1985—Subsecs. (a)(3), (b), (c). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore" wherever appearing.

1981—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 97–22 substituted "three and one-half years of active duty" for "four years of active duty".

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§638a. Modification to rules for continuation on active duty; enhanced authority for selective early retirement and early discharges

(a)(1) The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of a military department to take any of the actions set forth in subsection (b) with respect to officers of an armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.

(2) Any authority provided to the Secretary of a military department under paragraph (1) shall expire on the date specified by the Secretary of Defense, but such expiration date may not be later than December 31, 2025.

(b) Actions which the Secretary of a military department may take with respect to officers of an armed force when authorized to do so under subsection (a) are the following:

(1) Shortening the period of the continuation on active duty established under section 637 of this title for a regular officer who is serving on active duty pursuant to a selection under that section for continuation on active duty.

(2) Providing that regular officers on the active-duty list may be considered for early retirement by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title in the case of officers described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (C) as follows:

(A) Officers in the regular grade of lieutenant colonel or commander who have failed of selection for promotion at least one time and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(B) Officers in the regular grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain who have served on active duty in that grade for at least two years and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(C) Officers, other than those described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), holding a regular grade below the grade of colonel, or in the case of the Navy, captain, who are eligible for retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, or who after two additional years or less of active service would be eligible for retirement under one of those sections and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(3) Convening selection boards under section 611(b) of this title to consider for discharge regular officers on the active-duty list in a grade below lieutenant colonel or commander—

(A) who have served at least one year of active duty in the grade currently held;

(B) whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion; and

(C) who are not eligible to be retired under any provision of law (other than by reason of eligibility pursuant to section 4403 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993) and are not within two years of becoming so eligible.

(4) Convening selection boards under section 611(b) of this title to consider for early retirement or discharge regular officers on the active-duty list in a grade below lieutenant colonel or commander—

(A) who have served at least one year of active duty in the grade currently held; and

(B) whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion.

(c)(1) In the case of an action under subsection (b)(2), the total number of officers described in that subsection that a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title pursuant to the authority of that subsection may recommend for early retirement may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade in each competitive category.

(2) In the case of an action authorized under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary of Defense may also authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned when convening a selection board under section 611(b) of this title to consider regular officers on the active-duty list for early retirement to include within the officers to be considered by the board reserve officers on the active-duty list on the same basis as regular officers.

(3) In the case of an action under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary of the military department concerned may submit to a selection board convened pursuant to that subsection—

(A) the names of all eligible officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category; or

(B) the names of all eligible officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category who are also in particular year groups, specialties, or retirement categories, or any combination thereof, within that competitive category.

(4) In the case of an action under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary of Defense may also authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive the five-year period specified in section 638(c) of this title if the Secretary of Defense determines that it is necessary for the Secretary of that military department to have such authority in order to meet mission needs.

(d)(1) In the case of an action under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary of the military department concerned may submit to a selection board convened pursuant to that subsection—

(A) the names of all officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category; or

(B) the names of all officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category who also are in particular year groups or specialties, or both, within that competitive category.

(2) The total number of officers to be recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to subsection (b)(3) may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered.

(3) An officer who is recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to the authority of subsection (b)(3) and whose discharge is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be discharged on a date specified by the Secretary concerned.

(4) Selection of officers for discharge under this subsection shall be based on the needs of the service.

(e)(1) In the case of action under subsection (b)(4), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify the total number of officers described in that subsection that a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title pursuant to the authority of that subsection may recommend for early retirement or discharge. Officers who are eligible, or are within two years of becoming eligible, to be retired under any provision of law (other than by reason of eligibility pursuant to section 4403 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law 102–484)), if selected by the board, shall be retired or retained until becoming eligible to retire under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, and those officers who are otherwise ineligible to retire under any provision of law shall, if selected by the board, be discharged.

(2) In the case of action under subsection (b)(4), the Secretary of the military department concerned may submit to a selection board convened pursuant to that subsection—

(A) the names of all eligible officers described in that subsection, whether or not they are eligible to be retired under any provision of law, in a particular grade and competitive category; or

(B) the names of all eligible officers described in that subsection in a particular grade and competitive category, whether or not they are eligible to be retired under any provision of law, who are also in particular year groups, specialties, or retirement categories, or any combination thereof, with that competitive category.

(3) The number of officers specified under paragraph (1) may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered.

(4) An officer who is recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to the authority of subsection (b)(4) and whose discharge is approved by the Secretary concerned shall be discharged on a date specified by the Secretary concerned.

(5) Selection of officers for discharge under this subsection shall be based on the needs of the service.

(f) The discharge or retirement of an officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be involuntary for purposes of any other provision of law.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §521(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1559; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §503(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1355; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §503, title LXIV, §4403(g)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2402, 2703; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1667; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §561(c), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2025; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §571(c)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-134; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §623(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2256; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §502, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1714; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §503(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 750; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §503, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3355; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §503, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 807; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §§506, 508(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2108, 2109; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §503, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1373; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 4403 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993, referred to in subsecs. (b)(3)(C) and (e)(1), is section 4403 of Pub. L. 102–484, which is set out as a note under section 1293 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsecs. (b)(2)(C), (e)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911".

2017—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §503(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "In the case of an action under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify the number of officers described in that subsection which a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title pursuant to the authority of that subsection may recommend for early retirement. Such number may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade in each competitive category."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, §503(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary concerned shall specify the total number of officers to be recommended for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to subsection (b)(3). That number may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered."

2016—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §508(b), substituted "December 31, 2025" for "December 31, 2018".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §506(1), added par. (4).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §506(2), (3), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

2015—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–92 substituted "officers considered." for "officers considered—

"(A) in each grade in each competitive category, except that through December 31, 2018, such number may be more than 30 percent of the officers considered in each competitive category, but may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade; or

"(B) in each grade, year group, or specialty (or combination thereof) in each competitive category, except that through December 31, 2018, such number may be more than 30 percent of the officers considered in each competitive category, but may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade."

2014—Subsec. (d)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 113–291 redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "The total number of officers described in subsection (b)(3) from any of the armed forces (or from any of the armed forces in a particular grade) who may be recommended during a fiscal year for discharge by a selection board convened pursuant to the authority of that subsection may not exceed 70 percent of the decrease, as compared to the preceding fiscal year, in the number of officers of that armed force (or the number of officers of that armed force in that grade) authorized to be serving on active duty as of the end of that fiscal year."

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239, §502(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), struck out ", during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001, and for the purpose of subsection (b)(4) during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, and ending on December 31, 2012," after "military department", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–66, §503(a)(1), substituted "have failed of selection for promotion at least one time and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion" for "would be subject to consideration for selection for early retirement under section 638(a)(1)(A) of this title except that they have failed of selection for promotion only one time (rather than two or more times)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–66, §503(a)(2), substituted "have served on active duty in that grade for at least two years and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion" for "would be subject to consideration for selection for early retirement under section 638(a)(1)(B) of this title except that they have served on active duty in that grade less than four years (but not less than two years)".

Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 112–239, §502(2), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Suspending section 638(c) of this title."

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 112–239, §502(3), added par. (4).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239, §502(4), substituted "subsection (b)(3)" for "subsection (b)(4)" wherever appearing and "except that through December 31, 2018," for "except that during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, and ending on December 31, 2012," in subpars. (A) and (B) of par. (2).

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §623(b)(1), inserted "and for the purpose of subsection (b)(4) during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, and ending on December 31, 2012," after "December 31, 2001,".

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–364, §623(b)(2)(A), inserted ", except that during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, and ending on December 31, 2012, such number may be more than 30 percent of the officers considered in each competitive category, but may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade" before "; or" at end.

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–364, §623(b)(2)(B), inserted ", except that during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, and ending on December 31, 2012, such number may be more than 30 percent of the officers considered in each competitive category, but may not be more than 30 percent of the number of officers considered in each grade" before period at end.

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001" for "during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990".

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "nine-year period" for "five-year period".

1992—Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 102–484, §4403(g)(2), inserted "(other than by reason of eligibility pursuant to section 4403 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993)" after "any provision of law".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–484, §503, added par. (3).

1991—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 102–190, §503(b)(1), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "Officers holding a regular grade below the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain who are not eligible for retirement under section 3911, 6323, or 8911 of this title but who after two additional years of active service as a commissioned officer would be eligible for retirement under one of those sections and whose names are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–190, §503(b)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

§638b. Voluntary retirement incentive

(a) Incentive for Voluntary Retirement for Certain Officers.—The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of a military department to provide a voluntary retirement incentive payment in accordance with this section to an officer of the armed forces under that Secretary's jurisdiction who is specified in subsection (c) as being eligible for such a payment.

(b) Limitations.—(1) Any authority provided the Secretary of a military department under this section shall expire as specified by the Secretary of Defense, but not later than December 31, 2018.

(2) The total number of officers who may be provided a voluntary retirement incentive payment under this section may not exceed 675 officers.

(c) Eligible Officers.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an officer of the armed forces is eligible for a voluntary retirement incentive payment under this section if the officer—

(A) has served on active duty for more than 20 years, but not more than 29 years, on the approved date of retirement;

(B) meets the minimum length of commissioned service requirement for voluntary retirement as a commissioned officer in accordance with section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title, as applicable to that officer;

(C) on the approved date of retirement, has 12 months or more remaining on active-duty service before reaching the maximum retirement years of active service for the member's grade as specified in section 633 or 634 of this title;

(D) on the approved date of retirement, has 12 months or more remaining on active-duty service before reaching the maximum retirement age under any other provision of law; and

(E) meets any additional requirements for such eligibility as is specified by the Secretary concerned, including any requirement relating to years of service, skill rating, military specialty or competitive category, grade, any remaining period of obligated service, or any combination thereof.

(2) The following officers are not eligible for a voluntary retirement incentive payment under this section:

(A) An officer being evaluated for disability under chapter 61 of this title.

(B) An officer projected to be retired under section 1201 or 1204 of this title.

(C) An officer projected to be discharged with disability severance pay under section 1212 of this title.

(D) A member transferred to the temporary disability retired list under section 1202 or 1205 of this title.

(E) An officer subject to pending disciplinary action or subject to administrative separation or mandatory discharge under any other provision of law or regulation.

(d) Amount of Payment.—The amount of the voluntary retirement incentive payment paid an officer under this section shall be an amount determined by the Secretary concerned, but not to exceed an amount equal to 12 times the amount of the officer's monthly basic pay at the time of the officer's retirement. The amount may be paid in a lump sum at the time of retirement.

(e) Repayment for Members Who Return to Active Duty.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the armed forces who, after having received all or part of a voluntary retirement incentive under this section, returns to active duty shall have deducted from each payment of basic pay, in such schedule of monthly installments as the Secretary concerned shall specify, until the total amount deducted from such basic pay equals the total amount of voluntary retirement incentive received.

(2) Members who are involuntarily recalled to active duty or full-time National Guard duty under any provision of law shall not be subject to this subsection.

(3) The Secretary of Defense may waive, in whole or in part, repayment required under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that recovery would be against equity and good conscience or would be contrary to the best interest of the United States. The authority in this paragraph may be delegated only to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense of Personnel and Readiness.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §504(a)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1389; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

§639. Continuation on active duty to complete disciplinary action

When any action has been commenced against an officer with a view to trying such officer by court-martial and such officer is to be separated or retired in accordance with this chapter, the Secretary of the military department concerned may delay the separation or retirement of the officer, without prejudice to such action, until the completion of the action.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2866.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§640. Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons

(a) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that the evaluation of the physical condition of an officer and determination of the officer's entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization or medical observation and that such hospitalization or medical observation cannot be completed with confidence in a manner consistent with the member's well being before the date on which the officer would otherwise be required to retire or be separated under this title, the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of the officer under this title.

(b) A deferral of retirement or separation under subsection (a) may not extend for more than 30 days after completion of the evaluation requiring hospitalization or medical observation.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2866; amended Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §507, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1090.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of the military department concerned may defer the retirement or separation under this title of any officer if the evaluation of the physical condition of the officer and determination of the officer's entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed before the date on which the officer would otherwise be required to retire or be separated under this title."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER V—ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PROMOTION, SEPARATION, AND RETIREMENT

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(c)(1)(B), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1874, added item 647.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(b)(5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3013, struck out item 644 "Authority to suspend officer personnel laws".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title XIII, §1301(d)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2612, added item 646.

§641. Applicability of chapter

Officers in the following categories are not subject to this chapter (other than section 640 and, in the case of warrant officers, section 628):

(1) Reserve officers—

(A) on active duty authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b)(1) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title;

(B) on active duty under section 7038, 8083, 8084, 9038, 10211, 10301 through 10305, 10502, 10505, 10506(a), 10506(b), 10507, or 12402 of this title or section 708 of title 32; or

(C) on full-time National Guard duty.

(2) The director of admissions, dean, and permanent professors at the United States Military Academy, the registrar, dean, and permanent professors at the United States Air Force Academy, and permanent professors of the Navy (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy).

(3) Warrant officers.

(4) Retired officers on active duty.

(5) Students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2866; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §414(a)(5), title V, §527(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2519, 2525; Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §531(a)(2), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(c)(5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3014; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c)(6), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XII, §1212(e), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2694; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §521], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-108; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §511(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1092; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §416(j), title V, §501(d), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1869, 1874; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §621(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2255; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §508(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 97; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §§1624, 1691(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2961, 3026, which directed amendment of this section effective Oct. 1, 1996, by inserting "(a)" before "Officers in the following" and by adding at the end a new subsec. (b), was amended by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(a)(1)(A), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 495, and, as so amended, amends section 620 of this title instead of this section.

Amendments

2018—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7038, 8083, 8084, 9038," for "section 3038, 5143, 5144, 8038,".

2017—Par. (6). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out par. (6) which read as follows: "Officers appointed pursuant to an agreement under section 329 of title 37."

2008—Par. (2). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted ", the registrar" for "and the registrar" and inserted ", and permanent professors of the Navy (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy)" before period at end.

2006—Par. (6). Pub. L. 109–364 added par. (6).

2004—Par. (1). Pub. L. 108–375, §416(j), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows:

"(1) Reserve officers—

"(A) on active duty for training;

"(B) on active duty under section 3038, 5143, 5144, 8038, 10211, 10301 through 10305, 10502, 10505, 10506(a), 10506(b), 10507, or 12402 of this title or section 708 of title 32;

"(C) on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components;

"(D) on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title, other than as provided under subparagraph (C), if the call or order to active duty, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, specifies a period of three years or less and continued placement on the reserve active-status list;

"(E) on active duty to pursue special work;

"(F) ordered to active duty under section 12304 of this title;

"(G) on active duty under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2)) for the administration of the Selective Service System; or

"(H) on full-time National Guard duty."

Par. (1)(F). Pub. L. 108–375, §501(d), which directed substitution of "sections 12302 and 12304" for "section 12304" in subpar. (F), could not be executed because par. (1) did not contain a subpar. (F) subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 108–375, §416(j). See above.

2001—Par. (1)(D). Pub. L. 107–107 amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "on the reserve active-status list who are on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title, other than as provided in subparagraph (C), under a call or order to active duty specifying a period of three years or less;".

2000—Par. (1)(D) to (H). Pub. L. 106–398 added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) to (G) as (E) to (H), respectively.

1996—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 104–201 inserted "5143, 5144," after "3038,".

Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "10502, 10505, 10506(a), 10506(b), 10507" for "10501".

1994—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(5)(A), substituted "3038, 8038, 10211, 10301 through 10305, 10501, or 12402" for "175, 265, 3021, 3038, 3040, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, 8038, or 8496".

Par. (1)(C). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(5)(B), substituted "12301(d)" for "672(d)".

Par. (1)(E). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(5)(C), substituted "12304" for "673b".

1986—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 99–433 substituted "3021, 3038, 3040, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, 8038" for "3015, 3019, 3033, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8019, 8033".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, §527(b), substituted "(other than section 640 and, in the case of warrant officers, section 628)" for "(other than section 640)" in provisions preceding par. (1).

Par. (1)(C). Pub. L. 98–525, §414(a)(5)(A), struck out "or under section 502 or 503 of title 32" after "section 672(d) of this title".

Par. (1)(G). Pub. L. 98–525, §414(a)(5)(B)–(D), added subpar. (G).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by section 501(d) of Pub. L. 108–375 effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004, see section 501(g) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as a note under section 531 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 1, 1994, and as if included as an amendment made by the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as originally enacted.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this subchapter effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Retroactive Application

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §511(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1092, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary of the military department concerned may provide that an officer who was excluded from the active-duty list under section 641(1)(D) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 521 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–108), shall be considered to have been on the active-duty list during the period beginning on the date on which the officer was so excluded and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001].

"(2) The Secretary of the military department concerned may provide that a Reserve officer who was placed on the active-duty list on or after October 30, 1997, shall be placed on the reserve active-status list if the officer otherwise meets the conditions specified in section 641(1)(D) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)."

Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act

For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513 and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.

§642. Entitlement of officers discharged or retired under this chapter to separation pay or retired pay

(a) An officer who is discharged under this chapter is entitled, if eligible therefor, to separation pay under section 1174 of this title.

(b) An officer who is retired under this chapter is entitled to retired pay computed under chapter 71 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2867.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§643. Chaplains: discharge or retirement upon loss of professional qualifications

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a commissioned officer on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who is appointed or designated as a chaplain may, if he fails to maintain the qualifications needed to perform his professional function, be discharged or, if eligible for retirement, may be retired.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2867.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

[§644. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1622(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2961]

Section, added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2867; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1115, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1503, related to authority to suspend officer personnel laws. See section 123 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1691(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

§645. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) The term "promotion zone" means a promotion eligibility category consisting of the officers on an active-duty list in the same grade and competitive category—

(A) who—

(i) in the case of officers in grades below colonel, for officers of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, or captain, for officers of the Navy, have neither (I) failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade, nor (II) been removed from a list of officers recommended for promotion to that grade (other than after having been placed on that list after a selection from below the promotion zone); or

(ii) in the case of officers in the grade of colonel or brigadier general, for officers of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, or captain or rear admiral (lower half), for officers of the Navy, have neither (I) not been recommended for promotion to the next higher grade when considered in the promotion zone, nor (II) been removed from a list of officers recommended for promotion to that grade (other than after having been placed on that list after a selection from below the promotion zone); and

(B) are senior to the officer designated by the Secretary of the military department concerned to be the junior officer in the promotion zone eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade.

(2) The term "officers above the promotion zone" means a group of officers on an active-duty list in the same grade and competitive category who—

(A) are eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade;

(B) are in the same grade as those officers in the promotion zone for that competitive category; and

(C) are senior to the senior officer in the promotion zone for that competitive category.

(3) The term "officers below the promotion zone" means a group of officers on the active-duty list in the same grade and competitive category who—

(A) are eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade;

(B) are in the same grade as the officers in the promotion zone for that competitive category; and

(C) are junior to the junior officer in the promotion zone for that competitive category.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §105, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2867; amended Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §533(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2528; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §701(i)(1), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 115; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(e), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1881.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Par. (1)(A). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force," for "and Marine Corps," in two places.

1991—Pars. (1) to (3). Pub. L. 102–25 inserted "The term" after par. designations and lowercased initial letter of quoted phrases.

1985—Par. (1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admiral (lower half)" for "commodore".

1984—Par. (1)(A)(i)(II), (ii)(II). Pub. L. 98–525, §533(a)(1), inserted "(other than after having been placed on that list after a selection from below the promotion zone)".

Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 98–525, §533(a)(2), inserted "in the promotion zone" after "the junior officer" and struck out "in the promotion zone" after "higher grade".

1981—Par. (1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "commodore" for "commodore admiral".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§646. Consideration of performance as a member of the Joint Staff

The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall ensure that officer personnel policies of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force concerning promotion, retention, and assignment give appropriate consideration to the performance of an officer as a member of the Joint Staff.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIII, §1301(d)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2612; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(C), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

§647. Force shaping authority

(a) Authority.—The Secretary concerned may, solely for the purpose of restructuring an armed force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary—

(1) discharge an officer described in subsection (b); or

(2) transfer such an officer from the active-duty list of that armed force to the reserve active-status list of a reserve component.

(b) Covered Officers.—(1) The authority under this section may be exercised in the case of an officer (other than an officer of the Space Force) who—

(A) has completed not more than six years of service as a commissioned officer in the armed forces; or

(B) has completed more than six years of service as a commissioned officer in the armed forces, but has not completed a minimum service obligation applicable to that member.

(2) In this subsection, the term "minimum service obligation" means the initial period of required active duty service together with any additional period of required active duty service incurred during the initial period of required active duty service.

(c) Appointment of Transferred Officers.—An officer of the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, Regular Navy, or Regular Marine Corps who is transferred to a reserve active-status list under this section shall be discharged from the regular component concerned and appointed as a reserve commissioned officer under section 12203 of this title.

(d) Regulations.—The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations for the exercise of the Secretary's authority under this section.

(e) Space Force.—For a similar provision with respect to officers of the Space Force, see section 20405 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §501(c)(1)(A), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1873; amended Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §503(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 95; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(H), (16), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822, 3823; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1718(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 658.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31, §1718(b)(1), inserted "(other than an officer of the Space Force)" after "in the case of an officer" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–31, §1718(b)(2), which directed amendment of subsec. (c) by substituting "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, of Regular Space Force", was executed by making the substitution for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31, §1718(b)(3), added subsec. (e).

2021—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(16), struck out "of that armed force" before period at end.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(4)(H), substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2008—Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "six years" for "5 years".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004, see section 501(g) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as an Effective Date of 2004 Amendment note under section 531 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VI—ALTERNATIVE PROMOTION AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS IN DESIGNATED COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES

        

§649a. Officers in designated competitive categories

(a) Authority To Designate Competitive Categories of Officers.—Each Secretary of a military department may designate one or more competitive categories for promotion of officers under section 621 of this title that are under the jurisdiction of such Secretary as a competitive category of officers whose promotion, retirement, and continuation on active duty shall be subject to the provisions of this subchapter.

(b) Limitation on Exercise of Authority.—The Secretary of a military department may not designate a competitive category of officers for purposes of this subchapter until 60 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the designation of the competitive category. The report on the designation of a competitive category shall set forth the following:

(1) A detailed description of officer requirements for officers within the competitive category.

(2) An explanation of the number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to each particular grade, and an estimate of promotion timing, within the competitive category.

(3) An estimate of the size of the promotion zone for each grade within the competitive category.

(4) A description of any other matters the Secretary considered in determining to designate the competitive category for purposes of this subchapter.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1744.)

§649b. Selection for promotion

(a) In General.—Except as provided in this section, the selection for promotion of officers in any competitive category of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter shall be governed by the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter.

(b) No Recommendation for Promotion of Officers Below Promotion Zone.—Section 616(b) of this title shall not apply to the selection for promotion of officers described in subsection (a).

(c) Recommendation for Officers To Be Excluded From Future Consideration for Promotion.—In making recommendations pursuant to section 616 of this title for purposes of the administration of this subchapter, a selection board convened under section 611(a) of this title may recommend that an officer considered by the board be excluded from future consideration for promotion under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1744.)

§649c. Eligibility for consideration for promotion

(a) In General.—Except as provided by this section, eligibility for promotion of officers in any competitive category of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter shall be governed by the provisions of section 619 of this title.

(b) Inapplicability of Certain Time-in-grade Requirements.—Paragraphs (2) through (4) ¹ of section 619(a) of this title shall not apply to the promotion of officers described in subsection (a).

(c) Inapplicability to Officers Above and Below Promotion Zone.—The following provisions of section 619(c) of this title shall not apply to the promotion of officers described in subsection (a):

(1) The reference in paragraph (1) of that section to an officer above the promotion zone.

(2) Paragraph (2)(A) of that section.

(d) Inapplicability of Requirement Relating to Opportunities for Consideration for Promotion.—Section 645(1)(A)(i)(I) of this title shall not apply to the promotion of officers described in subsection (a) to the extent that such section is inconsistent with a number of opportunities for promotion specified pursuant to section 649d of this title.

(e) Ineligibility of Certain Officers.—The following officers are not eligible for promotion under this subchapter:

(1) An officer described in section 619(d) of this title.

(2) An officer not included within the promotion zone.

(3) An officer who has failed of promotion to a higher grade the maximum number of times specified for opportunities for promotion for such grade within the competitive category concerned pursuant to section 649d of this title.

(4) An officer recommended by a selection board to be removed from consideration for promotion in accordance with section 649b(c) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1745; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §506, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3573.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Paragraph (4) of section 619(a) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated paragraph (5) of section 619(a) of this title by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §502(2), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1680.

Amendments

2021—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

¹ See References in Text note below.

§649d. Opportunities for consideration for promotion

(a) Specification of Number of Opportunities for Consideration for Promotion.—In designating a competitive category of officers pursuant to section 649a of this title, the Secretary of a military department shall specify the number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of the armed force concerned within the category for promotion to each grade above the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade), as applicable.

(b) Limited Authority of Secretary of Military Department to Modify Number of Opportunities.—The Secretary of a military department may modify the number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of an armed force within a competitive category for promotion to a particular grade, as previously specified by the Secretary pursuant subsection (a) or this subsection, not more frequently than once every five years.

(c) Discretionary Authority of Secretary of Defense to Modify Number of Opportunities.—The Secretary of Defense may modify the number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of an armed force within a competitive category for promotion to a particular grade, as previously specified or modified pursuant to any provision of this section, at the discretion of the Secretary.

(d) Limitation on Number of Opportunities Specified.—The number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of an armed force within a competitive category for promotion to a particular grade, as specified or modified pursuant to any provision of this section, may not exceed five opportunities.

(e) Effect of Certain Reduction in Number of Opportunities Specified.—If, by reason of a reduction in the number of opportunities for consideration for promotion under this section, an officer would no longer have one or more opportunities for consideration for promotion that were available to the officer before the reduction, the officer shall be afforded one additional opportunity for consideration for promotion after the reduction.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1745.)

§649e. Promotions

Sections 620 through 626 of this title shall apply in promotions of officers in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1746.)

§649f. Failure of selection for promotion

(a) In General.—Except as provided in this section, sections 627 through 632 of this title shall apply to promotions of officers in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter.

(b) Inapplicability of Failure of Selection for Promotion to Officers Above Promotion Zone.—The reference in section 627 of this title to an officer above the promotion zone shall not apply in the promotion of officers described in subsection (a).

(c) Special Selection Board Matters.—The reference in section 628(a)(1) of this title to a person above the promotion zone shall not apply in the promotion of officers described in subsection (a).

(d) Effect of Failure of Selection.—In the administration of this subchapter pursuant to subsection (a)—

(1) an officer described in subsection (a) shall not be deemed to have failed twice of selection for promotion for purposes of section 629(e)(2) of this title until the officer has failed selection of promotion to the next higher grade the maximum number of times specified for opportunities for promotion to such grade within the competitive category concerned pursuant to section 649d of this title; and

(2) any reference in section 631(a) or 632(a) of this title to an officer who has failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade for the second time shall be deemed to refer instead to an officer described in subsection (a) who has failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade for the maximum number of times specified for opportunities for promotion to such grade within the competitive category concerned pursuant to such section 649d.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1746.)

§649g. Retirement: retirement for years of service; selective early retirement

(a) Retirement for Years of Services.—Sections 633 through 636 of this title shall apply to the retirement of officers in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter.

(b) Selective Early Retirement.—Sections 638 and 638a of this title shall apply to the retirement of officers described in subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1747.)

§649h. Continuation on active duty

(a) In General.—An officer subject to discharge or retirement pursuant to this subchapter may, subject to the needs of the service, be continued on active duty if the officer is selected for continuation on active duty in accordance with this section by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title.

(b) Identification of Positions for Officers Continued on Active Duty.—

(1) In general.—Officers may be selected for continuation on active duty pursuant to this section only for assignment to positions identified by the Secretary of the military department concerned for which vacancies exist or are anticipated to exist.

(2) Identification.—Before convening a selection board pursuant to section 611(b) of this title for purposes of selection of officers for continuation on active duty pursuant to this section, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify for purposes of the board the positions identified by the Secretary to which officers selected for continuation on active duty may be assigned.

(c) Recommendation for Continuation.—A selection board may recommend an officer for continuation on active duty pursuant to this section only if the board determines that the officer is qualified for assignment to one or more positions identified pursuant to subsection (b) on the basis of skills, knowledge, and behavior required of an officer to perform successfully in such position or positions.

(d) Approval of Secretary of Military Department.—Continuation of an officer on active duty under this section pursuant to the action of a selection board is subject to the approval of the Secretary of the military department concerned.

(e) Nonacceptance of Continuation.—An officer who is selected for continuation on active duty pursuant to this section, but who declines to continue on active duty, shall be discharged or retired, as appropriate, in accordance with section 632 of this title.

(f) Period of Continuation.—

(1) In general.—An officer continued on active duty pursuant to this section shall remain on active duty, and serve in the position to which assigned (or in another position to which assigned with the approval of the Secretary of the military department concerned), for a total of not more than three years after the date of assignment to the position to which first so assigned.

(2) Additional continuation.—An officer whose continued service pursuant to this section would otherwise expire pursuant to paragraph (1) may be continued on active duty if selected for continuation on active duty in accordance with this section before the date of expiration pursuant to that paragraph.

(g) Effect of Expiration of Continuation.—Each officer continued on active duty pursuant to this subsection who is not selected for continuation on active duty pursuant to subsection (f)(2) at the completion of the officer's term of continued service shall, unless sooner discharged or retired under another provision of law—

(1) be discharged upon the expiration of the term of continued service; or

(2) if eligible for retirement under another other provision of law, be retired under that law on the first day of the first month following the month in which the officer completes the term of continued service.

(h) Treatment of Discharge or Retirement.—The discharge or retirement of an officer pursuant to this section shall be considered to be an involuntary discharge or retirement for purposes of any other provision of law.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1747.)

§649i. Continuation on active duty: officers in certain military specialties and career tracks

In addition to continuation on active duty provided for in section 649h of this title, an officer to whom section 637a of this title applies may be continued on active duty in accordance with the provisions of such section 637a.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1748.)

§649j. Other administrative authorities

The following provisions of this title shall apply to officers in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes of this subchapter:

(1) Section 638b, relating to voluntary retirement incentives.

(2) Section 639, relating to continuation on active duty to complete disciplinary action.

(3) Section 640, relating to deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1748; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(18), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92 struck out "(a) In General.—" before "The" in introductory provisions.

§649k. Regulations

The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations regarding the administration of this subchapter. The elements of such regulations shall include mechanisms to clarify the manner in which provisions of other subchapters of this chapter shall be used in the administration of this subchapter in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1748.)

CHAPTER 37—GENERAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §509(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 243, added item 654. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §571(a)(3)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3643, added item 656 and struck out former item 656 "Diversity in military leadership: plan".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1711(a)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 963, added item 657.

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §519(a)(2), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1721, added item 656.

2010—Pub. L. 111–321, §2(f)(1)(B), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3516, struck out item 654 "Policy concerning homosexuality in the armed forces".

2006—Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §541(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3252, added item 652.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §569(d)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 352, added item 655.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(b)(6), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3013, struck out item 652 "Ready Reserves: requirement of notification of change of status".

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §571(a)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1673, added item 654.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §634(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1454, added item 653.

1978—Pub. L. 95–485, title IV, §405(d)(2), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1616, added item 652.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §33(a)(4)(A), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1564, substituted "GENERAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS" for "SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR RESERVES" in chapter heading.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Prohibition Against Members of the Armed Forces Participating in Criminal Street Gangs

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §544, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 116, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to prohibit the active participation by members of the Armed Forces in a criminal street gang."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 14004. Enabling All Qualified Americans To Serve Their Country in Uniform

Ex. Ord. No. 14004, Jan. 25, 2021, 86 F.R. 7471, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. All Americans who are qualified to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States ("Armed Forces") should be able to serve. The All-Volunteer Force thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security.

It is my conviction as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces that gender identity should not be a bar to military service. Moreover, there is substantial evidence that allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military does not have any meaningful negative impact on the Armed Forces. To that end, in 2016, a meticulous, comprehensive study requested by the Department of Defense found that enabling transgender individuals to serve openly in the United States military would have only a minimal impact on military readiness and healthcare costs. The study also concluded that open transgender service has had no significant impact on operational effectiveness or unit cohesion in foreign militaries.

On the basis of this information, the Secretary of Defense concluded in 2016 that permitting transgender individuals to serve openly in the military was consistent with military readiness and with strength through diversity, such that transgender service members who could meet the required standards and procedures should be permitted to serve openly. The Secretary of Defense also concluded that it was appropriate to create a process that would enable service members to take steps to transition gender while serving.

The previous administration chose to alter that policy to bar transgender persons, in almost all circumstances, from joining the Armed Forces and from being able to take steps to transition gender while serving. Rather than relying on the comprehensive study by a nonpartisan federally funded research center, the previous administration relied on a review that resulted in a policy that set unnecessary barriers to military service. It is my judgment that the Secretary of Defense's 2016 conclusions remain valid, as further demonstrated by the fact that, in 2018, the then-serving Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force all testified publicly to the Congress that they were not aware of any issues of unit cohesion, disciplinary problems, or issues of morale resulting from open transgender service. A group of former United States Surgeons General, who collectively served under Democratic and Republican Presidents, echoed this point, stating in 2018 that "transgender troops are as medically fit as their non-transgender peers and that there is no medically valid reason—including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria—to exclude them from military service or to limit their access to medically necessary care."

Therefore, it shall be the policy of the United States to ensure that all transgender individuals who wish to serve in the United States military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.

Sec. 2. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of March 23, 2018 (Military Service by Transgender Individuals) [formerly set out below], is hereby revoked, and the Presidential Memorandum of August 25, 2017 (Military Service by Transgender Individuals) [formerly set out below], remains revoked.

Sec. 3. Agency Roles and Responsibilities. In furtherance of the policy described in section 1 of this order, I hereby direct the following:

(a) The Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, shall, after consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff about how best to implement this policy and consistent with applicable law, take all necessary steps to ensure that all directives, orders, regulations, and policies of their respective departments are consistent with this order. These steps shall include establishing a process by which transgender service members may transition gender while serving, along with any further steps that the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security deem appropriate to advance the policy described in section 1 of this order.

(b) The Secretary of Defense shall:

(i) immediately prohibit involuntary separations, discharges, and denials of reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;

(ii) identify and examine the records of service members who have been involuntarily separated, discharged, or denied reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;

(iii) issue guidance to the Secretaries of each military department regarding the correction of the military records of individuals described in subsection (b)(ii) of this section as necessary to remove an injustice, pursuant to section 1552(a) of title 10, United States Code, to the extent permitted by law; and

(iv) direct the Secretaries of each military department to provide supplemental guidance, subject to the approval of the Secretary, to the boards for the correction of military records, instructing such boards on how to review applications for the correction of records of individuals described in subsection (b)(ii) of this section. Where appropriate, the department concerned shall offer such individuals an opportunity to rejoin the military should they wish to do so and meet the current entry standards.

(c) The Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard shall:

(i) immediately prohibit involuntary separations, discharges, and denials of reenlistment or continuation of service, on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;

(ii) identify and examine the records of service members who have been involuntarily separated, discharged, or denied reenlistment or continuation of service, on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;

(iii) issue guidance regarding the correction of the military records of individuals described in subsection (c)(ii) of this section as necessary to remove an injustice, pursuant to section 1552(a) of title 10, United States Code, to the extent permitted by law; and

(iv) provide supplemental guidance to the Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard, instructing the Board on how to review applications for the correction of records of individuals described in subsection (c)(ii) of this section. Where appropriate, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall offer such individuals an opportunity to rejoin the Coast Guard should they wish to do so and meet the current entry standards.

(d) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall report to me within 60 days of the date of this order [Jan. 25, 2021] on their progress in implementing the directives in this order and the policy described in section 1 of this order.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

Military Service by Transgender Individuals

Memorandum of President of the United States, Aug. 25, 2017, 82 F.R. 41319, which related to transgender military personnel, was revoked by Memorandum of President of the United States, §1, Mar. 23, 2018, 83 F.R. 13367, formerly set out below.

Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 23, 2018, 83 F.R. 13367, which related to military service by transgender individuals, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 14004, §2, Jan. 25, 2021, 86 F.R. 7472, set out above.

§651. Members: required service

(a) Each person who becomes a member of an armed force, other than a person deferred under the next to the last sentence of section 6(d)(1) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3806(d)(1)), shall serve in the armed forces for a total initial period of not less than six years nor more than eight years, as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for the armed forces under his jurisdiction and by the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard when it is not operating as service in the Navy, unless such person is sooner discharged under such regulations because of personal hardship. Any part of such service that is not active duty or that is active duty for training shall be performed in a reserve component.

(b) Each person covered by subsection (a) who is not a Reserve, and who is qualified, shall, upon his release from active duty, be transferred to a reserve component to complete the service required by subsection (a).

(c)(1) For the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may waive the initial period of required service otherwise established pursuant to subsection (a) in the case of the initial appointment of a commissioned officer in a critically short health professional specialty specified by the Secretary for purposes of this subsection or in the case of an unrestricted officer designated within a cyberspace occupational specialty.

(2) The minimum period of obligated service for an officer under a waiver under this subsection shall be the greater of—

(A) two years;

(B) in the case of an officer who has accepted an accession bonus or executed a contract or agreement for the multiyear receipt of special pay for service in the armed forces, the period of obligated service specified in such contract or agreement; or

(C) in the case of an unrestricted officer designated within a cyberspace occupational specialty, the period of obligated service specified in the enlistment agreement of such officer.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 27; Pub. L. 85–861, §§1(12), 36B(3), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1440, 1570; Pub. L. 89–718, §5, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1115; Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, §803(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 333; Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §805(b), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 813; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(18), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2921; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1022(b)(1), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 670; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §505, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title X, §1081(b)(1)(A)(iv), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2418; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(19), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(17), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3823; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(11), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1920; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §509(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 243.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
651(a)         651(b)         651(c)	50 App.:454(d)(3) (1st sentence, and less applicability to members of National Security Training Corps). 50 App.:454(d)(3) (2d sentence, and less applicability to members of National Security Training Corps). 50 App.:454(d)(3) (3d and last sentences).	June 24, 1948, ch. 625, §4(d)(3) (less 4th sentence, and less applicability to members of National Security Training Corps); added June 19, 1951, ch. 144, §1(g) (last par., less 4th sentence, and less applicability to members of National Security Training Corps), 65 Stat. 79; July 9, 1952, ch. 608, §813, 66 Stat. 509.

In subsection (a), the word "male" is inserted, since the source statute (Universal Military Training and Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.)) applies only to male persons. The words "subsequent to the date of enactment of this paragraph [June 19, 1951]" are omitted as executed. The words "becomes a member" are substituted for the words "is inducted, enlisted, or appointed * * * in". The words "in the armed forces" are substituted for the words "on active training and service in the Armed Forces * * * and in a reserve component". The last sentence is substituted for the words "or in training in the National Security Training Corps". The words "under any provision of law" and "including the reserve components thereof" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the words "who is not a Reserve" are inserted, since the eight year obligation for Reserves is covered by subsection (a). The words "active duty" are substituted for the words "active training and service". The last eight words are substituted for the words "and shall serve therein for the remainder of the period which he is required to serve under this paragraph". The words "physically and mentally" and 50 App.:454(d)(3) (last 15 words of 2d sentence) are omitted as surplusage.

In [former] subsection (c), the words "who is released from active duty" are inserted for clarity. The words "shall become a member" are substituted for the words "it shall be the duty of such person to enlist, enroll, or accept appointment in, or accept assignment to". The words "there is a vacancy" are substituted for the words "enlistment, enrollment, or appointment in, or assignment to". 50 App.:454(d)(3) (last sentence) is omitted as surplusage.

1958 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
651(a)	50 App.:454(d)(3) (2d sentence).	Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 665, §3(a) (last sentence), 69 Stat. 603.

In subsection (a), the word "male" is inserted, since the source statute applies only to male persons. The words "subsequent to the date of enactment of the Reserve Forces Act of 1955" are omitted as executed. The words "becomes a member" are substituted for the words "is inducted, enlisted, or appointed . . . in". The last sentence is substituted for the words "on active training and service . . . and in a reserve component". The requirement of transfer to and service in a reserve component, after active training and service is covered by subsection (b) of this section. The words "under any provision of law" and "including the reserve components thereof" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §509(a)(1), inserted before period at end "or in the case of an unrestricted officer designated within a cyberspace occupational specialty".

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 118–31, §509(a)(2), added subpar. (C).

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–81 inserted comma after "3806(d)(1))".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283 struck out "of his armed force" after "reserve component".

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92 inserted "shall serve" before "in the armed forces".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3806(d)(1))" for "(50 U.S.C. App. 456(d)(1)) shall serve".

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (c).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–94 amended subsec. (a) generally, substituting a reference to service in the armed forces for a total initial period of not less than six years nor more than eight years under prescribed regulations for the prior reference to service in the armed forces for a total of six years.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury", and "section 6(d)(1) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 456(d)(1))" for "section 456(d)(1) of title 50, appendix".

1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–107 struck out "before his twenty-sixth birthday" after "force".

1977—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–79 struck out "male" after "Each" and "after August 9, 1955," after "who".

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–718 struck out reference to persons who enlisted under section 1013 of title 50 in the description of persons not required to serve in the armed forces for a total of six years.

1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–861, §1(12), restricted section to male persons who became members of the armed forces after Aug. 9, 1955, excluded persons enlisted under section 1013 of Title 50 or deferred under the next to last sentence of section 456(d)(1) of Title 50, Appendix, reduced from eight to six years the required period of service, required any part of such service that is not active duty or is active duty for training to be performed in a reserve component, and struck out provisions which permitted members of the armed forces to count service in the National Security Training Corps as if it were service in the armed forces for the purposes of this subsection.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(3), repealed subsec. (c) which required members released from active duty to become members of an organized unit of a reserve component of an officers' training program.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1022(b)(2), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 671, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to persons who enter the Armed Forces 60 or more days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983]."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–107 applicable to individuals who become members of an Armed Force after Nov. 9, 1979, see section 805(c) of Pub. L. 96–107, set out as a note under section 511 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, §803(b), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 333, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the month in which this Act is enacted [July 1977] and shall apply to any female person who becomes a member of an Armed Force on or after such day."

§652. Notice to Congress of proposed changes in units, assignments, etc. to which female members may be assigned

(a) Rule for Ground Combat Personnel Policy.—(1) If the Secretary of Defense proposes to make any change described in paragraph (2)(A) or (2)(B) to the ground combat exclusion policy or proposes to make a change described in paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall, not less than 30 calendar days before such change is implemented, submit to Congress a report providing notice of the proposed change.

(2) A change referred to in paragraph (1) is a change that—

(A) closes to female members of the armed forces any category of unit or position that at that time is open to service by such members;

(B) opens to service by female members of the armed forces any category of unit or position that at that time is closed to service by such members; or

(C) opens or closes to the assignment of female members of the armed forces any military career designator as described in paragraph (6).

(3) The Secretary shall include in any report under paragraph (1)—

(A) a detailed description of, and justification for, the proposed change; and

(B) a detailed analysis of legal implication of the proposed change with respect to the constitutionality of the application of the Military Selective Service Act (50 App. U.S.C. 451 et seq.) ¹ to males only.

(4) In this subsection, the term "ground combat exclusion policy" means the military personnel policies of the Department of Defense and the military departments, as in effect on October 1, 1994, by which female members of the armed forces are restricted from assignment to units and positions below brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground.

[(5) Repealed. Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §524(a)(2), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 813.]

(6) For purposes of this subsection, a military career designator is one that is related to military operations on the ground as of May 18, 2005, and applies—

(A) for enlisted members and warrant officers, to military occupational specialties, specialty codes, enlisted designators, enlisted classification codes, additional skill identifiers, and special qualification identifiers; and

(B) for officers (other than warrant officers), to officer areas of concentration, occupational specialties, specialty codes, designators, additional skill identifiers, and special qualification identifiers.

(b) Other Personnel Policy Changes.—(1) Except in a case covered by section 8225 of this title or by subsection (a), whenever the Secretary of Defense proposes to make a change to military personnel policies described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, not less than 30 calendar days before such change is implemented, submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives notice, in writing, of the proposed change.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to a proposed military personnel policy change, other than a policy change covered by subsection (a), that would make available to female members of the armed forces assignment to any of the following that, as of the date of the proposed change, is closed to such assignment:

(A) Any type of unit not covered by subsection (a).

(B) Any class of combat vessel.

(C) Any type of combat platform.

(Added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §541(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3251; amended Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §524, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 813; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Military Selective Service Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(B), is act June 24, 1948, ch. 625, 62 Stat. 604, which was classified principally to section 451 et seq. of the former Appendix to Title 50, War and National Defense, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as chapter 49 (§3801 et seq.) of Title 50. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 652, added Pub. L. 95–485, title IV, §405(d)(1), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1616, related to Ready Reserve requirement of notification of change of status, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §§1661(a)(3)(A), 1691, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2980, 3026, effective Dec. 1, 1994. See section 10205 of this title.

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §542, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1659, which was set out as a note under section 113 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–163, §541(c).

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8225" for "section 6035".

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §524(a)(1), substituted "not less than 30 calendar days before such change is implemented" for "before any such change is implemented" and struck out at end "Such a change may then be implemented only after the end of a period of 30 days of continuous session of Congress (excluding any day on which either House of Congress is not in session) following the date on which the report is received."

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–92, §524(a)(2), struck out par. (5) which read as follows: "For purposes of this subsection, the continuity of a session of Congress is broken only by an adjournment of the Congress sine die."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §524(b), inserted "calendar" before "days".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§653. Minimum service requirement for certain flight crew positions

(a) Pilots.—The minimum service obligation of any member who successfully completes training in the armed forces as a pilot shall be 8 years, if the member is trained to fly fixed-wing jet aircraft, or 6 years, if the member is trained to fly any other type of aircraft.

(b) Navigators and Naval Flight Officers.—The minimum service obligation of any member who successfully completes training in the armed forces as a navigator or naval flight officer shall be 6 years.

(c) Definition.—In this section, the term "service obligation" means the period of active duty or, in the case of a member of a reserve component who completed flight training in an active duty for training status as a member of a reserve component, the period of service in an active status in the Selected Reserve required to be served after—

(1) completion of undergraduate pilot training, in the case of training as a pilot;

(2) completion of undergraduate navigator training, in the case of training as a navigator; or

(3) completion of undergraduate training as a naval flight officer, in the case of training as a naval flight officer.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §634(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1454; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(k)(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §506(a), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2404.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 102–484, §506(a)(1), substituted "service obligation" for "active duty obligation".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–484, §506(a)(2), substituted "the term 'service obligation' means the period of active duty or, in the case of a member of a reserve component who completed flight training in an active duty for training status as a member of a reserve component, the period of service in an active status in the Selected Reserve" for "the term 'active duty obligation' means the period of active duty".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510, §1484(k)(3)(A), substituted "or" for "and" before "6 years".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–510, §1484(k)(3)(B), inserted a comma after first reference to "training" in pars. (1) and (2) and after first reference to "naval flight officer" in par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §506(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2405, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of November 29, 1989."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §634(b), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1454, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), section 653 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply to persons who begin undergraduate pilot training, undergraduate navigator training, or undergraduate naval flight officer training, as the case may be, after September 30, 1990.

"(2) Such section shall apply to persons who graduate from the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy after December 31, 1991, and to persons who satisfactorily complete the academic and military requirements of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program (provided for in chapter 103 of title 10, United States Code) after December 31, 1991.

"(3) The minimum service requirements provided for such section shall not apply in the case of any person who entered into an agreement with the Secretary concerned before October 1, 1990, and who is obligated under the terms of such agreement to serve on active duty for a period less than the applicable period specified in section 653 of such title.

"(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101(8) of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(9)]."

[For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

§654. Minimum service requirement for certain cyberspace occupational specialties

(a) Cyberspace Operations Officer.—The minimum service obligation for any member who successfully completes training in the armed forces in direct accession to the cyberspace operations officer occupational specialty of the Marine Corps shall be eight years.

(b) Service Obligation Defined.—In this section, the term "service obligation" means the period of active duty or, in the case of a member of a reserve component who completed cyberspace operations training in an active duty for training status as a member of a reserve component, the period of service in an active status in the Selected Reserve, required to be served after completion of cyberspace operations training.

(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §509(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 243.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 654, added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §571(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1670, related to policy concerning homosexuality in the armed forces, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–321, §2(f)(1)(A), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3516.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal

Pub. L. 111–321, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3515, repealed former section 654 of this title effective 60 days after the later of the Secretary of Defense receiving a report, which was released Nov. 30, 2010, and the President transmitting to the congressional defense committees a written certification, which was transmitted July 22, 2011.

§655. Designation of persons having interest in status of a missing member

(a) The Secretary concerned shall, upon the enlistment or appointment of a person in the armed forces, require that the person specify in writing the person or persons, if any, other than that person's primary next of kin or immediate family, to whom information on the whereabouts and status of the member shall be provided if such whereabouts and status are investigated under chapter 76 of this title. The Secretary shall periodically, and whenever the member is deployed as part of a contingency operation or in other circumstances specified by the Secretary, require that such designation be reconfirmed, or modified, by the member.

(b) The Secretary concerned shall, upon the request of a member, permit the member to revise the person or persons specified by the member under subsection (a) at any time. Any such revision shall be in writing.

(Added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §569(d)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 352.)

§656. Diversity in military leadership: plan; mentoring and career counseling program

(a) Plan.—The Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) shall develop and implement a plan to accurately measure the efforts of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard to achieve a dynamic, sustainable level of members of the armed forces (including reserve components) that, among both commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel of each armed force, will reflect the diverse population of the United States eligible to serve in the armed forces, including gender specific, racial, and ethnic populations. Any metric established pursuant to this subsection may not be used in a manner that undermines the merit-based processes of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard, including such processes for accession, retention, and promotion. Such metrics may not be combined with the identification of specific quotas based upon diversity characteristics. The Secretary concerned shall continue to account for diversified language and cultural skills among the total force of the armed forces.

(b) Mentoring and Career Counseling Program.—

(1) Program required as part of plan.—With the goal of having the diversity of the population of officers serving in each branch, specialty, community, and grade of each armed force reflect the diversity of the population in such armed force as a whole, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall include in the plan required by subsection (a) a mentoring and career counseling program for officers.

(2) Elements.—The program required by this subsection shall include the following:

(A) The option for any officer to participate in the program.

(B) For each officer who elects to participate in the program, the following:

(i) One or more opportunities for mentoring and career counseling before selection of the officer's branch, specialty, or community.

(ii) Ongoing opportunities for mentoring and career counseling following selection of the officer's branch, specialty, or community, and continuing through the officer's military career.

(C) Mentoring and counseling during opportunities under subparagraph (B) consisting of the following:

(i) Information on officer retention and promotion rates in each grade, branch, specialty, and community of the armed force concerned, including the rate at which officers in each branch, specialty, or community of such armed force are promoted to a grade above O–6.

(ii) Information on career and service pathways, including service in the reserve components.

(iii) Such other information as may be required to optimize the ability of an officer to make informed career decisions through the officer's military career.

(c) Metrics to Measure Progress in Developing and Implementing Plan and Mentoring and Career Counseling Program.—In developing and implementing the plan under subsection (a) and the mentoring and career counseling program under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a standard set of metrics and collection procedures that are uniform across the armed forces. The metrics required by this subsection shall be designed—

(1) to accurately capture the inclusion and capability aspects of the armed forces' broader diversity plans, including race, ethnic, and gender specific groups, as potential factors of force readiness that would supplement continued accounting by the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard of diversified language and cultural skills among the total force as part of the assessment of current and future national security needs; and

(2) to be verifiable and systematically linked to strategic plans that will drive improvements.

(d) Definition of Diversity.—In developing and implementing the plan under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a uniform definition of diversity.

(e) Consultation.—Not less than annually, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall meet with the Secretaries of the military departments, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and senior enlisted members of the armed forces to discuss the progress being made toward developing and implementing the plan established under subsection (a).

(f) Cooperation With States.—The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the National Guard Bureau and States in tracking the progress of the National Guard toward developing and implementing the plan established under subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §519(a)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1720; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §571(a)(1)–(3)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3642, 3643.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, §571(a)(3)(A), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Diversity in military leadership: plan; mentoring and career counseling program" for "Diversity in military leadership: plan".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §571(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §571(a)(1)(A), (2), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c) and inserted "and Mentoring and Career Counseling Program" after "Developing and Implementing Plan" in heading and "and the mentoring and career counseling program under subsection (b)" after "the plan under subsection (a)" in text. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 116–283, §571(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsecs. (c) to (e) as (d) to (f), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §529, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1358, provided that:

"(a) Plan Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall design and implement a five-year strategic plan for diversity and inclusion in the Department of Defense.

"(b) Elements.—The strategic plan under this section—

"(1) shall incorporate existing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the Department; and

"(2) may not conflict with the objectives of the 2018 National Military Strategy.

"(c) Deadline.—The Secretary shall implement the strategic plan under this section not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]."

§657. Prohibition on service in the armed forces by individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses

(a) Prohibition on Commissioning or Enlistment.—A person who has been convicted of an offense specified in subsection (b) under Federal or State law may not be processed for commissioning or permitted to enlist in the armed forces.

(b) Covered Offenses.—An offense specified in this subsection is any felony offense as follows:

(1) Rape or sexual assault.

(2) Forcible sodomy.

(3) Incest.

(4) An attempt to commit an offense specified in paragraph (1) through (3), as punishable under applicable Federal or State law.

(Added Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1711(a)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 962.)

CHAPTER 38—JOINT OFFICER MANAGEMENT

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §505(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3356, struck out item 667 "Annual report to Congress".

2008—Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §522(a)(3), (c)(3), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4445, added items 661 and 665 and struck out former items 661 "Management policies for officers who are joint qualified" and 665 "Procedures for monitoring careers of joint officers".

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §516(e)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2189, substituted "officers who are joint qualified" for "joint specialty officers" in item 661.

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §532(c)(2)(B), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1900, substituted "Joint duty assignments after completion of joint professional military education" for "Education" in item 663.

§661. Management policies for joint qualified officers

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish policies, procedures, and practices for the effective management of officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps on the active-duty list, and officers of the Space Force on the Space Force officer list, who are particularly trained in, and oriented toward, joint matters (as defined in section 668 of this title). Such officers shall be identified or designated (in addition to their principal military occupational specialty) as a joint qualified officer or in such other manner as the Secretary of Defense directs.

(b) Levels, Designation, and Numbers.—(1)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall establish different levels of joint qualification, as well as the criteria for qualification at each level. Such levels of joint qualification shall be established by the Secretary with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Each level shall, as a minimum, have both joint education criteria and joint experience criteria. The purpose of establishing such qualification levels is to ensure a systematic, progressive, career-long development of officers in joint matters and to ensure that officers serving as general and flag officers have the requisite experience and education to be highly proficient in joint matters.

(B) The number of officers who are joint qualified shall be determined by the Secretary of Defense, with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Such number shall be large enough to meet the requirements of subsection (d).

(2) Certain officers shall be designated as joint qualified by the Secretary of Defense with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(3) An officer may be designated as joint qualified under paragraph (2) only if the officer—

(A) meets the education and experience criteria of subsection (c);

(B) meets such additional criteria as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; and

(C) holds the grade of captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant or a higher grade.

(4) The authority of the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (2) to designate officers as joint qualified may be delegated only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense or an Under Secretary of Defense.

(c) Education and Experience Requirements.—(1) An officer may not be designated as joint qualified until the officer—

(A) successfully completes an appropriate program of joint professional military education, as described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 2155 of this title, at a joint professional military education school; and

(B) successfully completes—

(i) a full tour of duty in a joint assignment, as described in section 664(d) of this title; or

(ii) such other assignments and experiences in a manner that demonstrate the officer's mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in joint matters, as determined under such regulations and policy as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement under paragraph (1)(A) that an officer has successfully completed a program of education, as described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 2155 of this title.

(3) In the case of an officer in a grade below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), a waiver under paragraph (2) may be granted only if—

(A) the officer has completed two full tours of duty in a joint duty assignment, as described in section 664(d) of this title, in such a manner as to demonstrate the officer's mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities on joint matters; and

(B) the Secretary of Defense determines that the types of joint duty experiences completed by the officer have been of sufficient breadth to prepare the officer adequately for service as a general or flag officer in a joint duty assignment position.

(4) In the case of a general or flag officer, a waiver under paragraph (2) may be granted only—

(A) under unusual circumstances justifying the variation from the education requirement under paragraph (1)(A); and

(B) under circumstances in which the waiver is necessary to meet a critical need of the armed forces, as determined by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(5) In the case of officers in grades below brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), the total number of waivers granted under paragraph (2) for officers in the same pay grade during a fiscal year may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of officers in that pay grade designated as joint qualified during that fiscal year.

(6) There may not be more than 32 general and flag officers on active duty at the same time who, while holding a general or flag officer position, were designated joint qualified (or were selected for the joint specialty before October 1, 2007) and for whom a waiver was granted under paragraph (2).

(d) Number of Joint Duty Assignments.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that approximately one-half of the joint duty assignment positions in grades above major or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant commander are filled at any time by officers who have the appropriate level of joint qualification.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall designate an appropriate number of joint duty assignment positions as critical joint duty assignment positions. A position may be designated as a critical joint duty assignment position only if the duties and responsibilities of the position make it important that the occupant be particularly trained in, and oriented toward, joint matters.

(3)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a position designated under paragraph (2) may be held only by an officer who—

(i) was designated as joint qualified in accordance with this chapter; or

(ii) was selected for the joint specialty before October 1, 2007.

(B) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement in subparagraph (A) with respect to the assignment of an officer to a position designated under paragraph (2). Any such waiver shall be granted on a case-by-case basis. The authority of the Secretary to grant such a waiver may be delegated only to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or a designee of the Chairman who is an officer of the armed forces in grade O–9 or higher.

(4) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, of those joint duty assignment positions that are filled by general or flag officers, a substantial portion are among those positions that are designated under paragraph (2) as critical joint duty assignment positions.

(e) Career Guidelines.—The Secretary, with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall establish career guidelines for officers to achieve joint qualification and for officers who have been designated as joint qualified. Such guidelines shall include guidelines for—

(1) selection;

(2) military education;

(3) training;

(4) types of duty assignments; and

(5) such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(f) Treatment of Certain Service.—Any service by an officer in the grade of captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant in a joint duty assignment shall be considered to be service in a joint duty assignment for purposes of all laws (including section 619a of this title) establishing a requirement or condition with respect to an officer's service in a joint duty assignment.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1025; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1301–1302(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1168, 1169; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §§511, 512(a), 517(a), 518, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1968, 1971; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XI, §§1113, 1122, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1554, 1556; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §501(a), (d), title XV, §1503(a)(6), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 290, 292, 511; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §521(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §502(c), title X, §1062(a)(3), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2530, 2649; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §516(a)–(e)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2187–2189; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §522(a)(1), (2), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4444, 4445; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(20), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1595; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §505, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1345; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(D), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(c), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "and Marine Corps" for "Marine Corps, and Space Force" and inserted ", and officers of the Space Force on the Space Force officer list," after "active-duty list".

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

2019—Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 116–92 inserted "or a designee of the Chairman who is an officer of the armed forces in grade O–9 or higher" after "Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff".

2017—Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i), (3)(A). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "664(d)" for "664(f)".

2008—Pub. L. 110–417 amended section catchline generally, substituting "Management policies for joint qualified officers" for "Management policies for officers who are joint qualified", and in subsec. (a), substituted "as a joint qualified officer or in such other manner as the Secretary of Defense directs" for "in such manner as the Secretary of Defense directs".

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §516(e)(1), substituted "officers who are joint qualified" for "joint specialty officers" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §516(a), struck out at end "For purposes of this chapter, officers to be managed by such policies, procedures, and practices are referred to as having, or having been nominated for, the 'joint specialty'."

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §516(b), amended subsecs. (b) to (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (b) to (d) related to numbers and selection of officers with the joint specialty, education and experience requirements, and number of joint duty assignments.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364, §516(c), substituted "officers to achieve joint qualification and for officers who have been designated as joint qualified" for "officers with the joint specialty" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364, §516(d), substituted "619a" for "619(e)(1)".

2002—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–314, §1062(a)(3), substituted "December 28, 2001," for "the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002".

Subsec. (c)(3)(E). Pub. L. 107–314, §502(c), substituted "paragraph" for "subparagraph".

2001—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, in introductory provisions, substituted "Each officer on the active-duty list on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 who has not before that date been nominated for the joint specialty by the Secretary of a military department, and each officer who is placed on the active-duty list after such date, who meets the requirements of subsection (c) shall automatically be considered to have been nominated for the joint specialty. From among those officers considered to be nominated for the joint specialty, the Secretary may select for the joint specialty only officers—" for "The Secretaries of the military departments shall nominate officers for selection for the joint specialty. Nominations shall be made from among officers—".

1996—Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(d)(1), in third sentence, substituted "In the case of officers in grades below brigadier general and rear admiral (lower half), the total number" for "The total number".

Subsec. (c)(3)(E). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(d)(2), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(a), substituted "800" for "1,000".

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–106, §1503(a)(6)(A), substituted "Each position designated by the Secretary under subparagraph (A)" for "Until January 1, 1994, at least 80 percent of the positions designated by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall be held at all times by officers who have the joint specialty. On and after January 1, 1994, each position so designated".

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 104–106, §1503(a)(6)(B), struck out "the second sentence of" after "the requirement in".

Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 104–106, §1503(a)(6)(C), struck out subpar. (D) which read as follows: "During the period beginning on October 1, 1992, and ending on January 1, 1993, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the operation, to the date of the report, of the first sentence of subparagraph (B) and on the Secretary's projection for the use of the waiver authority provided under subparagraph (C), including the Secretary's estimate of the average annual number of waivers to be provided under subparagraph (C)."

1989—Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (3)(A). Pub. L. 101–189, §1113, substituted "(as described in section 664(f) of this title (other than in paragraph (2) thereof))" for "(as described in section 664(f)(1) or (f)(3) of this title)".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 101–189, §1122, added par. (4).

1988—Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 100–456, §511, inserted "for officers in the same pay grade" after "under this paragraph", substituted "10 percent" for "5 percent", and inserted "in that pay grade" after "numbers of officers".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 100–456, §512(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out sentence at end which directed that each position so designated by the Secretary could be held only by an officer who had the joint specialty, and added subpars. (B) to (D).

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 100–456, §517(a), substituted "25 percent" for "one-third".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–456, §518, added subsec. (f).

1987—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 100–180, §1301(a)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–180, §1301(b)(1), inserted "(as described in section 664(f)(1) or (f)(3) of this title)" after "joint duty assignment".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–180, §1301(b)(2)(A)–(C), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "An officer (other than a general or flag officer) who has a military occupational specialty that is" for "An officer who has" and "full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as described in section 664(f)(2) of this title)" for "joint duty assignment of not less than two years", and struck out provisions that an officer selected for the joint specialty complete generally applicable requirements for selection under par. (1)(B) as soon as practicable after such officer's selection.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–180, §1301(b)(2)(D), added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 100–180, §1301(b)(3), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–180, §1302(a)(1), added subpars. (A) and (B) and substituted "by officers who—" for "by officers who have (or have been nominated for) the joint specialty." in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 100–180, §1302(b), added pars. (2) to (4) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense shall designate not fewer than 1,000 joint duty assignment positions as critical joint duty assignment positions. Each such position shall be held only by an officer with the joint specialty."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §516(f), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2189, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2007."

Designation of at Least One General Officer of the Marine Corps Reserve as a Joint Qualified Officer

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §516, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 249, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that at least one general officer of the Marine Corps Reserve is designated as a joint qualified officer."

Treatment of Current Joint Specialty Officers

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §516(g), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2189, provided that: "For the purposes of chapter 38 of title 10, United States Code, and sections 154, 164, and 619a of such title, an officer who, as of September 30, 2007, has been selected for or has the joint specialty under section 661 of such title, as in effect on that date, shall be considered after that date to be an officer designated as joint qualified by the Secretary of Defense under section 661(b)(2) of such title, as amended by this section."

Implementation Plan

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §516(h), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2189, provided that:

"(1) Plan required.—Not later than March 31, 2007, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a plan for the implementation of the joint officer management system, which will take effect on October 1, 2007, as provided in subsection (f) [set out above], as a result of the amendments made by this section [amending this section] and other provisions of this Act [see Tables for classification] to provisions of chapter 38 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) Elements of plan.—In developing the plan required by this subsection, the Secretary shall pay particular attention to matters related to the transition of officers from the joint specialty system in effect before October 1, 2007, to the joint officer management system in effect after that date. At a minimum, the plan shall include the following:

"(A) The policies and criteria to be used for designating officers as joint qualified on the basis of service performed by such officers before that date, had the amendments made by this section and other provisions of this Act to provisions of chapter 38 of title 10, United States Code, taken effect before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006].

"(B) The policies and criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense to be used in making determinations under section 661(c)(1)(B)(ii) of such title, as amended by this section.

"(C) The recommendations of the Secretary for any legislative changes that may be necessary to effectuate the joint officer management system."

Exclusion of Certain Officers From Limitation on Authority To Grant a Waiver of Required Completion or Sequencing for Joint Professional Military Education

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §502(a), (b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2530, provided for exclusion from the limitation set forth in former subsec. (c)(3)(D) of this section of any officer selected for the joint specialty who, on Dec. 28, 2001, had met the requirements for nomination for the joint specialty, but had not been nominated before that date, and who had been automatically nominated before Dec. 2, 2002, and provided that such exclusion would terminate on Oct. 1, 2006.

Independent Study of Joint Officer Management and Joint Professional Military Education Reforms

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §526, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1099, directed the Secretary of Defense to provide for an independent study of the joint officer management system and the joint professional military education system and to require the entity conducting the study to submit a report to Congress on the study not later than one year after Dec. 28, 2001.

Study of Distribution of General and Flag Officer Positions in Joint Duty Assignments

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IV, §404, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2398, directed Secretary of Defense to conduct a study of whether joint organizations of Department of Defense are fully staffed with appropriate number of general and flag officers and, not later than one year after Oct. 23, 1992, submit a report to Congress.

Transition to Joint Officer Personnel Policy

Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §406(a)–(c), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1033, as amended by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §516, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1971, provided that:

"(a) Joint Duty Assignments.—(1) Section 661(d) of title 10, United States Code, shall be implemented as rapidly as possible and (except as provided under paragraph (2)) not later than October 1, 1989.

"(2) The first sentence of section 661(d)(2)(B) of such title shall apply with respect to positions designated under the first sentence of section 661(d)(2)(A) of that title as critical joint duty assignment positions which become vacant after January 1, 1989.

"(b) Joint Specialty.—

"(1) Initial selections.—(A) In making the initial selections of officers for the joint specialty under section 661 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 401 of this Act), the Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement of either subparagraph (A) or (B) (but not both) of subsection (c)(1) of such section in the case of any officer in a grade above captain or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant.

"(B) In applying such subparagraph (B) to the initial selections of officers for the joint specialty, the Secretary may in the case of any officer—

"(i) waive the requirement that a joint duty assignment be served after the officer has completed an appropriate program at a joint professional military education school;

"(ii) waive the requirement for the length of a joint duty assignment in the case of a joint duty assignment begun by an officer before January 1, 1987, if the officer served in that assignment for a period of sufficient duration (which may not be less than 12 months) to have been considered a full tour of duty under the policies and regulations in effect on September 30, 1986; or

"(iii) consider as a joint duty assignment any tour of duty begun by an officer before October 1, 1986, that involved significant experience in joint matters (as determined by the Secretary) if the officer served in that assignment for a period of sufficient duration (which may not be less than 12 months) for his service to have been considered a full tour of duty under the policies and regulations in effect on September 30, 1986.

"(C) A waiver under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph or under any provision of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph may only be made on a case-by-case basis.

"(D) The authority of the Secretary of Defense to grant a waiver under subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph may be delegated only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

"(2) Requirement for high standards.—In exercising the authority provided by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the highest standards of performance, education, and experience are established and maintained for officers selected for the joint specialty.

"(3) Sunset.—The authority provided by paragraph (1) shall expire on October 1, 1989.

"(c) Career Guidelines.—The career guidelines required to be established by section 661(e) of such title, the procedures required to be established by section 665(a) of such title, and the personnel policies required to be established by section 666 of such title (as added by section 401) shall be established not later than the end of the eight-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1986]. The provisions of section 665(b) of such title shall be implemented not later than the end of such period."

§662. Promotion policy objectives for joint officers

The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the qualifications of officers assigned to joint duty assignments are such that—

(1) officers who are serving on, or have served on, the Joint Staff are expected, as a group, to be promoted to the next higher grade at a rate not less than the rate for officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category who are serving on, or have served on, the headquarters staff of their armed force; and

(2) officers in the grade of major (or in the case of the Navy, lieutenant commander) or above who have been designated as a joint qualified officer are expected, as a group, to be promoted to the next higher grade at a rate not less than the rate for all officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1026; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §513, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1969; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIII, §1311(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1669; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §510, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2514; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §521(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(4), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §535, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §517, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2190; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(3), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §523, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4446; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2474; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §505(a)(2), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3356.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–291 struck out subsec. (a) designation and heading "Qualifications.—" before "The Secretary of Defense" and struck out subsec. (b) which related to annual report.

2009—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–84 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 110–417, §523(1). See 2008 Amendment note below.

2008—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–417, §523(1), as amended by Pub. L. 111–84, substituted "officers in the grade of major (or in the case of the Navy, lieutenant commander) or above who have been designated as a joint qualified officer" for "officers who are serving in or have served in joint duty assignments".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–417, §523(2), inserted "or on the Joint Staff, and officers who have been designated as a joint qualified officer in the grades of major (or in the case of the Navy, lieutenant commander) through colonel (or in the case of the Navy, captain)" after "joint duty assignments".

Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a)" for "paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a)".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364 inserted "and" at end of par. (1), added par. (2), and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) which read as follows:

"(2) officers who have the joint specialty are expected, as a group, to be promoted—

"(A) during the period beginning on December 28, 2001, and ending on December 27, 2006, at a rate not less than the rate for officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category; and

"(B) after December 27, 2006, at a rate not less than the rate for officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category who are serving on, or have served on, the headquarters staff of their armed force; and

"(3) officers who are serving in, or have served in, joint duty assignments (other than officers covered in paragraphs (1) and (2)) are expected, as a group, to be promoted to the next higher grade at a rate not less than the rate for all officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category."

2004—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "December 27, 2006" for "December 27, 2004" in two places.

2002—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–314, §1062(a)(4)(A), substituted "during the period beginning on December 28, 2001, and ending on December 27, 2004," for "during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002,".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–314, §1062(a)(4)(B), substituted "after December 27, 2004" for "after the end of the period specified in subparagraph (A)".

2001—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "promoted—" for "promoted at a rate", added subpar. (A), designated "not less than the rate for officers of the same armed force in the same grade and competitive category who are serving on, or have served on, the headquarters staff of their armed force; and" as subpar. (B), and inserted "after the end of the period specified in subparagraph (A), at a rate" after subpar. (B) designation.

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–201, §510(b), in first sentence, substituted "paragraphs" for "clauses" and, in second sentence, inserted "for any fiscal year" after "such objectives" and substituted "report for that fiscal year" for "periodic report required by this subsection".

Pub. L. 104–201, §510(a), substituted "Annual Report" for "Report" in heading and "Not later than January 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the promotion rates during the preceding fiscal year" for "The Secretary of Defense shall periodically (and not less often than every six months) report to Congress on the promotion rates" in text.

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510 substituted "the Secretary shall include in the periodic report required by this subsection information on such failure and on" for "the Secretary shall immediately notify Congress of such failure and of".

1988—Subsec. (a)(1), (3). Pub. L. 100–456 inserted "to the next higher grade" after "promoted".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2474, provided that the amendment made by section 1073(c)(2) is effective as of Oct. 14, 2008, and as if included in Pub. L. 110–417 as enacted.

§663. Joint duty assignments after completion of joint professional military education

(a) Joint Qualified Officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each officer designated as a joint qualified officer who graduates from a school within the National Defense University specified in subsection (c) shall be assigned to a joint duty assignment for that officer's next duty assignment after such graduation (unless the officer receives a waiver of that requirement by the Secretary in an individual case).

(b) Other Officers.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a high proportion (which shall be greater than 50 percent) of the officers graduating from a school within the National Defense University specified in subsection (c) who are not designated as a joint qualified officer shall receive assignments to a joint duty assignment (or, as authorized by the Secretary in an individual case, to a joint assignment other than a joint duty assignment) as their next duty assignment after such graduation or, to the extent authorized in paragraph (2), as their second duty assignment after such graduation.

(2) The Secretary may, if the Secretary determines that it is necessary to do so for the efficient management of officer personnel, establish procedures to allow up to one-half of the officers subject to the assignment requirement in paragraph (1) to be assigned to such an assignment as their second (rather than first) assignment after such graduation from a school referred to in paragraph (1).

(c) Covered Schools Within the National Defense University.—For purposes of this section, a school within the National Defense University specified in this subsection is one of the following:

(1) The National War College.

(2) The Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

(3) The Joint Forces Staff College.

(d) Exception for Officers Graduating From Other-than-in-residence Programs.—(1) Subsection (a) does not apply to an officer graduating from a school within the National Defense University specified in subsection (c) following pursuit of a program on an other-than-in-residence basis.

(2) Subsection (b) does not apply with respect to any group of officers graduating from a school within the National Defense University specified in subsection (c) following pursuit of a program on an other-than-in-residence basis.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1027; amended Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XI, §1123(c)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IX, §912(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1452; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §933(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1735; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(6), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1223; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(5), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §532(b)–(c)(2)(A), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1900; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §518, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2190; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §522(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4445; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §503, div. B, title XXVIII, §2861(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1388, 1701.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, §503(a)(1), inserted "(or, as authorized by the Secretary in an individual case, to a joint assignment other than a joint duty assignment)" after "to a joint duty assignment".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §503(a)(2), substituted "the assignment" for "the joint duty assignment" and "such an assignment" for "a joint duty assignment".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §2861(c), substituted "Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy" for "Industrial College of the Armed Forces".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–81, §503(b), added subsec. (d).

2008—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–417, in subsec. (a), substituted "Qualified" for "Specialty" in heading and "designated as a joint qualified officer" for "with the joint specialty" in text, and, in subsec. (b)(1), substituted "are not designated as a joint qualified officer" for "do not have the joint specialty".

2006—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §518(a)(1), (2)(A), substituted "a school within the National Defense University specified in subsection (c)" for "a joint professional military education school".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 109–364, §518(a)(2)(B), substituted "a school referred to in paragraph (1)" for "a joint professional military education school".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–364, §518(b), added subsec. (c).

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, §532(c)(2)(A), substituted "Joint duty assignments after completion of joint professional military education" for "Education" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–375, §532(c)(1)(A), (B), redesignated subsec. (d)(1) as (a), inserted heading, and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a) which related to capstone course for new general and flag officers. See section 2153 of this title.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–375, §532(c)(1)(C)–(F), redesignated subsec. (d)(2)(A) as (b)(1) and substituted "in paragraph (2)" for "in subparagraph (B)", redesignated subsec. (d)(2)(B) as (b)(2) and substituted "in paragraph (1)" for "in subparagraph (A)", and inserted subsec. heading.

Pub. L. 108–375, §532(b), transferred subsec. (b), relating to joint military education schools, to section 2152(b) of this title.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375, §532(b), transferred subsec. (c), relating to other professional military education schools, to section 2152(c) of this title.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–375, §532(c)(1)(B), (C), (E), redesignated par. (1) as subsec. (a), redesignated subpars. (A) and (B) of par. (2) as pars. (1) and (2), respectively, of subsec. (b), and struck out heading "Post-Education Joint Duty Assignments".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–375, §532(c)(1)(A), struck out heading and text of subsec. (e) which related to the duration of the principal course of instruction offered at the Joint Forces Staff College. See section 2156 of this title.

2002—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "Joint Forces Staff College" for "Armed Forces Staff College".

2001—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "Joint Forces Staff College" for "Armed Forces Staff College" in subsec. heading and in text of par. (1).

1993—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–160 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "Post-Education Duty Assignments.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that—

"(1) unless waived by the Secretary in an individual case, each officer with the joint specialty who graduates from a joint professional military education school shall be assigned to a joint duty assignment for that officer's next duty assignment; and

"(2) a high proportion (which shall be greater than 50 percent) of the other officers graduating from a joint professional military education school also receive assignments to a joint duty assignment as their next duty assignment."

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–190 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1989—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–189 added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §933(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1736, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to officers graduating from joint professional military education schools after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1993]."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IX, §912(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1452, as amended by Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §921, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2473, provided that the amendment made by section 912(a)(2) of Pub. L. 102–190 to this section was not to apply with respect to the Armed Forces Staff College until Jan. 1, 1994.

Implementation of Subsection (e)

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XI, §1123(c)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1557, provided that: "Subsection (e) of such section, as added by paragraph (1), shall be implemented by the Secretary of Defense not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]."

Education Requirements; Joint Officer Management Program

Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §406(d), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1033, provided that:

"(1) Capstone course.—Subsection (a) of section 663 of such title [10 U.S.C. 663(a)] (as added by section 401) shall apply with respect to officers selected in reports of officer selection boards submitted to the Secretary concerned after the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1986].

"(2) Review of military education schools.—(A) The first review under subsections (b) and (c) of such section shall be completed not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the review at each Department of Defense school not later than 60 days thereafter.

"(B) Such subsections shall be implemented so that the revised curricula take effect with respect to courses beginning after July 1987.

"(3) Post-education duty assignments.—Subsection (d) of such section shall take effect with respect to classes graduating from joint professional military education schools after January 1987."

§664. Length of joint duty assignments

(a) General Rule.—The length of a joint duty assignment shall be not less than two years.

(b) Waiver Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) in the case of any officer.

(c) Exclusions From Tour Length.—The Secretary of Defense may exclude the following service from the requirement in subsection (a):

(1) Service in a joint duty assignment in which the full tour of duty in the assignment is not completed by the officer because of—

(A) retirement;

(B) release from active duty;

(C) suspension from duty under section 155(f)(2) or 164(g) of this title; or

(D) a qualifying reassignment from a joint duty assignment as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in regulations.

(2) Service in a joint duty assignment in a case in which the officer's tour of duty in that assignment brings the officer's accrued service for purposes of subsection (d)(2) to the requirement in subsection (a).

(d) Full Tour of Duty.—An officer shall be considered to have completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment upon completion of any of the following:

(1) A joint duty assignment that meets the requirement in subsection (a).

(2) Accrued joint experience in joint duty assignments as described in subsection (e).

(3) A joint duty assignment with respect to which the Secretary of Defense has granted a waiver under subsection (b), but only in a case in which the Secretary determines that the service completed by that officer in that duty assignment shall be considered to be a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment.

(4) A second and subsequent joint duty assignment that is less than the period required under subsection (a).

(e) Accrued Joint Experience.—For the purposes of subsection (d)(2), the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, by regulation, certain joint experience, such as temporary duty in joint assignments, joint individual training, and participation in joint exercises, that may be aggregated to equal a full tour of duty. The Secretary shall prescribe the regulations with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(f) Constructive Credit.—The Secretary of Defense may award constructive credit in the case of an officer (other than a general or flag officer) who, for reasons of military necessity, is reassigned from a joint duty assignment within 60 days of meeting the tour length criteria prescribed in subsection (d)(1). The amount of constructive service that may be credited to such officer shall be the amount sufficient for the completion of the applicable tour of duty requirement, but in no case more than 60 days.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1028; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1303(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1170; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §§514, 517(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1969, 1971; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §501(b), (e), (f), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 290, 292; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(5), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 770; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §522, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §519(d)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2191; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §524, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4446; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §510, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2110; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(9), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "the requirement" for "the the requirement".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(a), substituted "assignment shall be not less than two years." for "assignment—

"(1) for general and flag officers shall be not less than two years; and

"(2) for other officers shall be not less than three years."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(b), (g)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (c) read as follows: "The Secretary may for purposes of section 661(c)(1)(B) of this title authorize a joint duty assignment of less than the period prescribed by subsection (a), but not less than two years, without the requirement for a waiver under subsection (b) in the case of an officer—

"(1) who has a military occupational specialty designated under section 668(d) of this title as a critical occupational specialty; and

"(2) for whom such joint duty assignment is the initial joint duty assignment."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(2), substituted "subsection (d)(2)" for "subsection (f)(3)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).

Pub. L. 114–328, §510(c)(1), substituted "the requirement in subsection (a)" for "the standards prescribed in subsection (a)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(D). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(c)(2), substituted "assignment as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in regulations." for "assignment—

"(i) for unusual personal reasons, including extreme hardship and medical conditions, beyond the control of the officer or the armed forces; or

"(ii) to another joint duty assignment immediately after—

"(I) the officer was promoted to a higher grade, if the reassignment was made because no joint duty assignment was available within the same organization that was commensurate with the officer's new grade; or

"(II) the officer's position was eliminated in a reorganization."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(3), substituted "subsection (e)" for "subsection (g)".

Pub. L. 114–328, §510(c)(3)–(5), redesignated par. (3) as (2), substituted "the requirement in subsection (a)" for "the applicable standard prescribed in subsection (a)", and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "Service in a joint duty assignment outside the United States or in Alaska or Hawaii which is less than the applicable standard prescribed in subsection (a)."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(c)(4), redesignated par. (3) as (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(d), (g)(1), (4), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e), substituted "subsection (d)(2)" for "subsection (f)(3)", and struck out former subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (e) read as follows:

"(1) The Secretary shall ensure that the average length of joint duty assignments during any fiscal year, measured by the lengths of the joint duty assignments ending during that fiscal year, meets the standards prescribed in subsection (a).

"(2) In computing the average length of joint duty assignments for purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary may exclude the following service:

"(A) Service described in subsection (c).

"(B) Service described in subsection (d).

"(C) Service described in subsection (f)(6)."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(1), (5), redesignated subsec. (h) as (f) and substituted "subsection (d)(1)" for "paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection (f)". Former subsec. (f) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(e)(1), substituted "the requirement in subsection (a)" for "standards prescribed in subsection (a)".

Subsec. (f)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(e)(2)–(4), redesignated pars. (3), (5), and (6) as (2), (3), and (4), respectively, struck out ", but not less than two years" before period at end of par. (4), and struck out former pars. (2) and (4) which read as follows:

"(2) A joint duty assignment under the circumstances described in subsection (c)."

"(4) A joint duty assignment outside the United States or in Alaska or Hawaii for which the normal accompanied-by-dependents tour of duty is prescribed by regulation to be at least two years in length, if the officer serves in the assignment for a period equivalent to the accompanied-by-dependents tour length."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–328, §510(g)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (f).

Pub. L. 114–328, §510(f), struck out par. (1) designation before "The Secretary of Defense may", substituted "award" for "accord", and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "For the purpose of computing under subsection (e) the average length of joint duty assignments during a fiscal year, the amount of any constructive service credited under this subsection with respect to a joint duty assignment to be counted in that computation shall be excluded."

2008—Subsec. (d)(1)(D). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(a)(1), added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "a qualifying reassignment (as described in subsection (g)(4))."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(a)(2), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Service in a joint duty assignment in a case in which—

"(A) the officer's tour of duty in that assignment brings the officer's cumulative service for purposes of subsection (f)(3) to the applicable standard prescribed in subsection (a); and

"(B) the length of time served in that assignment (in any case other than an assignment which is described in subsection (g)(4)(B)) was not less than two years."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(b), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "In computing the average length of joint duty assignments for purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary may exclude the following service:

"(A) Service described in subsection (c), except that not more than 12½ percent of all joint duty assignments shown on the list published pursuant to section 668(b)(2)(A) of this title may be so excluded in any year.

"(B) Service described in subsection (d).

"(C) Service described in subsection (f)(6), except that no more than 10 percent of all joint duty assignments shown on the list published pursuant to section 668(b)(2)(A) of this title may be so excluded in any year."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(c), in par. (3) substituted "Accrued joint experience" for "Cumulative service", in par. (4) struck out "(except that not more than 6 percent of all joint duty assignments may be considered to be under this paragraph at any time)" before period at end, added par. (6), and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows "A second joint duty assignment that is less than the period required under subsection (a), but not less than two years, without regard to whether a waiver was granted for such assignment under subsection (b).".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(d), amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) related to cumulative service of an officer in joint duty assignments.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(e), substituted "paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection (f)" for "subsection (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(4), or (g)(2)" in par. (1) and struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "This subsection shall not apply in the case of an officer who serves less than 10 months in the joint duty assignment."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 110–417, §524(f), struck out subsec. (i) which related to joint duty credit for certain joint task force assignments.

2006—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–364, in introductory provisions, substituted "661(c)(1)(B)" for "661(c)(2)", redesignated pars. (2) and (3) as (1) and (2), respectively, in par. (1), substituted "668(d)" for "661(c)(2)", and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "who is nominated for the joint specialty;".

2001—Subsec. (i)(4)(E). Pub. L. 107–107, §522(1), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (F), the joint task force" for "The joint task force".

Subsec. (i)(4)(F). Pub. L. 107–107, §522(2), added subpar. (F).

1999—Subsec. (i)(2)(A). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "February 10, 1996" for "the date of the enactment of this subsection" in introductory provisions.

1996—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(f), struck out "(after fiscal year 1990)" after "any fiscal year".

Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(1), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(A), substituted "completion of any of the following:" for "completion of—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(B), (D), substituted "A joint duty" for "a joint duty" and "subsection (a)." for "subsection (a);".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(B), (D), substituted "A joint duty" for "a joint duty" and "subsection (c)." for "subsection (c);".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(C), (D), substituted "Cumulative" for "cumulative" and "subsection (g)." for "subsection (g);".

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(B), (D), substituted "A joint duty" for "a joint duty" and "any time)." for "any time); or".

Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(B), substituted "A joint duty" for "a joint duty".

Subsec. (f)(6). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(e)(2)(E), added par. (6).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–106, §501(b), added subsec. (i).

1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(1)(A), substituted "two years" for "three years".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(1)(B), substituted "three years" for "three and one-half years".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(2), substituted "is" for "has been" and struck out "before such assignment begins" after "specialty".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(3), inserted "which is less than the applicable standard prescribed in subsection (a)" after "Hawaii".

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–456, §517(b), substituted "12½ percent" for "10 percent".

Subsec. (f)(4), (5). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(4), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(5), substituted "shall be excluded if the officer served less than 10 months in that assignment" for "shall be excluded—

"(A) if the officer served less than 10 months in that assignment; and

"(B) to the extent that the assignment was served more than eight years before the date of computation of the cumulative service."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–456, §514(6), added subsec. (h).

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–180 added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) in the case of any officer, but the Secretary shall ensure that the average length of joint duty assignments meets the standards prescribed in that subsection."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–180 added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c), "Certain officers with critical combat operations skills", which read as follows: "Joint duty assignments of less than the period prescribed by subsection (a), but not less than two years, may be authorized for the purposes of section 661(c)(2) of this title. Such an assignment may not be counted for the purposes of determining the average length of joint duty assignments under subsection (b)."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–180 added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d), "Exception", which read as follows:

"(1) Subsection (a) does not apply in the case of an officer who fails to complete a joint duty assignment as the result of—

"(A) retirement;

"(B) separation from active duty; or

"(C) suspension from duty under section 155(f)(2) or 164(g) of this title.

"(2) In computing the average length of joint duty assignments for purposes of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall exclude joint duty assignments not completed because of a reason specified in paragraph (1)."

Subsecs. (e) to (g). Pub. L. 100–180 added subsecs. (e) to (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §519(e), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2191, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, former section 667, and section 668 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2007."

Retroactive Joint Service Credit for Duty in Certain Joint Task Forces

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §523, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1097, provided that, in accordance with subsec. (i) of this section, the Secretary of Defense was authorized to award joint service credit to any officer who served on the staff of a United States joint task force headquarters in certain operations and during certain periods, and the Secretary was required to submit to Congress a report of the numbers, by service, grade, and operation, of the officers given joint service credit not later than one year after Dec. 28, 2001.

Joint Duty Credit for Certain Duty Performed During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §932, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1735, provided extension of authority until the end of the 90-day period beginning on Nov. 30, 1993, to give certain officers joint duty credit pursuant to Pub. L. 102–484, §933, formerly set out below.

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §933, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2476, as amended by Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §202(a)(9), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 101; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §932(c)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1735, temporarily authorized the Secretary of Defense to give an officer who had completed service during the period beginning on Aug. 2, 1990, and ending on Feb. 28, 1991, in an assignment in the Persian Gulf combat zone, credit, on a case-by-case basis, for having completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment, or credit countable for determining cumulative service in joint duty assignments, for the purposes of any provision of this title, notwithstanding the length of such service or whether that service had been within the definition of "joint duty assignment" in section 668 of this title, and provided that such authority would expire at the end of the six-month period beginning on Oct. 23, 1992.

Length of Joint Duty Assignments

Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §406(e), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1034, provided that: "Subsection (a) of section 664 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 401), shall apply to officers assigned to joint duty assignments after the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1986]. In computing an average under subsection (b) of such section, only joint duty assignments to which such subsection applies shall be considered."

Waiver of Qualifications for Appointment as Service Chief

For waiver of the requirements of this section for the length of a joint duty assignment, see section 532(c) of Pub. L. 99–433, formerly set out as a note under section 3033 of this title.

§665. Procedures for monitoring careers of joint qualified officers

(a) Procedures.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall establish procedures for overseeing the careers of—

(A) officers designated as a joint qualified officer; and

(B) other officers who serve in joint duty assignments.

(2) Such oversight shall include monitoring of the implementation of the career guidelines established under section 661(e) of this title.

(b) Function of Joint Staff.—The Secretary shall take such action as necessary to enhance the capabilities of the Joint Staff so that it can—

(1) monitor the promotions and career assignments of officers designated as a joint qualified officer and of other officers who have served in joint duty assignments; and

(2) otherwise advise the Chairman on joint personnel matters.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1028; amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §522(c)(1), (2), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4445.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Pub. L. 110–417 in section catchline substituted "joint qualified officers" for "joint officers" and in subsecs. (a)(1)(A) and (b)(1) substituted "designated as a joint qualified officer" for "with the joint specialty".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transition to Joint Officer Personnel Policy

Procedures under subsec. (a) of this section to be established not later than the end of the eight-month period beginning Oct. 1, 1986, and provisions of subsec. (b) of this section to be implemented not later than the end of such period, see section 406(c) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 661 of this title.

§666. Reserve officers not on the active-duty list

The Secretary of Defense shall establish personnel policies emphasizing education and experience in joint matters for reserve officers not on the active-duty list. Such policies shall, to the extent practicable for the reserve components, be similar to the policies provided by this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1028.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transition to Joint Officer Personnel Policy

Personnel policies under this section to be established not later than the end of the eight-month period beginning Oct. 1, 1986, see section 406(c) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 661 of this title.

[§667. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §505(a)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3356]

Section, added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1029; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1304(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1172; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §512(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1968; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XI, §1123(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §501(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 292; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §524, title X, §1048(a)(7), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1098, 1223; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §519(d)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2191; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §522(d), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4445; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §503, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2277, related to annual report to Congress.

§668. Definitions

(a) Joint Matters.—(1) In this chapter, the term "joint matters" means matters related to any of the following:

(A) The development or achievement of strategic objectives through the synchronization, coordination, and organization of integrated forces in operations conducted across domains, such as land, sea, or air, in space, or in the information environment, including matters relating to any of the following:

(i) National military strategy.

(ii) Strategic planning and contingency planning.

(iii) Command and control, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection or sustainment of operations under unified command.

(iv) National security planning with other departments and agencies of the United States.

(v) Combined operations with military forces of allied nations.

(B) Acquisition matters conducted by members of the armed forces and covered under chapter 87 of this title involved in developing, testing, contracting, producing, or fielding of multi-service programs or systems.

(C) Other matters designated in regulation by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(2) In the context of joint matters, the term "integrated forces" refers to military forces that are involved in achieving unified action with participants from—

(A) more than one military department; or

(B) a military department and one or more of the following:

(i) Other departments and agencies of the United States.

(ii) The military forces or agencies of other countries.

(iii) Non-governmental persons or entities.

(b) Joint Duty Assignment.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall by regulation define the term "joint duty assignment" for the purposes of this chapter. That definition—

(A) shall be limited to assignments in which—

(i) the preponderance of the duties of the officer involve joint matters and

(ii) the officer gains significant experience in joint matters; and

(B) shall exclude student assignments for joint training and education.

(2) The Secretary shall publish a joint duty assignment list showing—

(A) the positions that are joint duty assignment positions under such regulation and the number of such positions and, of those positions, those that are positions held by general or flag officers and the number of such positions; and

(B) of the positions listed under subparagraph (A), those that are critical joint duty assignment positions and the number of such positions and, of those positions, those that are positions held by general or flag officers and the number of such positions.

(c) Clarification of "Tour of Duty".—For purposes of this chapter, a tour of duty in which an officer serves in more than one joint duty assignment without a break between such assignments shall be considered to be a single tour of duty in a joint duty assignment.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1029; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §§1302(c)(1), 1303(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1170, 1172; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §519(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1972; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §534(a), (b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §519(a)–(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2190, 2191; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §521, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4214; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §503, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1715; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §843, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 915; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §510A, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2111.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §510A(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "In this chapter, the term 'joint matters' means matters related to the achievement of unified action by integrated military forces in operations conducted across domains such as land, sea, or air, in space, or in the information environment, including matters relating to—

"(A) national military strategy;

"(B) strategic planning and contingency planning;

"(C) command and control of operations under unified command;

"(D) national security planning with other departments and agencies of the United States;

"(E) combined operations with military forces of allied nations; or

"(F) acquisition matters addressed by military personnel and covered under chapter 87 of this title."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §510A(b), substituted "integrated forces" for "integrated military forces" and "achieving unified action with" for "the planning or execution (or both) of operations involving" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §510A(c), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "shall be limited to assignments in which the officer gains significant experience in joint matters; and".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §510A(d), struck out subsec. (d). Text read as follows:

"(1) In this chapter, the term 'critical occupational specialty' means a military occupational specialty involving combat operations within the combat arms, in the case of the Army, or the equivalent arms, in the case of the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, that the Secretary of Defense designates as critical.

"(2) At a minimum, the Secretary of Defense shall designate as a critical occupational specialty under paragraph (1) any military occupational specialty within a combat arms (or the equivalent) that is experiencing a severe shortage of trained officers in that specialty, as determined by the Secretary."

2015—Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 114–92 added subpar. (F).

2013—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "student assignments for joint training and education" for "assignments for joint training and education, except an assignment as an instructor responsible for preparing and presenting courses in areas of the curricula designated in section 2155(c) of this title as part of a program designated by the Secretary of Defense as joint professional military education Phase II".

2011—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §521(1)(A), substituted "integrated" for "multiple" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 111–383, §521(1)(B), substituted "or" for "and".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–383, §521(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2), which read as follows: "In the context of joint matters, the term 'multiple military forces' refers to forces that involve participants from the armed forces and one or more of the following:

"(A) Other departments and agencies of the United States.

"(B) The military forces or agencies of other countries.

"(C) Non-governmental persons or entities."

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §519(a), amended heading and text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In this chapter, the term 'joint matters' means matters relating to the integrated employment of land, sea, and air forces, including matters relating to—

"(1) national military strategy;

"(2) strategic planning and contingency planning; and

"(3) command and control of combat operations under unified command."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §519(b), substituted provisions limiting the definition of "joint duty assignment" to assignments in which the officer gains significant experience in joint matters and excluding assignments for joint training and education, except an assignment as an instructor responsible for courses as part of a program designated as joint professional military education Phase II, for provisions limiting the definition of "joint duty assignment" to assignments in which the officer gains significant experience in joint matters and excluding assignments for joint training or joint education and assignments within an officer's own military department.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §519(c), added subsec. (d).

2004—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–375, §534(a), substituted "a joint duty assignment list" for "a list" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375, §534(b), struck out "within the same organization" before "without a break".

1988—Subsecs. (c), (f). Pub. L. 100–456 redesignated subsec. (f) as (c).

1987—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–180, §1302(c)(1), inserted "and, of those positions, those that are positions held by general or flag officers and the number of such positions" in subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–180, §1303(b), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–364 effective Oct. 1, 2007, see section 519(e) of Pub. L. 109–364, set out as a note under section 664 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §534(c), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1901, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall not apply in the case of a joint duty assignment completed by an officer before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004], except in the case of an officer who has continued in joint duty assignments, without a break in service in such assignments, between the end of such assignment and the date of the enactment of this Act."

Publication of Revised Joint Duty Assignment List

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1302(c)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1170, directed the Secretary of Defense to publish a revised list under subsec. (b)(2) of this section not later than six months after Dec. 4, 1987, which would take into account the amendments to this section and section 661 of this title made by Pub. L. 100–180, §1302.

Transition to Joint Officer Personnel Policy

The list of positions required to be published by subsec. (b)(2) of this section to be published not later than six months after Oct. 1, 1986, see section 406(a)(2) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 661 of this title.

CHAPTER 39—ACTIVE DUTY

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §521(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 249, substituted "Authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments" for "Retired members: temporary authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments" in item 688a.

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title IV, §402(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2551, struck out item 691 "Permanent end strength levels to support the National Defense Strategy".

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(12), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1920, inserted period at end of item 691.

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IV, §402(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3556, added item 691 and struck out former item 691 "Permanent end strength levels to support two major regional contingencies".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1713(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 964, added item 674.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §582(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1432, added item 673.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §621(d)(2)(B), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2255, substituted "Retired members: temporary authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments" for "Retired aviators: temporary authority to order to active duty" in item 688a.

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §503(a)(2), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2530, added item 688a.

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2517, added items 688, 689, and 690 and struck out former item 688 "Retired members".

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §401(b)(2), title XV, §1501(c)(7), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 286, 499, struck out items 687 "Ready Reserve: muster duty" and 690 "Limitation on duty with Reserve Officer Training Corps units" and added item 691.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(b)(7), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3013, substituted "Reference to chapter 1209" for "Reserve components generally" in item 672 and struck out former items 673 to 686 and 689.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(a)(4)(B), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1472, substituted "Corps" for "Corp" in item 690.

Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §701(e)(3), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 114, transferred item 687 "Limitation on duty with Reserve Officer Training Corp units" to appear after item 689 and redesignated that item as 690.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §559(a)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1571, added item 687 "Limitation on duty with Reserve Officer Training Corp units".

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §502(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1436, added item 687.

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XII, §1231(4), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1160, amended analysis by transferring item 686 from the end to a position immediately below item 685.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title IV, §412(b)(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3862, added item 686 at end of analysis.

1983—Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §§1017(b)(4), 1021(b), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 669, 670, substituted "Retired members" for "Regular components: retired members" in item 688, and added item 673c.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(8), Dec 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2907, struck out item 687 "Non-Regulars: readjustment payment upon involuntary release from active duty" and added items 688 and 689.

1979—Pub. L. 96–107, title III, §303(a)(2), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 806, struck out item 686 "Reports to Congress".

1976—Pub. L. 94–286, §1, May 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 517, added item 673b.

1968—Pub. L. 90–235, §1(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753, added items 671a and 671b.

1967—Pub. L. 90–40, §6(2), June 30, 1967, 81 Stat. 106, added item 673a.

1962—Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §102(b), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 508, added item 687.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(16), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1441, added items 684 and 685.

§671. Members not to be assigned outside United States before completing training

(a) A member of the armed forces may not be assigned to active duty on land outside the United States and its territories and possessions until the member has completed the basic training requirements of the armed force of which he is a member.

(b) In time of war or a national emergency declared by Congress or the President, the period of required basic training (or its equivalent) may not (except as provided in subsection (c)) be less than 12 weeks.

(c)(1) A period of basic training (or equivalent training) shorter than 12 weeks may be established by the Secretary concerned for members of the armed forces who have been credentialed in a medical profession or occupation and are serving in a health-care occupational specialty, as determined under regulations prescribed under paragraph (2). Any such period shall be established under regulations prescribed under paragraph (2) and may be established notwithstanding section 4(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3803(a)).

(2) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall prescribe regulations for the purposes of paragraph (1). The regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense shall apply uniformly to the military departments.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 27; Pub. L. 94–106, title VIII, §802(b), Oct. 7, 1975, 89 Stat. 537; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §501, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3863; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §511, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1648; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title X, §1081(b)(1)(A)(v), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2418.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
671	50 App.:454(a) (words between semicolon and proviso of 6th par.).	June 24, 1948, ch. 625, §4(a) (words between semicolon and proviso of 6th par.); restated June 19, 1951, ch. 144, §1(d) (words between semicolon and proviso of 6th par.), 65 Stat. 78.

The words "four months of basic training or its equivalent" are substituted for the words "the equivalent of at least four months of basic training". The words "who is enlisted, inducted, appointed, or ordered to active duty after the date of enactment of the 1951 Amendments to the Universal Military Training and Service Act [June 19, 1951]" and "at any installation located" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3803(a))" for "(50 U.S.C. App. 454(a))".

2002—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–160, §511(1), inserted "(except as provided in subsection (c))" after "may not".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–160, §511(2), added subsec. (c).

1986—Pub. L. 99–661 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "No member of an armed force may be assigned to active duty on land outside the United States and its Territories and possessions, until he has had twelve weeks of basic training or its equivalent."

1975—Pub. L. 94–106 reduced minimum period of basic training from four months to twelve weeks.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§671a. Members: service extension during war

Unless terminated at an earlier date by the Secretary concerned, the period of active service of any member of an armed force is extended for the duration of any war in which the United States may be engaged and for six months thereafter.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §1(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753.)

§671b. Members: service extension when Congress is not in session

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when the President determines that the national interest so requires, he may, if Congress is not in session, having adjourned sine die, authorize the Secretary of Defense to extend for not more than six months enlistments, appointments, periods of active duty, periods of active duty for training, periods of obligated service, or other military status, in any component of the armed forces, that expire before the thirtieth day after Congress next convenes or reconvenes.

(b) An extension under this section continues until the sixtieth day after Congress next convenes or reconvenes or until the expiration of the period of extension specified by the Secretary of Defense, whichever occurs earlier, unless sooner terminated by law or Executive order.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §1(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753; amended Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(3), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1462.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces of the United States".

§672. Reference to chapter 1209

Provisions of law relating to service of members of reserve components on active duty are set forth in chapter 1209 of this title (beginning with section 12301).

(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1662(e)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2992.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 672 was renumbered section 12301 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

§673. Consideration of application for permanent change of station or unit transfer for members on active duty who are the victim of a sexual assault or related offense

(a) Timely Consideration and Action.—The Secretary concerned shall provide for timely determination and action on an application for consideration of a change of station or unit transfer submitted by a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who was a victim of a sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) so as to reduce the possibility of retaliation against the member for reporting the sexual assault or other offense.

(b) Regulations.—The Secretary concerned shall issue regulations to carry out this section, within guidelines provided by the Secretary of Defense. These guidelines shall provide that the application submitted by a member described in subsection (a) for a change of station or unit transfer must be approved or disapproved by the member's commanding officer within five calendar days of the submission of the application. Additionally, if the application is disapproved by the commanding officer, the member shall be given the opportunity to request review by the first general officer or flag officer in the chain of command of the member, and that decision must be made within five calendar days of submission of the request for review.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §582(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1432; amended Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(a)(8), title XVII, §1712, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876, 963; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(2)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §531(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3601.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 673 was renumbered section 12302 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "five calendar days" for "72 hours" in two places.

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "920c, or 930" for "920a, or 920c" and "120c, or 130" for "120a, or 120c".

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–66, §1091(a)(8), inserted "of the Uniform Code of Military Justice" after "120c".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–66, §1712, substituted "The Secretary concerned" for "The Secretaries of the military departments".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §531(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3601, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], and shall apply to decisions on applications for permanent change of station or unit transfer made under section 673 of title 10, United States Code, on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note) [amendments effective Jan. 1, 2019], see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Standardization of Policies Related to Expedited Transfer in Cases of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §536, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1761, provided that:

"(a) Policies for Members.—The Secretary of Defense shall modify, in accordance with section 673 of title 10, United States Code, all policies that the Secretary determines necessary to establish a standardized expedited transfer process for a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps who is the alleged victim of—

"(1) sexual assault (regardless of whether the case is handled under the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program or Family Advocacy Program); or

"(2) physical domestic violence (as defined by the Secretary in regulations prescribed under this section) committed by the spouse or intimate partner of the member, regardless of whether the spouse or intimate partner is a member of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Policy for Dependents of Members.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a policy to allow the transfer of a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps whose dependent is the victim of sexual assault perpetrated by a member of the Armed Forces who is not related to the victim."

[§673a. Renumbered §12303]

[§673b. Renumbered §12304]

[§673c. Renumbered §12305]

§674. Temporary administrative reassignment or removal of a member on active duty accused of committing a sexual assault or related offense

(a) Guidance for Timely Consideration and Action.—The Secretary concerned may provide guidance, within guidelines provided by the Secretary of Defense, for commanders regarding their authority to make a timely determination, and to take action, regarding whether a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who is alleged to have committed an offense under section 920, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) or an attempt to commit such an offense as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) should be temporarily reassigned or removed from a position of authority or from an assignment, not as a punitive measure, but solely for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline within the member's unit.

(b) Time for Determination.—A determination described in subsection (a) may be made at any time after receipt of notification of an unrestricted report of a sexual assault or other sex-related offense that identifies the member as an alleged perpetrator.

(Added Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1713(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 963; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(f)(8), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3510; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(2)(B), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 674 was renumbered section 12306 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "920b, 920c, or 930" for "920a, 920b, 920c, or 925" and "120b, 120c, or 130" for "120a, 120b, 120c, or 125".

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "after receipt" for "afer receipt".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note) [amendments effective Jan. 1, 2019], see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

[§675. Renumbered §12307]

[§676. Renumbered §12308]

[§677. Renumbered §12309]

[§678. Renumbered §12310]

[§679. Renumbered §12311]

[§680. Renumbered §12312]

[§681. Renumbered §12313]

[§682. Renumbered §12314]

[§683. Renumbered §12315]

[§684. Renumbered §12316]

[§685. Renumbered §12317]

[§686. Renumbered §12318]

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 686, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 32; Apr. 21, 1976, Pub. L. 94–273, §11(2), 90 Stat. 378, provided for an annual officer grade distribution report, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–107, title III, §303(a)(1), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 806.

[§687. Renumbered §12319]

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 687 was renumbered section 12321 of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 687, added Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §102(a), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 506; amended Pub. L. 89–718, §6, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1115, related to readjustment payment upon involuntary release of non-regulars from active duty, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §109(a), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2870, effective Sept. 15, 1981.

§688. Retired members: authority to order to active duty; duties

(a) Authority.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member described in subsection (b) may be ordered to active duty by the Secretary of the military department concerned at any time.

(b) Covered Members.—Except as provided in subsection (d), subsection (a) applies to the following members of the armed forces:

(1) A retired member of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps.

(2) A member of the Retired Reserve who was retired under section 1293, 7311, 7314, 8323, 9311, or 9314 of this title.

(3) A member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve.

(4) A retired member of the Space Force.

(c) Duties of Member Ordered to Active Duty.—The Secretary concerned may, to the extent consistent with other provisions of law, assign a member ordered to active duty under this section to such duties as the Secretary considers necessary in the interests of national defense.

(d) Exclusion of Officers Retired on Selective Early Retirement Basis.—The following officers may not be ordered to active duty under this section:

(1) An officer who retired under section 638 of this title.

(2) An officer who—

(A) after having been notified that the officer was to be considered for early retirement under section 638 of this title by a board convened under section 611(b) of this title and before being considered by that board, requested retirement under section 7311, 8323, or 9311 of this title; and

(B) was retired pursuant to that request.

(e) Limitation of Period of Recall Service.—(1) A member ordered to active duty under subsection (a) may not serve on active duty pursuant to orders under that subsection for more than 12 months within the 24 months following the first day of the active duty to which ordered under that subsection.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to the following officers:

(A) A chaplain who is assigned to duty as a chaplain for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(B) A health care professional (as characterized by the Secretary concerned) who is assigned to duty as a health care professional for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(C) An officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(D) An officer who is assigned to duty as a defense attaché or service attaché for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(f) Waiver for Periods of War or National Emergency.—Subsections (d) and (e) do not apply in time of war or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2515; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §502, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1724; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §509(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(4)(I), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1719A(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 664.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 688, added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §106, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2868; amended Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1017(b)(1)–(3), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 669; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §516, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 630; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §506(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1359; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §563, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1669, provided that certain retired members of the armed forces could be ordered to active duty, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(a), (b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2515, 2517, effective Sept. 30, 1997. See sections 688 to 690 of this title.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1719A(b)(1)(A), substituted "or Regular Marine Corps" for "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 118–31, §1719A(b)(1)(B), added par. (4).

2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space Force" for "or Regular Marine Corps".

2018—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 1293, 7311, 7314, 8323, 9311, or 9314" for "section 1293, 3911, 3914, 6323, 8911, or 8914".

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7311, 8323, or 9311" for "section 3911, 6323, or 8911".

2001—Subsec. (e)(2)(D). Pub. L. 107–107 added subpar. (D).

1997—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–85 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §509(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1091, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 690 of this title] shall apply with respect to officers serving on active duty as a defense attaché or service attaché on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001]."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2517, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and sections 689 and 690 of this title, amending section 6151 of this title, and repealing former section 688 of this title] shall take effect on September 30, 1997."

§688a. Authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments

(a) Authority.—The Secretary of a military department may order to active duty a retired member who agrees to serve on active duty in an assignment intended to alleviate a high-demand, low-density military capability or in any other specialty designated by the Secretary as critical to meet wartime or peacetime requirements. Any such order may be made only with the consent of the member ordered to active duty and in accordance with an agreement between the Secretary and the member.

(b) Duration.—The period of active duty of a member under an order to active duty under subsection (a) shall be specified in the agreement entered into under that subsection.

(c) Limitation.—No more than a total of 1,000 members may be on active duty at any time under subsection (a).

(d) Relationship to Other Authority.—The authority to order a retired member to active duty under this section is in addition to the authority under section 688 of this title or any other provision of law authorizing the Secretary concerned to order a retired member to active duty.

(e) Inapplicability of Certain Provisions.—Retired members ordered to active duty under subsection (a) shall not be counted for purposes of section 688 or 690 of this title.

(f) Exceptions During Periods of War or National Emergency.—The limitation in subsection (c) shall not apply during a time of war or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President.

(g) High-Demand, Low-Density Military Capability Defined.—In this section, the term "high-demand, low-density military capability" means a combat, combat support or service support capability, unit, system, or occupational specialty that the Secretary of Defense determines has funding, equipment, or personnel levels that are substantially below the levels required to fully meet or sustain actual or expected operational requirements set by regional commanders.

(Added Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §503(a)(1), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2530; amended Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §621(b), (d)(2)(A), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2254, 2255; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §531(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4215; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §527, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1383; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §511, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3587; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §521(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 249.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, §521(a)(1), substituted "Authority" for "Retired members: temporary authority" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 118–31, §521(a)(2)–(4), redesignated subsecs. (g) and (h) as (f) and (g), respectively, substituted "limitation in subsection (c)" for "limitations in subsections (c) and (f)" in subsec. (f), and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to expiration of authority under this section.

2021—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

2017—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "outside a period as follows:" for "after December 31, 2011." and added pars. (1) and (2).

2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "December 31, 2011" for "December 31, 2010".

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §621(d)(2)(A), substituted "Retired members: temporary authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments" for "Retired aviators: temporary authority to order to active duty" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(1), in first sentence, substituted "The Secretary of a military department may order to active duty a retired member who agrees to serve on active duty in an assignment intended to alleviate a high-demand, low-density military capability or in any other specialty designated by the Secretary as critical to meet wartime or peacetime requirements" for "The Secretary of a military department may order to active duty a retired officer having expertise as an aviator to fill staff positions normally filled by aviators on active duty" and, in second sentence, substituted "member" for "officer" in two places.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(2), substituted "a member" for "an officer".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(3), substituted "1,000 members" for "500 officers".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(4), substituted "member to active duty under" for "officer to active duty under".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(5), substituted "Retired members" for "Officers".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(6), substituted "A retired member" for "An officer" and "December 31, 2010" for "September 30, 2008".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–364, §621(b)(7), added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transition Provision

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §503(c), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2531, provided that: "Any officer ordered to active duty under section 501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65; 113 Stat. 589) who continues on active duty under such order to active duty after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 2002] shall be counted for purposes of the limitation under subsection (c) of section 688a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)."

§689. Retired members: grade in which ordered to active duty and upon release from active duty

(a) General Rule for Grade in Which Ordered to Active Duty.—Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a retired member ordered to active duty under section 688 or 688a of this title shall be ordered to active duty in the member's retired grade.

(b) Members Retired in O–9 and O–10 Grades.—A retired member ordered to active duty under section 688 or 688a of this title whose retired grade is above the grade of major general or rear admiral shall be ordered to active duty in the highest permanent grade held by such member while serving on active duty.

(c) Members Who Previously Served in Grade Higher Than Retired Grade.—(1) A retired member ordered to active duty under section 688 or 688a of this title who has previously served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned, in a grade higher than that member's retired grade may be ordered to active duty in the highest grade in which the member had so served satisfactorily, except that such a member may not be so ordered to active duty in a grade above major general or rear admiral.

(2) A retired member ordered to active duty in a grade that is higher than the member's retired grade pursuant to subsection (a) shall be treated for purposes of section 690 of this title as if the member was promoted to that higher grade while on that tour of active duty.

(3) If, upon being released from that tour of active duty, such a retired member has served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary concerned, for not less than a total of 36 months in a grade that is a higher grade than the member's retired grade, the member is entitled to placement on the retired list in that grade.

(d) Grade Upon Release From Active Duty.—A member ordered to active duty under section 688 or 688a of this title who, while on active duty, is promoted to a grade that is higher than that member's retired grade is entitled, upon that member's release from that tour of active duty, to placement on the retired list in the highest grade in which the member served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned, for not less than six months.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2516; amended Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §503(b)(1), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2531.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 689 was renumbered section 12320 of this title.

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 688(b) and (d) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, §521(a).

Amendments

2002—Subsecs. (a), (b), (c)(1), (d). Pub. L. 107–314 inserted "or 688a" after "section 688".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 30, 1997, see section 521(b) of Pub. L. 104–201, set out as a note under section 688 of this title.

Applicability

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §503(b)(2), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2531, provided that: "The provisions of section 689(d) of title 10, United States Code, shall apply with respect to an officer ordered to active duty under section 501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65; 113 Stat. 589) before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 2002] in the same manner as such provisions apply to an officer ordered to active duty under section 688 of such title."

§690. Retired members ordered to active duty: limitation on number

(a) General and Flag Officers.—Not more than 15 retired general officers of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, and not more than 15 retired flag officers of the Navy, may be on active duty at any one time. For the purposes of this subsection a retired officer ordered to active duty for a period of 60 days or less is not counted.

(b) Limitation by Service.—(1) Not more than 25 officers of any one armed force may be serving on active duty concurrently pursuant to orders to active duty issued under section 688 of this title.

(2) In the administration of paragraph (1), the following officers shall not be counted:

(A) A chaplain who is assigned to duty as a chaplain for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(B) A health care professional (as characterized by the Secretary concerned) who is assigned to duty as a health care professional for the period of the active duty to which ordered.

(C) Any officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(D) Any member of the Retiree Council of the Army, Navy, or Air Force for the period on active duty to attend the annual meeting of the Retiree Council.

(E) An officer who is assigned to duty as a defense attaché or service attaché for the period of active duty to which ordered.

(c) Waiver for Periods of War or National Emergency.—Subsection (a) does not apply in time of war or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President after November 30, 1980. Subsection (b) does not apply in time of war or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §521(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2516; amended Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §507, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §509(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 680.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 690 was renumbered section 12321 of this title.

Provisions similar to those in subsecs. (a) and (c) of this section were contained in section 688(c) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, §521(a).

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force," for "or Marine Corps,".

2001—Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 107–107 added subpar. (E).

1999—Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 106–65 added subpar. (D).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–107 applicable with respect to officers serving on active duty as a defense attaché or service attaché on or after Dec. 28, 2001, see section 509(c) of Pub. L. 107–107, set out as a note under section 688 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 30, 1997, see section 521(b) of Pub. L. 104–201, set out as a note under section 688 of this title.

[§691. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title IV, §402(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2551]

Section, added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, §401(b)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 285; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, §402, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2503; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title IV, §402, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title IV, §402(a), (b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 1995, 1996; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title IV, §402(a), title X, §1066(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 585, 772; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title IV, §§402(a), 403], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-92; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1069; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2524; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title IV, §402, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1450; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §402, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1862; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title IV, §402, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3219; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title IV, §402, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2169; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IV, §402, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 86; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title IV, §402, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4428; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title IV, §402, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2265; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title IV, §402, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4202; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1382; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title IV, §402, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1708; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title IV, §402(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 744; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3349; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title IV, §402, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2091; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1368; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title IV, §402, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1735; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1334; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IV, §402(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3555; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IV, §402, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1673, related to permanent end strength levels to support the National Defense Strategy.

CHAPTER 40—LEAVE

        

Amendment of Analysis

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(b)(2), (c), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931, provided that, effective Oct. 1, 2025, this analysis is amended by renumbering item 711 as 710a. See 2024 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931, renumbered item 711 as 710a. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VI, §601(a)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 288, added item 711.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §551(b)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1768, added item 710.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §§521(b)(2), 522(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2115, 2116, added items 704a and 709a.

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §532(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4216, added item 705a.

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, §621(b)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1505, struck out "enlisted" before "members" in item 705.

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §§506(d), 572(b), 574(b)(2)(B), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2536, 2558, substituted "Rest and recuperation absence: qualified enlisted members extending duty at designated locations overseas" for "Rest and recuperative absence for qualified enlisted members extending duty at designated locations overseas" in item 705, added items 706, 707a, and 709, and struck out former item 706 "Administration of leave required to be taken pending review of certain court-martial convictions".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §707(a)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2572, added item 708.

1981—Pub. L. 97–81, §2(b)(2), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1087, added items 706 and 707.

1980—Pub. L. 96–579, §5(b)(2), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3367, added item 705.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Pilot Programs on Career Flexibility To Enhance Retention of Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §533, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4449, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §531, title VI, §631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1403, 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §522, title X, §1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1722, 1948; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §522, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3360; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §523, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 812, which related to pilot programs under which active members of the Armed Forces could be inactivated from active duty in order to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active duty at the end of such period of inactivation, was repealed by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §551(b)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1769. See section 710 of this title.

¹ So in original. Does not conform to section catchline.

§701. Entitlement and accumulation

(a) A member of an armed force is entitled to leave at the rate of 2½ calendar days for each month of active service, excluding periods of—

(1) absence from duty without leave;

(2) absence over leave;

(3) confinement as the result of a sentence of a court-martial; and

(4) leave required to be taken under section 876a of this title.

Full-time training, or other full-time duty for a period of more than 29 days, performed under section 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32 by a member of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States in his status as a member of the National Guard, and for which he is entitled to pay, is active service for the purposes of this section.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f), a member may not accumulate more than 60 days' leave. However, leave taken during a fiscal year may be charged to leave accumulated during that fiscal year without regard to this limitation.

(c) A member who retired after August 9, 1946, who is continued on, or is recalled to active duty, may have his leave which accumulated during his service before retirement carried over to his period of service after retirement.

(d) Leave taken before discharge is considered to be active service.

(e)(1) The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize a member described in paragraph (2) to retain not more than 30 days of excess leave.

(2) A member described in this paragraph is a member who—

(A)(i) serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days for which the member is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37; or

(ii) is assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit or to other duty designated for the purposes of this section;

(B) except for this subsection, would lose any excess leave at the end of the fiscal year; and

(C) receives, from the first officer in a grade above O-6 in the chain of command of such member, written authorization to retain such excess leave.

(3) Excess leave retained by a member under this subsection shall be forfeited unless used before the end of the second fiscal year after the end of the fiscal year in which the service or assignment described in paragraph (2)(A) terminated.

(4) In this subsection, the term "excess leave" means leave accrued by a member in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b).

(f) A member who is in a missing status, as defined in section 551(2) of title 37, accumulates leave without regard to the limitations in subsections (b) and (e). Notwithstanding the death of a member while in a missing status, he continues to earn leave through the date—

(1) the Secretary concerned receives evidence that the member is dead; or

(2) that his death is prescribed or determined under section 555 of title 37.

Leave accumulated while in missing status shall be accounted for separately. It may not be taken, but shall be paid for under section 501(h) of title 37. However, a member whose death is prescribed or determined under section 555 or 556 of title 37 may, in addition to leave accrued before entering a missing status, accrue not more than 150 days' leave during the period he is in a missing status, unless his actual death occurs on a date when, had he lived, he would have accrued leave in excess of 150 days, in which event settlement will be made for the number of days accrued to the actual date of death. Leave so accrued in a missing status shall be accounted for separately and paid for under the provisions of section 501 of title 37.

(g) A member who has taken leave in excess of that authorized by this section and who is being discharged or released from active duty for the purpose of accepting an appointment or a warrant in an armed force, or of entering into an enlistment or an extension of an enlistment in an armed force, may elect to have excess leave of up to 30 days or the maximum number of days of leave that could be earned in the new term of service, whichever is less, carried over to that new term of service to count against leave that will accrue on the new term of service. A member shall be required, at the time of his discharge or release from active duty, to pay for excess leave not carried over under this subsection.

(h)(1)(A) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) is allowed up to a total of 12 weeks of parental leave during the one-year period beginning after the following events:

(i) The birth or adoption of a child of the member and in order to care for such child.

(ii) The placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term foster care.

(B)(i) The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (A) to be taken after the one-year period described in such paragraph in the case of a member described in paragraph (2) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused parental leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result of—

(I) operational requirements;

(II) professional military education obligations; or

(III) other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate.

(ii) The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following members:

(A) A member on active duty.

(B) A member of a reserve component performing active Guard and Reserve duty.

(C) A member of a reserve component subject to an active duty recall or mobilization order in excess of 12 months.

(D) A member of the Space Force in a space force active status, not on sustained duty.

(3)(A) A member who has given birth may receive medical convalescent leave in conjunction with such birth. Medical convalescent leave in excess of the leave under paragraph (1) may be authorized if such additional medical convalescent leave—

(i) is specifically recommended, in writing, by the medical provider of the member to address a diagnosed medical condition; and

(ii) is approved by the commander of the member.

(B) Convalescent leave may be authorized under subparagraph (A) only for a medical condition of a member and may not be authorized for a member in connection with a condition of a dependent or other family member of the member.

(4) Any leave taken by a member under this subsection, including leave under paragraphs (1) and (3), may be taken in more than one increment in connection with such birth or adoption in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(5)(A) Any leave authorized by this subsection that is not taken within one year of such birth or adoption shall be forfeited, subject to the exceptions in paragraph (1)(B)(ii).

(B) Any leave authorized by this subsection for a member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, on active duty that is not taken by the time the member is separated from active duty shall be forfeited at that time.

(6) The period of active duty of a member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, may not be extended in order to permit the member to take leave authorized by this subsection.

(7)(A) Leave authorized by this subsection is in addition to any other leave provided under other provisions of this section.

(B) Medical convalescent leave under paragraph (3) is in addition to any other leave provided under other provisions of this subsection.

(i) A member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, who accumulates leave during a period of active service may carry over any leave so accumulated to the member's next period of active service, subject to the accumulation limits in subsections (b) and (e), without regard to separation or release from active service if the separation or release is under honorable conditions. The taking of leave carried over under this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

(j) A member of the armed forces who gives birth while on active duty may be deployed during the period of 12 months beginning on the date of such birth only with the approval of a health care provider employed at a military medical treatment facility and—

(1) at the election of such member; or

(2) in the interest of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(k) A member of the armed forces who, while on active duty, gives birth, loses a pregnancy, or has a stillbirth, may be required to meet body composition standards or pass a physical fitness test during the period of 12 months beginning on the date of such birth, loss of pregnancy, or stillbirth only with the approval of a health care provider employed at a military medical treatment facility and—

(1) at the election of such member; or

(2) in the interest of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(l)(1)(A) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces described in subparagraph (B) is allowed up to two weeks of leave to be used in connection with the death of an immediate family member.

(B) Subparagraph (A) applies to the following members:

(i) A member on active duty.

(ii) A member of a reserve component performing active Guard and Reserve duty.

(iii) A member of a reserve component subject to an active duty recall or mobilization order in excess of 12 months.

(2) Under the regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member taking leave under paragraph (1) shall not have his or her leave account reduced as a result of taking such leave if such member's accrued leave is fewer than 30 days. Members with 30 or more days of accrued leave shall be charged for bereavement leave until such point that the member's accrued leave is less than 30 days. Any remaining bereavement leave taken by such member in accordance with paragraph (1) after such point shall not be chargeable to the member.

(3) In this section, the term "immediate family member", with respect to a member of the armed forces, means—

(A) the member's spouse; or

(B) a child of the member.

(m)(1) Except as provided by subsection (h)(3), and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed convalescent leave if—

(A) the medical or behavioral health provider of the member—

(i) determines that the member is not yet fit for duty as a result of that condition; and

(ii) recommends such leave for the member to provide for the convalescence of the member from that condition; and

(B) the commanding officer of the member or the commander of the military medical treatment facility authorizes such leave for the member.

(2) A member may take not more than 30 days of convalescent leave under paragraph (1) with respect to a condition described in that paragraph unless—

(A) such leave in excess of 30 days is authorized by—

(i) the Secretary concerned; or

(ii) an individual at the level designated by the Secretary concerned, but not below the grade of O–5 or the civilian equivalent; or

(B) the member is authorized to receive convalescent leave under subsection (h)(3) in conjunction with the birth of a child.

(3)(A) Convalescent leave may be authorized under paragraph (1) only for a medical condition of a member and may not be authorized for a member in connection with a condition of a dependent or other family member of the member.

(B) In authorizing convalescent leave for a member under paragraph (1) with respect to a condition described in that paragraph, the commanding officer of the member or the commander of the military medical treatment facility, as the case may be, shall—

(i) limit the duration of such leave to the minimum necessary in relation to the diagnosis, prognosis, and probable final disposition of the condition of the member; and

(ii) authorize leave tailored to the specific medical needs of the member rather than (except for convalescent leave provided for under subsection (h)(3)) authorizing leave based on a predetermined formula.

(4) A member taking convalescent leave under paragraph (1) shall not have the member's leave account reduced as a result of taking such leave.

(5) In this subsection, the term "military medical treatment facility" means a facility described in subsection (b), (c), or (d) of section 1073d of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 87–649, §3(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 492; amended Pub. L. 89–151, §3, Aug. 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 586; Pub. L. 90–245, §1, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 782; Pub. L. 92–596, §1, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1317; Pub. L. 96–579, §10, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3368; Pub. L. 97–81, §2(a), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1085; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1031(a), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 671; Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(18), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2622; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §506(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3864; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §638, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1384; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §542(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1478; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §593(a), title VI, §682, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3280, 3321; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §551(a)–(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 117; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §532(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4449; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §504, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2277; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §516(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4213; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §521, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1722; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §521(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2113; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §§571, 572, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1403; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, §§621(a), 622(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1770, 1771; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §§631(a), (b), 632(a), 633(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2631–2633; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(d)(1), title XVIII, §1801(a)(10), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 670, 684; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §602, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
701(a)   701(b) 701(c) 701(d) 701(e)	37:31a(a) (1st, 2d, and last sentences). 37:31a(b) (less proviso). 37:31a(a) (8th sentence). 37:31a(a) (3d sentence). 37:31a(a) (9th sentence).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §3(a) (less 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th sentences), (b) (less proviso), 60 Stat. 963; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 998, §1, 64 Stat. 978; Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §23, 70A, Stat. 630.

In subsection (a), the 2d sentence of section 31a(a) of existing title 37 is omitted as inconsistent with subsection (b).

In subsection (b), the words "(other than a member on terminal leave on September 1, 1946)" and "at any time after August 31, 1946" are omitted as executed. The words "or regulation" are omitted, since a regulation cannot override a statute. The words "or have to his credit" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (b) and (c), the word "accrued" is omitted as covered by the word "accumulated".

In subsection (e), the words "before or after August 9, 1946" and section 31a(a) (words after semicolon in 9th sentence) of existing title 37 are omitted as executed.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 118–159, in introductory provisions, substituted ", while on active duty, gives birth, loses a pregnancy, or has a stillbirth," for "gives birth while on active duty" and "such birth, loss of pregnancy, or stillbirth" for "such birth".

2023—Subsec. (h)(2)(D). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(1)(A)(i), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (h)(5)(B), (6). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(1)(A)(ii), inserted ", or of the Space Force," after "member of a reserve component".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(1)(B), inserted ", or of the Space Force," after "member of a reserve component".

Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §1801(a)(10), redesignated cls. (A) to (C) as (i) to (iii), respectively.

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(b)(1), substituted "subsections (e) and (f)" for "subsections (d), (f), and (g)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: "Notwithstanding subsection (b), during the period beginning on October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2015, a member may accumulate up to 75 days of leave."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–263, §632(a), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to authority to allow certain members of the armed forces who would lose accumulated leave in excess of 60 or 75 days, as the case may be, to retain accumulated total of 120 days of leave.

Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(b)(2), substituted "subsections (b) and (e)" for "subsections (b), (d), and (f)" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §633(b), which directed amendment of par. (4) of subsec. (h) by designating existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignating former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii) of subpar. (A), and adding subpar. (B), was executed to par. (3) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of par. (4) as (3) by Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), effective one year after Dec. 27, 2021. See 2021 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(b)(3), substituted "subsections (b) and (e)" for "subsections (b), (d), and (f)".

Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h).

Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (k) to (m) as (j) to (l), respectively. Former subsec. (j) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–263, §633(a), added subsec. (m).

Pub. L. 117–263, §631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (m) as (l).

2021—Subsec. (i)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(A)(i), substituted "a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) is allowed up to a total of 12 weeks of parental leave during the one-year period beginning after the following events:" and cls. (i) and (ii) for "a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) who is the primary caregiver in the case of the birth of a child is allowed up to twelve weeks of total leave, including up to six weeks of medical convalescent leave, to be used in connection with such birth."

Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(A)(ii), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "Under the regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) who is the primary caregiver in the case of the adoption of a child is allowed up to six weeks of total leave to be used in connection with such adoption."

Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(C), substituted "A member who has given birth may receive medical convalescent leave in conjunction with such birth. Medical convalescent leave in excess of the leave under paragraph (1) may be authorized if such additional medical convalescent leave" for "Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), a member may receive more than six weeks of medical convalescent leave in connection with the birth of a child, but only if the additional medical convalescent leave" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall prescribe in the regulations referred to in paragraph (1) a definition of the term 'primary caregiver' for purposes of this subsection."

Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(D), substituted "paragraphs (1) and (3)" for "paragraphs (1) and (4)".

Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (i)(5)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(E), inserted ", subject to the exceptions in paragraph (1)(B)(ii)" after "shall be forfeited".

Subsec. (i)(6). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (7) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (i)(7). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (9) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (i)(7)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(F), substituted "paragraph (3)" for "paragraph (4)".

Subsec. (i)(8). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), struck out par. (8) which read as follows: "Under the regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member taking leave under paragraph (1) may, as a condition for taking such leave, be required—

"(A) to accept an extension of the member's current service obligation, if any, by one week for every week of leave taken under paragraph (1); or

"(B) to incur a reduction in the member's leave account by one week for every week of leave taken under paragraph (1)."

Subsec. (i)(9), (10). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (9) as (7) and struck out par. (10) which read as follows:

"(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a member taking leave under paragraph (1) during a period of obligated service shall not be eligible for terminal leave, or to sell back leave, at the end such period of obligated service.

"(B) Under the regulations for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary concerned may waive, whether in whole or in part, the applicability of subparagraph (A) to a member who reenlists at the end of the member's period of obligated service described in that subparagraph if the Secretary determines that the waiver is in the interests of the armed force concerned."

Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (k) and (l) as (j) and (k), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (j) which related to leave for secondary caregivers in case of birth of child or adoption of child.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 117–81, §621(a)(3), added subsec. (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–81, §622(a), added subsec. (m).

2019—Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 116–92, §571, substituted "in more than one increment" for "only in one increment" and inserted "in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned" before period at end.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 116–92, §572, added subsec. (l).

2016—Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsecs. (i) and (j) and struck out former subsecs. (i) and (j) which read as follows:

"(i)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces adopting a child in a qualifying child adoption is allowed up to 21 days of leave in a calendar year to be used in connection with the adoption.

"(2) For the purpose of this subsection, an adoption of a child by a member is a qualifying child adoption if the member is eligible for reimbursement of qualified adoption expenses for such adoption under section 1052 of this title.

"(3) In the event that two members of the armed forces who are married to each other adopt a child in a qualifying child adoption, only one such member shall be allowed leave under this subsection.

"(4) Leave under paragraph (1) is in addition to other leave provided under other provisions of this section.

"(j)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a married member of the armed forces on active duty whose wife gives birth to a child shall receive 10 days of leave to be used in connection with the birth of the child.

"(2) Leave under paragraph (1) is in addition to other leave authorized under this section."

2013—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "September 30, 2015" for "September 30, 2013".

2011—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111–383 added subsec. (k).

2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "September 30, 2013" for "December 31, 2010".

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(a)(1), substituted "subsections (d), (f), and (g)" for "subsection (f) and subsection (g)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (f)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(b)(1), substituted "at the end of the fiscal year any accumulated leave in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d)" for "any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of the fiscal year".

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(b)(2), substituted "the days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d) that are" for "60 days" and inserted "(or fourth fiscal year, if accumulated while subsection (d) is in effect)" after "third fiscal year".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(b)(3), substituted "except for this paragraph, would lose at the end of that fiscal year any accumulated leave in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d), shall be permitted to retain such leave until the end of the second fiscal year after the fiscal year in which such service on active duty is terminated" for "except for this paragraph—

"(A) would lose any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of that fiscal year, shall be permitted to retain such leave (not to exceed 90 days) until the end of the succeeding fiscal year; or

"(B) would lose any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of the succeeding fiscal year (other than by reason of subparagraph (A)), shall be permitted to retain such leave (not to exceed 90 days) until the end of the next succeeding fiscal year."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–181, §551(c), substituted "limitations in subsections (b), (d), and (f)" for "60-day limitation in subsection (b) and the 90-day limitation in subsection (f)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–417 added subsec. (j).

2006—Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–163, §682, amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "This subsection applies to a member who serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days—

"(i) in an area in which the member is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37; or

"(ii) while assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit or to other duty comparable to that specified in clause (i) that is designated for the purpose of this subsection."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 109–163, §593(a), added subsec. (i).

2003—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 108–136 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, and approved by the Secretary of Defense, a member who serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days in an area in which he is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37 or a member assigned to a deployable ship, mobile unit, or to other duty designated for the purpose of this section, may accumulate 90 days' leave. Except as provided in paragraph (2), leave in excess of 60 days accumulated under this subsection is lost unless it is used by the member before the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the service terminated."

1991—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–190 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), leave" for "Leave" in last sentence, and added par. (2).

1986—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–661 added subsec. (h).

1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "60-day" for "sixty-day", "90-day" for "ninety-day", and "150" for "one hundred and fifty" in two places.

1983—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–94 substituted "the end of the third fiscal year" for "the end of the fiscal year".

1981—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–81, §2(a)(1), struck out "and" at end of par. (2).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–81, §2(a)(2), substituted "; and" for a period at end of par. (3).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–81, §2(a)(3), added par. (4).

1980—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–579 inserted "or a member assigned to a deployable ship, mobile unit, or to other duty designated for the purpose of this section," after "title 37".

1972—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–596, §1(1), inserted reference to subsec. (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 92–596, §1(2), added subsec. (g).

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–245, §1(1), inserted reference to subsec. (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–245, §1(2), added subsec. (f).

1965—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–151 repealed subsec. (d) which provided that accumulated leave did not survive the death of a member during active service.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §631(d), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2631, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, section 2508 of Title 14, Coast Guard, and sections 501 and 502 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] take effect on January 1, 2023."

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §632(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2632, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect on January 1, 2023."

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §633(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2633, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2023."

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, §621(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021]."

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, §622(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1772, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021]."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §532(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4449, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008] and applies only with respect to children born on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §593(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3281, provided that: "Subsection (i) of section 701 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall take effect on January 1, 2006, and shall apply only with respect to adoptions completed on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §542(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1478, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2003, or the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003], whichever is later."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1031(b)(1), (2), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 671, provided that:

"(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983] and shall apply to leave accumulated under section 701(f) of such title [this title] after September 30, 1980.

"(2) A member of the Armed Forces who was authorized under section 701(f) of such title to accumulate 90 days' leave during fiscal year 1980, 1981, or 1982 and lost any leave at the end of fiscal year 1981, 1982, or 1983, respectively, because of the provisions of the last sentence of such section, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be credited with the amount of the leave lost and may retain leave in excess of 60 days until (A) September 30, 1984, or (B) the end of the third fiscal year after the year in which such leave was accumulated, whichever is later, but in no case may such a member accumulate leave in excess of 90 days."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at the end of the 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to each member whose sentence by court-martial is approved on or after Jan. 20, 1982, under section 864 or 865 of this title by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction under the provisions of such section as it existed on the day before the effective date of the Military Justice Act of 1983 (Pub. L. 98–209), or under section 860 of this title by the officer empowered to act on the sentence on or after that effective date, see section 7(a) and (b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–596, §3, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1318, provided that: "The first and second sections of this Act [amending this section and section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] become effective as of February 28, 1961."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–245, §2, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 782, provided that: "Section 1 of this Act [amending this section] applies only to active duty performed after January 1, 1968."

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–151 effective only in the case of members who die on or after Aug. 28, 1965, see section 4 of Pub. L. 89–151, set out as a note under section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Regulations

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, §621(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations implementing the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]."

Transition Rule

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §632(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2632, provided that: "Leave in excess of 90 days, accumulated by a member of the Armed Forces under section 701 of such title [meaning title 10, United States Code] before the effective date under subsection (c) [set out as a note above], is forfeited unless—

"(1) used by the member on or before September 30, 2026; or

"(2) the retention of such leave is otherwise authorized by law."

Annual Reports on Use of Leave

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, §621(d), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: "Not later than January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, each Secretary of a military department shall submit, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report regarding the use, during the preceding fiscal year, of leave under subsections (i) and (j) [now subsecs. (h) and (i)] of section 701 of such title, as amended by subsection (a), disaggregated by births, adoptions, and foster placements, including the number of members of the Armed Forces who—

"(1) used the maximum amount of primary caregiver leave; and

"(2) used leave in multiple increments."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Authority vested by this chapter in "military departments", "the Secretary concerned", or "the Secretary of Defense" to be exercised, with respect to commissioned officer corps of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by Secretary of Commerce or Secretary's designee, see section 3071 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Accumulation of Leave After September 30, 1980, Pursuant to Former Subsection (f)

Pub. L. 97–39, title VII, §702, Aug. 14, 1981, 95 Stat. 943, provided that: "The amendment made by section 10 of the Military Pay and Allowances Benefits Act of 1980 (Public Law 96–579; 94 Stat. 3368) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the accumulation of leave by members of the Armed Forces who after September 30, 1979, are assigned (1) to a deployable ship or mobile unit, or (2) to other duty designated after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 1981] as duty qualifying for the purpose of [former] section 701(f) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by that amendment."

For savings provision extending period for which certain accrued leave under former subsec. (f) of this section may be retained by members of Armed Forces, see section 1115 of Pub. L. 101–510, set out as a Treatment of Accumulated Leave note under section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

§702. Cadets and midshipmen

(a) Graduation Leave.—Graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy who, upon graduation, are appointed in a component of an armed force, may, in the discretion of the Secretary concerned or his designated representative, be granted graduation leave of not more than 60 days. Leave granted under this subsection is in addition to any other leave and may not be deducted from or charged against other leave authorized by this chapter, and must be completed within three months of the date of graduation. Leave under this subsection may not be carried forward as credit beyond the date of reporting to the first permanent duty station or to a port of embarkation for permanent duty outside the United States or in Alaska or Hawaii.

(b) Involuntary Leave Without Pay for Suspended Academy Cadets and Midshipmen.—(1) Under regulations prescribed under subsection (d), the Secretary concerned may place an academy cadet or midshipman on involuntary leave for any period during which the Superintendent of the Academy at which the cadet or midshipman is admitted has suspended the cadet or midshipman from duty at the Academy—

(A) pending separation from the Academy;

(B) pending return to the Academy to repeat an academic semester or year; or

(C) for other good cause.

(2) A cadet or midshipman placed on involuntary leave under paragraph (1) is not entitled to any pay under section 203(c) of title 37 for the period of the leave.

(3) Return of an academy cadet or midshipman to a pay status at the Academy concerned from involuntary leave status under paragraph (1) does not restore any entitlement of the cadet or midshipman to pay for the period of the involuntary leave.

(c) Inapplicable Leave Provisions.—Sections 701, 703, and 704 of this title and subsection (a) do not apply to academy cadets or midshipmen or cadets or midshipmen serving elsewhere in the armed forces.

(d) Regulations.—The Secretary concerned, or his designated representative, may prescribe regulations relating to leave for cadets and midshipmen.

(e) Definition.—In this section, the term "academy cadet or midshipman" means—

(1) a cadet of the United States Military Academy;

(2) a midshipman of the United States Naval Academy;

(3) a cadet of the United States Air Force Academy; or

(4) a cadet of the United States Coast Guard Academy.

(Added Pub. L. 87–649, §3(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 492; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(20), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2921; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §532, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1657; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §562, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2027; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(3)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-290.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
702(a)	37:31a(c).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §3(c); added June 2, 1950, ch. 217, §1, 64 Stat. 194.
	37:32(f) (last 8 words).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §2(f) (last 8 words), 60 Stat. 963.
702(b)	37:38 (less applicability to payment for leave).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §10 (less applicability to payment for leave); added Aug. 4, 1947, ch. 475, §3 (less applicability to payment for leave), 61 Stat. 749.
	37:32(f) (last 8 words).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §2(f) (last 8 words), 60 Stat. 963.

In subsection (a), the words "outside the United States or in Alaska or Hawaii" are substituted for the words "outside the continental limits of the United States" to conform to the interpretation of those words in other sections of title 10 and revised title 37.

In subsections (a) and (b), the words ", or his designated representative," are substituted for the last 8 words of section 32(f) of existing title 37.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "section 203(c)" for "section 230(c)".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–261, §562(c)(1), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–261, §562(a)(3), added subsec. (b). Former first and second sentences of subsec. (b) redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d), respectively.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–261, §562(a)(2), (b)(1), (c)(2), redesignated first sentence of subsec. (b) as subsec. (c), inserted heading, and substituted "academy cadets or midshipmen" for "cadets at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy,".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–261, §562(a)(1), (c)(3), redesignated second sentence of subsec. (b) as subsec. (d) and inserted heading.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–261, §562(b)(2), added subsec. (e).

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–160 struck out "regular" before "component" in first sentence.

1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Sections 701, 703, and 704 of this title and subsection (a)" for "Sections 701, 702(a), 703, and 704 of this chapter".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§703. Reenlistment leave

(a) Leave for not more than 90 days may be authorized, in the discretion of the Secretary concerned, or his designated representative, to a member of an armed force who reenlists. Leave authorized under this section shall be deducted from leave accrued during active service before reenlistment or charged against leave that may accrue during future active service, or both.

(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, and notwithstanding subsection (a), a member who is on active duty in an area described in section 310(a)(2) or paragraph (1) or (3) of section 351(a) of title 37 and who, by reenlistment, extension of enlistment, or other voluntary action, extends his required tour of duty in that area for at least six months may be—

(1) authorized not more than thirty days of leave, exclusive of travel time, at an authorized place selected by the member; and

(2) transported at the expense of the United States to and from that place.

Leave under this subsection may not be charged or credited to leave that accrued or that may accrue under section 701 of this title. The provisions of this subsection shall be effective only in the case of members who extend their required tours of duty on or before June 30, 1973.

(Added Pub. L. 87–649, §3(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 493; amended Pub. L. 89–735, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1163; Pub. L. 90–330, June 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 91–302, July 2, 1970, 84 Stat. 368; Pub. L. 92–481, Oct. 9, 1972, 86 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
703	37:31a(a) (4th and 7th sentences).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §3(a) (4th and 7th sentences), 60 Stat. 963.
	37:32(f) (last 8 words)	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §2(f) (last 8 words), 60 Stat. 963.

The 4th sentence of section 31a(a) of existing title 37 is omitted as executed. The words ", or his designated representative," are substituted for the last 8 words of section 32(f) of existing title 37.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or paragraph (1) or (3) of section 351(a)" after "section 310(a)(2)" in introductory provisions.

1972—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–481 substituted "June 30, 1973" for "June 30, 1972".

1970—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–302 substituted "June 30, 1972" for "June 30, 1970".

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–330 substituted "June 30, 1970" for "June 30, 1968".

1966—Pub. L. 89–735 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

§704. Use of leave; regulations

(a) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, or his designated representative, leave may be taken by a member on a calendar-day basis as vacation or absence from duty with pay, annually as accruing, or otherwise.

(b) Regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall—

(1) provide equal treatment of officers and enlisted members;

(2) establish to the fullest extent practicable uniform policies for the several armed forces;

(3) provide that leave shall be taken annually as accruing to the extent consistent with military requirements and other exigencies; and

(4) provide for the determination of the number of calendar days of leave to which a member is entitled, including the number of calendar days of absence from duty or vacation to be counted or charged against leave.

(c) Facilitating Granting of Leave for Attendance at Hearings.—

(1) Regulations.—The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations to facilitate the granting of leave to a member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary in a case in which—

(A) the leave is needed for the member to attend a hearing described in paragraph (2);

(B) the member is not serving in or with a unit deployed in a contingency operation; and

(C) the exigencies of military service (as determined by the Secretary concerned) do not otherwise require that such leave not be granted.

(2) Covered hearings.—Paragraph (1) applies to a hearing that is conducted by a court or pursuant to an administrative process established under State law, in connection with a civil action—

(A) to determine whether a member of the armed forces is a natural parent of a child; or

(B) to determine an obligation of a member of the armed forces to provide child support.

(3) Definitions.—In this subsection:

(A) The term "court" has the meaning given that term in section 1408(a) of this title.

(B) The term "child support" has the meaning given that term in section 459(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 659(i)).

(Added Pub. L. 87–649, §3(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 493; amended Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(k), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2064.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
704(a) 704(b)	37:31a(a) (5th sentence). 37:31a(a) (6th sentence). 37:33(e). 37:32(f) (last 8 words).	Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 391, §§3(a) (5th and 6th sentences), 4(e), 60 Stat. 963; Aug. 4, 1947, ch. 475, §1 (5th par.), 61 Stat. 749. Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, §2(f) (last 8 words), 60 Stat. 963.

In subsection (a), the 1st 18 words of the 5th sentence of section 31a(a) of existing title 37 are omitted as executed. The words ", or his designated representative," are substituted for the last 8 words of section 32(f) of existing title 37.

In subsection (b), 37:33(e) (less 1st sentence) is omitted as executed.

Editorial Notes

Codification

The text of section 363(b) of Pub. L. 104–193, which was set out as a note under this section and was transferred to the end of this section and redesignated as subsec. (c), was based on Pub. L. 104–193, title III, §363(b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2248, as amended by Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(e)(1)(B), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315.

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(1)–(3), transferred section 363(b) of Pub. L. 104–193 to the end of this section and redesignated it as subsec. (c). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(A), (B)(i), in introductory provisions, substituted "Secretary concerned" for "Secretary of each military department, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy," and "armed forces" for "Armed Forces".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(B)(ii), struck out "(as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code)" after "contingency operation".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(A), substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(C)(i), substituted "In this subsection:" for "For purposes of this subsection—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(C)(ii), substituted "this title" for "title 10, United States Code".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(k)(4)(C)(iii), substituted "that term" for "such term".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Facilitating Granting of Leave for Attendance at Hearings Involving Parental Support Obligations

Pub. L. 104–193, title III, §363(b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2248, as amended by Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(e)(1)(B), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315, formerly set out as a note under this section, was transferred to subsec. (c) of this section.

§704a. Administration of leave: prohibition on authorizing, granting, or assigning leave not expressly authorized by law

No member or category of members of the armed forces may be authorized, granted, or assigned leave, including uncharged leave, not expressly authorized by a provision of this chapter or another statute unless expressly authorized by an Act of Congress enacted after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §521(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2115.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, referred to in text, is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 114–328, which was approved Dec. 23, 2016.

§705. Rest and recuperation absence: qualified members extending duty at designated locations overseas

(a) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a member of an armed force who—

(1) is entitled to basic pay;

(2) has a specialty that is designated by the Secretary concerned for the purposes of this section;

(3) has completed a tour of duty (as defined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned) at a location outside the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia that is designated by the Secretary concerned for the purposes of this section; and

(4) at the end of that tour of duty executes an agreement to extend that tour for a period of not less than one year;

may, in lieu of receiving special pay under section 314 or 352 of title 37 for duty performed during such extension of duty, elect to receive one of the benefits specified in subsection (b). Receipt of any such benefit is in addition to any other leave or transportation to which the member may be entitled.

(b) The benefits authorized by subsection (a) are—

(1) a period of rest and recuperation absence for not more than 30 days; or

(2) a period of rest and recuperation absence for not more than 15 days for members whose qualifying tour of duty is 12 months or less, or for not more than 20 days for members whose qualifying tour of duty is longer than 12 months, and round-trip transportation at Government expense from the location of the extended tour of duty to the nearest port in the 48 contiguous States and return, or to an alternative destination and return at a cost not to exceed the cost of round-trip transportation from the location of the extended tour of duty to such nearest port.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not be effective unless the Secretary concerned determines that the application of this section will not adversely affect combat or unit readiness.

(Added Pub. L. 96–579, §5(b)(1), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3366; amended Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §574(a)–(b)(2)(A), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2558; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, §621(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1505; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §552, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 117; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or 352" after "section 314" in concluding provisions.

2008—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–181 inserted "for members whose qualifying tour of duty is 12 months or less, or for not more than 20 days for members whose qualifying tour of duty is longer than 12 months," after "for not more than 15 days".

2003–Pub. L. 108–136, §621(b)(2), struck out "enlisted" before "members" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §621(b)(1), substituted "a member" for "an enlisted member" in introductory provisions.

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, §574(b)(2)(A), substituted "recuperation absence: qualified enlisted members" for "recuperative absence for qualified enlisted members" in section catchline.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "recuperation" for "recuperative" in pars. (1) and (2) and inserted before period at end of par. (2) ", or to an alternative destination and return at a cost not to exceed the cost of round-trip transportation from the location of the extended tour of duty to such nearest port".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 96–579, §5(c)(2), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3367, provided: "Section 705 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), shall take effect upon the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 23, 1980] and shall apply only with respect to periods of extended duty overseas beginning on or after such date of enactment."

§705a. Rest and recuperation absence: certain members undergoing extended deployment to a combat zone

(a) Rest and Recuperation Authorized.—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) Covered Members.—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) Benefits.—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) Construction With Other Leave.—Any benefits provided a member under this section are in addition to any other leave or absence to which the member may be entitled.

(Added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §532(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4216; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(e), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or 352(a)" after "section 305".

§706. Administration of leave required to be taken

(a) A period of leave required to be taken under section 876a or 1182(c)(2) of this title shall be charged against any accrued leave to the member's credit on the day before the day such leave begins unless the member elects to be paid for such accrued leave under subsection (b). If the member does not elect to be paid for such accrued leave under subsection (b), or does not have sufficient accrued leave to his credit to cover the total period of leave required to be taken, the leave not covered by accrued leave shall be charged as excess leave. If the member elects to be paid for accrued leave under subsection (b), the total period of leave required to be taken shall be charged as excess leave.

(b)(1) A member who is required to take leave under section 876a or 1182(c)(2) of this title and who has accrued leave to his credit on the day before the day such leave begins may elect to be paid for such accrued leave. Any such payment shall be based on the rate of basic pay to which the member was entitled on the day before the day such leave began. If the member does not elect to be paid for such accrued leave, the member is entitled to pay and allowances during the period of accrued leave required to be taken.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) and in sections 707 and 707a of this title, a member may not accrue or receive pay or allowances during a period of leave required to be taken under section 876a or 1182(c)(2) of this title.

(c) A member required to take leave under section 876a or 1182(c)(2) of this title is not entitled to any right or benefit under chapter 43 of title 38 solely because of employment during the period of such leave.

(Added Pub. L. 97–81, §2(b)(1), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1085; amended Pub. L. 102–568, title V, §506(c)(5), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4341; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(e)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 103–353, §2(b)(3), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3169; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1503(a)(7), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 511; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(4)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-290; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §506(c), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2535.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, §506(c)(2), struck out "pending review of certain court-martial convictions" at end of section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–314, §506(c)(1)(A), inserted "or 1182(c)(2)" after "section 876a".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–314, §506(c)(1), inserted "or 1182(c)(2)" after "section 876a" in pars. (1) and (2) and substituted "sections 707 and 707a" for "section 707" in par. (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–314, §506(c)(1)(A), inserted "or 1182(c)(2)" after "section 876a".

2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–398 struck out "(1)" before "A member required" and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "Section 974 of this title does not apply to a member required to take leave under section 876a of this title during the period of such leave."

1996—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "chapter 43 of title 38" for "section 4301 of title 38".

1994—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–353, which directed the amendment of par. (1) by substituting "chapter 43" for "section 4321", could not be executed because intervening amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 had substituted "section 4301" for "section 4321". See below.

Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "4301" for "4321".

1992—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–568 substituted "section 4321" for "section 2021".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–353 effective with respect to reemployments initiated on or after the first day after the 60-day period beginning Oct. 13, 1994, with transition rules, see section 8 of Pub. L. 103–353, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 97–81, §7, Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1089, as amended by Pub. L. 98–209, §12(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1407, provided that:

"(a) The amendments made by this Act [enacting this section and sections 707 and 876a of this title and amending sections 701, 813, 832, 838, 867, and 869 of this title] shall take effect at the end of the sixty-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(b)(1) The amendments made by section 2 [enacting this section and sections 707 and 876a of this title and amending section 701 of this title] shall apply to each member whose sentence by court-martial is approved on or after January 20, 1982—

"(A) under section 864 or 865 (article 64 or 65) of title 10, United States Code, by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction under the provisions of such section as it existed on the day before the effective date of the Military Justice Act of 1983 [see Effective Date of 1983 Amendment note set out under section 801 of this title]; or

"(B) under section 860 (article 60) of title 10, United States Code, by the officer empowered to act on the sentence on or after the effective date of the Military Justice Act of 1983.

"(2) The amendments made by section 3 [amending section 813 of this title] shall apply to each person held as the result of a court-martial sentence announced on or after the effective date of such amendments.

"(3) The amendment made by section 4(a) [amending section 832 of this title] shall apply with respect to investigations under section 832 (article 32) of title 10, United States Code, that begin on or after the effective date of such amendment.

"(4) The amendment made by section 4(b) [amending section 838 of this title] shall apply to trials by courts-martial in which all charges are referred to trial on or after the effective date of such amendment.

"(5) The amendment made by section 5 [amending section 867 of this title] shall apply to any accused with respect to a Court of Military Review [now Court of Criminal Appeals] decision that is dated on or after the effective date of such amendment."

§707. Payment upon disapproval of certain court-martial sentences for excess leave required to be taken

(a) A member—

(1) who is required to take leave under section 876a of this title, any period of which is charged as excess leave under section 706(a) of this title; and

(2) whose sentence by court-martial to a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge is set aside or disapproved by a Court of Criminal Appeals under section 866 of this title or by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces under section 867 of this title,

shall be paid, as provided in subsection (b), for the period of leave charged as excess leave, unless a rehearing or new trial is ordered and a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge is included in the result of the rehearing or new trial and such dismissal or discharge is later executed.

(b)(1) A member entitled to be paid under this section shall be deemed, for purposes of this section, to have accrued pay and allowances for each day of leave required to be taken under section 876a of this title that is charged as excess leave (except any day of accrued leave for which the member has been paid under section 706(b)(1) of this title and which has been charged as excess leave). If the pay grade of the member was reduced to a lower grade as a result of the court-martial sentence (including any reduction in pay grade under section 858a of this title) and such reduction has not been set aside, disapproved, or otherwise vacated, pay and allowances to be paid under this section shall be deemed to have accrued in such lower grade. Otherwise, such pay and allowances shall be deemed to have accrued in the pay grade held by the member on the day before the day on which his court-martial sentence was approved by the convening authority.

(2) Such a member shall be paid the amount of pay and allowances that he is deemed to have accrued, reduced by the total amount of his income from wages, salaries, tips, other personal service income, unemployment compensation, and public assistance benefits from any Government agency during the period he is deemed to have accrued pay and allowances. Except as provided in paragraph (3), such payment shall be made as follows:

(A) Payment shall be made within 60 days from the date of the order setting aside or disapproving the sentence by court-martial to a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge if no rehearing or new trial has been ordered.

(B) Payment shall be made within 180 days from the date of the order setting aside or disapproving the sentence by court-martial to a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge if a rehearing or new trial has been ordered but charges have not been referred to a rehearing or new trial within 120 days from the date of that order.

(C) If a rehearing or new trial has been ordered and a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge is not included in the result of such rehearing or new trial, payment shall be made within 60 days of the date of the announcement of the result of such rehearing or new trial.

(D) If a rehearing or new trial has been ordered and a dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge is included in the result of such rehearing or new trial, but such dismissal or discharge is not later executed, payment shall be made within 60 days of the date of the order which set aside, disapproved, or otherwise vacated such dismissal or discharge.

(3) If a member is entitled to be paid under this section but fails to provide sufficient information in a timely manner regarding his income when such information is requested under regulations prescribed under subsection (c), the periods of time prescribed in paragraph (2) shall be extended until 30 days after the date on which the member provides the information requested.

(c) This section shall be administered under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned. Such regulations may provide for the method of determining a member's income during any period the member is deemed to have accrued pay and allowances, including a requirement that the member provide income tax returns and other documentation to verify the amount of his income.

(Added Pub. L. 97–81, §2(b)(1), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1086; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), (2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" and "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, to apply to each member whose sentence by court-martial is approved on or after Jan. 20, 1982, under section 864 or 865 of this title by officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction under provisions of such section as it existed on day before effective date of Military Justice Act of 1983 (Pub. L. 98–209), or under section 860 of this title by officer empowered to act on sentence on or after that effective date, see section 7(a), (b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as a note under section 706 of this title.

§707a. Payment upon disapproval of certain board of inquiry recommendations for excess leave required to be taken

(a) An officer—

(1) who is required to take leave under section 1182(c)(2) or 20503 of this title, any period of which is charged as excess leave under section 706(a) of this title, and

(2) whose recommendation for removal from active duty in a report of a board of inquiry is not approved by the Secretary concerned under section 1184 of this title,

shall be paid, as provided in subsection (b), for the period of leave charged as excess leave.

(b)(1) An officer entitled to be paid under this section shall be deemed, for purposes of this section, to have accrued pay and allowances for each day of leave required to be taken under section 1182(c)(2) of this title that is charged as excess leave (except any day of accrued leave for which the officer has been paid under section 706(b)(1) of this title and which has been charged as excess leave).

(2) The officer shall be paid the amount of pay and allowances that is deemed to have accrued to the officer under paragraph (1), reduced by the total amount of his income from wages, salaries, tips, other personal service income, unemployment compensation, and public assistance benefits from any Government agency during the period the officer is deemed to have accrued pay and allowances. Except as provided in paragraph (3), such payment shall be made within 60 days after the date on which the Secretary concerned decides not to remove the officer from active duty.

(3) If an officer is entitled to be paid under this section, but fails to provide sufficient information in a timely manner regarding the officer's income when such information is requested under regulations prescribed under subsection (c), the period of time prescribed in paragraph (2) shall be extended until 30 days after the date on which the member provides the information requested.

(c) This section shall be administered under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned. The regulations may provide for the method of determining an officer's income during any period the officer is deemed to have accrued pay and allowances, including a requirement that the officer provide income tax returns and other documentation to verify the amount of the officer's income.

(Added Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §506(b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2535; amended Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(d)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted "or 20503" after "section 1182(c)(2)".

§708. Educational leave of absence

(a) Under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe after consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and subject to subsection (b), the Secretary concerned may grant to any eligible member (as defined in subsection (e)) a leave of absence for the purpose of permitting the member to pursue a program of education. The period of a leave of absence granted under this section may not exceed two years, except that the period may exceed two years but may not exceed three years in the case of an eligible member pursuing a program of education in a health care profession.

(b)(1) A member may not be granted a leave of absence under this section unless—

(A) in the case of an enlisted member, the member agrees in writing to extend his current enlistment after completion (or other termination) of the program of education for which the leave of absence was granted for a period of two months for each month of the period of the leave of absence; and

(B) in the case of an officer, the member agrees to serve on active duty after completion (or other termination) of the program of education for which the leave of absence was granted for a period (in addition to any other period of obligated service on active duty) of two months for each month of the period of the leave of absence.

(2) A member may not be granted a leave of absence under this section until he has completed any extension of enlistment or reenlistment, or any period of obligated service, incurred by reason of any previous leave of absence granted under this section.

(c)(1) While on a leave of absence under this section, a member shall be paid basic pay but may not receive basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, basic allowance for subsistence under section 402 of such title, or any other pay and allowances to which he would otherwise be entitled for such period.

(2) A period during which a member is on a leave of absence under this section shall be counted for the purposes of computing the amount of the member's basic pay, for the purpose of determining the member's eligibility for retired pay, and for the purpose of determining the member's time in grade for promotion purposes, but may not be counted for the purposes of completion of the term of enlistment of the member (in the case of an enlisted member) or for purposes of section 3021 of title 38, relating to entitlement to supplemental educational assistance.

(d)(1) In time of war, or of national emergency declared by the President or the Congress after October 19, 1984, the Secretary concerned may cancel any leave of absence granted under this section.

(2) The Secretary concerned may cancel a leave of absence granted to a member under this section if the Secretary determines that the member is not satisfactorily pursuing the program of education for which the leave was granted.

(e) In this section, the term "eligible member" means a member of the armed forces on active duty who is eligible for basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38 and who—

(1) in the case of an enlisted member, has completed at least one term of enlistment and has reenlisted; and

(2) in the case of an officer, has completed the officer's initial period of obligated service on active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §707(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2571; amended Pub. L. 100–26, §7(i)(2), (k)(3), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 282, 284; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(e)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §603(d)(2)(A), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1782; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §554, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1913; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(3), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 108–375, §554(1). See 2004 Amendment note below.

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–375, §554(2), inserted at end "The period of a leave of absence granted under this section may not exceed two years, except that the period may exceed two years but may not exceed three years in the case of an eligible member pursuing a program of education in a health care profession."

Pub. L. 108–375, §554(1), as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, struck out "for a period of not to exceed two years" after "leave of absence".

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1997—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, basic allowance for subsistence under section 402 of such title," for "basic allowance for quarters or basic allowance for subsistence".

1994—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "section 3021 of title 38" for "section 1421 of title 38".

1987—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–26, §7(i)(2), substituted "October 19, 1984" for "the date of the enactment of this section".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–26, §7(k)(3), inserted "the term" after "In this section,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that the amendment made by section 1071(g)(3) is effective as of Oct. 28, 2004, and as if included in Pub. L. 108–375 as enacted.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–85 effective Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(e) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out as a note under section 5561 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §707(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2572, provided that: "Section 708 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 1985."

§709. Emergency leave of absence

(a) Emergency Leave of Absence.—The Secretary concerned may grant a member of the armed forces emergency leave of absence for a qualifying emergency.

(b) Limitations.—An emergency leave of absence under this section—

(1) may be granted only once for any member;

(2) may be granted only to prevent the member from entering unearned leave status or excess leave status; and

(3) may not extend for a period of more than 14 days.

(c) Qualifying Emergency.—In this section, the term "qualifying emergency", with respect to a member of the armed forces, means a circumstance that—

(1) is due to—

(A) a medical condition of a member of the immediate family of the member; or

(B) any other hardship that the Secretary concerned determines appropriate for purposes of this section; and

(2) is verified to the Secretary's satisfaction based upon information or opinion from a source in addition to the member that the Secretary considers to be objective and reliable.

(d) Military Department Regulations.—Regulations prescribed under this section by the Secretaries of the military department shall be as uniform as practicable and shall be subject to approval by the Secretary of Defense.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "unearned leave status" means leave approved to be used by a member of the armed forces that exceeds the amount of leave credit that has been accrued as a result of the member's active service and that has not been previously used by the member.

(2) The term "excess leave status" means leave approved to be used by a member of the armed forces that is unearned leave for which a member is unable to accrue leave credit during the member's current term of service before the member's separation.

(Added Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §572(a), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2557.)

§709a. Expenses incurred in connection with leave canceled due to contingency operations: reimbursement

(a) Authorization To Reimburse.—The Secretary concerned may reimburse a member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary for travel and related expenses (to the extent not otherwise reimbursable under law) incurred by the member as a result of the cancellation of previously approved leave when—

(1) the leave is canceled in connection with the member's participation in a contingency operation; and

(2) the cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the time the leave would have commenced.

(b) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense and, in the case of the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe regulations to establish the criteria for the applicability of subsection (a).

(c) Conclusiveness of Settlement.—The settlement of an application for reimbursement under subsection (a) is final and conclusive.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §522(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2115.)

§710. Career flexibility to enhance retention of members

(a) Programs Authorized.—Each Secretary of a military department may carry out programs under which members of the regular components or of the Space Force and members on Active Guard and Reserve duty of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary may be inactivated from active service in order to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active service at the end of such period of inactivation from active service.

(b) Period of Inactivation From Active Service; Effect of Inactivation.—(1) The period of inactivation from active service under a program under this section of a member participating in the program shall be such period as the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three years.

(2) Any service by a Reserve officer, or a Space Force officer in a space force active status not on active duty under section 20105(b) of this title, while participating in a program under this section shall be excluded from computation of the total years of service of that officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of this title.

(3) Any period of participation of a member in a program under this section shall not count toward—

(A) eligibility for retirement or transfer to the Ready Reserve under either chapter 571 or 1223 of this title; or

(B) computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter 71 or 1223 of this title.

(c) Agreement.—Each member of the armed forces who participates in a program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the Secretary of the military department concerned under which agreement that member shall agree as follows:

(1) To accept an appointment or enlist, as applicable, and serve in the Ready Reserve of an armed force during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program or, in the case of a member of the Space Force on sustained duty, to accept release from sustained duty orders and to serve in a space force active status.

(2) To undergo during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program such inactive service training as the Secretary concerned shall require in order to ensure that the member retains proficiency, at a level determined by the Secretary concerned to be sufficient, in the military skills, professional qualifications, and physical readiness of the member during the inactivation of the member from active service.

(3) Following completion of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program, to serve one month as a member of the armed forces on active service for each month of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program.

(d) Conditions of Release.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the conditions of release that must be considered and addressed in the agreement required by subsection (c). At a minimum, the Secretary shall prescribe the procedures and standards to be used to instruct a member on the obligations to be assumed by the member under paragraph (2) of such subsection while the member is released from active service.

(e) Order to Active Service.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, a member of the armed forces participating in a program under this section may, in the discretion of such Secretary, be required to terminate participation in the program and be ordered to active service.

(f) Pay and Allowances.—(1) During each month of participation in a program under this section, a member who participates in the program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two-thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the member would otherwise be entitled under section 204 of title 37 as a member of the uniformed services on active service in the grade and years of service of the member when the member commences participation in the program.

(2)(A) A member who participates in a program shall not, while participating in the program, be paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the member is otherwise entitled under an agreement under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when the member commences participation in the program.

(B) The inactivation from active service of a member participating in a program shall not be treated as a failure of the member to perform any period of service required of the member in connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay or bonus under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when the member commences participation in the program.

(3)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), upon the return of a member to active service after completion by the member of participation in a program—

(i) any agreement entered into by the member under chapter 5 of title 37 for the payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the member commenced participation in the program shall be revived, with the term of such agreement after revival being the period of the agreement remaining to run when the member commenced participation in the program; and

(ii) any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be payable to the member in accordance with the terms of the agreement concerned for the term specified in clause (i).

(B)(i) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if, at the time of the return of the member to active service as described in that subparagraph—

(I) such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law; or

(II) the member does not satisfy eligibility criteria for such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of the member to active service.

(ii) Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if, during the term of the revived agreement of the member under subparagraph (A)(i), such pay or bonus ceases being authorized by law.

(C) A member who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this paragraph by reason of subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the member under chapter 5 of title 37.

(D) Any service required of a member under an agreement covered by this paragraph after the member returns to active service as described in subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any service required of the member under an agreement under subsection (c).

(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a member who participates in a program is entitled, while participating in the program, to the travel and transportation allowances authorized by section 452 of title 37 for—

(i) travel performed from the residence of the member, at the time of release from active service to participate in the program, to the location in the United States designated by the member as his residence during the period of participation in the program; and

(ii) travel performed to the residence of the member upon return to active service at the end of the participation of the member in the program.

(B) An allowance is payable under this paragraph only with respect to travel of a member to and from a single residence.

(5) A member who participates in a program is entitled to carry forward the leave balance existing as of the day on which the member begins participation and accumulated in accordance with section 701 of this title, but not to exceed 60 days.

(g) Promotion.—(1)(A) An officer participating in a program under this section shall not, while participating in the program, be eligible for consideration for promotion under chapter 36, 1405, or 2005 of this title.

(B) Upon the return of an officer to active service after completion by the officer of participation in a program—

(i) the Secretary of the military department concerned shall adjust the date of rank of the officer in such manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section; and

(ii) the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same competitive category, grade, and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion.

(2) An enlisted member participating in a program shall not be eligible for consideration for promotion during the period that—

(A) begins on the date of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program; and

(B) ends at such time after the return of the member to active service under the program that the member is treatable as eligible for promotion by reason of time in grade and such other requirements as the Secretary of the military department concerned shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of the program.

(h) Continued Entitlements.—A member participating in a program under this section shall, while participating in the program, be treated as a member of the armed forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of—

(1) the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter 55 of this title;

(2) retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapters 55 and 61 of this title;

(3) the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under the provisions of chapter 75 of this title;

(4) the provision of all travel and transportation allowances for the survivors of deceased members to attend burial ceremonies under section 453(f) of title 37; and

(5) the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §551(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1766; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §602, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1423; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(18), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3823; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §521, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §626(c)(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2628; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(d)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 670.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(3)(A), inserted "or of the Space Force" after "regular components".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(3)(B), which directed amendment of par. (2) by inserting ", or a Space Force officer in a space force active status not on active duty under section 20105(b) of this title," after "officer", was executed by making the insertion after "officer" the first place appearing, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(3)(C), inserted before period at end "or, in the case of a member of the Space Force on sustained duty, to accept release from sustained duty orders and to serve in a space force active status".

Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(d)(3)(D), substituted "chapter 36, 1405, or 2005" for "chapter 36 or 1405".

2022—Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §626(c)(1)(A), substituted "section 452" for "section 474".

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 117–263, §626(c)(1)(B), substituted "section 453(f)" for "section 481f".

2021—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "an armed force" for "the armed force concerned".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "one month" for "two months".

2019—Subsec. (h)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 116–92 added pars. (3) to (5).

§711.¹ Parental leave for members of certain reserve components of the armed forces

(a)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a reserve component of the armed forces described in subsection (b) is allowed parental leave for a duration of up to 12 inactive-duty training periods, under section 206 of title 37, during the one-year period beginning after the following events:

(A) the birth or adoption of a child of the member and to care for such child; or

(B) the placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term foster care.

(2)(A) The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (A) ² to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) ² in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused parental leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) ² as a result of—

(i) operational requirements;

(ii) professional military education obligations; or

(iii) other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate.

(B) The regulations prescribed under clause (i) ³ shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) ² shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline.; ⁴

(b) A member described in this subsection is a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force who is a member of—

(1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37; or

(2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay.

(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VI, §601(a)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 288; amended Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(a), (b)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931.)

Amendment of Section

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(a), (b)(1), (c), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931, provided that, effective Oct. 1, 2025, this section is amended as follows:

(1) in subsection (a)(2)–

(A) by striking "subparagraph (A)" each place it appears and inserting "paragraph (1)"; and

(B) in subparagraph (B)—

(i) by striking "clause (i)" and inserting "subparagraph (A)"; and

(ii) by striking ".;" and inserting a period; and

(2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "is a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force who".

See 2024 Amendment notes below.

Renumbering of Section

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(b)(2), (c), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931, provided that, effective Oct. 1, 2025, this section is renumbered section 710a of this title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §603(b)(1)(A), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "subparagraph (A)" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–159, §603(b)(1)(B), substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "clause (i)" and a period for ".;" at end.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–159, §603(a), struck out "is a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force who" after "described in this subsection" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2024 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VI, §603(c), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1931, provided that:"The amendments made by this section [amending and renumbering this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2025."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VI, §601(e), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 289, provided that: "This section [enacting this section and amending section 12732 of this title, section 206 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, and provisions set out as a note under section 12732 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2024, and apply with respect to periods of parental leave that commence on or after such date."

¹ Another section 711 is set out in chapter 41 of this title.

² So in original. Probably should be "paragraph (1)".

³ So in original. Probably should be "subparagraph (A)".

⁴ So in original.

CHAPTER 41—SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS, DETAILS, AND DUTIES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §522(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1883, struck out "within the United States" after "provide protection" in item 714. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §§1064(b), 1081(a)(19), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3860, 3871, moved item 714 to appear immediately after item 713, inserted period at end of item 715, and added item 723.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §508(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1749, added item 715.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §952(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2375, added item 714 at the end of this analysis.

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(g)(2), (h)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103, struck out items 720 "Chief of Staff to President: appointment" and 722 "Attending Physician to the Congress: grade".

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §502(i)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2277, struck out item 721 "General and flag officers: limitation on appointments, assignments, details, and duties outside an officer's own service".

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1)(B), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2180, added item 722.

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §503(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1456, struck out item 714 "Defense attaché in France: required grade".

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §§501(b), 597(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1724, 1766, added items 714 and 721.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(b)(8), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3013, struck out item 715 "Reserve components: detail of members of regular and reserve components to assist".

1986—Pub. L. 99–433, title I, §110(a)(2), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1001, struck out item 718 "Secretary of Defense: detail of officers to assist".

1983—Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1007(a)(2), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 662, included reference to the Public Health Service in item 716.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §§501(9)(B), 511(23)(C), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908, 2922, substituted "assignment or detail of members of the armed forces to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "assignment or detail to Environmental Science Services Administration" in item 719 and added item 720.

Pub. L. 96–215, §2(b), Mar. 25, 1980, 94 Stat. 123, inserted "and to and from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" after "between armed forces" in item 716.

1970—Pub. L. 91–392, §2, Sept. 1, 1970, 84 Stat. 834, substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" in item 716.

1968—Pub. L. 90–235, §4(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 759, added item 711a.

1966—Pub. L. 89–683, §1(2), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 960, added item 719.

1962—Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §103(b), title II, §205(b), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 508, 519, redesignated item 716, relating to participation of members of the armed forces in international sports, as 717, and added item 718.

1960—Pub. L. 86–533, §1(5)(B), June 29, 1960, 74 Stat. 246, repealed item 714 "Reports to Congress on length of tours of duty outside United States by members of Army and Air Force".

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(18), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1442, added item 716, relating to participation of members of the armed forces in international sports.

Pub. L. 85–599, §11(1), Aug. 6, 1958, 72 Stat. 521, added item 716, relating to transfers of commissioned officers.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Pilot Program Authority To Enhance Cybersecurity and Resiliency of Critical Infrastructure

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XVI, §1650, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2138, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is authorized to provide, detail, or assign technical personnel to the Department of Homeland Security on a non-reimbursable basis to enhance cybersecurity cooperation, collaboration, and unity of Government efforts.

"(b) Scope of Assistance.—The authority under subsection (a) shall be limited in any fiscal year to the provision of not more than 50 technical cybersecurity personnel from the Department of Defense to the Department of Homeland Security, including the national cybersecurity and communications integration center (NCCIC) of the Department, or other locations as agreed upon by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"(c) Limitation.—The authority under subsection (a) may not negatively impact the primary missions of the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security.

"(d) Establishment of Procedures.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish procedures to carry out subsection (a), including procedures relating to the protection of and safeguards for maintenance of information held by the NCCIC regarding United States persons.

"(2) Limitation.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed as providing authority to the Secretary of Defense to establish procedures regarding the NCCIC with respect to any matter outside the scope of this section.

"(e) No Effect on Other Authority to Provide Support.—Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the authority of an Executive department, military department, or independent establishment to provide any appropriate support, including cybersecurity support, or to provide, detail, or assign personnel, under any other law, rule, or regulation.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section, each of the terms 'Executive department', 'military department', and 'independent establishment', has the meaning given each of such terms, respectively, in chapter 1 of title 5, United States Code.

"(g) Termination of Authority.—This section shall terminate on September 30, 2022."

Exchange Program for Nuclear Weapons Program Employees

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XVI, §1667, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2155, provided that:

"(a) Program Authorized.—The Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council established under section 179 of title 10, United States Code, and the Administrator for Nuclear Security, shall jointly establish an exchange program under which—

"(1) the Chairman shall arrange for the temporary assignment of civilian and military personnel working on nuclear weapons policy, production, and force structure issues in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Navy, or the Air Force to the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs in the National Nuclear Security Administration; and

"(2) the Administrator shall arrange for the temporary assignment of civilian personnel working on programs related to nuclear weapons in the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs to the elements of the Department of Defense specified in paragraph (1).

"(b) Purposes.—The purposes of the exchange program established under subsection (a) are—

"(1) to familiarize personnel from the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration with the equities, priorities, processes, culture, and employees of the other agency;

"(2) for participants in the exchange program to return the expertise gained through their exchanges to their original agencies at the conclusion of their exchanges; and

"(3) to improve communication between and integration of the agencies that support the formation and oversight of nuclear weapons policy through lasting relationships across the chain of command.

"(c) Participants.—

"(1) Number of participants.—The Chairman and the Administrator shall each select not fewer than five and not more than 10 participants per year for participation in the exchange program established under subsection (a). The Chairman and the Administrator may determine how many participants to select under this paragraph without regard to the number of participants selected from the other agency.

"(2) Criteria for selection.—

"(A) In general.—The Chairman and the Administrator shall select participants for the exchange program established under subsection (a) from among mid-career employees and based on—

"(i) the qualifications and desire to participate in the program of the employee; and

"(ii) the technical needs and capacities of the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration, as applicable.

"(B) Department of defense.—In selecting participants from the Department of Defense for the exchange program established under subsection (a), the Chairman shall ensure that there is a mix of military personnel and civilian employees of the Department.

"(d) Terms.—Exchanges pursuant to the exchange program established under subsection (a) shall be for terms of one to two years, as determined and negotiated by the Chairman and the Administrator. Such terms may begin and end on a rolling basis.

"(e) Guidance and Implementation.—

"(1) Guidance.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Chairman and the Administrator shall jointly develop and submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] interim guidance on the form and contours of the exchange program established under subsection (a).

"(2) Implementation.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chairman and the Administrator shall implement the guidance developed under paragraph (1)."

Reports on Members of the Armed Forces and Civilian Employees of the Department of Defense Serving in the Legislative Branch

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title XI, §1104, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2409, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1066(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1588, provided that:

"(a) Reports on Details and Fellowships of Long Duration.—Whenever a member of the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the Department of Defense serves continuously in the Legislative Branch for more than 12 consecutive months in one or a combination of covered legislative details or fellowships, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees, within 90 days, and quarterly thereafter for as long as the service continues, a report on the service of the member or employee.

"(b) Reports on Certain Military Details and Fellowships.—If a member of the Armed Forces is assigned to a covered legislative detail or fellowship as the last tour of duty of such member before retirement or separation from the Armed Forces in contravention of the regulations of the Department of Defense, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the assignment of such member to such covered legislative detail or fellowship. The report shall include a rationale for the waiver of the regulations of the Department in order to permit the detail or fellowship.

"(c) Report Elements.—Each report under subsection (a) or (b) shall set forth, for each member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense covered by such report, the following:

"(1) The name of such member or employee.

"(2) In the case of a member, the Armed Force of such member.

"(3) The committee or member of Congress to which such member or employee is detailed or assigned.

"(4) A general description of the projects or tasks undertaken or to be undertaken, as applicable, by such member or employee as a detailee, fellow, or both.

"(5) The anticipated termination date of the current detail or fellowship of such member or employee.

"(d) Covered Legislative Detail or Fellowship Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered legislative detail or fellowship' means the following:

"(1) A detail under the provisions of Department of Defense Directive 1000.17.

"(2) A legislative fellowship (including a legislative fellowship under the provisions of Department of Defense Directive 1322.6)."

§711.¹ Senior members of Military Staff Committee of United Nations: appointment

The President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may appoint an officer of the Army, an officer of the Navy or the Marine Corps, and an officer of the Air Force or the Space Force, as senior members of the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 32; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(f), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(19), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3823.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
711	10:506b(c) (less last 12 words).	Aug. 7, 1947, ch. 512, §504(c) (less last 12 words), 61 Stat 886.

The words "Within the limitations as to numbers in grade prescribed in this Act", so far as they relate to the Army and the Air Force, are omitted as executed by the declaration of the national emergency on December 16, 1950, in accordance with an opinion of the Judge Advocate General of the Army (JAGA 1951/6180, 17 Oct. 1951). So far as they relate to the Navy and the Marine Corps they are omitted as surplusage. The words "may appoint" are inserted to make it explicit that the revised section prescribes the appointment as well as the rank and pay that go with it. The word "grade" is substituted for the word "rank". The words "Navy or Marine Corps" are substituted for the words "Navy, including the Marine Corps". The words "Army, * * * Air Force" are substituted for the words "Army less the Air Corps * * * Air Corps". The words "pay and allowances of a vice admiral or lieutenant general" are omitted as surplusage, since this is implicit upon appointment to the grade. The words "and Naval" are omitted to conform to the name "Military Staff Committee" established by Article 47 of the United Nations Charter.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "or the Space Force" after "Air Force".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 struck out second sentence which read as follows: "An officer so appointed has the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral, as the case may be, while serving under that appointment."

¹ Another section 711 is set out in chapter 40 of this title.

§711a. American National Red Cross: detail of commissioned officers

Commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force may be detailed for duty with the American National Red Cross, by the Secretary of the military department concerned, as follows:

(1) for duty with the Service to the Armed Forces Division—

(A) one or more officers of the Army Medical Department;

(B) one or more officers of the Medical Department of the Navy; and

(C) one or more officers selected from among medical officers, dental officers, veterinary officers, medical service officers, nurses, and medical specialists of the Air Force; and

(2) to be in charge of the first-aid department—

(A) an officer of the Medical Corps of the Army;

(B) an officer of the Medical Corps of the Navy; or

(C) a medical officer of the Air Force.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §4(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 759; amended Pub. L. 90–329, June 4, 1968, 82 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(21), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2921.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 struck out "(a)" before "Commissioned".

1968—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 90–329 substituted "Army Medical Department" for "Army Medical Service".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§712. Foreign governments: detail to assist

(a) Upon the application of the country concerned, the President, whenever he considers it in the public interest, may detail members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force to assist in military matters—

(1) any republic in North America, Central America, or South America;

(2) the Republic of Cuba, Haiti, or Santo Domingo; and

(3) during a war or a declared national emergency, any other country that he considers it advisable to assist in the interest of national defense.

(b) Subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of the military department concerned, a member detailed under this section may accept any office from the country to which he is detailed. He is entitled to credit for all service while so detailed, as if serving with the armed forces of the United States. Arrangements may be made by the President, with countries to which such members are detailed to perform functions under this section, for reimbursement to the United States or other sharing of the cost of performing such functions.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 32; Pub. L. 85–477, ch. V, §502(k), June 30, 1958, 72 Stat. 275; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(E), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
712(a)   712(b)	10:540 (less provisos). 34:441a (less provisos). 10:540 (provisos). 34:441a (provisos).	May 19, 1926, ch. 334, 44 Stat, 565; May 14, 1935, ch. 109, 49 Stat. 218; Oct. 1, 1942, ch. 571, 56 Stat. 763.

In subsection (a), the words "and the Commonwealth of the Philippine Islands", in the Act of May 19, 1926, ch. 334, added by the Act of May 14, 1935, ch. 109, 49 Stat. 218, are not contained in 10:540 or 34:441a. They are also omitted from the revised section, since Proclamation No. 2695, effective July 4, 1946, 60 Stat. 1352 (48 U.S.C. 1240 (note)), proclaimed the independence of the Philippine Islands. Similar provisions relating to the Philippines are now contained in section 5 of the Act of June 26, 1946, ch. 500, 60 Stat. 315. The word "members" is substituted for the words "officers and enlisted men", in 10:540 and 34:441a.

In subsection (b), the words "entitled to credit for all service" are substituted for the words "and shall be allowed the same credit for longevity, retirement, and for all other purposes", in 10:540 and 34:441a.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" in introductory provisions.

1958—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–477 struck out provisions which authorized members of the armed forces to accept compensation or emoluments from countries to which they are detailed, and inserted provisions permitting arrangements for reimbursement or other sharing of cost.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Pub. L. 85–477, ch. V, §502(k), June 30, 1958, 72 Stat. 275, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective nine months after June 30, 1958.

§713. State Department: assignment or detail as couriers and building inspectors

(a) Upon the request of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of a military department may assign or detail members of the armed forces under his jurisdiction for duty—

(1) as inspectors of buildings owned or occupied abroad by the United States;

(2) as inspectors or supervisors of buildings under construction or repair abroad by or for the United States; and

(3) as couriers of the Department of State.

(b) The Secretary concerned may assign or detail a member for duty under subsection (a) with or without reimbursement from the Department of State. However, a member so assigned or detailed may be paid the traveling expenses authorized for officers of the Foreign Service of the United States. These expenses shall be paid from appropriations of the Department of State.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 33.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
713(a)	22:956 (words before semicolon of 1st sentence).	Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, §561, 60 Stat. 1011.
713(b)	22:956 (less words before semicolon of 1st sentence).

In subsection (a), the words "members of the armed forces under his jurisdiction" are substituted for the words "military and naval personnel serving under their supervision".

In subsection (b), the words "The Secretary concerned may" are substituted for the words "in the discretion of the head of the department concerned".

§714. Senior leaders of the Department of Defense and other specified persons: authority to provide protection

(a) Protection for Department Leadership.—The Secretary of Defense, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary and in accordance with guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, may authorize qualified members of the armed forces and qualified civilian employees of the Department of Defense to provide physical protection and personal security to the following persons who, by nature of their positions, require continuous security and protection:

(1) Secretary of Defense.

(2) Deputy Secretary of Defense.

(3) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(4) Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(5) Secretaries of the military departments.

(6) Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in addition to the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

(7) Commanders of combatant commands.

(b) ¹ Protection for Additional Personnel.—

(1) Authority to provide.—The Secretary of Defense, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary and in accordance with guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, may authorize qualified members of the armed forces and qualified civilian employees of the Department of Defense to provide physical protection and personal security to individuals other than individuals described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such protection and security are necessary because—

(A) there is a serious and credible threat to the safety of the individual for whom protection is to be provided; or

(B) compelling operational considerations make such protection essential to the conduct of official Department of Defense business.

(2) Personnel.—Individuals authorized to receive physical protection and personal security under this subsection include the following:

(A) Any official or employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces.

(B) A former or retired official who faces serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by the Department.

(C) A head of a foreign state, an official representative of a foreign government, or any other distinguished foreign visitor to the United States who is primarily conducting official business with the Department of Defense.

(D) Any member of the immediate family of a person authorized to receive physical protection and personal security under this section.

(E) An individual who has been designated by the President, and who has received the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as Secretary of Defense, but who has not yet been appointed as Secretary of Defense.

(3) Limitation on delegation.—The authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize the provision of physical protection and personal security under this subsection may be delegated only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.

(4) Requirement for written determination.—A determination of the Secretary of Defense whether to provide physical protection and personal security under this subsection shall be in writing, shall be based on a threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization, and shall include the name and title of the officer, employee, or other individual affected, the reason for such determination, the duration of any authorized protection and security for such officer, employee, or individual, and the nature of any arrangements for such protection and security.

(5) Duration of protection.—The Secretary of Defense shall require periodic reviews, not less than once every six months, of the duration of protection provided to individuals under this subsection.

(6) Submission to congress.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an initial determination made under paragraph (4), or a determination to deny the renewal of protection and security, together with the justification for such determination, not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made. In the case of determination to continue protection and security, the Secretary shall make such submission not less than twice each year.

(B) Form of report.—A report submitted under subparagraph (A) may be made in classified form.

(C) Regulations and guidelines.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees the regulations and guidelines prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) not less than 20 days before the date on which such regulations take effect.

(D) Exceptions.—Subparagraph (A) does not apply to determinations made with respect to the following individuals:

(i) An individual described in paragraph (2)(C) who is otherwise sponsored by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(ii) An individual described in paragraph (2)(E).

(7) Temporary protection.—The Secretary of Defense may temporarily provide physical protection and personal security under this subsection to an individual—

(A) pending the determination of the Secretary under paragraph (4) regarding such individual; and

(B) for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(c) Definitions.—In this section, the terms "qualified members of the armed forces" and "qualified civilian employees of the Department of Defense" refer collectively to members or employees who are assigned to investigative, law enforcement, or security duties of any of the following:

(1) The Army Criminal Investigation Command.

(2) The Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

(3) The Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

(4) The Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

(5) The Pentagon Force Protection Agency.

(d) Construction.—

(1) No additional law enforcement or arrest authority.—Other than the authority to provide protection and security under this section, nothing in this section may be construed to bestow any additional law enforcement or arrest authority upon the qualified members of the armed forces and qualified civilian employees of the Department of Defense.

(2) Posse comitatus.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge section 1385 of title 18.

(3) Authorities of other departments.—Nothing in this section may be construed to preclude or limit, in any way, the express or implied powers of the Secretary of Defense or other Department of Defense officials, or the duties and authorities of the Secretary of State, the Director of the United States Secret Service, the Director of the United States Marshals Service, or any other Federal law enforcement agency.

(e) Reimbursement.—The Secretary of Defense may reimburse a former or retired official who faces serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by the Department for security services and equipment procured at the personal expense of the official, not to exceed an aggregate of $15,000,000 in any fiscal year for all former and retired officials authorized by the Secretary of Defense for such reimbursement.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §952(c)(1), (4)–(6), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2375, 2376; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §529A, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §522, title XVII, §1701(a)(16), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1883, 2204.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Text of section, as added by Pub. L. 114–328, is based on text of subsecs. (a) to (d) of section 1074 of Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 330, as amended, which was formerly set out as a note under section 113 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §952(c)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2375.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 714, added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §597(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1766, related to required grade of officer selected for assignment to position of defense attaché to United States embassy in France, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §503(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1456.

Another prior section 714, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 33, related to reports to Congress on length of tours of duty outside the United States by members of the Army and Air Force, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 86–533, §1(5)(A), June 29, 1960, 74 Stat. 246.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, §522(a)(1), struck out "within the United States" after "provide protection" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–159, §522(a)(2), (3), struck out "within the United States" after "personal security" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §1701(a)(16), substituted "a serious" for "an serious".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 118–159, §522(b), inserted "or the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security" after "only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 118–159, §522(c), inserted "whether" before "to provide", and substituted "any authorized" for "the authorized" and "any arrangements for such" for "the arrangements for the".

Subsec. (b)(6)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §522(d), substituted "an initial determination made under paragraph (4), or a determination to deny the renewal of protection and security" for "each determination made under paragraph (4) to provide protection and security to an individual" and inserted at end "In the case of determination to continue protection and security, the Secretary shall make such submission not less than twice each year."

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 118–159, §522(e), added par. (7).

2023—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §529A(a)(1), substituted "serious and credible threat" for "imminent and credible threat".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §529A(a)(2), struck out "for a period of up to two years beginning on the date on which the official separates from the Department" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 118–31, §529A(a)(3), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) consisted of subpars. (A) to (C) relating to initial period of protection, subsequent period of protection, and requirement for compliance with regulations, respectively.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §529A(a)(4), struck out "and of each determination under paragraph (5)(B) to extend such protection and security" after "an individual".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31, §529A(b), added subsec. (e).

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(4)(A), substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(5)(A)(i), substituted "Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in addition to the Chairman and Vice Chairman" for "Chiefs of the Services".

Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(5)(A)(ii), (iii), redesignated par. (8) as (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "Chief of the National Guard Bureau.".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(4)(A), (5)(B), in introductory provisions, substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces" and "through (7)" for "through (8)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(6), struck out ", military member," after "official" and inserted "or member of the armed forces" after "of the Department of Defense".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(4)(B), substituted "section, the terms 'qualified members of the armed forces' and" for "section:

"(1) Congressional defense committees.—The term 'congressional defense committees' means the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Qualified members of the armed forces and qualified civilian employees of the department of defense.—The terms 'qualified members of the Armed Forces' and"; redesignated subpars. (A) to (E) of former par. (2) as pars. (1) to (5), respectively, of subsec. (c); and realigned margins.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(4)(A), substituted "armed forces" for "Armed Forces".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §952(c)(4)(C), struck out ", United States Code" after "title 18".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Temporary Extension of Authority To Provide Security for Former Department of Defense Officials

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XI, §1105, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2817, provided that: "During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022] and ending on January 1, 2024, subsection (b) of section 714 of title 10, United States Code, shall be applied—

"(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by substituting 'a serious and credible threat' for 'an imminent and credible threat';

"(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by substituting 'three years' for 'two years'; and

"(3) in paragraph (6)(A), by substituting—

"(A) 'congressional leadership and the congressional defense committees' for 'the congressional defense committees'; and

"(B) by substituting 'the justification for such determination, scope of the protection, and the anticipated cost and duration of such protection' for 'the justification for such determination'."

¹ See Temporary Extension of Authority To Provide Security for Former Department of Defense Officials note below.

§715. Attending Physician to the Congress: grade

A general officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of major general. A flag officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of rear admiral (upper half).

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §508(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1749.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 715, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 33, related to detail of members of regular and reserve components to assist those components prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §§1662(g)(2), 1691, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2996, 3026, effective Dec. 1, 1994. See section 12501 of this title.

§716. Commissioned officers: transfers among the armed forces, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President, within authorized strengths and with the consent of the officer involved, may transfer any commissioned officer of a uniformed service from his uniformed service to, and appoint him in, another uniformed service. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly establish, by regulations approved by the President, policies and procedures for such transfers and appointments.

(b) An officer transferred under this section may not be assigned precedence or relative rank higher than that which he held on the day before the transfer.

(Added Pub. L. 85–599, §11(2), Aug. 6, 1958, 72 Stat. 521; amended Pub. L. 91–392, §1, Sept. 1, 1970, 84 Stat. 834; Pub. L. 96–215, §2(a), Mar. 25, 1980, 94 Stat. 123; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(10), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1007(a)(1), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 661; Pub. L. 99–348, title III, §304(a)(1), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 703; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 716 was renumbered section 717 of this title.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–348 struck out subsec. (c) which defined "uniformed service" for purposes of this section. See section 101(43) of this title.

1983—Pub. L. 98–94 amended section generally, substituting "transfers among the armed forces, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service" for "transfers between armed forces and to and from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" in section catchline and adding subsec. (c). Prior to amendment subsecs. (a) and (b) read as follows:

"(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may, within authorized strengths, transfer any commissioned officer with his consent from his armed force or from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to, and appoint him in, another armed force or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly establish, by regulations approved by the President, policies and procedures for such transfers and appointments.

"(b) An officer transferred under this section—

"(1) may not be assigned precedence or relative rank higher than that which he held on the day before his transfer; and

"(2) shall be credited for retirement and pay purposes with the same years of service with which he has been credited on the day before his transfer."

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–295 struck out the comma after "policies".

1980—Pub. L. 96–215 inserted "and to and from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" in section catchline, divided existing unlettered provisions into subsecs. (a) and (b)(1), inserted references to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and to Secretary of Commerce in subsec. (a) as so redesignated, and added subsec. (b)(2).

1970—Pub. L. 91–392 substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" in section catchline and "his armed force", "another armed force", "An officer transferred under this section may not be assigned", and "before his transfer" for "the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps", "any other of those armed forces", "No officer transferred pursuant to this authority shall be assigned", and "prior to such transfer" in text, respectively, and authorized interservice transfers of officers of the Coast Guard.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (a) of this section delegated to Secretary of Commerce by section 1(m) of Ex. Ord. No. 11023, May 28, 1962, 27 F.R. 5131, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§717. Members of the armed forces: participation in international sports

(a) The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may permit members of the armed forces under his jurisdiction to train for, attend, and participate in any of the following sports competitions:

(1) The Pan-American Games and the Olympic Games, and qualifying events and preparatory competition for those games.

(2) The Paralympic Games, if eligible to participate in those games, and qualifying events and preparatory competition for those games.

(3) Any other international competition in amateur sports, if the Secretary of State determines that the interests of the United States will be served by participation in that competition, and qualifying events and preparatory competition for that competition.

(b) Subject to subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the case may be, may spend such funds, and acquire and use such supplies, as he determines to be necessary to provide for—

(1) the training of members of the armed forces for the competitions covered by subsection (a);

(2) their attendance at and participation in those competitions; and

(3) the training of animals of the armed forces for, and their attendance at and participation in, those competitions.

(c)(1) Not more than $3,000,000, to be apportioned among the military departments as the Secretary of Defense prescribes, may be spent during each successive four-year period beginning on October 1, 1980, for the participation of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force in the competitions covered by subsection (a).

(2) Not more than $100,000 may be spent during each successive four-year period beginning on October 1, 1980, for the participation of members of the Coast Guard in the competitions covered by subsection (a).

(d) Appropriations available to the Department of Defense or to the Department of Homeland Security, as the case may be, may be used to carry out this section.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(17), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1442, §716; renumbered §717, Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §103(a), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 508; amended Pub. L. 89–348, §1(12), Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1311; Pub. L. 89–718, §7, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(22), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2921; Pub. L. 98–525, title XV, §1534, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2632; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §561, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(F), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1958 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
716 [now 717]	22:1981. 22:1982. 22:1983.	Mar. 14, 1955, ch. 11 (less last 2 pars.), 69 Stat. 11.

In subsection (a), the first 27 words are substituted for section 1 of the source statute. The reference to the Second Pan-American Games, the Seventh Olympic Winter Games, and the Games of the XVI Olympiad are omitted as covered by clause (1) of the revised subsection. The words "subject to the limitation contained in subsection (b) herein" are omitted as covered by revised subsection (b). The words "any other" are substituted for the words "other * * * not specified in (1) above".

In subsection (b), the word "entry" is substituted for the word "commitment" for clarity. The words "or the Secretary of the Treasury, as the case may be" are inserted since, under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury has the prescribed authority with respect to members of the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

In subsection (c), the words "materiel, and equipment" are omitted as covered by the word "supplies" as defined in section 101(26) of this title.

1962 Act

This section corrects a duplication in numbering occasioned by the addition of a duplicate section 716 by Pub. L. 85–861. (The first section 716 was added by Pub. L. 85–599.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "participate in any of the following sports competitions:

"(1) The Pan-American Games and the Olympic Games, and qualifying events and preparatory competition for those games.

"(2) The Paralympic Games, if eligible to participate in those games, and qualifying events and preparatory competition for those games.

"(3) Any other"

for "participate in—

"(1) Pan-American Games and Olympic Games and qualifying events and preparatory competition for those games; and

"(2) any other".

2002—Subsecs. (a), (b), (d). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1984—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–525, §1534(1), included qualifying events and preparatory competition.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–525, §1534(2), included qualifying events and preparatory competition.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525, §1534(3), struck out reference to subsec. (e).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–525, §1534(4), (6), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "$3,000,000" for "$800,000" and "October 1, 1980" for "March 14, 1955", redesignated subsec. (d) as par. (2), and substituted "October 1, 1980" for "March 14, 1955".

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 98–525, §1534(7), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated par. (2) of subsec. (c).

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(22)(A), substituted "Transportation" for "the Treasury".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(22), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and substituted reference to subsec. (c) for reference to subsec. (f), and "Transportation" for "the Treasury".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(22)(C), redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (c) and (d), respectively. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(22) (A), (C), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e) and substituted "Transportation" for "the Treasury". Former subsection (e) redesignated (d).

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–718 repealed subsec. (b) which required the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the details of the proposed participation by members of the Armed Forces under his jurisdiction in international amateur sports competition. See also Pub. L. 89–348, §1(12), Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1311, which earlier repealed the reporting requirement of subsec. (b).

1965—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–348 repealed provision of subsec. (b) which required the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the Treasury, as the case may be, to report to the Committees on the Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the details of the proposed participation by members of the Armed Forces under his jurisdiction in international amateur sports competition.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

[§718. Repealed. Pub. L. 99–433, title I, §110(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1001]

Section, added Pub. L. 87–651, title II, §205(a), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 519, provided that officers of the armed forces could be detailed for duty as assistants or personal aides to the Secretary of Defense.

§719. Department of Commerce: assignment or detail of members of the armed forces to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Upon the request of the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of a military department may assign or detail members of the armed forces under his jurisdiction for duty in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, with reimbursement from the Department of Commerce. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a member so assigned or detailed may exercise the functions, and assume the title, of any position in that Administration without affecting his status as a member of an armed force, but he is not entitled to the compensation fixed for that position.

(Added Pub. L. 89–683, §1(1), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 960; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §511(23)(A), (B), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2921.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "of members of the armed forces to National Oceanic and Atmospheric" for "to Environmental Science Services" in section catchline, and substituted "National Oceanic and Atmospheric" for "Environmental Science Services" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

[§720. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(g)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103]

Section, added Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(9)(A), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2907, related to appointment of Chief of Staff to President.

[§721. Repealed. Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §502(i)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2276]

Section, added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §501(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1723; amended Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1041(a)(4), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2645, related to limitation on appointments, assignments, details, and duties outside a general or flag officer's own service.

[§722. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(h)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103]

Section, added Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §507(a)(1)(A), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2180, related to grade of Attending Physician to the Congress.

§723. Support of Federal authorities in response to civil disturbances: requirement for use of members of the Armed Forces and Federal law enforcement personnel

(a) Requirement.—Whenever a member of the armed forces (including the National Guard) or Federal law enforcement personnel provide support to Federal authorities to respond to a civil disturbance, each individual employed in the capacity of providing such support shall visibly display—

(1) the individual's name or other individual identifier that is unique to that individual; and

(2) the name of the armed force, Federal entity, or other organization by which such individual is employed.

(b) Exception.—The requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to individuals referred to in such subsection who—

(1) do not wear a uniform or other distinguishing clothing or equipment in the regular performance of their official duties; or

(2) are engaged in undercover operations in the regular performance of their official duties.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1064(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3860.)

CHAPTER 43—RANK AND COMMAND

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(2)(C), (20)(C), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821, 3824, added items 743 and 747 and struck out former items 743 "Rank: Chief of Staff of the Army; Chief of Naval Operations; Chief of Staff of the Air Force; Commandant of the Marine Corps" and 747 "Command: when different commands of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard join".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(i)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103, struck out item 744 "Physician to White House: assignment; grade".

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1114(c), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502, added item 742 and struck out item 745 "Warrant officers: rank".

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(b)(5)(B), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175, inserted "; Commandant of the Marine Corps" after "Air Force" in item 743.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(10)(A), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908, as amended Pub. L. 97–22, §10(a)(1), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 136, substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" in item 741.

Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(10)(B), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908, added item 750.

1968—Pub. L. 90–235, §5(a)(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 761, added items 747 and 749.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(19), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1442, struck out item 742 "Rank: officers of regular and reserve components".

§741. Rank: commissioned officers of the armed forces

(a) Among the grades listed below, the grades of general and admiral are equivalent and are senior to other grades and the grades of second lieutenant and ensign are equivalent and are junior to other grades. Intermediate grades rank in the order listed as follows:

Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force	Navy and Coast Guard
General	Admiral.
Lieutenant general	Vice admiral.
Major general	Rear admiral.
Brigadier general	Rear admiral (lower half).
Colonel	Captain.
Lieutenant colonel	Commander.
Major	Lieutenant commander.
Captain	Lieutenant.
First lieutenant	Lieutenant (junior grade).
Second lieutenant	Ensign.

(b) Rank among officers of the same grade or of equivalent grades is determined by comparing dates of rank. An officer whose date of rank is earlier than the date of rank of another officer of the same or equivalent grade is senior to that officer.

(c) Rank among officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force of the same grade or of equivalent grades who have the same date of rank is determined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(d)(1) The date of rank of an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who holds a grade as the result of an original appointment shall be determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned at the time of such appointment. The date of rank of an officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who holds a grade as the result of an original appointment and who at the time of such appointment was awarded service credit for prior commissioned service or constructive credit for advanced education or training, or special experience shall be determined so as to reflect such prior commissioned service or constructive service. Determinations by the Secretary concerned under this paragraph shall be made under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by law, the date of rank of an officer who holds a grade as the result of a promotion is the date of his appointment to that grade.

(3) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, the date of rank of a reserve commissioned officer (other than a warrant officer) of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who is to be placed on the active-duty list and who has not been on continuous active duty since his original appointment as a reserve commissioned officer in a grade above chief warrant officer, W–⁠5, or who is transferred from an inactive status to an active status and placed on the active-duty list or the reserve active-status list may, effective on the date on which he is placed on the active-duty list or reserve active-status list, be changed by the Secretary concerned to a later date to reflect such officer's qualifications and experience. The authority to change the date of rank of a reserve officer who is placed on the active-duty list to a later date does not apply in the case of an officer who (A) has served continuously in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve since the officer's last promotion, or (B) is placed on the active-duty list while on a promotion list as described in section 14317(b) of this title.

(4)(A) The Secretary concerned may adjust the date of rank of an officer appointed under section 624(a) of this title to a higher grade that is not a general officer or flag officer grade if the appointment of that officer to that grade is delayed from the date on which (as determined by the Secretary) it would otherwise have been made by reason of unusual circumstances (as determined by the Secretary) that cause an unintended delay in—

(i) the processing or approval of the report of the selection board recommending the appointment of that officer to that grade; or

(ii) the processing or approval of the promotion list established on the basis of that report.

(B) The adjusted date of rank applicable to the grade of an officer under subparagraph (A) shall be consistent—

(i) with the officer's position on the promotion list for that grade and competitive category when additional officers in that grade and competitive category were needed; and

(ii) with compliance with the applicable authorized strengths for officers in that grade and competitive category.

(C) The adjusted date of rank applicable to the grade of an officer under subparagraph (A) shall be the effective date for—

(i) the officer's pay and allowances for that grade; and

(ii) the officer's position on the active-duty list.

(D) When under subparagraph (A) the Secretary concerned adjusts the date of rank of an officer in a grade to which the officer was appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and the adjustment is to a date before the date of the advice and consent of the Senate to that appointment, the Secretary shall promptly transmit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a notification of that adjustment. Any such notification shall include the name of the officer and a discussion of the reasons for the adjustment of date of rank.

(E) Any adjustment in date of rank under this paragraph shall be made under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, which shall apply uniformly among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 33; Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §107, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 127; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, §405(b)(8), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1106; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(11), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 98–557, §25(c), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2873; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(b)(8), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 629; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1131(1)(A), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1505; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1626, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2962; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(a)(3), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 495; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §506(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1089; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(G), (3)(M), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820, 3821; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(a)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 679.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
741(a)	10:517 (1st and 2d sentences, less applicability to rank within grade). 14:43. 34:651 (less applicability to establishment of commissioned grades, and less applicability to rank within grade). 34:241.	Aug. 7, 1947, ch. 512, §§314(j), 516, 61 Stat. 865, 908. R.S. 1603 (less applicability to establishment of commissioned grades). R.S. 1466. Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1(43), 63 Stat. 498.
	34:241a (1st and 2d sentences, less applicability to rank within grade).
741(b)	10:517 (1st and 2d sentences, as applicable to rank within grade).
	34:241a (1st and 2d sentences, as applicable to rank within grade).
	34:626–1(j).
	34:651 (less applicability to establishment of commissioned grades, and as applicable to rank within grade).
741(c)	10:517 (less 1st and 2d sentences). 34:241a (less 1st and 2d sentences).

In subsection (a), the word "Regular", pertaining to major generals and brigadier generals, in 10:517 and 34:241a, is omitted, since the last sentence of 10:517 and 34:241a establish the rank of nonregular officers of the Army and the Air Force, with respect to officers of the Regular Army and the Regular Air Force. The effect of establishing their rank with respect to regular officers, when read in connection with the provisions prescribing the rank of officers of the regular components with officers of the other services, under 10:517 (less last sentence), 34:241a (less last sentence), and 34:241, is therefore to establish the rank of nonregular officers with respect to officers of the other listed services. This allows a consolidation of 10:517 (less last sentence, as applicable to rank), 34:241, and 34:241a (less last sentence, as applicable to rank), together with 34:651, into a table of rank among officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The words "lineal rank only being considered", in 34:241, are covered by setting forth the grades in tabular form. The words "whether on the active or retired list", in 34:241, are omitted, since retired officers of the Navy continue to be officers of the Navy. The words "Lieutenant (junior grade)" are substituted for the word "masters", in R.S. 1466, to reflect the change made in the name of that grade by the Act of March 3, 1883, ch. 97 (2d par.), 22 Stat. 472.

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "entitled to pay" and "entitled to the pay", respectively, are inserted, since rear admiral is one grade with two ranks depending on the amount of pay to which the incumbent is entitled.

In subsection (b), the words "in such grades", in 10:517 and 34:241a, are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (c), the words "A commissioned officer of the Army or the Air Force" are substituted for the words "All officers of the Army of the United States, including all components thereof", since rank among officers of the Regular Army and Regular Air Force is determined under sections 3573, 3574, 8573, and 8574 of this title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" in table.

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(1)(G), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" in two places.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(3)(M), substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(1)(G), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps" wherever appearing.

2001—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 107–107 added par. (4).

1996—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 104–106 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 103–337, §1626(1). See 1994 Amendment note below.

1994—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 103–337, §1626(3), inserted at end "The authority to change the date of rank of a reserve officer who is placed on the active-duty list to a later date does not apply in the case of an officer who (A) has served continuously in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve since the officer's last promotion, or (B) is placed on the active-duty list while on a promotion list as described in section 14317(b) of this title."

Pub. L. 103–337, §1626(2), inserted "or reserve active-status list" after "he is placed on the active-duty list".

Pub. L. 103–337, §1626(1), as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, inserted "or who is transferred from an inactive status to an active status and placed on the active-duty list or the reserve active-status list may, effective on the date on which he is placed on the active-duty list" after "warrant officer, W–⁠5,".

1991—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted "chief warrant officer, W–⁠5," for "warrant officer (W–4)".

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "Rear admiral (lower half)" for "Commodore" in table.

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–557 struck out "(Navy) and Rear admiral (upper half) (Coast Guard)" after "Rear admiral" and "(Navy) and Rear admiral (lower half) (Coast Guard)" after "Commodore" in table.

1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "the" for "the the" after "uniformly among".

1981—Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h)(4), substituted "armed forces" for "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–86 substituted "Commodore" for "Commodore admiral" in right column of table opposite Brigadier general.

Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h)(1), inserted reference to the Coast Guard in column heading and inserted references to Rear admiral (upper half) (Coast Guard) and Rear admiral (lower half) (Coast Guard).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h)(2), inserted "of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" after "Rank among officers".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h)(3)(A), inserted "of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps" after "officer" in two places.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 97–22, §4(h)(3)(B), inserted "of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps" after "(other than a warrant officer)".

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 completely revised section to restructure and redefine various ranks of commissioned officers of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy and relationships of officers in those ranks among themselves.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §506(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1090, provided that:

"(1) Paragraph (4) of section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and paragraph (2) of section 14308(c) of such title, as added by subsection (b), shall apply with respect to any report of a selection board recommending officers for promotion to the next higher grade that is submitted to the Secretary of the military department concerned on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001].

"(2) The Secretary of the military department concerned may apply the applicable paragraph referred to in paragraph (1) in the case of an appointment of an officer to a higher grade resulting from a report of a selection board submitted to the Secretary before the date of the enactment of this Act if the Secretary determines that such appointment would have been made on an earlier date that is on or after October 1, 2001, and was delayed under the circumstances specified in paragraph (4) of section 741(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective as if included in the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as enacted on Oct. 5, 1994, see section 1501(f)(3) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 113 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1691(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–86 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 405(f) of Pub. L. 97–86, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under the amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§742. Rank: warrant officers

(a) Among warrant officer grades, warrant officer grades of a higher numerical designation are senior to warrant officer grades of a lower numerical designation.

(b) Rank among warrant officers of the same grade, and date of rank of warrant officers, is determined in the same manner as prescribed in section 741 of this title for officers in grades above warrant officer grades.

(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1114(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 742, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34, related to rank of regular officers and reserve officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(4), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§743. Rank: Chief of Staff of the Army; Chief of Naval Operations; Chief of Staff of the Air Force; Commandant of the Marine Corps; Chief of Space Operations

The Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of Space Operations rank among themselves according to dates of appointment to those offices, and rank above all other officers on the active-duty list of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, except the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34; Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §501(11), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908; Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §202(b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1010; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(a)(2), (b)(5)(A), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1)(H), (20)(A), (B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820, 3823.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
743	5:626c(b).	July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §208(b), 61 Stat. 503; Sept. 19, 1951, ch. 407, §402, 65 Stat. 333.

5:626c(b) (1st sentence) is omitted as superseded by sections 8031(a)(1) and 8034(a) of this title. 5:626c(b) (2d sentence) is omitted as covered by section 8034(d) of this title. 5:626c(b) (3d and 4th sentences) is omitted as executed. 5:626c(b) (5th sentence) is omitted as covered by section 8034(b) of this title. 5:626c(b) (proviso of last sentence) is omitted as executed, since the incumbents to whom it is applied no longer hold the offices mentioned. The exception as to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is included because of section 142(c) of this title. The words "and the Marine Corps" are inserted, since under section 5081 of this title the Chief of Naval Operations takes precedence over all other officers of the naval service.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(20)(B), amended section catchline generally. Prior to amendment, section catchline read as follows: "Rank: Chief of Staff of the Army; Chief of Naval Operations; Chief of Staff of the Air Force; Commandant of the Marine Corps".

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(20)(A), substituted "the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of Space Operations" for "and the Commandant of the Marine Corps".

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(1)(H), substituted "Marine Corps, and Space Force" for "and Marine Corps".

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(b)(5)(A), inserted "; Commandant of the Marine Corps" after "Air Force" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(a)(2), made technical correction in directory language of Pub. L. 99–433. See 1986 Amendment note below.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433, as amended by Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(a)(2), inserted reference to the Commandant of the Marine Corp and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "active-duty list" for "active list".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(e)(1), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1176, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section, sections 2431 to 2434 of this title, and provisions set out as notes under sections 111 and 3033 of this title] shall apply as if included in the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 (Public Law 99–433)."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

[§744. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(i)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2103]

Section, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34, related to assignment and grade of physician to the White House.

[§745. Repealed. Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1114(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1502]

Section, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34, related to ranking of warrant officers. See section 742 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 521 of this title.

§747. Command: when different commands of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard join

When different commands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard join or serve together, the officer highest in rank in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on duty there, who is otherwise eligible to command, commands all those forces unless otherwise directed by the President.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §5(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 760; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(2)(A)(iv), (B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(2)(B), amended section catchline generally. Prior to amendment, section catchline read as follows: "Command: when different commands of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard join".

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(2)(A)(iv), substituted "Marine Corps, Space Force," for "Marine Corps," in two places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§749. Command: commissioned officers in same grade or corresponding grades on duty at same place

(a) When the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, has on duty in the same area, field command, or organization two or more commissioned officers of the same grade who are otherwise eligible to command, the President may assign the command without regard to rank in that grade.

(b) When officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard are on duty in the same area, field, command, or organization and two or more commissioned officers of different services, who are otherwise eligible to command, have the same grade or corresponding grades, the President may assign the command without regard to rank in that grade.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §5(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 760; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(2)(A)(v), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, Space Force," for "Marine Corps," in subsecs. (a) and (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Authority

For delegation of authority of President under this section, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12765, June 11, 1991, 56 F.R. 27401, set out as a note under section 113 of this title.

§750. Command: retired officers

A retired officer has no right to command except when on active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §108, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2870.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

CHAPTER 45—THE UNIFORM

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §505(a)(2), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4210, added item 777a.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §503(a)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 294, added item 777.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title III, §377(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2387, added item 775 and redesignated former item 775 as 776.

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §508(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1087, added item 774 and redesignated former item 774 as 775.

1968—Pub. L. 90–235, §8(1)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 764, added item 771a.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Requirements Relating to Reduction of Out-Of-Pocket Costs of Members of the Armed Forces for Uniform Items

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title III, §390, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2549, provided that:

"(a) Tracking Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary to track the expected useful life of uniform items for officers and enlisted members of the Armed Forces, for the purposes of—

"(1) estimating the rate at which such uniform items are replaced;

"(2) determining the resulting out-of-pocket costs for such members over time;

"(3) determining the necessity of establishing a uniform replacement allowance for officers of the Armed Forces, based on the replacement rate estimated pursuant to paragraph (1) and the out-of-pocket costs determined pursuant to paragraph (2); and

"(4) determining the adequacy of the uniform allowance for enlisted members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Report.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the expected useful life of required uniform items for members of the Armed Forces, projected changes to such required uniform items, and related costs anticipated by the Secretary (disaggregated by Armed Force). Such report shall include—

"(1) pricing information for each such item, including items that are not considered uniquely military; and

"(2) an assessment of the necessity of establishing a uniform replacement allowance for officers of the Armed Forces, as determined pursuant to subsection (a)(3)."

Pilot Program for Temporary Issuance of Maternity-Related Uniform Items

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title III, §361, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3546, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, shall carry out a pilot program for issuing maternity-related uniform items to pregnant members of the Armed Forces, on a temporary basis and at no cost to such member. In carrying out the pilot program, the Director shall take the following actions:

"(1) The Director shall maintain a stock of each type of maternity-related uniform item determined necessary by the Secretary concerned, including service uniforms items, utility uniform items, and other items relating to the command and duty assignment of the member requiring issuance.

"(2) The Director shall ensure that such items have not been treated with the chemical permethrin.

"(3) The Director, in coordination with the Secretary concerned, shall determine a standard number of maternity-related uniform items that may be issued per member.

"(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that any member receiving a maternity-related uniform item returns such item to the relevant office established under paragraph (1) on the date on which the Secretary concerned determines the member no longer requires such item.

"(5) The Secretary concerned shall inspect, process, repair, clean, and re-stock items returned by a member pursuant to paragraph (4) for re-issuance from such relevant office.

"(6) The Director, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, may issue such guidance and regulations as necessary to carry out the pilot program.

"(b) Termination.—No maternity-related uniform items may be issued to a member of the Armed Forces under the pilot program after September 30, 2026.

"(c) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2025, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the pilot program. Such report shall include each of the following:

"(1) For each year during which the pilot program was carried out, the number of members of the Armed Forces who received a maternity-related uniform item under the pilot program.

"(2) An overview of the costs associated with, and any savings realized by, the pilot program, including a comparison of the cost of maintaining a stock of maternity-related uniform items for issuance under the pilot program versus the cost of providing allowances to members for purchasing such items.

"(3) A recommendation on whether the pilot program should be extended after the date of termination under subsection (b) and whether legislation is necessary for such extension.

"(4) Any other matters that the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate."

Functional Badge or Insignia Upon Commission for Chaplains

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §510B, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1348, provided that: "A military chaplain shall receive a functional badge or insignia upon commission."

Notification Requirements Relating to Changes to Uniform of Members of the Uniformed Services

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title III, §356, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1732, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title III, §348, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3542, provided that:

"(a) Contractor Notification.—The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall notify a contractor when one of the uniformed services plans to make a change to a uniform component that is provided by that contractor. Such a notification shall be made not less than 12 months prior to any announcement of a public solicitation for the manufacture of the new uniform component.

"(b) Waiver.—If the Secretary of a military department or the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency determines that the notification requirement under subsection (a) would adversely affect operational safety, force protection, or the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary or the Director may waive such requirement."

Revised Policy on Ground Combat and Camouflage Utility Uniforms

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title III, §352(a)–(f), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 742, 743, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Policy.—It is the policy of the United States that the Secretary of Defense shall eliminate the development and fielding of Armed Force-specific combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms in order to adopt and field a common combat and camouflage utility uniform or family of uniforms for specific combat environments to be used by all members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Prohibition.—Except as provided in subsection (c), after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of a military department may not adopt any new camouflage pattern design or uniform fabric for any combat or camouflage utility uniform or family of uniforms for use by an Armed Force, unless—

"(1) the new design or fabric is a combat or camouflage utility uniform or family of uniforms that will be adopted by all Armed Forces;

"(2) the Secretary adopts a uniform already in use by another Armed Force; or

"(3) the Secretary of Defense grants an exception based on unique circumstances or operational requirements.

"(c) Exceptions.—Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed as—

"(1) prohibiting the development of combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms for use by personnel assigned to or operating in support of the unified combatant command for special operations forces described in section 167 of title 10, United States Code;

"(2) prohibiting engineering modifications to existing uniforms that improve the performance of combat and camouflage utility uniforms, including power harnessing or generating textiles, fire resistant fabrics, and anti-vector, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial treatments;

"(3) prohibiting the Secretary of a military department from fielding ancillary uniform items, including headwear, footwear, body armor, and any other such items as determined by the Secretary;

"(4) prohibiting the Secretary of a military department from issuing vehicle crew uniforms;

"(5) prohibiting cosmetic service-specific uniform modifications to include insignia, pocket orientation, closure devices, inserts, and undergarments; or

"(6) prohibiting the continued fielding or use of pre-existing service-specific or operation-specific combat uniforms as long as the uniforms continue to meet operational requirements.

"(d) Registration Required.—The Secretary of a military department shall formally register with the Joint Clothing and Textiles Governance Board all uniforms in use by an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and all such uniforms planned for use by such an Armed Force.

"(e) Limitation on Restriction.—The Secretary of a military department may not prevent the Secretary of another military department from authorizing the use of any combat or camouflage utility uniform or family of uniforms.

"(f) Guidance Required.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to implement this section.

"(2) Content.—At a minimum, the guidance required by paragraph (1) shall require the Secretary of each of the military departments—

"(A) in cooperation with the commanders of the combatant commands, including the unified combatant command for special operations forces, to establish, by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, joint criteria for combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms, which shall be included in all new requirements documents for such uniforms;

"(B) to continually work together to assess and develop new technologies that could be incorporated into future combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms to improve war fighter survivability;

"(C) to ensure that new combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms meet the geographic and operational requirements of the commanders of the combatant commands; and

"(D) to ensure that all new combat and camouflage utility uniforms and families of uniforms achieve interoperability with all components of individual war fighter systems, including body armor, organizational clothing and individual equipment, and other individual protective systems."

Policy on Ground Combat and Camouflage Utility Uniforms

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title III, §352, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2262, related to policy on ground combat and camouflage utility uniforms, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title III, §352(g), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 743.

§771. Unauthorized wearing prohibited

Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, as the case may be, may wear—

(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force; or

(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(N), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
771	10:1393 (1st par., less provisos).	June 3, 1916, ch. 134, §125 (1st par., less provisos), 39 Stat. 216.

The words "Except as otherwise provided by law" are inserted to give effect to exceptions in other revised sections of this title and to provisions of other laws giving such organizations as the Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Public Health Service permission to wear military uniforms under certain conditions.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" wherever appearing.

§771a. Disposition on discharge

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), when an enlisted member of an armed force is discharged, the exterior articles of uniform in his possession that were issued to him, other than those that he may wear from the place of discharge to his home under section 772(d) of this title, shall be retained for military use.

(b) When an enlisted member of an armed force is discharged for bad conduct, undesirability, unsuitability, inaptitude, or otherwise than honorably—

(1) the exterior articles of uniform in his possession shall be retained for military use;

(2) under such regulations as the Secretary concerned prescribes, a suit of civilian clothing and an overcoat when necessary, both to cost not more than $30, may be issued to him; and

(3) if he would be otherwise without funds to meet his immediate needs, he may be paid an amount, fixed by the Secretary concerned, of not more than $25.

(c) When an enlisted member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard who has been called into Federal service is released from that service, the exterior articles of uniform in his possession shall be accounted for as property issued to the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be, of the State or territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia of whose Army National Guard or Air National Guard he is a member, as prescribed in section 708 of title 32.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §8(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 763; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title XII, §1234(a)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2059.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–456 struck out "the Canal Zone," after "Puerto Rico,".

§772. When wearing by persons not on active duty authorized

(a) A member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard may wear the uniform prescribed for the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be.

(b) A member of the Naval Militia may wear the uniform prescribed for the Naval Militia.

(c) A retired officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may bear the title and wear the uniform of his retired grade.

(d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.

(e) A person not on active duty who served honorably in time of war in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may bear the title, and, when authorized by regulations prescribed by the President, wear the uniform, of the highest grade held by him during that war.

(f) While portraying a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, an actor in a theatrical or motion-picture production may wear the uniform of that armed force if the portrayal does not tend to discredit that armed force.

(g) An officer or resident of a veterans' home administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may wear such uniform as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe.

(h) While attending a course of military instruction conducted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, a civilian may wear the uniform prescribed by that armed force if the wear of such uniform is specifically authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned.

(i) Under such regulations as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe, a citizen of a foreign country who graduates from an Air Force or Space Force school may wear the appropriate aviation or space badges of the Air Force or Space Force.

(j) A person in any of the following categories may wear the uniform prescribed for that category:

(1) Members of the Boy Scouts of America.

(2) Members of any other organization designated by the Secretary of a military department.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 35; Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1301(a)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 735; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §551(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2525; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(O), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 680.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
772(a)     772(b)       772(c)       772(d)     772(e)	10:1393 (words before 1st semicolon of 1st proviso of 1st par.). 10:1393 (15th through 18th words after 1st semicolon of 1st proviso of 1st par.). 10:1023 (1st sentence). 34:43g(i). 34:389 (less 1st and 3d sentences). 10:1393 (words between 3d and 4th semicolons of 1st proviso of 1st par.). 10:1028b. 10:1393 (words between 2d and 3d semicolons of 1st proviso of 1st par.).	June 3, 1916, ch. 134, §12 (words before 4th semicolon, and words after 7th semicolon, of 1st proviso of 1st par.; and last proviso of last par.), 39 Stat. 216; July 9, 1918, ch. 143, subch. XVII, §10 (last proviso), 40 Stat. 892; June 4, 1920, ch. 228, §8, 41 Stat. 836; June 6, 1942, ch. 382, 56 Stat. 328; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §15(b) (last proviso), 63 Stat. 91; July 6, 1953, ch. 180, §1, 67 Stat. 140.
	34:399d.	R.S. 1256 (1st sentence).
772(f)	10:1393 (words between 8th and 9th semicolons of 1st proviso of 1st par.).	R.S. 1457 (less 1st and 3d sentences); May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §14(f), 64 Stat. 147.
772(g)   772(h)	10:1393 (last proviso of last par.). 10:1393 (words between 7th and 8th semicolons of 1st proviso of 1st par.).	Apr. 16, 1947, ch. 38, §207(j), 61 Stat. 50; as redesignated (i); Aug. 7, 1947, ch. 512, §434(d), 61 Stat. 882.
772(i)     772(j)	10:1393 (words after 9th semicolon of 1st proviso of 1st par.). 10:1393 (words between 1st and 2d semicolons of 1st proviso of 1st par., less 15th through 18th words).	June 21, 1930, ch. 563, §2; restated Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §12, 63 Stat. 559; July 6, 1953, ch. 180, §2, 67 Stat. 140.

In subsections (a), (b), (d), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), the rules stated in the corresponding clauses of the first proviso of the first paragraph, and the last proviso of the last paragraph, of 10:1393, are restated to make positive the authority of the persons described in those subsections to wear the uniform prescribed for the appropriate organization or activity.

In subsection (c), the words "bear the title", in 34:43g(i), applicable only to retired officers of the Navy Nurse Corps, are made applicable to other retired officers, to make explicit what has heretofore been implicit, that a retired officer may continue to bear the title of his retired grade.

In subsection (e), the words between the second and third semicolons of the first proviso of the first paragraph of 10:1393 are omitted as superseded by 10:1028b and 34:399d, which authorize the wearing of the uniform by members who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions. The words "when authorized by regulations prescribed by" are substituted for the words "occasions authorized by regulations of".

In subsection (f), the words "while portraying a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, an actor in a theatrical or motion-picture production" are substituted for the words "any person from wearing the uniform of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, in any playhouse or theater or in moving-picture films while actually engaged in representing therein a military or naval character".

In subsection (g), the word "resident" is substituted for the word "members", since the word "members" related to members of the now disbanded National Home for disabled volunteer soldiers to which were admitted "members" of an organization called the "Disabled Volunteer Soldiers". The words "veterans' home" are substituted for the words "national home for veterans", since there are now no "national homes" administered by the Veterans' Administration.

In subsection (h), the words "authorized and" and "for wear during such course of instruction" are omitted as surplusage. The word "naval" is omitted as covered by the word "military". The words "Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps" are substituted for the words "military or naval authorities". The words "that armed force" are substituted for the words "such military or naval authorities".

In subsection (i), the words "Air Force school" are substituted for the words "Air Force advanced flying schools or Air Force service schools". The words "in such manner" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section as enacted by act Aug. 10, 1956, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 118–31, §1741(b)(2)(B), substituted "aviation or space badges of the Air Force or Space Force" for "aviation badges of the Air Force".

Pub. L. 118–31, §1741(b)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subsec. (i) by substituting "an Air Force or Space Force school" for "an Air Force School", was executed by making the substitution for "an Air Force school" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" wherever appearing.

1996—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–201 inserted before period at end "if the wear of such uniform is specifically authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned".

1989—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".

1985—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145 struck out provisions relating to a retired officer of the Navy Nurse Corps.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 10554. Delegation of Authority To Prescribe Regulations

Ex. Ord. No. 10554, Aug. 18, 1954, 19 F.R. 5295, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §77, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10631, provided:

The authority vested in the President (1) by section 125 of the act of June 3, 1916, 39 Stat. 216, as amended by the first section of the act of July 6, 1953, 67 Stat. 140, and (2) by section 2 of the act of June 21, 1930, 46 Stat. 793, as amended by section 2 of said act of July 6, 1953, to prescribe regulations authorizing occasions upon which the uniform may be worn by persons who have served honorably in the armed forces of the United States in time of war is hereby delegated to the Secretary of Defense so far as it pertains to the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and to the Secretary of Homeland Security so far as it pertains to the uniform of the Coast Guard.

§773. When distinctive insignia required

(a) A person for whom one of the following uniforms is prescribed may wear it, if it includes distinctive insignia prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned to distinguish it from the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, as the case may be:

(1) The uniform prescribed by the university, college, or school for an instructor or member of the organized cadet corps of—

(A) a State university or college, or a public high school, having a regular course of military instruction; or

(B) an educational institution having a regular course of military instruction, and having a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force as instructor in military science and tactics.

(2) The uniform prescribed by a military society composed of persons discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force to be worn by a member of that society when authorized by regulations prescribed by the President.

(b) A uniform prescribed under subsection (a) may not include insignia of grade the same as, or similar to, those prescribed for officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

(c) Under such regulations as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe, any person who is permitted to attend a course of instruction prescribed for members of a reserve officers' training corps, and who is not a member of that corps, may, while attending that course of instruction, wear the uniform of that corps.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 35; Pub. L. 85–355, Mar. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 66; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(P), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
773(a)       773(b)	10:1393 (words between 4th and 7th semicolons of 1st proviso, and 2d proviso, of 1st par.). 10:1393 (last proviso of 1st par.).	June 3, 1916, ch. 134, §125 (words between 4th and 7th semicolons of 1st proviso, and 2d and last provisos, of 1st par.), 39 Stat. 216; June 4, 1920, ch. 228, §8, 41 Stat. 836; Sept. 15, 1951, ch. 402, 65 Stat. 323; July 6, 1953, ch. 180, §1, 67 Stat. 140.

In subsection (a), the word "mark" is omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (a)(2), the words "persons discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from" are substituted for the words "entirely of honorably discharged officers or enlisted men, or both, of". The words "Regular or Volunteer" are omitted as surplusage. The words "when authorized by regulations prescribed by" are substituted for the words "upon occasions authorized by regulations of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps" in subsec. (a) wherever appearing and in subsec. (b).

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–355 added subsec. (c).

§774. Religious apparel: wearing while in uniform

(a) General Rule.—Except as provided under subsection (b), a member of the armed forces may wear an item of religious apparel while wearing the uniform of the member's armed force.

(b) Exceptions.—The Secretary concerned may prohibit the wearing of an item of religious apparel—

(1) in circumstances with respect to which the Secretary determines that the wearing of the item would interfere with the performance of the member's military duties; or

(2) if the Secretary determines, under regulations under subsection (c), that the item of apparel is not neat and conservative.

(c) Regulations.—The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations concerning the wearing of religious apparel by members of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction while the members are wearing the uniform. Such regulations shall be consistent with subsections (a) and (b).

(d) Religious Apparel Defined.—In this section, the term "religious apparel" means apparel the wearing of which is part of the observance of the religious faith practiced by the member.

(Added Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §508(a)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1086.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 774 was renumbered section 776 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §508(c), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1087, directed the Secretary concerned to prescribe the regulations required by subsec. (c) of this section not later than the end of the 120-day period beginning on Dec. 4, 1987.

§775. Issue of uniform without charge

(a) Issue of Uniform.—The Secretary concerned may issue a uniform, without charge, to any of the following members:

(1) A member who is being repatriated after being held as a prisoner of war.

(2) A member who is being treated at or released from a medical treatment facility as a consequence of being wounded or injured during military hostilities.

(3) A member who, as a result of the member's duties, has unique uniform requirements.

(4) Any other member, if the Secretary concerned determines, under exceptional circumstances, that the issue of the uniform to that member would significantly benefit the morale and welfare of the member and be advantageous to the armed force concerned.

(b) Retention of Uniform as a Personal Item.—Notwithstanding section 771a of this title, a uniform issued to a member under this section may be retained by the member as a personal item.

(Added Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title III, §377(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2386.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 775 was renumbered section 776 of this title.

§776. Applicability of chapter

This chapter applies in—

(1) the United States;

(2) the territories, commonwealths, and possessions of the United States; and

(3) all other places under the jurisdiction of the United States.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 36, §774; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(a)(1), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3992; Pub. L. 100–26, §3(6), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 273; renumbered §775, Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §508(a)(1), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1086; renumbered §776, Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title III, §377(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2386.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
774	10:1393 (less 1st and last pars.).	June 3, 1916, ch. 134, §125 (less 1st and last pars.), 39 Stat. 216; Apr. 15, 1948, ch. 188, 62 Stat. 172; June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21 (as applicable to §125 of the Act of June 3, 1916, ch. 134), 62 Stat. 864; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §§15(b) (less last par.), 142 (as applicable to the Act of Apr. 15, 1948, ch. 188), 63 Stat. 91, 110.

The words "the Canal Zone, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands as well as to * * * other" are omitted as covered by the words "possessions, and all other places under its jurisdiction".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 renumbered section 775 of this title as this section.

1987—Pub. L. 100–180 renumbered section 774 of this title as this section.

Pub. L. 100–26 amended directory language of Pub. L. 99–661. See 1986 Amendment note below.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, as amended by Pub. L. 100–26, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "This chapter applies in the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and all other places under its jurisdiction."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–26, §12(a), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 289, provided that: "The amendments made by section 3 [amending this section and sections 1032, 1408, 1450, 1588, 2007, 2364, and 5150 of this title, and section 4703 of Title 20, Education, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1006 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] shall apply as if included in Public Law 99–661 when enacted on November 14, 1986."

§777. Wearing of insignia of higher grade before promotion (frocking): authority; restrictions

(a) Authority.—An officer in a grade below the grade of major general or, in the case of the Navy, rear admiral, who has been selected for promotion to the next higher grade may be authorized, under regulations and policies of the Department of Defense and subject to subsection (b), to wear the insignia for that next higher grade. An officer who is so authorized to wear the insignia of the next higher grade is said to be "frocked" to that grade.

(b) Restrictions.—An officer may not be authorized to wear the insignia for a grade as described in subsection (a) unless—

(1) the Senate has given its advice and consent to the appointment of the officer to that grade;

(2) the officer is serving in, or has received orders to serve in, a position for which that grade is authorized; and

(3) in the case of an officer selected for promotion to a grade above colonel or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, a grade above captain—

(A) authority for that officer to wear the insignia of that grade has been approved by the Secretary of Defense (or a civilian officer within the Office of the Secretary of Defense whose appointment was made with the advice and consent of the Senate and to whom the Secretary delegates such approval authority); and

(B) the Secretary of Defense has submitted to Congress a written notification of the intent to authorize the officer to wear the insignia for that grade.

(c) Benefits Not To Be Construed as Accruing.—(1) Authority provided to an officer as described in subsection (a) to wear the insignia of the next higher grade may not be construed as conferring authority for that officer to—

(A) be paid the rate of pay provided for an officer in that grade having the same number of years of service as that officer; or

(B) assume any legal authority associated with that grade.

(2) The period for which an officer wears the insignia of the next higher grade under such authority may not be taken into account for any of the following purposes:

(A) Seniority in that grade.

(B) Time of service in that grade.

(d) Limitation on Number of Officers Frocked to Specified Grades.—(1) The total number of colonels, Navy captains, brigadier generals, and rear admirals (lower half) on the active-duty list who are authorized as described in subsection (a) to wear the insignia for the next higher grade may not exceed 85.

(2) The number of officers of an armed force on the active-duty list, or for the Space Force, the Space Force officer list, who are authorized as described in subsection (a) to wear the insignia for a grade to which a limitation on total number applies under section 523(a) of this title for a fiscal year may not exceed 1 percent, or, for the grades of colonel and Navy captain, 2 percent, of the total number provided for the officers in that grade in that armed force in the administration of the limitation under that section for that fiscal year.

(Added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §503(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 294; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §505, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §502, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 590; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §509(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1458; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §503, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1875; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §§503(c), 504, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3226; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §505(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4210; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(e), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 671.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted ", or for the Space Force, the Space Force officer list," after "active-duty list".

2011—Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–383 struck out "and a period of 30 days has elapsed after the date of the notification" after "grade".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163, §503(c), inserted "in a grade below the grade of major general or, in the case of the Navy, rear admiral," after "An officer" in first sentence.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–163, §504(1), substituted "colonels, Navy captains, brigadier generals, and rear admirals (lower half)" for "brigadier generals and Navy rear admirals (lower half)" and "the next higher grade may not exceed 85" for "the grade of major general or rear admiral, as the case may be, may not exceed 30".

Subsec. (d)(2), (3). Pub. L. 109–163, §504(2), (3), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The total number of colonels and Navy captains on the active-duty list who are authorized as described in subsection (a) to wear the insignia for the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half), as the case may be, may not exceed 55."

2004—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–375 added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively.

2003—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 108–136 added par. (3).

1999—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "55." for "the following:" and struck out subpars. (A) to (C) which read as follows:

"(A) During fiscal years 1996 and 1997, 75.

"(B) During fiscal year 1998, 55.

"(C) After fiscal year 1998, 35."

1997—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–85 inserted ", or, for the grades of colonel and Navy captain, 2 percent," after "1 percent".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §509(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1459, provided that: "Paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of section 777 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall not apply with respect to the wearing by an officer of insignia for a grade that was authorized under that section before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003]."

Temporary Variation of Limitations on Numbers of Frocked Officers

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §503(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 294, provided that in the administration of former subsec. (d)(2) of this section, the percent limitation applied under that section for fiscal year 1996 would be 2 percent, rather than 1 percent.

§777a. Wearing of insignia of higher grade before appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral (frocking): authority; restrictions

(a) Authority.—An officer serving in a grade below the grade of lieutenant general or, in the case of the Navy, vice admiral, who has been selected for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general or general, or, in the case of the Navy, vice admiral or admiral, and an officer serving in the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral who has been selected for appointment to the grade of general or admiral, may be authorized, under regulations and policies of the Department of Defense and subject to subsection (b), to wear the insignia for that higher grade for a period of up to 14 days before assuming the duties of a position for which the higher grade is authorized. An officer who is so authorized to wear the insignia of a higher grade is said to be "frocked" to that grade.

(b) Restrictions.—An officer may not be authorized to wear the insignia for a grade as described in subsection (a) unless—

(1) the Senate has given its advice and consent to the appointment of the officer to that grade;

(2) the officer has received orders to serve in a position outside the military department of that officer for which that grade is authorized;

(3) the Secretary of Defense (or a civilian officer within the Office of the Secretary of Defense whose appointment was made with the advice and consent of the Senate and to whom the Secretary delegates such approval authority) has given approval for the officer to wear the insignia for that grade before assuming the duties of a position for which that grade is authorized; and

(4) the Secretary of Defense has submitted to Congress a written notification of the intent to authorize the officer to wear the insignia for that grade.

(c) Benefits Not to Be Construed as Accruing.—(1) Authority provided to an officer as described in subsection (a) to wear the insignia of a higher grade may not be construed as conferring authority for that officer to—

(A) be paid the rate of pay provided for an officer in that grade having the same number of years of service as that officer; or

(B) assume any legal authority associated with that grade.

(2) The period for which an officer wears the insignia of a higher grade under such authority may not be taken into account for any of the following purposes:

(A) Seniority in that grade.

(B) Time of service in that grade.

(d) Limitation on Number of Officers Frocked.—The total number of officers who are authorized to wear the insignia for a higher grade under this section shall count against the limitation in section 777(d) of this title on the total number of officers authorized to wear the insignia of a higher grade.

(Added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §505(a)(1), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4208.)

CHAPTER 47—UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE

Subchapter		Sec.	Art.
I.	General Provisions	801	1
II.	Apprehension and Restraint	807	7
III.	Non-Judicial Punishment	815	15
IV.	Court-Martial Jurisdiction	816	16
V.	Composition of Courts-Martial	822	22
VI.	Pre-Trial Procedure	830	30
VII.	Trial Procedure	836	36
VIII.	Sentences	855	55
IX.	Post-Trial Procedure and Review of Courts-Martial	859	59
X.	Punitive Articles	877	77
XI.	Miscellaneous Provisions	935	135
XII.	United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces	941	141

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(3)(B), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2832, substituted "United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" in item for subchapter XII.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1304(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1576, added item for subchapter XII.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209, §5(h)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400, substituted "IX. Post-Trial Procedure and Review of Courts-Martial" for "IX. Review of Courts-Martial".

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §33(a)(6), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1564, substituted 801, 807, 815, 816, 822, 830, 836, 855, 859, 877 and 935 for 1901, 1913, 1929, 1931, 1943, 1959, 1971, 2009, 2017, 2053 and 2169, respectively.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.	Art.
801.	1.	Definitions.
802.	2.	Persons subject to this chapter.
803.	3.	Jurisdiction to try certain personnel.
804.	4.	Dismissed officer's right to trial by court-martial.
805.	5.	Territorial applicability of this chapter.
806.	6.	Judge advocates and legal officers.
806a.	6a.	Investigation and disposition of matters pertaining to the fitness of military judges.
806b.	6b.	Rights of the victim of an offense under this chapter.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 953, added item 806b.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1304(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1576, added item 806a.

§801. Article 1. Definitions

In this chapter (the Uniform Code of Military Justice):

(1) The term "Judge Advocate General" means, severally, the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and, except when the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy, an official designated to serve as Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(2) The Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard when it is operating as a service in the Navy, shall be considered as one armed force.

(3) The term "commanding officer" includes only commissioned officers.

(4) The term "officer in charge" means a member of the Navy, the Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard designated as such by appropriate authority.

(5) The term "superior commissioned officer" means a commissioned officer superior in rank or command.

(6) The term "cadet" means a cadet of the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy.

(7) The term "midshipman" means a midshipman of the United States Naval Academy and any other midshipman on active duty in the naval service.

(8) The term "military" refers to any or all of the armed forces.

(9) The term "accuser" means a person who signs and swears to charges, any person who directs that charges nominally be signed and sworn to by another, and any other person who has an interest other than an official interest in the prosecution of the accused.

(10) The term "military judge" means a judge advocate designated under section 826(c) of this title (article 26(c)) who is detailed under section 826(a) or section 830a of this title (article 26(a) or 30a).

(11) The term "military magistrate" means a commissioned officer certified for duty as a military magistrate in accordance with section 826a of this title (article 26a).

(12) The term "legal officer" means any commissioned officer of the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard designated to perform legal duties for a command.

(13) The term "judge advocate" means—

(A) an officer of the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the Army, the Navy, or the Air Force;

(B) an officer of the Marine Corps who is designated as a judge advocate; or

(C) a commissioned officer of the Coast Guard designated for special duty (law).

(14) The term "record", when used in connection with the proceedings of a court-martial, means—

(A) an official written transcript, written summary, or other writing relating to the proceedings; or

(B) an official audiotape, videotape, or similar material from which sound, or sound and visual images, depicting the proceedings may be reproduced.

(15) The term "classified information" means (A) any information or material that has been determined by an official of the United States pursuant to law, an Executive order, or regulation to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security, and (B) any restricted data, as defined in section 11(y) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(y)).

(16) The term "national security" means the national defense and foreign relations of the United States.

(17) The term "covered offense" means—

(A) an offense under section 917a (article 117a), section 918 (article 118), section 919 (article 119), section 919a (article 119a), section 920 (article 120), section 920a (article 120a), section 920b (article 120b), section 920c (article 120c), section 925 (article 125), section 928b (article 128b), section 930 (article 130), section 932 (article 132), the standalone offense of child pornography punishable under section 934 (article 134), or the standalone offense of sexual harassment punishable under section 934 (article 134) of this title in each instance in which a formal complaint is made and such formal complaint is substantiated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned;

(B) a conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81);

(C) a solicitation to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 882 of this title (article 82); or

(D) an attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

(18) The term "special trial counsel" means a judge advocate detailed as a special trial counsel in accordance with section 824a of this title (article 24a) and includes a judge advocate appointed as a lead special trial counsel pursuant to section 1044f(a)(2) of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 36; Pub. L. 89–670, §10(g), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(1), (2), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 545; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(1), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335; Pub. L. 98–209, §§2(a), 6(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, 1400; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XII, §1231(17), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title XII, §1233(f)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2057; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1141(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 467; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(2), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §218(a), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 526; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LI, §5101, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2894; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(21), (c)(1)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1595, 1597; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §533, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1695; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §541(a)(1), (b)(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2579, 2580.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
801	50:551 (less (9)).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 1 (less (9))), 64 Stat. 108.

The words "In this chapter" are substituted for the introductory clause.

In the introductory clause and throughout the revised chapter the word "chapter" is substituted for the word "code".

Clauses (1), (2), and (5) of 50:551 are omitted as respectively covered by the definitions in clauses (4), (6), and (14) of section 101 of this title. The words "commissioned officer" are substituted for the word "officer" for clarity throughout this chapter, since the latter term was defined in the limited sense of commissioned officer in clause (5) of 50:551, and is now covered by section 101(14) of this title.

In clauses (1), (4)–(7), and (9)–(12) of the revised section, the word "means" is substituted for the words "shall be construed to refer to" and "shall be construed to refer * * * to".

In clause (1), the words "service in" are substituted for the words "part of" to conform to section 1 of title 14. The words "Department of the Treasury" are substituted for the words "Treasury Department".

Clauses (3) and (4) are inserted for clarity.

In clause (6), the words "the United States Air Force Academy" are inserted to reflect its establishment by the Air Force Academy Act (63 Stat. 47).

In clause (8), the word "refers" is substituted for the words "shall be construed to refer".

In clause (12), the words "Marine Corps" are inserted to make explicit that the clause applies to the Marine Corps. The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Par. (17)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §541(b)(1), struck out "or" after "section 932 (article 132)," and substituted ", or the standalone offense of sexual harassment punishable under section 934 (article 134) of this title in each instance in which a formal complaint is made and such formal complaint is substantiated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned" for "of this title".

Pub. L. 117–263, §541(a)(1), substituted "section 919a (article 119a), section 920 (article 120), section 920a (article 120a)" for "section 920 (article 120)".

2021—Par. (11). Pub. L. 117–81, §533(1), added par. (11).

Pars. (17), (18). Pub. L. 117–81, §533(2), added pars. (17) and (18).

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(A), which directed insertion of "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "chapter" in introductory provisions, was not executed in light of the prior amendment by section 1081(a)(21) of Pub. L. 115–91, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See Amendment note below and section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as an Effective Date of 2017 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(21), inserted "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "chapter" in introductory provisions.

2016—Cl. (10). Pub. L. 114–328, §5101(a), amended cl. (10) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (10) read as follows: "The term 'military judge' means an official of a general or special court-martial detailed in accordance with section 826 of this title (article 26)."

Cl. (13)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §5101(b)(1), substituted "the Army, the Navy, or the Air Force" for "the Army or the Navy".

Cl. (13)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §5101(b)(2), struck out "the Air Force or" after "an officer of".

2006—Cl. (11). Pub. L. 109–241, §218(a)(1), struck out cl. (11) which read as follows: "The term 'law specialist' means a commissioned officer of the Coast Guard designated for special duty (law)."

Cl. (13)(C). Pub. L. 109–241, §218(a)(2), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: "an officer of the Coast Guard who is designated as a law specialist."

2002—Cl. (1). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "an official designated to serve as Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard by the Secretary of Homeland Security" for "the General Counsel of the Department of Transportation".

1996—Cls. (15), (16). Pub. L. 104–106 added cls. (15) and (16).

1988—Cl. (1). Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "term 'Judge" for "term 'judge".

1987—Cls. (1), (3) to (14). Pub. L. 100–180 inserted "The term" after each clause designation and revised first word in quotes in each clause to make initial letter of such word lowercase.

1983—Cl. (13). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(a), added officers of the Coast Guard who are designated as law specialists to definition of "Judge Advocate".

Cl. (14). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(a), added cl. (14).

1968—Cl. (10). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge" for "law officer" as term being defined and inserted reference to special court-martial in the definition thereof.

1967—Cl. (11). Pub. L. 90–179, §1(1), struck out "Navy or" before "Coast Guard".

Cl. (13). Pub. L. 90–179, §1(2), added cl. (13).

1966—Pub. L. 89–670 substituted the General Counsel of the Department of Transportation for the General Counsel of the Department of the Treasury in definition of "Judge Advocate General" applicable to the Coast Guard when operating as a service in the Navy.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §541(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2580, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect immediately after the coming into effect of the amendments made by section 533 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1695) [amending this section] as provided in section 539C of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note) and shall apply with respect to offenses that occur after that date."

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §541(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2580, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2025, and shall apply with respect to offenses that occur after that date."

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539C, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1699, as amended by Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(c)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 259, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this part [part 1 (§§531–539C) of subtitle D of title V of div. A of Pub. L. 117–81, enacting sections 824a and 1044f of this title and amending this section and sections 822, 823, 827, 832, 834, 844, 853a, 865 to 867, and 869 of this title] shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021] and, except as provided in section 824a(d) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall apply with respect to offenses that occur after that date.

"(b) Regulations.—

"(1) Requirement.—The President shall prescribe regulations to carry out this part not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(2) Impact of delay of issuance.—If the President does not prescribe the regulations necessary to carry out this part before the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the amendments made by this part shall take effect on the date on which such regulations are prescribed and shall apply with respect to offenses that occur on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(p), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1388, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending sections 806b, 830a, 838, 853a, 856, 858a, 858b, 862, 863, 866, 946, 1059, and 1408 of this title and provisions set out as a note below] shall take effect immediately after the amendments made by the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E [§§5001–5542] of Public Law 114–328 [enacting, amending, and transferring numerous sections throughout this chapter]) take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (130 Stat. 2967) [set out below]."

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(4), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and sections 673, 674, 806b, 816, 839, 843, 848, 853, 853a, 864, 865, 866, 869, 882, 919a, 920, 928, 932, 937, 1034, and 1044e of this title and section 8312 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] shall take effect immediately after the amendments made by the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E [§§5001–5542] of Public Law 114–328 [enacting, amending, and transferring numerous sections throughout this chapter]) take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (130 Stat. 2967) [set out below]."

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5542, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2967, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(n)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1387, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as otherwise provided in this division [div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328, see Tables for classification], the amendments made by this division [enacting, amending, and transferring numerous sections throughout this chapter] shall take effect on the date designated by the President [Jan. 1, 2019, with certain conditions and exceptions, see Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out below], which date shall be not later than the first day of the first calendar month that begins two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016].

"(b) Implementing Regulations.—The President shall prescribe regulations implementing this division and the amendments made by this division by not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, except as otherwise provided in this division.

"(c) Applicability.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to the provisions of this division and the amendments made by this division, the President shall prescribe in regulations whether, and to what extent, the amendments made by this division shall apply to a case in which a specification alleges the commission, before the effective date of such amendments, of one or more offenses or to a case in which one or more actions under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), have been taken before the effective date of such amendments.

"(2) Inapplicability to cases in which charges already referred to trial on effective date.—Except as otherwise provided in this division or the amendments made by this division, the amendments made by this division shall not apply to any case in which charges are referred to trial by court-martial before the effective date of such amendments. Proceedings in any such case shall be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted.

"(3) Punitive article amendments.—

"(A) In general.—The amendments made by title LX [§§5401–5452 of div. E of Pub. L. 114–328, enacting, amending, and transferring numerous sections within subchapter X of this chapter, see Tables for classification] shall not apply to any offense committed before the effective date of such amendments.

"(B) Construction.—Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to invalidate the prosecution of any offense committed before the effective date of such amendments.

"(4) Sentencing amendments.—The regulations prescribing the authorized punishments for any offense committed before the effective date of the amendments made by title LVIII [§§5301–5303 of div. E of Pub. L. 114–328, amending sections 856 to 857a, 858a, 858b, and 871 of this title] shall apply to the authorized punishments for the offense, as in effect at the time the offense is committed."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–209, §12(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1407, provided that:

"(1) The amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1983 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the first day of the eighth calendar month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 6, 1983], except that the amendments made by sections 9, 11 and 13 [amending sections 802, 815, 825, 867, 1552, and 1553 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 867 of this title] shall be effective on the date of the enactment of this Act. The amendments made by section 11 [amending sections 1552 and 1553 of this title] shall only apply with respect to cases filed after the date of enactment of this Act with the boards established under sections 1552 and 1553 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The amendments made by section 3(c) and 3(e) [amending sections 826, 827, and 838 of this title] do not affect the designation or detail of a military judge or military counsel to a court-martial before the effective date of such amendments.

"(3) The amendments made by section 4 [amending section 834 of this title] shall not apply to any case in which charges were referred to trial before the effective date of such amendments, and proceedings in any such case shall be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted.

"(4) The amendments made by sections 5, 6, and 7 [amending this section and sections 849, 854, 857, 860 to 867, 869, 871, and 876a of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 869 of this title] shall not apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before the effective date of such amendments. The proceedings in any such case shall be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted.

"(5) The amendments made by section 8 [enacting section 912a of this title] shall not apply to any offense committed before the effective date of such amendments. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to invalidate the prosecution of any offense committed before the effective date of such amendments."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–632, §4, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343, provided that:

"(a) Except for the amendments made by paragraphs (30) and (33) of section 2, this Act [see Short Title of 1968 Amendment note below] shall become effective on the first day of the tenth month following the month in which it is enacted [October 1968].

"(b) The amendment made by paragraph (30) of section 2 [amending section 869 of this title] shall become effective upon the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 24, 1968].

"(c) The amendment made by paragraph (33) [amending section 873 of this title] shall apply in the case of all court-martial sentences approved by the convening authority on or after, or not more than two years before, the date of its enactment [Oct. 24, 1968]."

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–670 effective Apr. 1, 1967, as prescribed by the President and published in the Federal Register, see section 16(a), formerly §15(a), of Pub. L. 89–670, and Ex. Ord. No. 11340, Mar. 30, 1967, 32 F.R. 5453.

Effective Date

Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §51, 70A Stat. 640, provided that: "Chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code, enacted by section 1 of this Act, takes effect January 1, 1957."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1101, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 461, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 857a, 858b, and 876b of this title, amending this section and sections 802, 832, 847, 857, 860, 862, 866, 895, 920, and 937 of this title, repealing section 804 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 802, 857, 858b, and 876b of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 942 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Justice Amendments of 1995'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §801(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3905, provided that: "This title [enacting section 850a of this title, amending sections 802, 803, 806, 825, 843, 860, 936, and 937 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 802, 806, 825, 843, 850a, and 860 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Justice Amendments of 1986'."

Short Title of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–209, §1(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 912a of this title and section 1259 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, amending this section, sections 802, 806, 815, 816, 825, 826, 827, 829, 834, 838, 842, 849, 854, 857, 860 to 867, 869, 870, 871, 876a, 936, 1552, and 1553 of this title, and section 2101 of Title 28, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 801, 867, and 869 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 706 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Justice Act of 1983'."

Short Title of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–81, §1(a), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1085, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 706, 707, and 876a of this title, amending sections 701, 813, 832, 838, 867, and 869 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 706 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Justice Amendments of 1981'."

Short Title of 1968 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–632, §1, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335, provided: "That this Act [amending this section and sections 806, 816, 818, 819, 820, 825, 826, 827, 829, 835, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 845, 849, 851, 852, 854, 857, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 873, and 936 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 826 and 866 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Justice Act of 1968'."

Redesignation of Navy Law Specialists as Judge Advocates

Navy law specialists redesignated judge advocates, see section 8 of Pub. L. 90–179, set out as a note under section 5148 of this title.

Savings Provision

Rights, duties, and proceedings not affected by Pub. L. 90–179 establishing Judge Advocate General's Corps in Navy, see section 10 of Pub. L. 90–179, set out as a note under section 5148 of this title.

Legislative Construction

Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §49(e), 70A Stat. 640, provided that: "In chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code [this chapter], enacted by section 1 of this Act, no inference of a legislative construction is to be drawn from the part in which any article is placed nor from the catchlines of the part or the article as set out in that chapter."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Applicability to the United States Coast Guard

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539B, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1699, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall consult and enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply the provisions of this part [part 1 (§§531–539C) of subtitle D of title V of div. A of Pub. L. 117–81, enacting sections 824a and 1044f of this title, amending this section and sections 822, 823, 827, 832, 834, 844, 853a, 865 to 867, and 869 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] and the amendments made by this part, and the policies, mechanisms, and processes established pursuant to such provisions, to the United States Coast Guard when it is operating as a service in the Department of Homeland Security."

Assessment of Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Disparities in the Military Justice System

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §540I, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1369, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the carrying out of the activities described in subsections (b) and (c) in order to improve the ability of the Department of Defense to detect and address racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the military justice system.

"(b) Secretary of Defense and Related Activities.—The activities described in this subsection are the following, to be commenced or carried out (as applicable) by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]:

"(1) For each court-martial conducted by an Armed Force after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require the head of the Armed Force concerned—

"(A) to record the race, ethnicity, and gender of the victim and the accused, and such other demographic information about the victim and the accused as the Secretary considers appropriate;

"(B) to include data based on the information described in subparagraph (A) in the annual military justice reports of the Armed Force.

"(2) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall issue guidance that—

"(A) establishes criteria to determine when data indicating possible racial, ethnic, or gender disparities in the military justice process should be further reviewed; and

"(B) describes how such a review should be conducted.

"(3) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall—

"(A) conduct an evaluation to identify the causes of any racial, ethnic, or gender disparities identified in the military justice system;

"(B) take steps to address the causes of any such disparities, as appropriate.

"(c) DAC–IPAD Activities.—

"(1) In general.—The activities described in this subsection are the following, to be conducted by the independent committee DAC–IPAD:

"(A) A review and assessment, by fiscal year, of the race and ethnicity of members of the Armed Forces accused of a penetrative sexual assault offense or contact sexual assault offense in an unrestricted report made pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02, including an unrestricted report involving a spouse or intimate partner, in all cases completed in each fiscal year assessed.

"(B) A review and assessment, by fiscal year, of the race and ethnicity of members of the Armed Forces against whom charges were preferred pursuant to Rule for Courts-Martial 307 for a penetrative sexual assault offense or contact sexual assault offense in all cases completed in each fiscal year assessed.

"(C) A review and assessment, by fiscal year, of the race and ethnicity of members of the Armed Forces who were convicted of a penetrative sexual assault offense or contact sexual assault offense in all cases completed in each fiscal year assessed.

"(2) Information from federal agencies.—

"(A) In general.—Upon request by the chair of the committee, a department or agency of the Federal Government shall provide information that the committee considers necessary to conduct reviews and assessments required by paragraph (1), including military criminal investigation files, charge sheets, records of trial, and personnel records.

"(B) Handling, storage, and return.—The committee shall handle and store all records received and reviewed under this subsection in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Department of Defense policy, and shall return all records so received in a timely manner.

"(3) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the committee shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, and to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a report setting forth the results of the reviews and assessments required by paragraph (1). The report shall include such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the committee considers appropriate in light of such results.

"(4) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) The term 'independent committee DAC–IPAD' means the independent committee established by the Secretary of Defense under section 546 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3374) [10 U.S.C. 1561 note], commonly known as the 'DAC-IPAD'.

"(B) The term 'case' means an unrestricted report of any penetrative sexual assault offense or contact sexual assault offense made against a member of the Armed Forces pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02, including any unrestricted report involving a spouses or intimate partner for which an investigation has been opened by a criminal investigative organization.

"(C) The term 'completed', with respect to a case, means that the case was tried to verdict, dismissed without further action, or dismissed and then resolved by non-judicial or administrative proceedings.

"(D) The term 'contact sexual assault offense' means aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, wrongful sexual contact, and attempts to commit such offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"(E) The term 'penetrative sexual assault offense' means rape, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, and attempts to commit such offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice."

Pilot Programs on Defense Investigators in the Military Justice System

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §540J, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1371, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Each Secretary of a military department shall carry out a pilot program on defense investigators within the military justice system under the jurisdiction of such Secretary in order to do the following:

"(1) Determine whether the presence of defense investigators within such military justice system will—

"(A) make such military justice system more effective in providing an effective defense for the accused; and

"(B) make such military justice system more fair and efficient.

"(2) Otherwise assess the feasibility and advisability of defense investigators as an element of such military justice system.

"(b) Elements.—

"(1) Interview of victim.—A defense investigator may question a victim under a pilot program only upon a request made through the Special Victims' Counsel or other counsel if the victim does not have such counsel.

"(2) Uniformity across military justice systems.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the personnel and activities of defense investigators under the pilot programs are, to the extent practicable, uniform across the military justice systems of the military departments.

"(c) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot programs under subsection (a).

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A description of each pilot program, including the personnel and activities of defense investigators under such pilot program.

"(B) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing and maintaining defense investigators as an element of the military justice systems of the military departments.

"(C) If the assessment under subparagraph (B) is that the establishment and maintenance of defense investigators as an element of the military justice systems of the military departments is feasible and advisable, such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate to establish and maintain defense investigators as an element of the military justice systems.

"(D) Any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate."

Chief Medical Officer at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title X, §1046, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1586, provided that:

"(a) Chief Medical Officer.—

"(1) In general.—There shall be at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a Chief Medical Officer of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay (in this section referred to as the 'Chief Medical Officer').

"(2) Grade.—The individual serving as Chief Medical Officer shall be an officer of the Armed Forces who holds a grade not below the grade of colonel, or captain in the Navy.

"(3) Chain of command.—Notwithstanding sections 162 and 164 of title 10, United States Code, the Chief Medical Officer shall be assigned and report to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, with duty at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the performance of duties and the exercise of powers of the Chief Medical Officer under this section.

"(b) Duties.—

"(1) In general.—The Chief Medical Officer shall oversee the provision of medical care to individuals detained at Guantanamo.

"(2) Quality of care.—The Chief Medical Officer shall ensure that medical care provided as described in paragraph (1) meets applicable standards of care.

"(c) Powers.—

"(1) In general.—The Chief Medical Officer shall make medical determinations relating to medical care for individuals detained at Guantanamo, including—

"(A) decisions regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; and

"(B) determinations concerning medical accommodations to living conditions and operating procedures for detention facilities.

"(2) Resolution of declination to follow determinations.—If the commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo or the Commander of United States Southern Command declines to follow a determination of the Chief Medical Officer under paragraph (1), the matter covered by such determination shall be resolved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, not later than seven days after receipt by both Assistant Secretaries of written notification of the matter from the Chief Medical Officer.

"(3) Security clearances.—The appropriate departments or agencies of the Federal Government shall, to the extent practicable in accordance with existing procedures and requirements, process expeditiously any application and adjudication for a security clearance required by the Chief Medical Officer to carry out the Chief Medical Officer's duties and powers under this section.

"(d) Access to Individuals, Information, and Assistance.—

"(1) In general.—The Chief Medical Officer may secure directly from the Department of Defense access to any individual, information, or assistance that the Chief Medical Officer considers necessary to enable the Chief Medical Officer to carry out this section, including full access to the following:

"(A) Any individual detained at Guantanamo.

"(B) Any medical records of any individual detained at Guantanamo.

"(C) Medical professionals of the Department who are working, or have worked, at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay.

"(2) Access upon request.—Upon request of the Chief Medical Officer, the Department shall make available to the Chief Medical Officer on an expeditious basis access to individuals, information, and assistance as described in paragraph (1).

"(3) Lack of expeditious availability.—If access to individuals, information, or assistance is not made available to the Chief Medical Officer upon request on an expeditious basis as required by paragraph (2), the Chief Medical Officer shall notify the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, who shall take actions to resolve the matter expeditiously.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Individual detained at guantanamo defined.—The term 'individual detained at Guantanamo' means an individual located at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of October 1, 2009, who—

"(A) is not a national of the United States (as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)) or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States; and

"(B) is—

"(i) in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense; or

"(ii) otherwise detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay.

"(2) Medical care.—The term 'medical care' means physical and mental health care.

"(3) Standard of care.—The term 'standard of care' means evaluation and treatment that is accepted by medical experts and reflected in peer-reviewed medical literature as the appropriate medical approach for a condition, symptoms, illness, or disease and that is widely used by healthcare professionals."

Sentencing in Certain Transitional Cases

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(o), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1387, provided that:

"(1) In general.—In any transition-period court-martial, the relevant sentencing sections of chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be applied as follows:

"(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the relevant sentencing sections shall be applied as if the amendments to such sections made by the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328 [enacting, amending, and transferring numerous sections throughout this chapter]) and this section [see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as an Effective Date of 2017 Amendment note above] had not been enacted.

"(B) If the accused so requests, the relevant sentencing sections shall be applied as amended by the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328) and this section.

"(2) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) Transition-period court-martial.—The term 'transition-period court-martial' means a court-martial under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that consists of both of the following:

"(i) A prosecution of one or more offenses committed before the date designated by the President under section 5542(a) of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2967) [set out above].

"(ii) A prosecution of one or more offenses committed on or after that date.

"(B) Relevant sentencing sections.—The term 'relevant sentencing sections' means section 856 of title 10, United States Code (article 56 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and any other sections (articles) of chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that, by regulation prescribed by the President, are designated as relevant to sentencing for the purposes of paragraph (1)."

Improved Implementation of Changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §543, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 820, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall examine the Department of Defense process for implementing statutory changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the purpose of developing options for streamlining such process. The Secretary shall adopt procedures to ensure that legal guidance is published as soon as practicable whenever statutory changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice are implemented."

Reenactment and Modification of Certain Prior Requirements for Certifications Relating to Transfer of Detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Foreign Countries and Other Foreign Entities

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1034(a)–(f), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 969, 970, provided that:

"(a) Certification Required Prior to Transfer.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense may not use any amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense to transfer any individual detained at Guantanamo to the custody or control of the individual's country of origin, any other foreign country, or any other foreign entity unless the Secretary submits to the appropriate committees of Congress the certification described in subsection (b) not later than 30 days before the transfer of the individual.

"(2) Exception.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any action taken by the Secretary to transfer any individual detained at Guantanamo to effectuate an order affecting the disposition of the individual that is issued by a court or competent tribunal of the United States having lawful jurisdiction (which the Secretary shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress of promptly after issuance).

"(b) Certification.—A certification described in this subsection is a written certification made by the Secretary that—

"(1) the transfer concerned is in the national security interests of the United States;

"(2) the government of the foreign country or the recognized leadership of the foreign entity to which the individual detained at Guantanamo concerned is to be transferred—

"(A) is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism or a designated foreign terrorist organization;

"(B) maintains control over each detention facility in which the individual is to be detained if the individual is to be housed in a detention facility;

"(C) has taken or agreed to take appropriate steps to substantially mitigate any risk the individual could attempt to reengage in terrorist activity or otherwise threaten the United States or its allies or interests; and

"(D) has agreed to share with the United States any information that is related to the individual;

"(3) if the country to which the individual is to be transferred is a country to which the United States transferred an individual who was detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at any time after September 11, 2001, and such transferred individual subsequently engaged in any terrorist activity, the Secretary has—

"(A) considered such circumstances; and

"(B) determined that the actions to be taken as described in paragraph (2)(C) will substantially mitigate the risk of recidivism with regard to the individual to be transferred; and

"(4) includes an intelligence assessment, in classified or unclassified form, of the capacity, willingness, and past practices (if applicable) of the foreign country or foreign entity concerned in relation to the certification of the Secretary under this subsection.

"(c) Coordination With Prohibition on Transfer to Certain Countries.—While the prohibition in section 1033 [of Pub. L. 114–92, 129 Stat. 968] is in effect, no certification may be made under subsection (b) in connection with the transfer of an individual detained at Guantanamo to a country specified in such section.

"(d) Record of Cooperation.—In assessing the risk that an individual detained at Guantanamo will engage in terrorist activity or other actions that could affect the national security of the United States if released for the purpose of making a certification under subsection (b), the Secretary may give favorable consideration to any such individual—

"(1) who has substantially cooperated with United States intelligence and law enforcement authorities, pursuant to a pre-trial agreement, while in the custody of or under the effective control of the Department of Defense; and

"(2) for whom agreements and effective mechanisms are in place, to the extent relevant and necessary, to provide for continued cooperation with United States intelligence and law enforcement authorities.

"(e) Report.—Whenever the Secretary makes a certification under subsection (b) with respect to an individual detained at Guantanamo, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, together with such certification, a report that shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) A detailed statement of the basis for the transfer of the individual.

"(2) An explanation why the transfer of the individual is in the national security interests of the United States.

"(3) A description of actions taken to mitigate the risks of reengagement by the individual as described in subsection (b)(2)(C), including any actions taken to address factors relevant to an applicable prior case of reengagement described in subsection (b)(3).

"(4) A copy of any Periodic Review Board findings relating to the individual.

"(5) A copy of the final recommendation by the Guantanamo Detainee Review Task Force established pursuant to Executive Order 13492 [set out below] relating to the individual and, if applicable, updated information related to any change to such recommendation.

"(6) An assessment whether, as of the date of the certification, the country to which the individual is to be transferred is facing a threat that could substantially affect its ability to exercise control over the individual.

"(7) A classified summary of—

"(A) the individual's record of cooperation, if any, while in the custody of or under the effective control of the Department of Defense; and

"(B) any agreements and mechanisms in place to provide for continuing cooperation.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

"(2) The term 'individual detained at Guantanamo' means any individual located at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of October 1, 2009, who—

"(A) is not a citizen of the United States or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States; and

"(B) is—

"(i) in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense; or

"(ii) otherwise under detention at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(3) The term 'foreign terrorist organization' means any organization so designated by the Secretary of State under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).

"(4) The term 'state sponsor of terrorism' has the meaning given that term in section 301(13) of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8541(13))."

Transfers to Foreign Countries of Individuals Detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1035(a)–(e), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 851–853, which related to authority, determinations, and notification regarding transfers to foreign countries of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was repealed by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1034(g), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 971.

Notice to Congress on Use of Naval Vessels for Detention of Individuals

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1024(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat 1912, provided that: "Not later than 30 days after first detaining an individual pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) on a naval vessel outside the United States, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives notice of the detention. In the case of such an individual who is transferred or released before the submittal of the notice of the individual's detention, the Secretary shall also submit to such Committees notice of the transfer or release."

Notice Required Prior To Transfer of Certain Individuals Detained at the Detention Facility at Parwan, Afghanistan

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1025, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1913, provided that:

"(a) Notice Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees notice in writing of the proposed transfer of any individual detained pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) who is a national of a country other than the United States or Afghanistan from detention at the Detention Facility at Parwan, Afghanistan, to the custody of the Government of Afghanistan or of any other country. Such notice shall be provided not later than 10 days before such a transfer may take place.

"(b) Assessments Required.—Prior to any transfer referred to under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that an assessment is conducted as follows:

"(1) In the case of the proposed transfer of such an individual by reason of the individual being released, an assessment of the threat posed by the individual and the security environment of the country to which the individual is to be transferred.

"(2) In the case of the proposed transfer of such an individual to a country other than Afghanistan for the purpose of the prosecution of the individual, an assessment regarding the capacity, willingness, and historical track record of the country with respect to prosecuting similar cases, including a review of the primary evidence against the individual to be transferred and any significant admissibility issues regarding such evidence that are expected to arise in connection with the prosecution of the individual.

"(3) In the case of the proposed transfer of such an individual for reintegration or rehabilitation in a country other than Afghanistan, an assessment regarding the capacity, willingness, and historical track records of the country for reintegrating or rehabilitating similar individuals.

"(4) In the case of the proposed transfer of such an individual to the custody of the Government of Afghanistan for prosecution or detention, an assessment regarding the capacity, willingness, and historical track record of Afghanistan to prosecute or detain long-term such individuals.

"(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate."

Requirements for Certifications Relating to the Transfer of Detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Foreign Countries and Other Foreign Entities

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1028, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1914, related to requirements for certifications relating to the transfer of detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to foreign countries and other foreign entities, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1035(f)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 853.

Rights Unaffected

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1029, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1917, provided that: "Nothing in the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81 [see Tables for classification]) shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus or to deny any Constitutional rights in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution to any person inside the United States who would be entitled to the availability of such writ or to such rights in the absence of such laws."

Notification of Transfer of a Detainee Held at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Pub. L. 112–87, title III, §308, Jan. 3, 2012, 125 Stat. 1883, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Notification.—The President shall submit to Congress, in classified form, at least 30 days prior to the transfer or release of an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of June 24, 2009, to the country of such individual's nationality or last habitual residence or to any other foreign country or to a freely associated State the following information:

"(1) The name of the individual to be transferred or released.

"(2) The country or the freely associated State to which such individual is to be transferred or released.

"(3) The terms of any agreement with the country or the freely associated State for the acceptance of such individual, including the amount of any financial assistance related to such agreement.

"(4) The agencies or departments of the United States responsible for ensuring that the agreement described in paragraph (3) is carried out.

"(b) Definition.—In this section, the term 'freely associated States' means the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

"(c) Construction With Other Requirements.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or otherwise affect the following provisions of law:

"(1) Section 1028 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 [Pub. L. 112–81, formerly set out below].

"(2) Section 8120 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012 [div. A of Pub. L. 112–74, 125 Stat. 833]."

[Memorandum of President of the United States, Jan. 27, 2012, 77 F.R. 11371, delegated to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the function to provide to Congress the information specified in section 308(a) of Pub. L. 112–87, set out above.]

Detention Authority and Procedures, Transfer Certifications and Prosecution Consultation Requirement

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §§1021–1025, 1028, 1029, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1562–1565, 1567, 1569, as amended by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1035(f)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 853, provided that:

"SEC. 1021. AFFIRMATION OF AUTHORITY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES TO DETAIN COVERED PERSONS PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE.

"(a) In General.—Congress affirms that the authority of the President to use all necessary and appropriate force pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) includes the authority for the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons (as defined in subsection (b)) pending disposition under the law of war.

"(b) Covered Persons.—A covered person under this section is any person as follows:

"(1) A person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored those responsible for those attacks.

"(2) A person who was a part of or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.

"(c) Disposition Under Law of War.—The disposition of a person under the law of war as described in subsection (a) may include the following:

"(1) Detention under the law of war without trial until the end of the hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

"(2) Trial under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by the Military Commissions Act of 2009 (title XVIII of Public Law 111–84)).

"(3) Transfer for trial by an alternative court or competent tribunal having lawful jurisdiction.

"(4) Transfer to the custody or control of the person's country of origin, any other foreign country, or any other foreign entity.

"(d) Construction.—Nothing in this section is intended to limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

"(e) Authorities.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.

"(f) Requirement for Briefings of Congress.—The Secretary of Defense shall regularly brief Congress regarding the application of the authority described in this section, including the organizations, entities, and individuals considered to be 'covered persons' for purposes of subsection (b)(2).

"SEC. 1022. MILITARY CUSTODY FOR FOREIGN AL-QAEDA TERRORISTS.

"(a) Custody Pending Disposition Under Law of War.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (4), the Armed Forces of the United States shall hold a person described in paragraph (2) who is captured in the course of hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40) in military custody pending disposition under the law of war.

"(2) Covered persons.—The requirement in paragraph (1) shall apply to any person whose detention is authorized under section 1021 who is determined—

"(A) to be a member of, or part of, al-Qaeda or an associated force that acts in coordination with or pursuant to the direction of al-Qaeda; and

"(B) to have participated in the course of planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

"(3) Disposition under law of war.—For purposes of this subsection, the disposition of a person under the law of war has the meaning given in section 1021(c), except that no transfer otherwise described in paragraph (4) of that section shall be made unless consistent with the requirements of section 1028.

"(4) Waiver for national security.—The President may waive the requirement of paragraph (1) if the President submits to Congress a certification in writing that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.

"(b) Applicability to United States Citizens and Lawful Resident Aliens.—

"(1) United states citizens.—The requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to citizens of the United States.

"(2) Lawful resident aliens.—The requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to a lawful resident alien of the United States on the basis of conduct taking place within the United States, except to the extent permitted by the Constitution of the United States.

"(c) Implementation Procedures.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], the President shall issue, and submit to Congress, procedures for implementing this section.

"(2) Elements.—The procedures for implementing this section shall include, but not be limited to, procedures as follows:

"(A) Procedures designating the persons authorized to make determinations under subsection (a)(2) and the process by which such determinations are to be made.

"(B) Procedures providing that the requirement for military custody under subsection (a)(1) does not require the interruption of ongoing surveillance or intelligence gathering with regard to persons not already in the custody or control of the United States.

"(C) Procedures providing that a determination under subsection (a)(2) is not required to be implemented until after the conclusion of an interrogation which is ongoing at the time the determination is made and does not require the interruption of any such ongoing interrogation.

"(D) Procedures providing that the requirement for military custody under subsection (a)(1) does not apply when intelligence, law enforcement, or other Government officials of the United States are granted access to an individual who remains in the custody of a third country.

"(E) Procedures providing that a certification of national security interests under subsection (a)(4) may be granted for the purpose of transferring a covered person from a third country if such a transfer is in the interest of the United States and could not otherwise be accomplished.

"(d) Authorities.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the existing criminal enforcement and national security authorities of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or any other domestic law enforcement agency with regard to a covered person, regardless whether such covered person is held in military custody.

"(e) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to persons described in subsection (a)(2) who are taken into the custody or brought under the control of the United States on or after that effective date.

"SEC. 1023. PROCEDURES FOR PERIODIC DETENTION REVIEW OF INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA.

"(a) Procedures Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth procedures for implementing the periodic review process required by Executive Order No. 13567 [set out below] for individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note).

"(b) Covered Matters.—The procedures submitted under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum—

"(1) clarify that the purpose of the periodic review process is not to determine the legality of any detainee's law of war detention, but to make discretionary determinations whether or not a detainee represents a continuing threat to the security of the United States;

"(2) clarify that the Secretary of Defense is responsible for any final decision to release or transfer an individual detained in military custody at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, pursuant to the Executive Order referred to in subsection (a), and that in making such a final decision, the Secretary shall consider the recommendation of a periodic review board or review committee established pursuant to such Executive Order, but shall not be bound by any such recommendation;

"(3) clarify that the periodic review process applies to any individual who is detained as an unprivileged enemy belligerent at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at any time; and

"(4) ensure that appropriate consideration is given to factors addressing the need for continued detention of the detainee, including—

"(A) the likelihood the detainee will resume terrorist activity if transferred or released;

"(B) the likelihood the detainee will reestablish ties with al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners if transferred or released;

"(C) the likelihood of family, tribal, or government rehabilitation or support for the detainee if transferred or released;

"(D) the likelihood the detainee may be subject to trial by military commission; and

"(E) any law enforcement interest in the detainee.

"(c) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and

"(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

"SEC. 1024. PROCEDURES FOR STATUS DETERMINATIONS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the procedures for determining the status of persons detained pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) for purposes of section 1021.

"(b) Elements of Procedures.—The procedures required by this section shall provide for the following in the case of any unprivileged enemy belligerent who will be held in long-term detention under the law of war pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force:

"(1) A military judge shall preside at proceedings for the determination of status of an unprivileged enemy belligerent.

"(2) An unprivileged enemy belligerent may, at the election of the belligerent, be represented by military counsel at proceedings for the determination of status of the belligerent.

"(c) Applicability.—The Secretary of Defense is not required to apply the procedures required by this section in the case of a person for whom habeas corpus review is available in a Federal court.

"(d) Report on Modification of Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on any modification of the procedures submitted under this section. The report on any such modification shall be so submitted not later than 60 days before the date on which such modification goes into effect.

"(e) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and

"(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

"SEC. 1025. REQUIREMENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY PROTOCOLS GOVERNING DETAINEE COMMUNICATIONS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], the Secretary of Defense shall develop and submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a national security protocol governing communications to and from individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note), and related issues.

"(b) Contents.—The protocol developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include Department of Defense policies and procedures regarding each of the following:

"(1) Detainee access to military or civilian legal representation, or both, including any limitations on such access and the manner in which any applicable legal privileges will be balanced with national security considerations.

"(2) Detainee communications with persons other than Federal Government personnel and members of the Armed Forces, including meetings, mail, phone calls, and video teleconferences, including—

"(A) any limitations on categories of information that may be discussed or materials that may be shared; and

"(B) the process by which such communications or materials are to be monitored or reviewed.

"(3) The extent to which detainees may receive visits by persons other than military or civilian representatives.

"(4) The measures planned to be taken to implement and enforce the provisions of the protocol.

"(c) Updates.—The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of any significant change to the policies and procedures described in the protocol submitted pursuant to subsection (a) not later than 30 days after such change is made.

"(d) Form of Protocol.—The protocol submitted pursuant to subsection (a) may be submitted in classified form.

"[SEC. 1028. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1035(f)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 853.]

"SEC. 1029. REQUIREMENT FOR CONSULTATION REGARDING PROSECUTION OF TERRORISTS.

"(a) In General.—Before seeking an indictment of, or otherwise charging, an individual described in subsection (b) in a Federal court, the Attorney General shall consult with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense about—

"(1) whether the more appropriate forum for prosecution would be a Federal court or a military commission; and

"(2) whether the individual should be held in civilian custody or military custody pending prosecution.

"(b) Applicability.—The consultation requirement in subsection (a) applies to—

"(1) a person who is subject to the requirements of section 1022, in accordance with a determination made pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of such section; and

"(2) any other person who is held in military detention outside of the United States pursuant to the authority affirmed by section 1021."

[Memorandum of President of the United States, Feb. 28, 2012, 77 F.R. 12435, delegated the waiver authority conferred upon the President by section 1022(a)(4) of Pub. L. 112–81, set out above, to the Attorney General, in consultation with other senior national security officials, including the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, Director of National Intelligence, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as any other officials the President may designate.]

Prohibition on Interrogation of Detainees by Contractor Personnel

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1038, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2451, provided that:

"(a) Prohibition.—Except as provided in subsection (b), effective one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], no enemy prisoner of war, civilian internee, retained personnel, other detainee, or any other individual who is in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or otherwise under detention in a Department of Defense facility in connection with hostilities may be interrogated by contractor personnel.

"(b) Authorized Functions of Contractor Personnel.—Contractor personnel with proper training and security clearances may be used as linguists, interpreters, report writers, information technology technicians, and other employees filling ancillary positions, including as trainers of and advisors to interrogators, in interrogations of persons as described in subsection (a) if—

"(1) such personnel are subject to the same rules, procedures, policies, and laws pertaining to detainee operations and interrogations as apply to government personnel in such positions in such interrogations; and

"(2) appropriately qualified and trained military or civilian personnel of the Department of Defense are available to oversee the contractor's performance and to ensure that contractor personnel do not perform activities that are prohibited under this section.

"(c) Discharge by Government Personnel.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to ensure that, by not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense has the resources needed to ensure that interrogations described in subsection (a) are conducted by appropriately qualified government personnel.

"(d) Waiver.—

"(1) Waivers authorized.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) for a period of 60 days if the Secretary determines such a waiver is vital to the national security interests of the United States. The Secretary may renew a waiver issued pursuant to this paragraph for an additional 30-day period, if the Secretary determines that such a renewal is vital to the national security interests of the United States.

"(2) Limitation on delegation.—

"(A) In general.—The waiver authority under paragraph (1) may not be delegated to any official below the level of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, except in the case of a waiver for an individual interrogation that is based on military exigencies, in which case the delegation of the waiver authority shall be done pursuant to regulations that the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe but in no instance may the latter delegation be below the level of combatant commander of the theater in which the individual is in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or otherwise under detention in a Department of Defense facility within that theater.

"(B) Deadline for regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the regulations referred to in subparagraph (A) by not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(3) Congressional notification.—Not later than five days after the Secretary issues a waiver pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress written notification of the waiver."

No Miranda Warnings for Al Qaeda Terrorists

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1040, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2454, provided that:

"(a) No Miranda Warnings.—

"(1) In general.—Absent a court order requiring the reading of such statements, no member of the Armed Forces and no official or employee of the Department of Defense or a component of the intelligence community (other than the Department of Justice) may read to a foreign national who is captured or detained outside the United States as an enemy belligerent and is in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or otherwise under detention in a Department of Defense facility the statement required by Miranda v. Arizona (384 U.S. 436 (1966)), or otherwise inform such an individual of any rights that the individual may or may not have to counsel or to remain silent consistent with Miranda v. Arizona (384 U.S. 436 (1966)).

"(2) Nonapplicability to department of justice.—This subsection shall not apply to the Department of Justice.

"(3) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) The term 'foreign national' means an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States.

"(B) The term 'enemy belligerent' includes a privileged belligerent against the United States and an unprivileged enemy belligerent, as those terms are defined in section 948a of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1802 of this Act.

"(b) Report Required on Notification of Detainees of Rights Under Miranda v. Arizona.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on how the reading of rights under Miranda v. Arizona (384 U.S. 436 (1966)) to individuals detained by the United States in Afghanistan may affect—

"(1) the tactical questioning of detainees at the point of capture by United States Armed Forces deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom;

"(2) post-capture theater-level interrogations and intelligence-gathering activities conducted as part of Operation Enduring Freedom;

"(3) the overall counterinsurgency strategy and objectives of the United States for Operation Enduring Freedom;

"(4) United States military operations and objectives in Afghanistan; and

"(5) potential risks to members of the Armed Forces operating in Afghanistan."

Requirement for Videotaping or Otherwise Electronically Recording Strategic Intelligence Interrogations of Persons in the Custody of or Under the Effective Control of the Department of Defense

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1080, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2479, as amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(15), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4373, provided that:

"(a) Videotaping or Other Electronic Recording Required.—In accordance with the Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations (FM 2–22.3, September 2006), or any successor thereto, and the guidelines developed pursuant to subsection (f), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each strategic intelligence interrogation of any person who is in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or under detention in a Department of Defense facility is videotaped or otherwise electronically recorded.

"(b) Classification of Information.—To protect United States national security, the safety of the individuals conducting or assisting in the conduct of a strategic intelligence interrogation, and the privacy of persons described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall provide for the appropriate classification of videotapes or other electronic recordings made pursuant to subsection (a). The use of such classified videotapes or other electronic recordings in proceedings conducted under the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 (title XIV of Public Law 109–163 and title X of Public Law 109–148), chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1802 of this Act, or at any other judicial or administrative forum under any other provision of law shall be governed by applicable rules, regulations, and laws that protect classified information.

"(c) Strategic Intelligence Interrogation Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'strategic intelligence interrogation' means an interrogation of a person described in subsection (a) conducted at a theater-level detention facility.

"(d) Exclusion.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring—

"(1) any member of the Armed Forces engaged in direct combat operations to videotape or otherwise electronically record an interrogation of a person described in subsection (a); or

"(2) the videotaping of or otherwise electronically recording of tactical questioning, as such term is defined in the Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations (FM 2–22.3, September 2006), or any successor thereto.

"(e) Waiver.—

"(1) Waivers authorized.—The Secretary of Defense may, as an exceptional measure, as part of a specific interrogation plan for a specific person described in subsection (a), waive the requirement in that subsection on a case-by-case basis for a period not to exceed 30 days, if the Secretary—

"(A) makes a determination in writing that such a waiver is necessary to the national security interests of the United States; and

"(B) by not later than five days after the date on which such a determination is made, submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence notice of that determination, including a justification for that determination.

"(2) Suspensions authorized.—The Secretary may temporarily suspend the requirement under subsection (a) at a specific theater-level detention facility for a period not to exceed 30 days, if the Secretary—

"(A) makes a determination in writing that such a suspension is vital to the national security interests of the United States; and

"(B) by not later than five days after the date on which such a determination is made, submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence notice of that determination, including a justification for that determination.

"(3) Limitation on delegation of authority.—This authority of the Secretary under this subsection may only be delegated as follows:

"(A) In the case of the authority under paragraph (1), such authority may not be delegated below the level of the combatant commander of the theater in which the detention facility holding the person is located.

"(B) In the case of the authority under paragraph (2), such authority may not be delegated below the level of the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

"(4) Extensions.—The Secretary may extend a waiver under paragraph (1) for one additional 30-day period, or a suspension under paragraph (2) for one additional 30-day period, if—

"(A) the Secretary—

"(i) in the case of such a waiver, makes a determination in writing that such an extension is necessary to the national security interests of the United State [sic]; or

"(ii) in the case of such a suspension, makes a determination in writing that such an extension is vital to the national security interests of the United States; and

"(B) by not later than five days after the date on which such a determination is made, the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence notice of that determination, including a justification for that determination.

"(f) Guidelines.—

"(1) Development of guidelines.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Judge Advocates General (as defined in section 801(1) of title 10, United States Code, (Article 1 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)), shall develop and adopt uniform guidelines for videotaping or otherwise electronically recording strategic intelligence interrogations as required under subsection (a). Such guidelines shall, at a minimum—

"(A) promote full compliance with the laws of the United States;

"(B) promote the exploitation of intelligence;

"(C) address the retention, maintenance, and disposition of videotapes or other electronic recordings, consistent with subparagraphs (A) and (B) and with the interests of justice; and

"(D) ensure the safety of all participants in the interrogations.

"(2) Submittal to congress.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the guidelines developed under paragraph (1). Such report shall be in an unclassified form but may include a classified annex."

Reports on Guantanamo Bay Prisoner Population

Pub. L. 111–32, title III, §319, June 24, 2009, 123 Stat. 1874, as amended by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §§1038(a), 1039, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 974; Pub. L. 116–92, div. E, title LVII, §5701(a)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2159, provided that:

"(a) Reports Required.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 24, 2009] and annually thereafter, the President shall submit to the members and committees of Congress specified in subsection (b) a report on the prisoner population at the detention facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(b) Specified Members and Committees of Congress.—The members and committees of Congress specified in this subsection are the following:

"(1) The majority leader and minority leader of the Senate.

"(2) The Chairman and Ranking Member on the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.

"(3) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

"(4) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

"(5) The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"(6) The minority leader of the House of Representatives.

"(7) The Chairman and Ranking Member on the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

"(8) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

"(9) The Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(c) Matters To Be Included.—Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) The name and country of origin of each detainee at the detention facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of the date of such report.

"(2) A current summary of the evidence, intelligence, and information used to justify the detention of each detainee listed under paragraph (1) at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

"(3) A current accounting of all the measures taken to transfer each detainee listed under paragraph (1) to the individual's country of citizenship or another country.

"(4) A current description of the number of individuals released or transferred from detention at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay who are confirmed or suspected of returning to terrorist activities after release or transfer from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

"(5) An assessment of any efforts by al Qaeda to recruit detainees released from detention at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

"(6) A summary of all known contact between any individual formerly detained at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and any individual known or suspected to be associated with a foreign terrorist group, which contact included information or discussion about planning for or conduct of hostilities against the United States or its allies or the organizational, logistical, or resource needs or activities of any terrorist group or activity.

"(7) For each individual described in paragraph (4), the date on which such individual was released or transferred from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and the date on which it is confirmed that such individual is suspected or confirmed of reengaging in terrorist activities.

"(8) The average period of time described in paragraph (7) for all the individuals described in paragraph (4).

"(d) Additional Matters To Be Included in Initial Report.—The first report submitted under subsection (a) shall also include the following:

"(1) A description of the process that was previously used for screening the detainees described by subsection (c)(4) prior to their release or transfer from detention at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(2) An assessment of the adequacy of that screening process for reducing the risk that detainees previously released or transferred from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay would return to terrorist activities after release or transfer from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

"(3) An assessment of lessons learned from previous releases and transfers of individuals who returned to terrorist activities for reducing the risk that detainees released or transferred from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay will return to terrorist activities after their release or transfer."

[Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1038(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 974, provided that: "Nothing in the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending section 319(c) of Pub. L. 111–32, set out above, by adding par. (6)] shall be construed to terminate, alter, modify, override, or otherwise affect any reporting of information required under section 319(c) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 [Pub. L. 111–32, set out above] before the date of the enactment of this section [Nov. 25, 2015]."]

[Memorandum of President of the United States, July 17, 2009, 74 F.R. 35765, provided that the reporting function conferred upon the President by section 319(a), (c)(1) to (3) of Pub. L. 111–32, set out above, is assigned to the Attorney General, and the reporting function specified in section 319(a), (c)(4), (5), (d) of Pub. L. 111–32 is assigned to the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.]

Policy on Role of Military Medical and Behavioral Science Personnel in Interrogation of Detainees

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §750, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3364, provided that:

"(a) Policy Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish the policy of the Department of Defense on the role of military medical and behavioral science personnel in the interrogation of persons detained by the Armed Forces. The policy shall apply uniformly throughout the Armed Forces.

"(b) Report.—Not later than March 1, 2006, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the policy established under subsection (a). The report shall set forth the policy, and shall include such additional matters on the policy as the Secretary considers appropriate."

Detainee Interrogation, Status Review, and Treatment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title XIV, §§1402, 1405, 1406, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3475, 3476, 3479, as amended by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(b)(2), as added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(21), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4374, provided that:

"SEC. 1402. UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR THE INTERROGATION OF PERSONS UNDER THE DETENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

"(a) In General.—No person in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or under detention in a Department of Defense facility shall be subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the United States Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

"(b) Applicability.—Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any person in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense pursuant to a criminal law or immigration law of the United States.

"(c) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the rights under the United States Constitution of any person in the custody or under the physical jurisdiction of the United States.

"SEC. 1405. PROCEDURES FOR STATUS REVIEW OF DETAINEES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

"(a) Submittal of Procedures for Status Review of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in Afghanistan and Iraq.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report setting forth—

"(A) the procedures of the Combatant Status Review Tribunals and the Administrative Review Boards established by direction of the Secretary of Defense that are in operation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for determining the status of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay or to provide an annual review to determine the need to continue to detain an alien who is a detainee; and

"(B) the procedures in operation in Afghanistan and Iraq for a determination of the status of aliens detained in the custody or under the physical control of the Department of Defense in those countries.

"(2) Designated civilian official.—The procedures submitted to Congress pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) shall ensure that the official of the Department of Defense who is designated by the President or Secretary of Defense to be the final review authority within the Department of Defense with respect to decisions of any such tribunal or board (referred to as the 'Designated Civilian Official') shall be a civilian officer of the Department of Defense holding an office to which appointments are required by law to be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

"(3) Consideration of new evidence.—The procedures submitted under paragraph (1)(A) shall provide for periodic review of any new evidence that may become available relating to the enemy combatant status of a detainee.

"(b) Consideration of Statements Derived With Coercion.—

"(1) Assessment.—The procedures submitted to Congress pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A) shall ensure that a Combatant Status Review Tribunal or Administrative Review Board, or any similar or successor administrative tribunal or board, in making a determination of status or disposition of any detainee under such procedures, shall, to the extent practicable, assess—

"(A) whether any statement derived from or relating to such detainee was obtained as a result of coercion; and

"(B) the probative value, if any, of any such statement.

"(2) Applicability.—Paragraph (1) applies with respect to any proceeding beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006].

"(c) Report on Modification of Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (a)(1) a report on any modification of the procedures submitted under subsection (a). Any such report shall be submitted not later than 60 days before the date on which such modification goes into effect.

"(d) Annual Report.—

"(1) Report required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report on the annual review process for aliens in the custody of the Department of Defense outside the United States. Each such report shall be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex, if necessary. The report shall be submitted not later than December 31 each year.

"(2) Elements of report.—Each such report shall include the following with respect to the year covered by the report:

"(A) The number of detainees whose status was reviewed.

"(B) The procedures used at each location.

"(e) Judicial Review of Detention of Enemy Combatants.—

"(1) In general.—[Amended section 2241 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.]

"(2) Review of decisions of combatant status review tribunals of propriety of detention.—

"(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the validity of any final decision of a Combatant Status Review Tribunal that an alien is properly detained as an enemy combatant.

"(B) Limitation on claims.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under this paragraph shall be limited to claims brought by or on behalf of an alien—

"(i) who is, at the time a request for review by such court is filed, detained by the Department of Defense at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and

"(ii) for whom a Combatant Status Review Tribunal has been conducted, pursuant to applicable procedures specified by the Secretary of Defense.

"(C) Scope of review.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on any claims with respect to an alien under this paragraph shall be limited to the consideration of—

"(i) whether the status determination of the Combatant Status Review Tribunal with regard to such alien was consistent with the standards and procedures specified by the Secretary of Defense for Combatant Status Review Tribunals (including the requirement that the conclusion of the Tribunal be supported by a preponderance of the evidence and allowing a rebuttable presumption in favor the Government's evidence); and

"(ii) to the extent the Constitution and laws of the United States are applicable, whether the use of such standards and procedures to make the determination is consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States.

"(D) Termination on release from custody.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit with respect to the claims of an alien under this paragraph shall cease upon the release of such alien from the custody of the Department of Defense.

"[(3) Repealed. Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(b)(2), as added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(21), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4374.]

"(4) Respondent.—The Secretary of Defense shall be the named respondent in any appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under this subsection.

"(f) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer any constitutional right on an alien detained as an enemy combatant outside the United States.

"(g) United States Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'United States', when used in a geographic sense, is as defined in section 101(a)(38) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(38)] and, in particular, does not include the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(h) Effective Date.—

"(1) In general.—This section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006].

"(2) Review of combatant status tribunal and military commission decisions.—Paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e) shall apply with respect to any claim whose review is governed by one of such paragraphs and that is pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"SEC. 1406. TRAINING OF IRAQI SECURITY FORCES REGARDING TREATMENT OF DETAINEES.

"(a) Required Policies.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe policies designed to ensure that all military and civilian Department of Defense personnel or contractor personnel of the Department of Defense responsible for the training of any unit of the Iraqi Security Forces provide training to such units regarding the international obligations and laws applicable to the humane treatment of detainees, including protections afforded under the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture.

"(2) Acknowledgment of training.—The Secretary shall ensure that, for all personnel of the Iraqi Security Forces who are provided training referred to in paragraph (1), there is documented acknowledgment that such training has been provided.

"(3) Deadline for policies to be prescribed.—The policies required by paragraph (1) shall be prescribed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006].

"(b) Army Field Manual.—

"(1) Translation.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the unclassified portions of the United States Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation to be translated into Arabic and any other language the Secretary determines appropriate for use by members of the Iraqi security forces.

"(2) Distribution.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for such manual, as translated, to be distributed to all appropriate officials of the Iraqi Government, including, but not limited to, the Iraqi Minister of Defense, the Iraqi Minister of Interior, senior Iraqi military personnel, and appropriate members of the Iraqi Security Forces with a recommendation that the principles that underlay the manual be adopted by the Iraqis as the basis for their policies on interrogation of detainees.

"(c) Transmittal to Congressional Committees.—Not less than 30 days after the date on which policies are first prescribed under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives copies of such regulations, policies, or orders, together with a report on steps taken to the date of the report to implement this section.

"(d) Annual Report.—Not less than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006], and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section."

[For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of annual reporting provisions in section 1405(d) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out above, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.]

Pub. L. 109–148, div. A, title X, §§1002, 1005, 1006, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2739, 2740, 2744, as amended by Pub. L. 109–366, §§9, 10, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2636, 2637; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(d)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 323; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(b)(1), formerly §1803(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612, as renumbered §1803(b)(1) by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(21), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4374, provided that:

"SEC. 1002. UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR THE INTERROGATION OF PERSONS UNDER THE DETENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

"(a) In General.—No person in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or under detention in a Department of Defense facility shall be subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the United States Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

"(b) Applicability.—Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any person in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense pursuant to a criminal law or immigration law of the United States.

"(c) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the rights under the United States Constitution of any person in the custody or under the physical jurisdiction of the United States.

"SEC. 1005. PROCEDURES FOR STATUS REVIEW OF DETAINEES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

"(a) Submittal of Procedures for Status Review of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in Afghanistan and Iraq.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 2005], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report setting forth—

"(A) the procedures of the Combatant Status Review Tribunals and the Administrative Review Boards established by direction of the Secretary of Defense that are in operation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for determining the status of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay or to provide an annual review to determine the need to continue to detain an alien who is a detainee; and

"(B) the procedures in operation in Afghanistan and Iraq for a determination of the status of aliens detained in the custody or under the physical control of the Department of Defense in those countries.

"(2) Designated civilian official.—The procedures submitted to Congress pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) shall ensure that the official of the Department of Defense who is designated by the President or Secretary of Defense to be the final review authority within the Department of Defense with respect to decisions of any such tribunal or board (referred to as the 'Designated Civilian Official') shall be a civilian officer of the Department of Defense holding an office to which appointments are required by law to be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

"(3) Consideration of new evidence.—The procedures submitted under paragraph (1)(A) shall provide for periodic review of any new evidence that may become available relating to the enemy combatant status of a detainee.

"(b) Consideration of Statements Derived With Coercion.—

"(1) Assessment.—The procedures submitted to Congress pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A) shall ensure that a Combatant Status Review Tribunal or Administrative Review Board, or any similar or successor administrative tribunal or board, in making a determination of status or disposition of any detainee under such procedures, shall, to the extent practicable, assess—

"(A) whether any statement derived from or relating to such detainee was obtained as a result of coercion; and

"(B) the probative value (if any) of any such statement.

"(2) Applicability.—Paragraph (1) applies with respect to any proceeding beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 2005].

"(c) Report on Modification of Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (a)(1) a report on any modification of the procedures submitted under subsection (a). Any such report shall be submitted not later than 60 days before the date on which such modification goes into effect.

"(d) Annual Report.—

"(1) Report required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report on the annual review process for aliens in the custody of the Department of Defense outside the United States. Each such report shall be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex, if necessary. The report shall be submitted not later than December 31 each year.

"(2) Elements of report.—Each such report shall include the following with respect to the year covered by the report:

"(A) The number of detainees whose status was reviewed.

"(B) The procedures used at each location.

"(e) Judicial Review of Detention of Enemy Combatants.—

"(1) In general.—[Amended section 2241 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.]

"(2) Review of decisions of combatant status review tribunals of propriety of detention.—

"(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the validity of any final decision of a Combatant Status Review Tribunal that an alien is properly detained as an enemy combatant.

"(B) Limitation on claims.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under this paragraph shall be limited to claims brought by or on behalf of an alien—

"(i) who is, at the time a request for review by such court is filed, detained by the United States; and

"(ii) for whom a Combatant Status Review Tribunal has been conducted, pursuant to applicable procedures specified by the Secretary of Defense.

"(C) Scope of review.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on any claims with respect to an alien under this paragraph shall be limited to the consideration of—

"(i) whether the status determination of the Combatant Status Review Tribunal with regard to such alien was consistent with the standards and procedures specified by the Secretary of Defense for Combatant Status Review Tribunals (including the requirement that the conclusion of the Tribunal be supported by a preponderance of the evidence and allowing a rebuttable presumption in favor of the Government's evidence); and

"(ii) to the extent the Constitution and laws of the United States are applicable, whether the use of such standards and procedures to make the determination is consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States.

"(D) Termination on release from custody.—The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit with respect to the claims of an alien under this paragraph shall cease upon the release of such alien from the custody of the Department of Defense.

"[(3) Repealed. Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(b)(1), formerly §1803(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612, as renumbered §1803(b)(1) by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(21), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4374.]

"(4) Respondent.—The Secretary of Defense shall be the named respondent in any appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under this subsection.

"(f) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer any constitutional right on an alien detained as an enemy combatant outside the United States.

"(g) United States Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'United States', when used in a geographic sense, is as defined in section 101(a)(38) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(38)] and, in particular, does not include the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(h) Effective Date.—

"(1) In general.—This section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 2005].

"(2) Review of combatant status tribunal and military commission decisions.—Paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e) shall apply with respect to any claim whose review is governed by one of such paragraphs and that is pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"SEC. 1006. TRAINING OF IRAQI FORCES REGARDING TREATMENT OF DETAINEES.

"(a) Required Policies.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that policies are prescribed regarding procedures for military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and contractor personnel of the Department of Defense in Iraq that are intended to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, and all persons acting on behalf of the Armed Forces or within facilities of the Armed Forces, ensure that all personnel of Iraqi military forces who are trained by Department of Defense personnel and contractor personnel of the Department of Defense receive training regarding the international obligations and laws applicable to the humane detention of detainees, including protections afforded under the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture.

"(2) Acknowledgment of training.—The Secretary shall ensure that, for all personnel of the Iraqi Security Forces who are provided training referred to in paragraph (1), there is documented acknowledgment of such training having been provided.

"(3) Deadline for policies to be prescribed.—The policies required by paragraph (1) shall be prescribed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 2005].

"(b) Army Field Manual.—

"(1) Translation.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the United States Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation to be translated into arabic [sic] and any other language the Secretary determines appropriate for use by members of the Iraqi military forces.

"(2) Distribution.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for such manual, as translated, to be provided to each unit of the Iraqi military forces trained by Department of Defense personnel or contractor personnel of the Department of Defense.

"(c) Transmittal of Regulations.—Not less than 30 days after the date on which regulations, policies, and orders are first prescribed under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives copies of such regulations, policies, or orders, together with a report on steps taken to the date of the report to implement this section.

"(d) Annual Report.—Not less than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 2005], and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section."

Sense of Congress Concerning Detainees; Actions To Prevent Abuse

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §§1091, 1092, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2068, 2069, provided that:

"SEC. 1091. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND POLICY CONCERNING PERSONS DETAINED BY THE UNITED STATES.

"(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the abuses inflicted upon detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, Iraq, are inconsistent with the professionalism, dedication, standards, and training required of individuals who serve in the United States Armed Forces;

"(2) the vast majority of members of the Armed Forces have upheld the highest possible standards of professionalism and morality in the face of illegal tactics and terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives;

"(3) the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq is appropriately condemned and deplored by the American people;

"(4) the Armed Forces are moving swiftly and decisively to identify, try, and, if found guilty, punish persons who perpetrated such abuse;

"(5) the Department of Defense and appropriate military authorities must continue to undertake corrective action, as appropriate, to address chain-of-command deficiencies and the systemic deficiencies identified in the incidents in question;

"(6) the Constitution, laws, and treaties of the United States and the applicable guidance and regulations of the United States Government prohibit the torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of foreign prisoners held in custody by the United States;

"(7) the alleged crimes of a handful of individuals should not detract from the commendable sacrifices of over 300,000 members of the Armed Forces who have served, or who are serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

"(8) no detainee shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the Constitution, laws, or treaties of United States.

"(b) Policy.—It is the policy of the United States to—

"(1) ensure that no detainee shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States;

"(2) investigate and prosecute, as appropriate, all alleged instances of unlawful treatment of detainees in a manner consistent with the international obligations, laws, or policies of the United States;

"(3) ensure that all personnel of the United States Government understand their obligations in both wartime and peacetime to comply with the legal prohibitions against torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of detainees in the custody of the United States;

"(4) ensure that, in a case in which there is doubt as to whether a detainee is entitled to prisoner of war status under the Geneva Conventions, such detainee receives the protections accorded to prisoners of war until the detainee's status is determined by a competent tribunal; and

"(5) expeditiously process and, if appropriate, prosecute detainees in the custody of the United States, including those in the custody of the United States Armed Forces at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"(c) Detainees.—For purposes of this section, the term 'detainee' means a person in the custody or under the physical control of the United States as a result of armed conflict.

"SEC. 1092. ACTIONS TO PREVENT THE ABUSE OF DETAINEES.

"(a) Policies Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that policies are prescribed not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004] regarding procedures for Department of Defense personnel and contractor personnel of the Department of Defense intended to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, and all persons acting on behalf of the Armed Forces or within facilities of the Armed Forces, treat persons detained by the United States Government in a humane manner consistent with the international obligations and laws of the United States and the policies set forth in section 1091(b).

"(b) Matters to Be Included.—In order to achieve the objective stated in subsection (a), the policies under that subsection shall specify, at a minimum, procedures for the following:

"(1) Ensuring that each commander of a Department of Defense detention facility or interrogation facility—

"(A) provides all assigned personnel with training, and documented acknowledgment of receiving training, regarding the law of war, including the Geneva Conventions; and

"(B) establishes standard operating procedures for the treatment of detainees.

"(2) Ensuring that each Department of Defense contract in which contract personnel in the course of their duties interact with individuals detained by the Department of Defense on behalf of the United States Government include a requirement that such contract personnel have received training, and documented acknowledgment of receiving training, regarding the international obligations and laws of the United States applicable to the detention of personnel.

"(3) Providing all detainees with information, in their own language, of the applicable protections afforded under the Geneva Conventions.

"(4) Conducting periodic unannounced and announced inspections of detention facilities in order to provide continued oversight of interrogation and detention operations.

"(5) Ensuring that, to the maximum extent practicable, detainees and detention facility personnel of a different gender are not alone together.

"(c) Secretary of Defense Certification.—The Secretary of Defense shall certify that all Federal employees and civilian contractors engaged in the handling or interrogation of individuals detained by the Department of Defense on behalf of the United States Government have fulfilled an annual training requirement on the law of war, the Geneva Conventions, and the obligations of the United States under international law."

Executive Documents

Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism

Military Order of President of the United States, dated Nov. 13, 2001, 66 F.R. 57833, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Authorization for Use of Military Force Joint Resolution (Public Law 107–40, 115 Stat. 224) [50 U.S.C. 1541 note] and sections 821 and 836 of title 10, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Findings.

(a) International terrorists, including members of al Qaida, have carried out attacks on United States diplomatic and military personnel and facilities abroad and on citizens and property within the United States on a scale that has created a state of armed conflict that requires the use of the United States Armed Forces.

(b) In light of grave acts of terrorism and threats of terrorism, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, on the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense in the national capital region, on the World Trade Center in New York, and on civilian aircraft such as in Pennsylvania, I proclaimed a national emergency on September 14, 2001 (Proc. 7463, Declaration of National Emergency by Reason of Certain Terrorist Attacks [50 U.S.C. 1621 note]).

(c) Individuals acting alone and in concert involved in international terrorism possess both the capability and the intention to undertake further terrorist attacks against the United States that, if not detected and prevented, will cause mass deaths, mass injuries, and massive destruction of property, and may place at risk the continuity of the operations of the United States Government.

(d) The ability of the United States to protect the United States and its citizens, and to help its allies and other cooperating nations protect their nations and their citizens, from such further terrorist attacks depends in significant part upon using the United States Armed Forces to identify terrorists and those who support them, to disrupt their activities, and to eliminate their ability to conduct or support such attacks.

(e) To protect the United States and its citizens, and for the effective conduct of military operations and prevention of terrorist attacks, it is necessary for individuals subject to this order pursuant to section 2 hereof to be detained, and, when tried, to be tried for violations of the laws of war and other applicable laws by military tribunals.

(f) Given the danger to the safety of the United States and the nature of international terrorism, and to the extent provided by and under this order, I find consistent with section 836 of title 10, United States Code, that it is not practicable to apply in military commissions under this order the principles of law and the rules of evidence generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases in the United States district courts.

(g) Having fully considered the magnitude of the potential deaths, injuries, and property destruction that would result from potential acts of terrorism against the United States, and the probability that such acts will occur, I have determined that an extraordinary emergency exists for national defense purposes, that this emergency constitutes an urgent and compelling government interest, and that issuance of this order is necessary to meet the emergency.

Sec. 2. Definition and Policy.

(a) The term "individual subject to this order" shall mean any individual who is not a United States citizen with respect to whom I determine from time to time in writing that:

(1) there is reason to believe that such individual, at the relevant times,

(i) is or was a member of the organization known as al Qaida;

(ii) has engaged in, aided or abetted, or conspired to commit, acts of international terrorism, or acts in preparation therefor, that have caused, threaten to cause, or have as their aim to cause, injury to or adverse effects on the United States, its citizens, national security, foreign policy, or economy; or

(iii) has knowingly harbored one or more individuals described in subparagraphs (i) or (ii) of subsection 2(a)(1) of this order; and

(2) it is in the interest of the United States that such individual be subject to this order.

(b) It is the policy of the United States that the Secretary of Defense shall take all necessary measures to ensure that any individual subject to this order is detained in accordance with section 3, and, if the individual is to be tried, that such individual is tried only in accordance with section 4.

(c) It is further the policy of the United States that any individual subject to this order who is not already under the control of the Secretary of Defense but who is under the control of any other officer or agent of the United States or any State shall, upon delivery of a copy of such written determination to such officer or agent, forthwith be placed under the control of the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 3. Detention Authority of the Secretary of Defense. Any individual subject to this order shall be—

(a) detained at an appropriate location designated by the Secretary of Defense outside or within the United States;

(b) treated humanely, without any adverse distinction based on race, color, religion, gender, birth, wealth, or any similar criteria;

(c) afforded adequate food, drinking water, shelter, clothing, and medical treatment;

(d) allowed the free exercise of religion consistent with the requirements of such detention; and

(e) detained in accordance with such other conditions as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe.

Sec. 4. Authority of the Secretary of Defense Regarding Trials of Individuals Subject to this Order. [Superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13425, set out as a note under section 948b of this title.]

Sec. 5. Obligation of Other Agencies to Assist the Secretary of Defense.

Departments, agencies, entities, and officers of the United States shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, provide to the Secretary of Defense such assistance as he may request to implement this order.

Sec. 6. Additional Authorities of the Secretary of Defense.

(a) As a military function and in light of the findings in section 1, the Secretary of Defense shall issue such orders and regulations as may be necessary to carry out any of the provisions of this order.

(b) The Secretary of Defense may perform any of his functions or duties, and may exercise any of the powers provided to him under this order (other than under section 4(c)(8) hereof) in accordance with section 113(d) of title 10, United States Code.

Sec. 7. Relationship to Other Law and Forums.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to—

(1) authorize the disclosure of state secrets to any person not otherwise authorized to have access to them;

(2) limit the authority of the President as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces or the power of the President to grant reprieves and pardons; or

(3) limit the lawful authority of the Secretary of Defense, any military commander, or any other officer or agent of the United States or of any State to detain or try any person who is not an individual subject to this order.

(b) With respect to any individual subject to this order—

(1) military tribunals shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to offenses by the individual; and

(2) the individual shall not be privileged to seek any remedy or maintain any proceeding, directly or indirectly, or to have any such remedy or proceeding sought on the individual's behalf, in (i) any court of the United States, or any State thereof, (ii) any court of any foreign nation, or (iii) any international tribunal.

(c) This order is not intended to and does not create any right, benefit, or privilege, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by any party, against the United States, its departments, agencies, or other entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.

(d) For purposes of this order, the term "State" includes any State, district, territory, or possession of the United States.

(e) I reserve the authority to direct the Secretary of Defense, at any time hereafter, to transfer to a governmental authority control of any individual subject to this order. Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit the authority of any such governmental authority to prosecute any individual for whom control is transferred.

Sec. 8. Publication.

This order shall be published in the Federal Register.

George W. Bush.      

[For supersedure of provisions of Military Order of President of the United States, dated Nov. 13, 2001, set out above, related to trial by military commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 13425, Feb. 14, 2007, 72 F.R. 7737, set out as a note under section 948b of this title.]

Ex. Ord. No. 13492. Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained At the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities

Ex. Ord. No. 13492, Jan. 22, 2009, 74 F.R. 4897, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13823, §2(a), Jan. 30, 2018, 83 F.R. 4831, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to effect the appropriate disposition of individuals currently detained by the Department of Defense at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (Guantanamo) and promptly to close detention facilities at Guantanamo, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. As used in this order:

(a) "Common Article 3" means Article 3 of each of the Geneva Conventions.

(b) "Geneva Conventions" means:

(i) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3114);

(ii) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3217);

(iii) the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3316); and

(iv) the Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3516).

(c) "Individuals currently detained at Guantanamo" and "individuals covered by this order" mean individuals currently detained by the Department of Defense in facilities at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base whom the Department of Defense has ever determined to be, or treated as, enemy combatants.

Sec. 2. Findings.

(a) Over the past 7 years, approximately 800 individuals whom the Department of Defense has ever determined to be, or treated as, enemy combatants have been detained at Guantanamo. The Federal Government has moved more than 500 such detainees from Guantanamo, either by returning them to their home country or by releasing or transferring them to a third country. The Department of Defense has determined that a number of the individuals currently detained at Guantanamo are eligible for such transfer or release.

(b) Some individuals currently detained at Guantanamo have been there for more than 6 years, and most have been detained for at least 4 years. In view of the significant concerns raised by these detentions, both within the United States and internationally, prompt and appropriate disposition of the individuals currently detained at Guantanamo and closure of the facilities in which they are detained would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice. Merely closing the facilities without promptly determining the appropriate disposition of the individuals detained would not adequately serve those interests. To the extent practicable, the prompt and appropriate disposition of the individuals detained at Guantanamo should precede the closure of the detention facilities at Guantanamo.

(c) The individuals currently detained at Guantanamo have the constitutional privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Most of those individuals have filed petitions for a writ of habeas corpus in Federal court challenging the lawfulness of their detention.

(d) It is in the interests of the United States that the executive branch undertake a prompt and thorough review of the factual and legal bases for the continued detention of all individuals currently held at Guantanamo, and of whether their continued detention is in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and in the interests of justice. The unusual circumstances associated with detentions at Guantanamo require a comprehensive interagency review.

(e) New diplomatic efforts may result in an appropriate disposition of a substantial number of individuals currently detained at Guantanamo.

(f) Some individuals currently detained at Guantanamo may have committed offenses for which they should be prosecuted. It is in the interests of the United States to review whether and how any such individuals can and should be prosecuted.

(g) It is in the interests of the United States that the executive branch conduct a prompt and thorough review of the circumstances of the individuals currently detained at Guantanamo who have been charged with offenses before military commissions pursuant to the Military Commissions Act of 2006, Public Law 109–366, as well as of the military commission process more generally.

Sec. 3. [Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13823, §2(a), Jan. 30, 2018, 83 F.R. 4831, set out below.]

Sec. 4. Immediate Review of All Guantanamo Detentions.

(a) Scope and Timing of Review. A review of the status of each individual currently detained at Guantanamo (Review) shall commence immediately.

(b) Review Participants. The Review shall be conducted with the full cooperation and participation of the following officials:

(1) the Attorney General, who shall coordinate the Review;

(2) the Secretary of Defense;

(3) the Secretary of State;

(4) the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(5) the Director of National Intelligence;

(6) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and

(7) other officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States, including employees with intelligence, counterterrorism, military, and legal expertise, as determined by the Attorney General, with the concurrence of the head of the department or agency concerned.

(c) Operation of Review. The duties of the Review participants shall include the following:

(1) Consolidation of Detainee Information. The Attorney General shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, and in coordination with the other Review participants, assemble all information in the possession of the Federal Government that pertains to any individual currently detained at Guantanamo and that is relevant to determining the proper disposition of any such individual. All executive branch departments and agencies shall promptly comply with any request of the Attorney General to provide information in their possession or control pertaining to any such individual. The Attorney General may seek further information relevant to the Review from any source.

(2) Determination of Transfer. The Review shall determine, on a rolling basis and as promptly as possible with respect to the individuals currently detained at Guantanamo, whether it is possible to transfer or release the individuals consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and, if so, whether and how the Secretary of Defense may effect their transfer or release. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and, as appropriate, other Review participants shall work to effect promptly the release or transfer of all individuals for whom release or transfer is possible.

(3) Determination of Prosecution. In accordance with United States law, the cases of individuals detained at Guantanamo not approved for release or transfer shall be evaluated to determine whether the Federal Government should seek to prosecute the detained individuals for any offenses they may have committed, including whether it is feasible to prosecute such individuals before a court established pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution, and the Review participants shall in turn take the necessary and appropriate steps based on such determinations.

(4) Determination of Other Disposition. With respect to any individuals currently detained at Guantanamo whose disposition is not achieved under paragraphs (2) or (3) of this subsection, the Review shall select lawful means, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, for the disposition of such individuals. The appropriate authorities shall promptly implement such dispositions.

(5) Consideration of Issues Relating to Transfer to the United States. The Review shall identify and consider legal, logistical, and security issues relating to the potential transfer of individuals currently detained at Guantanamo to facilities within the United States, and the Review participants shall work with the Congress on any legislation that may be appropriate.

Sec. 5. Diplomatic Efforts. The Secretary of State shall expeditiously pursue and direct such negotiations and diplomatic efforts with foreign governments as are necessary and appropriate to implement this order.

Sec. 6. Humane Standards of Confinement. No individual currently detained at Guantanamo shall be held in the custody or under the effective control of any officer, employee, or other agent of the United States Government, or at a facility owned, operated, or controlled by a department or agency of the United States, except in conformity with all applicable laws governing the conditions of such confinement, including Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. The Secretary of Defense shall immediately undertake a review of the conditions of detention at Guantanamo to ensure full compliance with this directive. Such review shall be completed within 30 days and any necessary corrections shall be implemented immediately thereafter.

Sec. 7. Military Commissions. The Secretary of Defense shall immediately take steps sufficient to ensure that during the pendency of the Review described in section 4 of this order, no charges are sworn, or referred to a military commission under the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Rules for Military Commissions, and that all proceedings of such military commissions to which charges have been referred but in which no judgment has been rendered, and all proceedings pending in the United States Court of Military Commission Review, are halted.

Sec. 8. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this order shall prejudice the authority of the Secretary of Defense to determine the disposition of any detainees not covered by this order.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Ex. Ord. No. 13567. Periodic Review of Individuals Detained at Guantánamo Bay Naval Station Pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force

Ex. Ord. No. 13567, Mar. 7, 2011, 76 F.R. 13277, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Authorization for Use of Military Force of September 2001 (AUMF), Public Law 107–40, and in order to ensure that military detention of individuals now held at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantánamo Bay, Cuba (Guantánamo), who were subject to the interagency review under section 4 of Executive Order 13492 of January 22, 2009, continues to be carefully evaluated and justified, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Scope and Purpose. (a) The periodic review described in section 3 of this order applies only to those detainees held at Guantánamo on the date of this order, whom the interagency review established by Executive Order 13492 has (i) designated for continued law of war detention; or (ii) referred for prosecution, except for those detainees against whom charges are pending or a judgment of conviction has been entered.

(b) This order is intended solely to establish, as a discretionary matter, a process to review on a periodic basis the executive branch's continued, discretionary exercise of existing detention authority in individual cases. It does not create any additional or separate source of detention authority, and it does not affect the scope of detention authority under existing law. Detainees at Guantánamo have the constitutional privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, and nothing in this order is intended to affect the jurisdiction of Federal courts to determine the legality of their detention.

(c) In the event detainees covered by this order are transferred from Guantánamo to another U.S. detention facility where they remain in law of war detention, this order shall continue to apply to them.

Sec. 2. Standard for Continued Detention. Continued law of war detention is warranted for a detainee subject to the periodic review in section 3 of this order if it is necessary to protect against a significant threat to the security of the United States.

Sec. 3. Periodic Review. The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate a process of periodic review of continued law of war detention for each detainee described in section 1(a) of this order. In consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Defense shall issue implementing guidelines governing the process, consistent with the following requirements:

(a) Initial Review. For each detainee, an initial review shall commence as soon as possible but no later than 1 year from the date of this order. The initial review will consist of a hearing before a Periodic Review Board (PRB). The review and hearing shall follow a process that includes the following requirements:

(1) Each detainee shall be provided, in writing and in a language the detainee understands, with advance notice of the PRB review and an unclassified summary of the factors and information the PRB will consider in evaluating whether the detainee meets the standard set forth in section 2 of this order. The written summary shall be sufficiently comprehensive to provide adequate notice to the detainee of the reasons for continued detention.

(2) The detainee shall be assisted in proceedings before the PRB by a Government-provided personal representative (representative) who possesses the security clearances necessary for access to the information described in subsection (a)(4) of this section. The representative shall advocate on behalf of the detainee before the PRB and shall be responsible for challenging the Government's information and introducing information on behalf of the detainee. In addition to the representative, the detainee may be assisted in proceedings before the PRB by private counsel, at no expense to the Government.

(3) The detainee shall be permitted to (i) present to the PRB a written or oral statement; (ii) introduce relevant information, including written declarations; (iii) answer any questions posed by the PRB; and (iv) call witnesses who are reasonably available and willing to provide information that is relevant and material to the standard set forth in section 2 of this order.

(4) The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other relevant Government agencies, shall compile and provide to the PRB all information in the detainee disposition recommendations produced by the Task Force established under Executive Order 13492 that is relevant to the determination whether the standard in section 2 of this order has been met and on which the Government seeks to rely for that determination. In addition, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other relevant Government agencies, shall compile any additional information relevant to that determination, and on which the Government seeks to rely for that determination, that has become available since the conclusion of the Executive Order 13492 review. All mitigating information relevant to that determination must be provided to the PRB.

(5) The information provided in subsection (a)(4) of this section shall be provided to the detainee's representative. In exceptional circumstances where it is necessary to protect national security, including intelligence sources and methods, the PRB may determine that the representative must receive a sufficient substitute or summary, rather than the underlying information. If the detainee is represented by private counsel, the information provided in subsection (a)(4) of this section shall be provided to such counsel unless the Government determines that the need to protect national security, including intelligence sources and methods, or law enforcement or privilege concerns, requires the Government to provide counsel with a sufficient substitute or summary of the information. A sufficient substitute or summary must provide a meaningful opportunity to assist the detainee during the review process.

(6) The PRB shall conduct a hearing to consider the information described in subsection (a)(4) of this section, and other relevant information provided by the detainee or the detainee's representative or counsel, to determine whether the standard in section 2 of this order is met. The PRB shall consider the reliability of any information provided to it in making its determination.

(7) The PRB shall make a prompt determination, by consensus and in writing, as to whether the detainee's continued detention is warranted under the standard in section 2 of this order. If the PRB determines that the standard is not met, the PRB shall also recommend any conditions that relate to the detainee's transfer. The PRB shall provide a written summary of any final determination in unclassified form to the detainee, in a language the detainee understands, within 30 days of the determination when practicable.

(8) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a secretariat to administer the PRB review and hearing process. The Director of National Intelligence shall assist in preparing the unclassified notice and the substitutes or summaries described above. Other executive departments and agencies shall assist in the process of providing the PRB with information required for the review processes detailed in this order.

(b) Subsequent Full Review. The continued detention of each detainee shall be subject to subsequent full reviews and hearings by the PRB on a triennial basis. Each subsequent review shall employ the procedures set forth in section 3(a) of this order.

(c) File Reviews. The continued detention of each detainee shall also be subject to a file review every 6 months in the intervening years between full reviews. This file review will be conducted by the PRB and shall consist of a review of any relevant new information related to the detainee compiled by the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other relevant agencies, since the last review and, as appropriate, information considered during any prior PRB review. The detainee shall be permitted to make a written submission in connection with each file review. If, during the file review, a significant question is raised as to whether the detainee's continued detention is warranted under the standard in section 2 of this order, the PRB will promptly convene a full review pursuant to the standards in section 3(a) of this order.

(d) Review of PRB Determinations. The Review Committee (Committee), as defined in section 9(d) of this order, shall conduct a review if (i) a member of the Committee seeks review of a PRB determination within 30 days of that determination; or (ii) consensus within the PRB cannot be reached.

Sec. 4. Effect of Determination to Transfer. (a) If a final determination is made that a detainee does not meet the standard in section 2 of this order, the Secretaries of State and Defense shall be responsible for ensuring that vigorous efforts are undertaken to identify a suitable transfer location for any such detainee, outside of the United States, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the commitment set forth in section 2242(a) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–277).

(b) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall be responsible for obtaining appropriate security and humane treatment assurances regarding any detainee to be transferred to another country, and for determining, after consultation with members of the Committee, that it is appropriate to proceed with the transfer.

(c) The Secretary of State shall evaluate humane treatment assurances in all cases, consistent with the recommendations of the Special Task Force on Interrogation and Transfer Policies established by Executive Order 13491 of January 22, 2009.

Sec. 5. Annual Committee Review. (a) The Committee shall conduct an annual review of sufficiency and efficacy of transfer efforts, including:

(1) the status of transfer efforts for any detainee who has been subject to the periodic review under section 3 of this order, whose continued detention has been determined not to be warranted, and who has not been transferred more than 6 months after the date of such determination;

(2) the status of transfer efforts for any detainee whose petition for a writ of habeas corpus has been granted by a U.S. Federal court with no pending appeal and who has not been transferred;

(3) the status of transfer efforts for any detainee who has been designated for transfer or conditional detention by the Executive Order 13492 review and who has not been transferred; and

(4) the security and other conditions in the countries to which detainees might be transferred, including a review of any suspension of transfers to a particular country, in order to determine whether further steps to facilitate transfers are appropriate or to provide a recommendation to the President regarding whether continuation of any such suspension is warranted.

(b) After completion of the initial reviews under section 3(a) of this order, and at least once every 4 years thereafter, the Committee shall review whether a continued law of war detention policy remains consistent with the interests of the United States, including national security interests.

Sec. 6. Continuing Obligation of the Departments of Justice and Defense to Assess Feasibility of Prosecution. As to each detainee whom the interagency review established by Executive Order 13492 has designated for continued law of war detention, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense shall continue to assess whether prosecution of the detainee is feasible and in the national security interests of the United States, and shall refer detainees for prosecution, as appropriate.

Sec. 7. Obligation of Other Departments and Agencies to Assist the Secretary of Defense. All departments, agencies, entities, and officers of the United States, to the maximum extent permitted by law, shall provide the Secretary of Defense such assistance as may be requested to implement this order.

Sec. 8. Legality of Detention. The process established under this order does not address the legality of any detainee's law of war detention. If, at any time during the periodic review process established in this order, material information calls into question the legality of detention, the matter will be referred immediately to the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General for appropriate action.

Sec. 9. Definitions. (a) "Law of War Detention" means: detention authorized by the Congress under the AUMF, as informed by the laws of war.

(b) "Periodic Review Board" means: a board composed of senior officials tasked with fulfilling the functions described in section 3 of this order, one appointed by each of the following departments and offices: the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, as well as the Offices of the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(c) "Conditional Detention" means: the status of those detainees designated by the Executive Order 13492 review as eligible for transfer if one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the security situation improves in Yemen; (2) an appropriate rehabilitation program becomes available; or (3) an appropriate third-country resettlement option becomes available.

(d) "Review Committee" means: a committee composed of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sec. 10. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall prejudice the authority of the Secretary of Defense or any other official to determine the disposition of any detainee not covered by this order.

(b) This order shall be implemented subject to the availability of necessary appropriations and consistent with applicable law including: the Convention Against Torture; Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions; the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005; and other laws relating to the transfer, treatment, and interrogation of individuals detained in an armed conflict.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) Nothing in this order, and no determination made under this order, shall be construed as grounds for release of detainees covered by this order into the United States.

Barack Obama.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13823. Protecting America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorists

Ex. Ord. No. 13823, Jan. 30, 2018, 83 F.R. 4831, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Findings. (a) Consistent with long-standing law of war principles and applicable law, the United States may detain certain persons captured in connection with an armed conflict for the duration of the conflict.

(b) Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and other authorities authorized the United States to detain certain persons who were a part of or substantially supported al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, or associated forces engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners. Today, the United States remains engaged in an armed conflict with al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, and associated forces, including with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

(c) The detention operations at the U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay are legal, safe, humane, and conducted consistent with United States and international law.

(d) Those operations are continuing given that a number of the remaining individuals at the detention facility are being prosecuted in military commissions, while others must be detained to protect against continuing, significant threats to the security of the United States, as determined by periodic reviews.

(e) Given that some of the current detainee population represent the most difficult and dangerous cases from among those historically detained at the facility, there is significant reason for concern regarding their reengagement in hostilities should they have the opportunity.

Sec. 2. Status of Detention Facilities at U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay. (a) Section 3 of Executive Order 13492 of January 22, 2009 (Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities) [formerly set out above], ordering the closure of detention facilities at U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, is hereby revoked.

(b) Detention operations at U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay shall continue to be conducted consistent with all applicable United States and international law, including the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 [see Short Title note set out under section 2000dd of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare].

(c) In addition, the United States may transport additional detainees to U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay when lawful and necessary to protect the Nation.

(d) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the heads of any other appropriate executive departments and agencies as determined by the Secretary of Defense, recommend policies to the President regarding the disposition of individuals captured in connection with an armed conflict, including policies governing transfer of individuals to U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay.

(e) Unless charged in or subject to a judgment of conviction by a military commission, any detainees transferred to U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay after the date of this order shall be subject to the procedures for periodic review established in Executive Order 13567 of March 7, 2011 (Periodic Review of Individuals Detained at Guantánamo Bay Naval Station Pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force) [set out above], to determine whether continued law of war detention is necessary to protect against a significant threat to the security of the United States.

Sec. 3. Rules of Construction. (a) Nothing in this order shall prevent the Secretary of Defense from transferring any individual away from the U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay when appropriate, including to effectuate an order affecting the disposition of that individual issued by a court or competent tribunal of the United States having lawful jurisdiction.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful permanent residents of the United States, or any persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.

(c) Nothing in this order shall prevent the Attorney General from, as appropriate, investigating, detaining, and prosecuting a terrorist subject to the criminal laws and jurisdiction of the United States.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Donald J. Trump.      

Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States

Additions and amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, prescribed by Ex. Ord. No. 12473, Apr. 13, 1984, 49 F.R. 17152, were contained in the following:

Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States

Additions and amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, prescribed by Ex. Ord. No. 12473, Apr. 13, 1984, 49 F.R. 17152, were contained in the following:

2024—Ex. Ord. No. 14130, Dec. 20, 2024, 89 F.R. 105343.

2023—Ex. Ord. No. 14103, July 28, 2023, 88 F.R. 50535.

2022—Ex. Ord. No. 14062, Jan. 26, 2022, 87 F.R. 4763.

2018—Ex. Ord. No. 13825, Mar. 1, 2018, 83 F.R. 9889.

2016—Ex. Ord. No. 13730, May 20, 2016, 81 F.R. 33331; Ex. Ord. No. 13740, Sept. 16, 2016, 81 F.R. 65175.

2015—Ex. Ord. No. 13696, June 17, 2015, 80 F.R. 35783.

2014—Ex. Ord. No. 13669, June 13, 2014, 79 F.R. 34999.

2013—Ex. Ord. No. 13643, May 15, 2013, 78 F.R. 29559.

2011—Ex. Ord. No. 13593, Dec. 13, 2011, 76 F.R. 78451.

2010—Ex. Ord. No. 13552, Aug. 31, 2010, 75 F.R. 54263.

2008—Ex. Ord. No. 13468, July 24, 2008, 73 F.R. 43827.

2007—Ex. Ord. No. 13430, Apr. 18, 2007, 72 F.R. 20213; Ex. Ord. No. 13447, Sept. 28, 2007, 72 F.R. 56179.

2005—Ex. Ord. No. 13387, Oct. 14, 2005, 70 F.R. 60697.

2004—Ex. Ord. No. 13365, Dec. 3, 2004, 69 F.R. 71333.

2002—Ex. Ord. No. 13262, Apr. 11, 2002, 67 F.R. 18773.

1999—Ex. Ord. No. 13140, Oct. 6, 1999, 64 F.R. 55115.

1998—Ex. Ord. No. 13086, May 27, 1998, 63 F.R. 30065.

1995—Ex. Ord. No. 12960, May 12, 1995, 60 F.R. 26647.

1994—Ex. Ord. No. 12936, Nov. 10, 1994, 59 F.R. 59075.

1993—Ex. Ord. No. 12888, Dec. 23, 1993, 58 F.R. 69153.

1991—Ex. Ord. No. 12767, June 27, 1991, 56 F.R. 30284.

1990—Ex. Ord. No. 12708, Mar. 23, 1990, 55 F.R. 11353.

1987—Ex. Ord. No. 12586, Mar. 3, 1987, 52 F.R. 7103.

1986—Ex. Ord. No. 12550, Feb. 19, 1986, 51 F.R. 6497.

1984—Ex. Ord. No. 12484, July 13, 1984, 49 F.R. 28825.

§802. Art. 2. Persons subject to this chapter

(a) The following persons are subject to this chapter:

(1) Members of a regular component of the armed forces, and members of the Space Force on active duty under section 20105 of this title, including those awaiting discharge after expiration of their terms of enlistment; volunteers from the time of their muster or acceptance into the armed forces; inductees from the time of their actual induction into the armed forces; and other persons lawfully called or ordered into, or to duty in or for training in, the armed forces, from the dates when they are required by the terms of the call or order to obey it.

(2) Cadets, aviation cadets, and midshipmen.

(3)(A) While on inactive-duty training and during any of the periods specified in subparagraph (B)—

(i) members of a reserve component or the Space Force; and

(ii) members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States, but only when in Federal service.

(B) The periods referred to in subparagraph (A) are the following:

(i) Travel to and from the inactive-duty training site of the member, pursuant to orders or regulations.

(ii) Intervals between consecutive periods of inactive-duty training on the same day, pursuant to orders or regulations.

(iii) Intervals between inactive-duty training on consecutive days, pursuant to orders or regulations.

(4) Retired members of a regular component of the armed forces who are entitled to pay.

(5) Retired members of a reserve component, or retired members of the Space Force who qualified for a non-regular retirement and are receiving retired pay, who are receiving hospitalization from an armed force.

(6) Members of the Fleet Reserve and Fleet Marine Corps Reserve.

(7) Persons in custody of the armed forces serving a sentence imposed by a court-martial.

(8) Members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, and other organizations, when assigned to and serving with the armed forces.

(9) Prisoners of war in custody of the armed forces.

(10) In time of declared war or a contingency operation, persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field.

(11) Subject to any treaty or agreement to which the United States is or may be a party or to any accepted rule of international law, persons serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States and outside the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

(12) Subject to any treaty or agreement to which the United States is or may be a party or to any accepted rule of international law, persons within an area leased by or otherwise reserved or acquired for the use of the United States which is under the control of the Secretary concerned and which is outside the United States and outside the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

(13) Individuals belonging to one of the eight categories enumerated in Article 4 of the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, done at Geneva August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3316), who violate the law of war.

(14) Retired members of the Space Force who qualified for a regular retirement under section 20601 or 20603 of this title and are receiving retired pay.

(b) The voluntary enlistment of any person who has the capacity to understand the significance of enlisting in the armed forces shall be valid for purposes of jurisdiction under subsection (a) and a change of status from civilian to member of the armed forces shall be effective upon the taking of the oath of enlistment.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person serving with an armed force who—

(1) submitted voluntarily to military authority;

(2) met the mental competency and minimum age qualifications of sections 504 and 505 of this title at the time of voluntary submission to military authority;

(3) received military pay or allowances; and

(4) performed military duties;

is subject to this chapter until such person's active service has been terminated in accordance with law or regulations promulgated by the Secretary concerned.

(d)(1) A member of a reserve component or the Space Force who is not on active duty and who is made the subject of proceedings under section 815 (article 15) or section 830 (article 30) with respect to an offense against this chapter may be ordered to active duty involuntarily for the purpose of—

(A) a preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32);

(B) trial by court-martial; or

(C) nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of this title (article 15).

(2) A member of a reserve component or the Space Force may not be ordered to active duty under paragraph (1) except with respect to an offense committed while the member was—

(A) on active duty; or

(B) on inactive-duty training, but in the case of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States only when in Federal service.

(3) Authority to order a member to active duty under paragraph (1) shall be exercised under regulations prescribed by the President.

(4) A member may be ordered to active duty under paragraph (1) only by a person empowered to convene general courts-martial in a regular component of the armed forces or the Space Force.

(5) A member ordered to active duty under paragraph (1), unless the order to active duty was approved by the Secretary concerned, may not—

(A) be sentenced to confinement; or

(B) be required to serve a punishment consisting of any restriction on liberty during a period other than a period of inactive-duty training or active duty (other than active duty ordered under paragraph (1)).

(e) The provisions of this section are subject to section 876b(d)(2) of this title (article 76b(d)(2)).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 37; Pub. L. 86–70, §6(b), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 142; Pub. L. 86–624, §4(b), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 411; Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §104, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 508; Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §801(a), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 810; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(24), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922; Pub. L. 98–209, §13(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1408; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §804(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title XII, §1234(a)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2059; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1133(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 466; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §552, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2217; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(A), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 957; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LI, §5102, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2894; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(f)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 671; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §561, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1903.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
802	50:552.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 2), 64 Stat. 109.

In clause (1), the words "Members of" are substituted for the words "All persons belonging to". The words "all" and "the same" are omitted as surplusage. The word "when" is inserted after the word "dates".

In clauses (1) and (8), the words "of the United States" are omitted as surplusage.

In clause (3), the words "Members of a reserve component" are substituted for the words "Reserve personnel". The word "orders" in the last clause is omitted as surplusage.

In clause (4), the word "receive" is omitted as surplusage.

In clauses (4) and (5), the word "members" is substituted for the word "personnel".

In clause (8), the word "members" is substituted for the word "personnel".

In clauses (11) and (12), the word "outside" is substituted for the word "without" wherever it occurs. The words "the continental limits of" are omitted, since section 101(1) of this title defines the United States to include the States and the District of Columbia. The words "the provision of", "all", and "territories" are omitted as surplusage.

In clause (12), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

1962 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
802(11), (12)	50:552(11) and (12).	Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 852, §23, 70 Stat. 911.

The Act of August 1, 1956, was enacted during the pendency of the codification bill.

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1722(f) of Pub. L. 118–31 amended section 973 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "20601 or" before "20603".

2023—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(A)(i), inserted "and members of the Space Force on active duty under section 20105 of this title," after "regular component of the armed forces,".

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(A)(ii), inserted "or the Space Force" after "reserve component".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(A)(iii), inserted ", or retired members of the Space Force who qualified for a non-regular retirement and are receiving retired pay," after "a reserve component".

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(A)(iv), added par. (14).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(B)(i), inserted "or the Space Force" after "reserve component" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(B)(ii), inserted "or the Space Force" after "a reserve component" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(1)(B)(iii), inserted "or the Space Force" after "in a regular component of the armed forces".

2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "Members of a reserve component while on inactive-duty training, but in the case of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States only when in Federal service."

2013—Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing under section 832" for "investigation under section 832".

2009—Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 111–84 amended par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (13) read as follows: "Lawful enemy combatants (as that term is defined in section 948a(2) of this title) who violate the law of war."

2006—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 109–364 substituted "declared war or a contingency operation" for "war".

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 109–366 added par. (13).

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (e).

1988—Subsec. (a)(11), (12). Pub. L. 100–456 struck out "the Canal Zone," before "the Commonwealth".

1986—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–661, §804(a)(1), substituted "on inactive-duty training, but in the case of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States only when in Federal service" for "they are on inactive duty training authorized by written orders which are voluntarily accepted by them and which specify that they are subject to this chapter".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–661, §804(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

1983—Subsec. (a)(11), (12). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(a)(1), substituted "outside the Canal Zone" for "outside the following: the Canal Zone" and inserted "the Commonwealth of" before "Puerto Rico".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(a)(2), struck out "of this section" after "subsection (a)".

1980—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "Environmental Science Services Administration".

1979—Pub. L. 96–107 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

1966—Pub. L. 89–718 substituted "Environmental Science Services Administration" for "Coast and Geodetic Survey" in cl. (8).

1962—Pub. L. 87–651 inserted "Guam," after "Puerto Rico," in cls. (11) and (12).

1960—Pub. L. 86–624 struck out "the main group of the Hawaiian Islands," before "Puerto Rico" in cls. (11) and (12).

1959—Pub. L. 86–70 struck out "that part of Alaska east of longitude 172 degrees west," before "the Canal Zone" in cls. (11) and (12).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare was redesignated the Secretary of Health and Human Services by section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(d)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(g)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3365, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (c)(3) [amending this section and sections 832, 834, 838, 847, and 948b of this title] shall take effect on the later of December 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 [Dec. 19, 2014] and shall apply with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date."

[Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(g)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3365, provided that the amendment by section 531(g)(1) to section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out above, is effective as of Dec. 26, 2013, and as if included in section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, as enacted.]

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §804(e), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 803 of this title] shall apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this title [see section 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out below]."

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §808, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3909, provided that: "Except as provided in sections 802(b), 805(c), and 807(b) [set out as notes under sections 850a, 843, and 806, respectively, of this title], this title and the amendments made by this title [enacting section 850a of this title, amending this section and sections 803, 806, 825, 843, 860, 936, and 937 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 801, 806, 825, 843, 850a, and 860 of this title] shall take effect on the earlier of—

"(1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]; or

"(2) the date specified in an Executive order for such amendments to take effect."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Repeals

The directory language of, but not the amendment made by, Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–295, §6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1314.

Applicability of Uniform Code of Military Justice to Members of the Armed Forces Ordered to Duty Overseas in Inactive Duty for Training Status

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §551, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2217, provided that: "Not later than March 1, 2007, the Secretaries of the military departments shall prescribe regulations, or amend current regulations, in order to provide that members of the Armed Forces who are ordered to duty at locations overseas in an inactive duty for training status are subject to the jurisdiction of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, pursuant to the provisions of section 802(a)(3) of title 10, United States Code (article 2(a)(3) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), continuously from the commencement of execution of such orders to the conclusion of such orders."

Advisory Committee on Criminal Law Jurisdiction Over Civilians Accompanying Armed Forces in Time of Armed Conflict

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1151, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 467, directed the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General, not later than 45 days after Feb. 10, 1996, to jointly appoint an advisory committee to review and make recommendations concerning the appropriate forum for criminal jurisdiction over civilians accompanying the Armed Forces outside the United States in time of armed conflict, directed the committee to transmit to the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General a report setting forth its findings and recommendations not later than Dec. 15, 1996, directed the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General to jointly transmit the report of the committee to Congress not later than Jan. 15, 1997, and provided that the committee would terminate 30 days after the date on which the report had been submitted to Congress.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

All functions of Public Health Service, of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, and of all other officers and employees of the Public Health Service, and all functions of all agencies of or in the Public Health Service transferred to Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by 1966 Reorg. Plan No. 3, 31 F.R. 8855, 80 Stat. 1610, effective June 25, 1966, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 10631. Code of Conduct for Members of the Armed Forces

Ex. Ord. No. 10631, Aug. 17, 1955, 20 F.R. 6057, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11382, Nov. 28, 1967, 32 F.R. 16247; Ex. Ord. No. 12017, Nov. 3, 1977, 42 F.R. 57941; Ex. Ord. No. 12633, Mar. 28, 1988, 53 F.R. 10355; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §76, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 106231, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, I hereby prescribe the Code of Conduct for Members of the Armed Forces of the United States which is attached to this order and hereby made a part thereof.

All members of the Armed Forces of the United States are expected to measure up to the standards embodied in this Code of Conduct while in combat or in captivity. To ensure achievement of these standards, members of the armed forces liable to capture shall be provided with specific training and instruction designed to better equip them to counter and withstand all enemy efforts against them, and shall be fully instructed as to the behavior and obligations expected of them during combat or captivity.

The Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard except when it is serving as part of the Navy) shall take such action as is deemed necessary to implement this order and to disseminate and make the said Code known to all members of the armed forces of the United States.

Code of Conduct for Members of the United States Armed Forces

I

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

§803. Art. 3. Jurisdiction to try certain personnel

(a) Subject to section 843 of this title (article 43), a person who is in a status in which the person is subject to this chapter and who committed an offense against this chapter while formerly in a status in which the person was subject to this chapter is not relieved from amenability to the jurisdiction of this chapter for that offense by reason of a termination of that person's former status.

(b) Each person discharged from the armed forces who is later charged with having fraudulently obtained his discharge is, subject to section 843 of this title (article 43), subject to trial by court-martial on that charge and is after apprehension subject to this chapter while in the custody of the armed forces for that trial. Upon conviction of that charge he is subject to trial by court-martial for all offenses under this chapter committed before the fraudulent discharge.

(c) No person who has deserted from the armed forces may be relieved from amenability to the jurisdiction of this chapter by virtue of a separation from any later period of service.

(d) A member of a reserve component or the Space Force who is subject to this chapter is not, by virtue of the termination of a period of active duty or inactive-duty training, relieved from amenability to the jurisdiction of this chapter for an offense against this chapter committed during such period of active duty or inactive-duty training.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 38; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §804(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3907; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1063, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2505; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(f)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 671.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
803(a) 803(b) 803(c)	50:553(a). 50:553(b). 50:553(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 3), 64 Stat. 109.

In subsection (a), the words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage. The words "no * * * may" are substituted for the words "any * * * shall not". The word "for" is substituted for the word "of" before the words "five years". The words "of a State, a Territory, or" are substituted for the words "any State or Territory thereof or of". The word "court-martial" is substituted for the word "courts-martial".

In subsection (b), the words "Each person" are substituted for the words "All persons". The words "who is later" are substituted for the word "subsequently". The words "his discharge is" are substituted for the words "said discharge shall * * * be". The words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage. The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall * * * be". The words "he is" are substituted for the words "they shall be". The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to".

In subsection (c), the words "No * * * may" are substituted for the words "Any * * * shall not". The word "later" is substituted for the word "subsequent".

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1722(f) of Pub. L. 118–31 amended section 973 of this title.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted "or the Space Force" after "reserve component".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Subject to section 843 of this title (article 43), no person charged with having committed, while in a status in which he was subject to this chapter, an offense against this chapter, punishable by confinement for five years or more and for which the person cannot be tried in the courts of the United States or of a State, a Territory, or the District of Columbia, may be relieved from amenability to trial by court-martial by reason of the termination of that status."

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–661 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1067, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 1063, 1064, 1065, and 1066 [amending this section and sections 857, 863, 911, 918, and 920 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992] and shall apply with respect to offenses committed on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–661 applicable to offenses committed on or after the earlier of (1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986; or (2) the date specified in an Executive order, see sections 804(e) and 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as notes under section 802 of this title.

§804. Art. 4. Dismissed officer's right to trial by court-martial

(a) If any commissioned officer, dismissed by order of the President, makes a written application for trial by court-martial, setting forth, under oath, that he has been wrongfully dismissed, the President, as soon as practicable, shall convene a general court-martial to try that officer on the charges on which he was dismissed. A court-martial so convened has jurisdiction to try the dismissed officer on those charges, and he shall be considered to have waived the right to plead any statute of limitations applicable to any offense with which he is charged. The court-martial may, as part of its sentence, adjudge the affirmance of the dismissal, but if the court-martial acquits the accused or if the sentence adjudged, as finally approved or affirmed, does not include dismissal or death, the Secretary concerned shall substitute for the dismissal ordered by the President a form of discharge authorized for administrative issue.

(b) If the President fails to convene a general court-martial within six months from the presentation of an application for trial under this article, the Secretary concerned shall substitute for the dismissal ordered by the President a form of discharge authorized for administrative issue.

(c) If a discharge is substituted for a dismissal under this article, the President alone may reappoint the officer to such commissioned grade and with such rank as, in the opinion of the President, that former officer would have attained had he not been dismissed. The reappointment of such a former officer shall be without regard to the existence of a vacancy and shall affect the promotion status of other officers only insofar as the President may direct. All time between the dismissal and the reappointment shall be considered as actual service for all purposes, including the right to pay and allowances.

(d) If an officer is discharged from any armed force by administrative action or is dropped from the rolls by order of the President, he has no right to trial under this article.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 38.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
804(a) 804(b)	50:554(a). 50:554(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 4), 64 Stat. 110.
804(c)	50:554(c).
804(d)	50:554(d).

In subsection (a), the word "If" is substituted for the word "When". The word "commissioned" is inserted before the word "officer". The word "considered" is substituted for the word "held".

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (c), the word "If" is substituted for the word "Where". The words "the authority of" are omitted as surplusage. The words "grade and with such rank" are substituted for the words "rank and precedence", since a person is appointed to a grade, not to a position of precedence, and the word "rank" is the accepted military word denoting the general idea of precedence. The words "the existence of a" are substituted for the word "position" for clarity. The word "receive" is omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (d), the word "If" is substituted for the word "When". The words "he has no" are substituted for the words "there shall not be a".

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation to Secretary of Homeland Security of certain authority vested in President by this section, see section 2 of Ex. Ord. No. 10637, Sept. 16, 1955, 20 F.R. 7025, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§805. Art. 5. Territorial applicability of this chapter

This chapter applies in all places.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 39.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
805	50:555.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 5), 64 Stat. 110.

The word "applies" is substituted for the words "shall be applicable".

§806. Art. 6. Judge advocates and legal officers

(a) The assignment for duty of judge advocates of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard shall be made upon the recommendation of the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which they are members. The assignment for duty of judge advocates of the Marine Corps shall be made by direction of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Judge Advocates General, and within the Marine Corps the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or senior members of their staffs, shall make frequent inspections in the field in supervision of the administration of military justice.

(b) Convening authorities shall at all times communicate directly with their staff judge advocates or legal officers in matters relating to the administration of military justice; and the staff judge advocate or legal officer of any command is entitled to communicate directly with the staff judge advocate or legal officer of a superior or subordinate command, or with the Judge Advocate General.

(c)(1) No person who, with respect to a case, serves in a capacity specified in paragraph (2) may later serve as a staff judge advocate or legal officer to any reviewing or convening authority upon the same case.

(2) The capacities referred to in paragraph (1) are, with respect to the case involved, any of the following:

(A) Preliminary hearing officer, court member, military judge, military magistrate, or appellate judge.

(B) Counsel who have acted in the same case or appeared in any proceeding before a military judge, military magistrate, preliminary hearing officer, or appellate court.

(d)(1) A judge advocate who is assigned or detailed to perform the functions of a civil office in the Government of the United States under section 973(b)(2)(B) of this title may perform such duties as may be requested by the agency concerned, including representation of the United States in civil and criminal cases.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall prescribe regulations providing that reimbursement may be a condition of assistance by judge advocates assigned or detailed under section 973(b)(2)(B) of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 39; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(3), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 545; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(2), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335; Pub. L. 98–209, §2(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §807(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3909; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §531(d)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LI, §5103, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2895.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
806(a) 806(b)	50:556(a). 50:556(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 6), 64 Stat. 110.
806(c)	50:556(c).

In subsection (b), the word "entitled" is substituted for the word "authorized".

In subsection (c), the words "may later" are substituted for the words "shall subsequently".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "No person who has acted as member, military judge, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, assistant defense counsel, or investigating officer in any case may later act as a staff judge advocate or legal officer to any reviewing authority upon the same case."

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "The Judge Advocates General, and within the Marine Corps the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or senior members of their staffs, shall" for "The Judge Advocate General or senior members of his staff shall".

2002—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–661 added subsec. (d).

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209 substituted "Air Force, and" for "and Air Force and law specialists of the".

1968—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge" for "law officer".

1967—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–179 substituted reference to judge advocates of the Navy for reference to law specialists of the Navy and provided for the assignment of judge advocates of the Marine Corps.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §807(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3909, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section]—

"(1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]; and

"(2) may not be construed to invalidate an action taken by a judge advocate, pursuant to an assignment or detail under section 973(b)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code, before the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§806a. Art. 6a. Investigation and disposition of matters pertaining to the fitness of military judges

(a) The President shall prescribe procedures for the investigation and disposition of charges, allegations, or information pertaining to the fitness of a military appellate judge, military judge, or military magistrate to perform the duties of the position involved. To the extent practicable, the procedures shall be uniform for all armed forces.

(b) The President shall transmit a copy of the procedures prescribed pursuant to this section to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1303, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1576; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LI, §5104, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2895.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "military appellate judge, military judge, or military magistrate to perform the duties of the position involved." for "military judge or military appellate judge to perform the duties of the judge's position."

1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§806b. Art. 6b. Rights of the victim of an offense under this chapter

(a) Rights of a Victim of an Offense Under This Chapter.—A victim of an offense under this chapter has the following rights:

(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

(2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any of the following:

(A) A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused.

(B) A preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32) relating to the offense.

(C) A court-martial relating to the offense.

(D) A post-trial motion, filing, or hearing that may address the finding or sentence of a court-martial with respect to the accused, unseal privileged or private information of the victim, or result in the release of the accused.

(E) A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense.

(F) The release or escape of the accused, unless such notice may endanger the safety of any person.

(3) The right not to be excluded from any public hearing or proceeding described in paragraph (2) unless the military judge or preliminary hearing officer, as applicable, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim of an offense under this chapter would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that hearing or proceeding.

(4) The right to be reasonably heard at any of the following:

(A) A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused.

(B) A sentencing hearing relating to the offense.

(C) A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense.

(5) The reasonable right to confer with the counsel representing the Government at any proceeding described in paragraph (2).

(6) The right to receive restitution as provided in law.

(7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

(8) The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea agreement, separation-in-lieu-of-trial agreement, or non-prosecution agreement relating to the offense, unless providing such information would jeopardize a law enforcement proceeding or would violate the privacy concerns of an individual other than the accused.

(9) The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the dignity and privacy of the victim of an offense under this chapter.

(b) Victim of an Offense Under This Chapter Defined.—In this section, the term "victim of an offense under this chapter" means an individual who has suffered direct physical, emotional, or pecuniary harm as a result of the commission of an offense under this chapter.

(c) Appointment of Individuals to Assume Rights for Certain Victims.—In the case of a victim of an offense under this chapter who is under 18 years of age (but who is not a member of the armed forces), incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased, the legal guardians of the victim or the representatives of the victim's estate, family members, or any other person designated as suitable by the military judge, may assume the rights of the victim under this section. However, in no event may the individual so designated be the accused.

(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section (article) shall be construed—

(1) to authorize a cause of action for damages;

(2) to create, to enlarge, or to imply any duty or obligation to any victim of an offense under this chapter or other person for the breach of which the United States or any of its officers or employees could be held liable in damages; or

(3) to impair the exercise of discretion under sections 830 and 834 of this title (articles 30 and 34).

(e) Enforcement by Court of Criminal Appeals.—(1) If the victim of an offense under this chapter believes that a preliminary hearing ruling under section 832 of this title (article 32) or a court-martial ruling violates the rights of the victim afforded by a section (article) or rule specified in paragraph (4), the victim may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for a writ of mandamus to require the preliminary hearing officer or the court-martial to comply with the section (article) or rule.

(2) If the victim of an offense under this chapter is subject to an order to submit to a deposition, notwithstanding the availability of the victim to testify at the court-martial trying the accused for the offense, the victim may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for a writ of mandamus to quash such order.

(3)(A) A petition for a writ of mandamus described in this subsection shall be forwarded directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals, by such means as may be prescribed by the President, subject to section 830a of this title (article 30a).

(B) To the extent practicable, a petition for a writ of mandamus described in this subsection shall have priority over all other proceedings before the Court of Criminal Appeals.

(C) Review of any decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals on a petition for a writ of mandamus described in this subsection shall have priority in the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, as determined under the rules of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(4) Paragraph (1) applies with respect to the protections afforded by the following:

(A) This section (article).

(B) Section 832 (article 32) of this title.

(C) Military Rule of Evidence 412, relating to the admission of evidence regarding a victim's sexual background.

(D) Military Rule of Evidence 513, relating to the psychotherapist-patient privilege.

(E) Military Rule of Evidence 514, relating to the victim advocate-victim privilege.

(F) Military Rule of Evidence 615, relating to the exclusion of witnesses.

(f) Counsel for Accused Interview of Victim of Alleged Offense.—(1) Upon notice by counsel for the Government to counsel for the accused of the name of an alleged victim of an offense under this chapter who counsel for the Government intends to call as a witness at a proceeding under this chapter, counsel for the accused shall make any request to interview the victim through the Special Victims' Counsel or other counsel for the victim, if applicable.

(2) If requested by an alleged victim who is subject to a request for interview under paragraph (1), any interview of the victim by counsel for the accused shall take place only in the presence of the counsel for the Government, a counsel for the victim, or, if applicable, a victim advocate.

(Added Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 952; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §§531(f), 535, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364, 3368; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §531, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LI, §5105, title LVI, §5203(e)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2895, 2906; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(a), title X, §1081(a)(22), (c)(1)(B), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384, 1595, 1597; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §541, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3611; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §541, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1708.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 116–283 added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(8), (9). Pub. L. 117–81 added par. (8) and redesignated former par. (8) as (9).

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(B), which directed striking out "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "this chapter", was not executed in light of the prior amendment by section 1081(a)(22) of Pub. L. 115–91, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See Amendment note below and Effective Date of 2017 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(22), struck out "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "this chapter".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "prescribed by the President, subject to section 830a of this title (article 30a)" for "prescribed by the President, and, to the extent practicable, shall have priority over all other proceedings before the court", and added subpars. (B) and (C).

2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(e)(1), substituted "preliminary hearing officer" for "investigating officer".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5105(a), substituted "the legal guardians of the victim or the representatives of the victim's estate, family members, or any other person designated as suitable by the military judge, may assume the rights of the victim under this section." for "the military judge shall designate a representative of the estate of the victim, a family member, or another suitable individual to assume the victim's rights under this section."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5105(b), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §5105(c), added subsec. (f).

2015—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–92 amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) If the victim of an offense under this chapter believes that a court-martial ruling violates the victim's rights afforded by a Military Rule of Evidence specified in paragraph (2), the victim may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for a writ of mandamus to require the court-martial to comply with the Military Rule of Evidence.

"(2) Paragraph (1) applies with respect to the protections afforded by the following:

"(A) Military Rule of Evidence 513, relating to the psychotherapist-patient privilege.

"(B) Military Rule of Evidence 412, relating to the admission of evidence regarding a victim's sexual background."

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(f)(1), substituted "an individual" for "a person".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(f)(2), in heading, substituted "Appointment of Individuals to Assume Rights" for "Legal Guardian" and, in text, inserted "(but who is not a member of the armed forces)" after "under 18 years of age" and substituted "designate a representative" for "designate a legal guardian from among the representatives", "another suitable individual" for "other suitable person", and "the individual" for "the person".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–291, §535, added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 531(a) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Notice to Victims of Alleged Sex-Related and Domestic Violence-Related Offenses of Pendency of Further Administrative Action Following a Determination Not To Refer to Trial by Court-Martial

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §549, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1379, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §545, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1711; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §569C, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1907, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, upon a determination not to refer a case of an alleged sex-related offense (as defined in section 1044e(h) of title 10, United States Code), or a case of an alleged domestic violence-related offense (as defined by the Secretary), for trial by court-martial under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), the commander making such determination shall ensure that the victim (or the victim's legal counsel if so requested by the victim) is periodically notified of the status of a final determination on further action on such case, whether non-judicial punishment under section 815 of such title (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), other administrative action, or no further action. Such notifications shall continue not less frequently than monthly until such final determination. Upon such final determination, the commander shall ensure that the victim (or the victim's legal counsel if so requested by the victim) is notified of the type of action taken on such case, the outcome of the action (including any punishments assigned or characterization of service, as applicable), and such other information as the commander determines to be relevant."

Implementation

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1701(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 953, provided that:

"(1) Issuance.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013]—

"(A) the Secretary of Defense shall recommend to the President changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial to implement section 806b of title 10, United States Code (article 6b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a); and

"(B) the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy) shall prescribe such regulations as each such Secretary considers appropriate to implement such section.

"(2) Mechanisms for affording rights.—The recommendations and regulations required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) Mechanisms for ensuring that victims are notified of, and accorded, the rights specified in section 806b of title 10, United States Code (article 6b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a).

"(B) Mechanisms for ensuring that members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard make their best efforts to ensure that victims are notified of, and accorded, the rights specified in such section.

"(C) Mechanisms for the enforcement of such rights, including mechanisms for application for such rights and for consideration and disposition of applications for such rights.

"(D) The designation of an authority within each Armed Force to receive and investigate complaints relating to the provision or violation of such rights.

"(E) Disciplinary sanctions for members of the Armed Forces and other personnel of the Department of Defense and Coast Guard who willfully or wantonly fail to comply with requirements relating to such rights."

SUBCHAPTER II—APPREHENSION AND RESTRAINT

Sec.	Art.
807.	7.	Apprehension.
808.	8.	Apprehension of deserters.
809.	9.	Imposition of restraint.
810.	10.	Restraint of persons charged.
811.	11.	Reports and receiving of prisoners.
812.	12.	Prohibition of confinement of members of the armed forces with enemy prisoners and certain others.
813.	13.	Punishment prohibited before trial.
814.	14.	Delivery of offenders to civil authorities.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(1). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2965, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, substituted "Restraint of persons charged" for "Restraint of persons charged with offenses" in item 810 and "Prohibition of confinement of members of the armed forces with enemy prisoners and certain others" for "Confinement with enemy prisoners prohibited" in item 812.

§807. Art. 7. Apprehension

(a) Apprehension is the taking of a person into custody.

(b) Any person authorized under regulations governing the armed forces to apprehend persons subject to this chapter or to trial thereunder may do so upon reasonable belief that an offense has been committed and that the person apprehended committed it.

(c) Commissioned officers, warrant officers, petty officers, and noncommissioned officers have authority to quell quarrels, frays, and disorders among persons subject to this chapter and to apprehend persons subject to this chapter who take part therein.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 39.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
807(a) 807(b)	50:561(a). 50:561(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 7), 64 Stat. 111.
807(c)	50:561(c).

In subsection (a), the words "into custody" and "of a person" are transposed.

In subsection (c), the words "All" and "shall" are omitted as surplusage. The word "Commissioned" is inserted before the word "officers" for clarity. The word "therein" is substituted for the words "in the same".

§808. Art. 8. Apprehension of deserters

Any civil officer having authority to apprehend offenders under the laws of the United States or of a State, Commonwealth, possession, or the District of Columbia may summarily apprehend a deserter from the armed forces and deliver him into the custody of those forces.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 40; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(4), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
808	50:562.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 8), 64 Stat. 111.

The word "may" is substituted for the words "It shall be lawful for * * * to". The words "a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession, or the District of Columbia" are substituted for the words "any State, District, Territory, or possession of the United States". The words "of the United States", before the words "and deliver", are omitted as surplusage. The words "those forces" are substituted for the words "the armed forces of the United States", after the words "custody of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Commonwealth, possession," for "Territory, Commonwealth, or possession,".

§809. Art. 9. Imposition of restraint

(a) Arrest is the restraint of a person by an order, not imposed as a punishment for an offense, directing him to remain within certain specified limits. Confinement is the physical restraint of a person.

(b) An enlisted member may be ordered into arrest or confinement by any commissioned officer by an order, oral or written, delivered in person or through other persons subject to this chapter. A commanding officer may authorize warrant officers, petty officers, or noncommissioned officers to order enlisted members of his command or subject to his authority into arrest or confinement.

(c) A commissioned officer, a warrant officer, or a civilian subject to this chapter or to trial thereunder may be ordered into arrest or confinement only by a commanding officer to whose authority he is subject, by an order, oral or written, delivered in person or by another commissioned officer. The authority to order such persons into arrest or confinement may not be delegated.

(d) No person may be ordered into arrest or confinement except for probable cause.

(e) Nothing in this article limits the authority of persons authorized to apprehend offenders to secure the custody of an alleged offender until proper authority may be notified.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 40.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
809(a) 809(b)	50:563(a). 50:563(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 9), 64 Stat. 111.
809(c)	50:563(c).
809(d)	50:563(d).
809(e)	50:563(e).

In subsection (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted before the word "officer" for clarity. The words "member" and "members", respectively, are substituted for the words "person" and "persons".

In subsection (c), the words "A commissioned" are substituted for the word "An" for clarity. The word "commissioned" is inserted after the word "another" for clarity.

In subsection (d), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (e), the word "limits" is substituted for the words "shall be construed to limit".

§810. Art. 10. Restraint of persons charged

(a) In General.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), any person subject to this chapter who is charged with an offense under this chapter may be ordered into arrest or confinement as the circumstances require.

(2) When a person subject to this chapter is charged only with an offense that is normally tried by summary court-martial, the person ordinarily shall not be ordered into confinement.

(b) Notification to Accused and Related Procedures.—(1) When a person subject to this chapter is ordered into arrest or confinement before trial, immediate steps shall be taken—

(A) to inform the person of the specific offense of which the person is accused; and

(B) to try the person or to dismiss the charges and release the person.

(2) To facilitate compliance with paragraph (1), the President shall prescribe regulations setting forth procedures relating to referral for trial, including procedures for prompt forwarding of the charges and specifications and, if applicable, the preliminary hearing report submitted under section 832 of this title (article 32).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 40; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LII, §5121, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2896.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
810	50:564.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 10), 64 Stat. 111.

The word "he" is substituted for the words "such person".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter charged with an offense under this chapter shall be ordered into arrest or confinement, as circumstances may require; but when charged only with an offense normally tried by a summary court-martial, he shall not ordinarily be placed in confinement. When any person subject to this chapter is placed in arrest or confinement prior to trial, immediate steps shall be taken to inform him of the specific wrong of which he is accused and to try him or to dismiss the charges and release him."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§811. Art. 11. Reports and receiving of prisoners

(a) No provost marshal, commander of a guard, or master at arms may refuse to receive or keep any prisoner committed to his charge by a commissioned officer of the armed forces, when the committing officer furnishes a statement, signed by him, of the offense charged against the prisoner.

(b) Every commander of a guard or master at arms to whose charge a prisoner is committed shall, within twenty-four hours after that commitment or as soon as he is relieved from guard, report to the commanding officer the name of the prisoner, the offense charged against him, and the name of the person who ordered or authorized the commitment.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 40.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
811(a) 811(b)	50:565(a). 50:565(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 11), 64 Stat. 112.

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The words "a commissioned" are substituted for the word "an" for clarity.

§812. Art. 12. Prohibition of confinement of members of the armed forces with enemy prisoners and certain others

No member of the armed forces may be placed in confinement in immediate association with—

(1) enemy prisoners; or

(2) other individuals—

(A) who are detained under the law of war and are foreign nationals; and

(B) who are not members of the armed forces.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 41; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LII, §5122, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2896.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
812	50:566.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 12), 64 Stat. 112.

The words "of the United States" are omitted as surplusage. The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No member of the armed forces may be placed in confinement in immediate association with enemy prisoners or other foreign nationals not members of the armed forces."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§813. Art. 13. Punishment prohibited before trial

No person, while being held for trial, may be subjected to punishment or penalty other than arrest or confinement upon the charges pending against him, nor shall the arrest or confinement imposed upon him be any more rigorous than the circumstances require to insure his presence, but he may be subjected to minor punishment during that period for infractions of discipline.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 41; Pub. L. 97–81, §3, Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1087.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
813	50:567.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 13), 64 Stat. 112.

The words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage. The word "results" is changed to the singular. The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1981—Pub. L. 97–81 substituted "No person, while being held for trial, may be subjected" for "Subject to section 857 of this title (article 57), no person, while being held for trial or the result of trial, may be subjected".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at the end of the 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to each person held as the result of a court-martial sentence announced on or after that date, see section 7(a) and (b)(2) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

§814. Art. 14. Delivery of offenders to civil authorities

(a) Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, a member of the armed forces accused of an offense against civil authority may be delivered, upon request, to the civil authority for trial.

(b) When delivery under this article is made to any civil authority of a person undergoing sentence of a court-martial, the delivery, if followed by conviction in a civil tribunal, interrupts the execution of the sentence of the court-martial, and the offender after having answered to the civil authorities for his offense shall, upon the request of competent military authority, be returned to military custody for the completion of his sentence.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 41.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
814(a) 814(b)	50:568(a). 50:568(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 14), 64 Stat. 112.

In subsection (a), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (b), the word "interrupts" is substituted for the words "shall be held to interrupt". The word "his" is substituted for the words "the said court-martial".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations for Delivery of Military Personnel to Civil Authorities When Charged With Certain Offenses

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §721, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2001, directed the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the Secretaries of the military departments had issued uniform regulations pursuant to this section not later than 90 days after Sept. 29, 1988, and to transmit to committees of Congress a copy of such regulations and any recommendations for additional legislation not later than 120 days after Sept. 29, 1988.

SUBCHAPTER III—NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT

Sec.	Art.
815.	15.	Commanding officer's non-judicial punishment.

§815. Art. 15. Commanding officer's non-judicial punishment

(a) Under such regulations as the President may prescribe, and under such additional regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, limitations may be placed on the powers granted by this article with respect to the kind and amount of punishment authorized, the categories of commanding officers and warrant officers exercising command authorized to exercise those powers, the applicability of this article to an accused who demands trial by court-martial, and the kinds of courts-martial to which the case may be referred upon such a demand. However, except in the case of a member attached to or embarked in a vessel, punishment may not be imposed upon any member of the armed forces under this article if the member has, before the imposition of such punishment, demanded trial by court-martial in lieu of such punishment. Under similar regulations, rules may be prescribed with respect to the suspension of punishments authorized hereunder. If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, a commanding officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command may delegate his powers under this article to a principal assistant.

(b) Subject to subsection (a), any commanding officer may, in addition to or in lieu of admonition or reprimand, impose one or more of the following disciplinary punishments for minor offenses without the intervention of a court-martial—

(1) upon officers of his command—

(A) restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 30 consecutive days;

(B) if imposed by an officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command—

(i) arrest in quarters for not more than 30 consecutive days;

(ii) forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for two months;

(iii) restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;

(iv) detention of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for three months;

(2) upon other personnel of his command—

(A) if imposed upon a person attached to or embarked in a vessel, confinement for not more than three consecutive days;

(B) correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive days;

(C) forfeiture of not more than seven days' pay;

(D) reduction to the next inferior pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction;

(E) extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 14 consecutive days;

(F) restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 14 consecutive days;

(G) detention of not more than 14 days' pay;

(H) if imposed by an officer of the grade of major or lieutenant commander, or above—

(i) the punishment authorized under clause (A);

(ii) correctional custody for not more than 30 consecutive days;

(iii) forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for two months;

(iv) reduction to the lowest or any intermediate pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction, but an enlisted member in a pay grade above E–4 may not be reduced more than two pay grades;

(v) extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 45 consecutive days;

(vi) restrictions to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;

(vii) detention of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for three months.

Detention of pay shall be for a stated period of not more than one year but if the offender's term of service expires earlier, the detention shall terminate upon that expiration. No two or more of the punishments of arrest in quarters, confinement, correctional custody, extra duties, and restriction may be combined to run consecutively in the maximum amount imposable for each. Whenever any of those punishments are combined to run consecutively, there must be an apportionment. In addition, forfeiture of pay may not be combined with detention of pay without an apportionment. For the purposes of this subsection, "correctional custody" is the physical restraint of a person during duty or nonduty hours and may include extra duties, fatigue duties, or hard labor. If practicable, correctional custody will not be served in immediate association with persons awaiting trial or held in confinement pursuant to trial by court-martial.

(c) An officer in charge may impose upon enlisted members assigned to the unit of which he is in charge such of the punishments authorized under subsection (b)(2)(A)–(G) as the Secretary concerned may specifically prescribe by regulation.

(d) The officer who imposes the punishment authorized in subsection (b), or his successor in command, may, at any time, suspend probationally any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may suspend probationally a reduction in grade or a forfeiture imposed under subsection (b), whether or not executed. In addition, he may, at any time, remit or mitigate any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may set aside in whole or in part the punishment, whether executed or unexecuted, and restore all rights, privileges, and property affected. He may also mitigate reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay. When mitigating—

(1) arrest in quarters to restriction;

(2) confinement to correctional custody;

(3) correctional custody or confinement to extra duties or restriction, or both; or

(4) extra duties to restriction;

the mitigated punishment shall not be for a greater period than the punishment mitigated. When mitigating forfeiture of pay to detention of pay, the amount of the detention shall not be greater than the amount of the forfeiture. When mitigating reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay, the amount of the forfeiture or detention shall not be greater than the amount that could have been imposed initially under this article by the officer who imposed the punishment mitigated.

(e) A person punished under this article who considers his punishment unjust or disproportionate to the offense may, through the proper channel, appeal to the next superior authority. The appeal shall be promptly forwarded and decided, but the person punished may in the meantime be required to undergo the punishment adjudged. The superior authority may exercise the same powers with respect to the punishment imposed as may be exercised under subsection (d) by the officer who imposed the punishment. Before acting on an appeal from a punishment of—

(1) arrest in quarters for more than seven days;

(2) correctional custody for more than seven days;

(3) forfeiture of more than seven days' pay;

(4) reduction of one or more pay grades from the fourth or a higher pay grade;

(5) extra duties for more than 14 days;

(6) restriction for more than 14 days; or

(7) detention of more than 14 days' pay;

the authority who is to act on the appeal shall refer the case to a judge advocate or a lawyer of the Department of Homeland Security for consideration and advice, and may so refer the case upon appeal from any punishment imposed under subsection (b).

(f) The imposition and enforcement of disciplinary punishment under this article for any act or omission is not a bar to trial by court-martial for a serious crime or offense growing out of the same act or omission, and not properly punishable under this article; but the fact that a disciplinary punishment has been enforced may be shown by the accused upon trial, and when so shown shall be considered in determining the measure of punishment to be adjudged in the event of a finding of guilty.

(g) The Secretary concerned may, by regulation, prescribe the form of records to be kept of proceedings under this article and may also prescribe that certain categories of those proceedings shall be in writing.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 41; Pub. L. 87–648, §1, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 447; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(4), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 545; Pub. L. 90–623, §2(4), Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1314; Pub. L. 98–209, §§2(c), 13(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, 1408; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIII, §5141, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2897.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
815(a) 815(b)	50:571(a). 50:571(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 15), 64 Stat. 112.
815(c)	50:571(c).
815(d)	50:571(d).
815(e)	50:571(e).

In subsection (a), the words "not more than" are substituted for the words "a period not to exceed", "not to exceed", and "a period not exceeding".

In subsection (a)(1), the words "and warrant officers" are omitted, since the word "officer", as defined in section 101(14) of this title, includes warrant officers.

In clause (1)(C), the words "one month's pay" are substituted for the words "his pay per month for a period not exceeding one month".

In subsection (b), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

In subsection (c), the word "subsections" is substituted for the word "subdivisions". The words "enlisted members" are substituted for the words "enlisted persons".

In subsections (d) and (e), the words "authority of" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (d), the word "considers" is substituted for the word "deems". The word "may" is substituted for the words "shall have power to * * * to".

In subsection (e), the words "is not" are substituted for the words "shall not be".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5141(1)(B), struck out "on bread and water or diminished rations" after "in quarters, confinement" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §5141(1)(A), struck out "on bread and water or diminished rations" after "confinement".

Subsec. (d)(2), (3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5141(2), struck out "on bread and water or diminished rations" after "confinement".

2002—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation" in concluding provisions.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209, §13(b)(1), substituted "non-judicial" for "nonjudicial" in section catchline.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(b)(2)(A), struck out "of this section" after "subsection (a)" in provisions preceding par. (1).

Subsec. (b)(2)(H)(i). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(b)(2)(B), substituted "clause (A)" for "subsection (b)(2)(A)".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(c), substituted "or a lawyer of the" for "of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, or a law specialist or lawyer of the Coast Guard or".

1968—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90–623 substituted "or a law specialist or lawyer of the Coast Guard or Department of Transportation" for "or a law specialist or lawyer of the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Treasury Department".

1967—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90–179 inserted reference to judge advocate of the Marine Corps and substituted reference to judge advocate of the Navy for reference to law specialist of the Navy.

1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–648 redesignated former subsec. (b) as (a), inserted references to such regulations as the President may prescribe, permitted limitations to be placed on the categories of warrant officers exercising command authorized to exercise powers under this article, and on the kinds of courts-martial to which a case may be referred upon demand therefor, promulgation of regulations prescribing rules with respect to the suspension of punishment authorized by this article, and the delegation of powers to a principal assistant by a commanding officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command, if so authorized by the Secretary's regulations, and prohibited, except for members attached to or embarked in a vessel, imposition of punishment under this article on any member of the armed forces who, before imposition of such punishment, demands trial by court-martial. Former subsec. (a) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–648 redesignated former subsec. (a) as (b), enlarged authority of commanding officers to impose punishment upon officers by increasing the number of days restriction from not more than 14 to not more than 30 days, and the number of months one-half of one month's pay may be ordered forfeited by an officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction from one to two months, empowering officers exercising general court-martial jurisdiction and officers of general or flag rank in command to impose arrest in quarters for not more than 30 consecutive days, restriction, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days, and detention of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for three months, and officers of general or flag rank in command to order forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month's pay per month for two months, and the authority of commanding officers to impose punishment upon other personnel of his command to permit correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive days, forfeiture of not more than seven days' pay, and detention of not more than 14 days' pay, empowered officers of the grade of major or lieutenant commander, or above, to impose the punishments prescribed in clauses (i) to (vii) of subpar. (2) (H) upon personnel of his command other than officers, changed provisions which permitted reduction to next inferior grade, if the grade from which demoted was established by the command or an equivalent or lower command to permit reduction to the next inferior pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction, and provisions which permitted extra duties for not more than two consecutive weeks, and not more than two hours per day, holidays included, to authorize extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 14 consecutive days, inserted provisions limiting detention of pay for a stated period of not more than one year, prohibiting two or more of the punishments of arrest in quarters, confinement on bread and water or diminished rations, correctional custody, extra duties, and restriction to be combined to run consecutively in the maximum amount imposable for each, combining of forfeiture of pay with detention without an apportionment, and service of correctional custody, if practicable, in immediate association with persons awaiting trial or held in confinement pursuant to court-martial, requiring apportionment of punishments combined to run consecutively, and in those cases where forfeiture of pay is combined with detention of pay, defining "correctional custody", and struck out provisions which permitted withholding of privileges of officers and other personnel for not more than two consecutive weeks and which authorized confinement for not more than seven consecutive days if imposed upon a person attached to or embarked in a vessel. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (a).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–648 substituted "under subsection (b)(2)(A)–(G) as the Secretary concerned may specifically prescribe by regulation" for "to be imposed by commanding officers as the Secretary concerned may by regulation specifically prescribe, as provided in subsections (a) and (b)," and deleted "for minor offenses" after "an officer in charge may".

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 87–648 added subsec. (d), redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e), inserted provisions requiring the authority who is to act on an appeal from any of the seven enumerated punishments to refer the case to a judge advocate of the Army or Air Force, a law specialist of the Navy, or a law specialist or lawyer of the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Treasury Department for advice, and authorizing such referral of any case on appeal from punishments under subsec. (b) of this section, and substituted "The superior authority may exercise the same powers with respect to the punishment imposed as may be exercised under subsection (d) by the officer who imposed the punishment" for "The officer who imposes the punishment, his successor in command, and superior authority may suspend, set aside, or remit any part or amount of the punishment, and restore all rights, privileges, and property affected." Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 87–648 redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f) and added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by section 13(b) of Pub. L. 98–209 effective Dec. 6, 1983, and amendment by section 2(c) of Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–623 intended to restate without substantive change the law in effect on Oct. 22, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–623, set out as a note under section 5334 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–648, §2, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 450, provided that: "This Act [amending this section] becomes effective on the first day of the fifth month following the month in which it is enacted [September 1962]."

SUBCHAPTER IV—COURT-MARTIAL JURISDICTION

Sec.	Art.
816.	16.	Courts-martial classified.
817.	17.	Jurisdiction of courts-martial in general.
818.	18.	Jurisdiction of general courts-martial.
819.	19.	Jurisdiction of special courts-martial.
820.	20.	Jurisdiction of summary courts-martial.
821.	21.	Jurisdiction of courts-martial not exclusive.

§816. Art. 16. Courts-martial classified

(a) In General.—The three kinds of courts-martial in each of the armed forces are the following:

(1) General courts-martial, as described in subsection (b).

(2) Special courts-martial, as described in subsection (c).

(3) Summary courts-martial, as described in subsection (d).

(b) General Courts-martial.—General courts-martial are of the following three types:

(1) A general court-martial consisting of a military judge and eight members, subject to sections 825(e)(3) and 829 of this title (articles 25(e)(3) and 29).

(2) In a capital case, a general court-martial consisting of a military judge and the number of members determined under section 825a of this title (article 25a), subject to sections 825(e)(3) and 829 of this title (articles 25(e)(3) and 29).

(3) A general court-martial consisting of a military judge alone, if, before the court is assembled, the accused, knowing the identity of the military judge and after consultation with defense counsel, requests, orally on the record or in writing, a court composed of a military judge alone and the military judge approves the request.

(c) Special Courts-martial.—Special courts-martial are of the following two types:

(1) A special court-martial consisting of a military judge and four members, subject to sections 825(e)(3) and 829 of this title (articles 25(e)(3) and 29).

(2) A special court-martial consisting of a military judge alone—

(A) if the case is so referred, subject to section 819 of this title (article 19) and such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation; or

(B) if the case is referred under paragraph (1) and, before the court is assembled, the accused, knowing the identity of the military judge and after consultation with defense counsel, requests, orally on the record or in writing, a court composed of a military judge alone and the military judge approves the request.

(d) Summary Court-martial.—A summary court-martial consists of one commissioned officer.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 42; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(3), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335; Pub. L. 98–209, §3(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §582(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1124; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIV, §5161, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2897; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(C), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1597; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 258.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
816	50:576.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 16), 64 Stat. 113.

The word "The" is substituted for the words "There shall be". The word "are" is substituted for the word "namely". The words "not less than five members" are substituted for the words "any number of members not less than five". The words "not less than three members" are substituted for the words "any number of members not less than three". The word "commissioned" is inserted before the word "officer" in clause (3) for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "by the convening authority" after "is so referred".

2017—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "sections 825(e)(3) and 829 of this title (articles 25(e)(3) and 29)" for "sections 825(d)(3) and 829 of this title (articles 25(d)(3) and 29)" wherever appearing.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section defined the three kinds of courts-martial in each of the armed forces.

2001—Par. (1)(A). Pub. L. 107–107 inserted "or, in a case in which the accused may be sentenced to a penalty of death, the number of members determined under section 825a of this title (article 25a)" after "five members".

1983—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 98–209 substituted "orally on the record or in writing" for "in writing".

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 provided that a general or special court-martial shall consist of only a military judge if the accused, before the court is assembled, so requests in writing and the military judge approves, with the added requirements that the accused know the identity of the military judge and have the advice of counsel, and that the election be available in the case of a special court-martial only if a military judge has been detailed to the court.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(e), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 260, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (b) and subsection (c)(1) [amending this section and sections 824a and 825 of this title] shall take effect immediately after the coming into effect of the amendments made by part 1 of subtitle D of title V of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) as provided in section 539C of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note)."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §582(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1125, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 825a of this title and amending this section and section 829 of this title] shall apply with respect to offenses committed after December 31, 2002."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§817. Art. 17. Jurisdiction of courts-martial in general

(a) Each armed force has court-martial jurisdiction over all persons subject to this chapter. The exercise of jurisdiction by one armed force over personnel of another armed force shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President.

(b) In all cases, departmental review after that by the officer with authority to convene a general court-martial for the command which held the trial, where that review is required under this chapter, shall be carried out by the department that includes the armed force of which the accused is a member.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 43.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
817(a) 817(b)	50:577(a). 50:577(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 17), 64 Stat. 114.

In subsection (a), the word "has" is substituted for the words "shall have".

In subsection (b), the word "after" is substituted for the words "subsequent to". The words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage. The words "department that includes the" are inserted before the words "armed force", since the review is carried out by the department and not by the armed force.

§818. Art. 18. Jurisdiction of general courts-martial

(a) Subject to section 817 of this title (article 17), general courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any offense made punishable by this chapter and may, under such limitations as the President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this chapter, including the penalty of death when specifically authorized by this chapter. General courts-martial also have jurisdiction to try any person who by the law of war is subject to trial by a military tribunal and may adjudge any punishment permitted by the law of war.

(b) A general court-martial of the kind specified in section 816(b)(3) of this title (article 16(b)(3)) shall not have jurisdiction to try any person for any offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged unless the case has been previously referred to trial as a noncapital case.

(c) Consistent with sections 819 and 820 of this title (articles 19 and 20), only general courts-martial have jurisdiction over the following offenses:

(1) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 920 of this title (article 120).

(2) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 920b of this title (article 120b).

(3) An attempt to commit an offense specified in paragraph (1) or (2) that is punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 43; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(4), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1705(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 959; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIV, §5162, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2898.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
818	50:578.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 18), 64 Stat. 114.

The word "shall" is omitted as surplusage wherever it occurs.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5162(1), substituted "section 816(b)(3) of this title (article 16(b)(3))" for "section 816(1)(B) of this title (article 16(1)(B))".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5162(2), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "Consistent with sections 819, 820, and 856(b) of this title (articles 19, 20, and 56(b)), only general courts-martial have jurisdiction over an offense specified in section 856(b)(2) of this title (article 56(b)(2))."

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 designated the first two sentences as subsec. (a), designated third sentence as subsec. (b) and substituted "A general court-martial" for "However, a general court-martial", and added subsec. (c).

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 provided that a general court-martial consisting of only a military judge has no jurisdiction in cases in which the death penalty may be adjudged unless the case has been previously referred to trial as a noncapital case.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1705(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 960, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 856 of this title] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], and apply to offenses specified in section 856(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 56(b)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a)(1), committed on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§819. Art. 19. Jurisdiction of special courts-martial

(a) In General.—Subject to section 817 of this title (article 17), special courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any noncapital offense made punishable by this chapter and, under such regulations as the President may prescribe, for capital offenses. Special courts-martial may, under such limitations as the President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this chapter except death, dishonorable discharge, dismissal, confinement for more than one year, hard labor without confinement for more than three months, forfeiture of pay exceeding two-thirds pay per month, or forfeiture of pay for more than one year.

(b) Additional Limitation.—Neither a bad-conduct discharge, nor confinement for more than six months, nor forfeiture of pay for more than six months may be adjudged if charges and specifications are referred to a special court-martial consisting of a military judge alone under section 816(c)(2)(A) of this title (article 16(c)(2)(A)).

(c) Military Magistrate.—If charges and specifications are referred to a special court-martial consisting of a military judge alone under section 816(c)(2)(A) of this title (article 16(c)(2)(A)), the military judge, with the consent of the parties, may designate a military magistrate to preside over the special court-martial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 43; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(5), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1335; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §577(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 625; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(g)(4), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1228; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIV, §5163, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2898.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
819	50:579.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 19), 64 Stat. 114.

The word "shall" in the first sentence is omitted as surplusage. The words "for more than" are substituted for the words "in excess of". The words "more than" are substituted for the words "a period exceeding". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" in the last sentence.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading, struck out "A bad-conduct discharge, confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months may not be adjudged unless a complete record of the proceedings and testimony has been made, counsel having the qualifications prescribed under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)) was detailed to represent the accused, and a military judge was detailed to the trial, except in any case in which a military judge could not be detailed to the trial because of physical conditions or military exigencies. In any such case in which a military judge was not detailed to the trial, the convening authority shall make a detailed written statement, to be appended to the record, stating the reason or reasons a military judge could not be detailed." after "one year.", and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(g)(4), amended directory language of Pub. L. 106–65, §577(a)(2). See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, §577(a)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(g)(4), inserted ", confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months" after "A bad-conduct discharge" in third sentence.

Pub. L. 106–65, §577(a)(1), substituted "one year" for "six months" in two places in second sentence.

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 provided that before a bad-conduct discharge may be adjudged by a special court-martial the accused must be detailed counsel who is legally qualified under the Code and a military judge must be detailed to the trial, with a detailed written statement appended to the record if a military judge was not detailed to the trial, because of physical conditions and military exigencies, stating the reasons that a military judge could not be so detailed.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(g), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1228, provided that the amendment made by section 1048(g)(4) is effective as of Oct. 5, 1999, and as if included in Pub. L. 106–65 as enacted.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §577(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 625, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the sixth month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999] and shall apply with respect to charges referred on or after that effective date to trial by special courts-martial."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§820. Art. 20. Jurisdiction of summary courts-martial

(a) In General.—Subject to section 817 of this title (article 17), summary courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter, except officers, cadets, aviation cadets, and midshipmen, for any noncapital offense made punishable by this chapter. No person with respect to whom summary courts-martial have jurisdiction may be brought to trial before a summary court-martial if he objects thereto. If objection to trial by summary court-martial is made by an accused, trial may be ordered by special or general court-martial as may be appropriate. Summary courts-martial may, under such limitations as the President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this chapter except death, dismissal, dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, confinement for more than one month, hard-labor without confinement for more than 45 days, restriction to specified limits for more than two months, or forfeiture of more than two-thirds of one month's pay.

(b) Non-criminal Forum.—A summary court-martial is a non-criminal forum. A finding of guilty at a summary court-martial does not constitute a criminal conviction.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 43; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(6), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1336; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIV, §5164, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2899.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
820	50:580.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 20), 64 Stat. 114.

The word "shall" in the first sentence is omitted as surplusage. The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" in the second sentence. The words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage. The word "If" is substituted for the word "Where". The words "for more than" are substituted for the words "in excess of". The words "more than" are substituted for the words "pay in excess of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 substituted provisions prohibiting trial by summary court-martial in all cases if the person objects thereto for provisions allowing such trial over the person's objection if he has previously been offered and has refused article 15 punishment.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§821. Art. 21. Jurisdiction of courts-martial not exclusive

The provisions of this chapter conferring jurisdiction upon courts-martial do not deprive military commissions, provost courts, or other military tribunals of concurrent jurisdiction with respect to offenders or offenses that by statute or by the law of war may be tried by military commissions, provost courts, or other military tribunals. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 44; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
821	50:581.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 21), 64 Stat. 115.

The words "do not deprive" are substituted for the words "shall not be construed as depriving". The words "with respect to" are substituted for the words "in respect of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.

SUBCHAPTER V—COMPOSITION OF COURTS-MARTIAL

Sec.	Art.
822.	22.	Who may convene general courts-martial.
823.	23.	Who may convene special courts-martial.
824.	24.	Who may convene summary courts-martial.
824a.	24a.	Special trial counsel.
825.	25.	Who may serve on courts-martial.
825a.	25a.	Number of court-martial members in capital cases.
826.	26.	Military judge of a general or special court-martial.
826a.	26a.	Military magistrates.
827.	27.	Detail of trial counsel and defense counsel.
828.	28.	Detail or employment of reporters and interpreters.
829.	29.	Assembly and impaneling of members; detail of new members and military judges.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1693, added item 824a.

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), (B), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, amended Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(2). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2965, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), (B), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added items 825a, 826a, and 829 and struck out former items 825a "Art. 25a. Number of members in capital cases" and 829 "Art. 29. Absent and additional members".

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §582(b)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1124, added item 825a.

1968—Pub. L. 90–632, §2(8), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1336, substituted "Military judge of a general or special court-martial" for "Law officer of a general court-martial" in item 826.

§822. Art. 22. Who may convene general courts-martial

(a) General courts-martial may be convened by—

(1) the President of the United States;

(2) the Secretary of Defense;

(3) the commanding officer of a unified or specified combatant command;

(4) the Secretary concerned;

(5) the commanding officer of an Army Group, an Army, an Army Corps, a division, a separate brigade, or a corresponding unit of the Army or Marine Corps;

(6) the commander of a fleet; the commanding officer of a naval station or larger shore activity of the Navy beyond the United States;

(7) the commanding officer of an air command, an air force, an air division, or a separate wing of the Air Force or Marine Corps, or the commanding officer of a corresponding unit of the Space Force;

(8) any other commanding officer designated by the Secretary concerned; or

(9) any other commanding officer in any of the armed forces when empowered by the President.

(b)(1) If any such commanding officer is an accuser, the court shall be convened by superior competent authority, and may in any case be convened by such authority if considered desirable by him.

(2) A commanding officer shall not be considered an accuser solely due to the role of the commanding officer in convening a general court-martial to which charges and specifications were referred by a special trial counsel in accordance with this chapter.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 44; Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §211(b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1017; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5181, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2899; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(21)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3824; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §534(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1696.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
822(a) 822(b)	50:586(a). 50:586(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 22), 64 Stat. 115.

Subsection (a)(2) is substituted for the words "the Secretary of a Department".

In subsection (a)(4), the words "continental limits of the" are omitted, since section 101(1) of this title defines the United States to include the States and the District of Columbia.

In subsection (a)(6), the words "any other commanding officer" are substituted for the words "such other commanding officers as may be".

In subsection (b), the word "If" is substituted for the word "When". The words "if considered" are substituted for the words "when deemed".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or the commanding officer of a corresponding unit of the Space Force" for "Marine Corps".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2016—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out "in chief" after "the commander".

2006—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–163 struck out "a Territorial Department," before "an Army Group".

1986—Subsec. (a)(2) to (9). Pub. L. 99–433 added pars. (2) and (3) and redesignated existing pars. (2) to (7) as (4) to (9), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Training for Sexual Assault Initial Disposition Authorities on Exercise of Disposition Authority for Sexual Assault and Collateral Offenses

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §540A, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1365, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The training for sexual assault initial disposition authorities on the exercise of disposition authority under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall include comprehensive training on the exercise of disposition authority with respect to cases for which disposition authority is withheld to such authorities pursuant to the memorandum described in subsection (b) for the purpose of promoting confidence and trust in the military justice process with respect to such cases.

"(b) Memorandum Described.—The memorandum described in this subsection is the memorandum of the Secretary of Defense titled 'Withholding Initial Disposition Authority Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice in Certain Sexual Assault Cases' and dated April 20, 2012, or any successor memorandum."

§823. Art. 23. Who may convene special courts-martial

(a) Special courts-martial may be convened by—

(1) any person who may convene a general court-martial;

(2) the commanding officer of a district, garrison, fort, camp, station, Air Force or Space Force military installation, auxiliary air field, or other place where members of the Army, the Air Force, or the Space Force are on duty;

(3) the commanding officer of a brigade, regiment, detached battalion, or corresponding unit of the Army;

(4) the commanding officer of a wing, group, or separate squadron of the Air Force or a corresponding unit of the Space Force;

(5) the commanding officer of any naval or Coast Guard vessel, shipyard, base, or station; the commanding officer of any Marine brigade, regiment, detached battalion, or corresponding unit; the commanding officer of any Marine barracks, wing, group, separate squadron, station, base, auxiliary air field, or other place where members of the Marine Corps are on duty;

(6) the commanding officer of any separate or detached command or group of detached units of any of the armed forces placed under a single commander for this purpose; or

(7) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the Secretary concerned.

(b)(1) If any such officer is an accuser, the court shall be convened by superior competent authority, and may in any case be convened by such authority if considered advisable by him.

(2) A commanding officer shall not be considered an accuser solely due to the role of the commanding officer in convening a special court-martial to which charges and specifications were referred by a special trial counsel in accordance with this chapter.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 44; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(21)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3824; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §534(b), title X, §1081(a)(13), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1696, 1920.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
823(a) 823(b)	50:587(a). 50:587(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 23), 64 Stat. 115.

In subsection (a)(7), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

In subsection (b), the word "If" is substituted for the word "When". The words "if considered" are substituted for the words "when deemed".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §1081(a)(13), inserted comma after "Army".

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(21)(B)(i), substituted "Air Force or Space Force military installation" for "Air Force base" and "the Air Force, or the Space Force" for "or the Air Force".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(21)(B)(ii), inserted "or a corresponding unit of the Space Force" after "Air Force".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81, §534(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 534(b) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§824. Art. 24. Who may convene summary courts-martial

(a) Summary courts-martial may be convened by—

(1) any person who may convene a general or special court-martial;

(2) the commanding officer of a detached company, or other detachment of the Army;

(3) the commanding officer of a detached squadron or other detachment of the Air Force or a corresponding unit of the Space Force; or

(4) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the Secretary concerned.

(b) When only one commissioned officer is present with a command or detachment he shall be the summary court-martial of that command or detachment and shall hear and determine all summary court-martial cases brought before him. Summary courts-martial may, however, be convened in any case by superior competent authority when considered desirable by him.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 45; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(21)(C), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3824.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
824(a) 824(b)	50:588(a). 50:588(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 24), 64 Stat. 116.

In subsection (a)(4), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

In subsection (b), the words "only one commissioned" are substituted for the words "but one" for clarity. The word "considered" is substituted for the word "deemed".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "or a corresponding unit of the Space Force" after "Air Force".

§824a. Art. 24a. Special trial counsel

(a) Detail of Special Trial Counsel.—Each Secretary concerned shall promulgate regulations for the detail of commissioned officers to serve as special trial counsel.

(b) Qualifications.—A special trial counsel shall be a commissioned officer who—

(1)(A) is a member of the bar of a Federal court or a member of the bar of the highest court of a State; and

(B) is certified to be qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and temperament, for duty as a special trial counsel by—

(i) the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the officer is a member; or

(ii) in the case of the Marine Corps, the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps; and

(2) in the case of a lead special trial counsel appointed pursuant to section 1044f(a)(2) of this title, is in a grade no lower than O–7.

(c) Duties and Authorities.—

(1) In general.—Special trial counsel shall carry out the duties described in this chapter and any other duties prescribed by the Secretary concerned, by regulation.

(2) Determination of covered offense; related charges.—

(A) Authority.—A special trial counsel shall have exclusive authority to determine if a reported offense is a covered offense and shall exercise authority over any such offense in accordance with this chapter. Any determination to prefer or refer charges shall not act to disqualify the special trial counsel as an accuser.

(B) Known and related offenses.—If a special trial counsel determines that a reported offense is a covered offense, the special trial counsel may also exercise authority over any offense that the special trial counsel determines to be related to the covered offense and any other offense alleged to have been committed by a person alleged to have committed the covered offense.

(3) Dismissal; referral; plea bargains.—Subject to paragraph (5), with respect to charges and specifications alleging any offense over which a special trial counsel exercises authority, a special trial counsel shall have exclusive authority to, in accordance with this chapter—

(A) on behalf of the Government, withdraw or dismiss the charges and specifications or make a motion to withdraw or dismiss the charges and specifications;

(B) refer the charges and specifications for trial by a special or general court-martial;

(C) enter into a plea agreement; and

(D) determine if an authorized rehearing is impracticable.

(4) Binding determination.—The determination of a special trial counsel to refer charges and specifications to a court-martial for trial shall be binding on any applicable convening authority for the referral of such charges and specifications.

(5) Deferral to commander or convening authority.—If a special trial counsel exercises authority over an offense and elects not to prefer charges and specifications for such offense or, with respect to charges and specifications for such offense preferred by a person other than a special trial counsel, elects not to refer such charges and specifications, a commander or convening authority may exercise any of the authorities of such commander or convening authority under this chapter with respect to such offense, except that such commander or convening authority may not refer charges and specifications for a covered offense for trial by special or general court-martial.

(d) Special Trial Counsel Authority Over Certain Other Offenses.—

(1) Offenses occurring before effective date.—A special trial counsel may, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, exercise authority over the following offenses:

(A) An offense under section 917a (article 117a), 918 (article 118), section 919 (article 119), section 919a (article 119a), section 920 (article 120), section 920a (article 120a), section 920b (article 120b), section 920c (article 120c), section 928b (article 128b), or the standalone offense of child pornography punishable under section 934 (article 134) of this title that occurred on or before December 27, 2023.

(B) An offense under section 925 (article 125), section 930 (article 130), or section 932 (article 132) of this title that occurred on or after January 1, 2019, and before December 28, 2023.

(C) An offense under section 920a (article 120a) of this title, an offense under section 925 (article 125) of this title alleging an act of nonconsensual sodomy, or the standalone offense of kidnapping punishable under section 934 (article 134) of this title that occurred before January 1, 2019.

(D) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81).

(E) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 882 of this title (article 82).

(F) An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

(2) The standalone offense of sexual harassment.—After January 1, 2025, a special trial counsel may, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, exercise authority over the following offenses:

(A) The standalone offense of sexual harassment punishable under section 934 of this title (article 134) in each instance in which—

(i) the offense occurs after January 26, 2022, and on or before January 1, 2025; and

(ii) a formal complaint is substantiated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(B) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81).

(C) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 882 of this title (article 82).

(D) An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

(3) Effect of exercise of authority.—

(A) Treatment as covered offense.—If a special trial counsel exercises authority over an offense pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), the offense over which the special trial counsel exercises authority shall be considered a covered offense for purposes of this chapter.

(B) Known or related offenses.—If a special trial counsel exercises authority over an offense pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, the special trial counsel may exercise the authority of the special trial counsel under subparagraph (B) of subsection (c)(2) with respect to other offenses described in that subparagraph without regard to the date on which the other offenses occur.

(Added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §531(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1692; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §542(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2581; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(c)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 258; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §562, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1903.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §562(1), substituted "section 919a (article 119a), section 920 (article 120), section 920a (article 120a)," for "section 920 (article 120),".

Subsec. (d)(2), (3). Pub. L. 118–159, §562(2), (3), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

Subsec. (d)(3)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §562(4)(A), inserted "or (2)" after "paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 118–159, §562(4)(B), substituted "subsection (c)(2)(A) or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection" for "paragraph (1)".

2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsec. (d).

2022—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §542(a)(1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (5)" for "Subject to paragraph (4)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 117–263, §542(a)(2), substituted "an authorized rehearing" for "an ordered rehearing".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 118–31 effective immediately after amendment by part 1 of subtitle D of title V of Pub. L. 117–81, see section 531(e) of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 816 of this title.

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §542(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2581, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect immediately after the coming into effect of the amendments made by section 531 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1692) [enacting this section] as provided in section 539C of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note)."

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as an Effective Date of 2021 Amendment note under section 801 of this title.

Residual Prosecutorial Duties and Other Judicial Functions of Convening Authorities in Covered Cases

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §541(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2580, provided that: "The President shall prescribe regulations to ensure that residual prosecutorial duties and other judicial functions of convening authorities, including granting immunity, ordering depositions, and hiring experts, with respect to charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority pursuant to section 824a of title 10, United States Code (article 24a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) (as added by section 531 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1692)), are transferred to the military judge, the special trial counsel, or other authority as appropriate in such cases by no later than the effective date established in section 539C of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 801 note), in consideration of due process for all parties involved in such a case."

§825. Art. 25. Who may serve on courts-martial

(a) Any commissioned officer on active duty is eligible to serve on all courts-martial for the trial of any person who may lawfully be brought before such courts for trial.

(b) Any warrant officer on active duty is eligible to serve on general and special courts-martial for the trial of any person, other than a commissioned officer, who may lawfully be brought before such courts for trial.

(c)(1) Any enlisted member on active duty is eligible to serve on a general or special court-martial for the trial of any other enlisted member.

(2) Before a court-martial with a military judge and members is assembled for trial, an enlisted member who is an accused may personally request, orally on the record or in writing, that—

(A) the membership of the court-martial be comprised entirely of officers; or

(B) enlisted members comprise at least one-third of the membership of the court-martial, regardless of whether enlisted members have been detailed to the court-martial.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), after such a request, the accused may not be tried by a general or special court-martial if the membership of the court-martial is inconsistent with the request.

(4) If, because of physical conditions or military exigencies, a sufficient number of eligible officers or enlisted members, as the case may be, is not available to carry out paragraph (2), the trial may nevertheless be held. In that event, the convening authority shall make a detailed written statement of the reasons for nonavailability. The statement shall be appended to the record.

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) for capital offenses, the accused in a court-martial with a military judge and members shall be sentenced by the military judge.

(2) In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death, the accused shall be sentenced in accordance with section 853(c) of this title (article 53(c)).

(3) In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of a non-capital offense, the accused shall be sentenced for such non-capital offense in accordance with section 853(b) of this title (article 53(b)), regardless of whether the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death.

(e)(1) When it can be avoided, no member of an armed force may be tried by a court-martial any member of which is junior to the member being tried in rank or grade.

(2) When convening a court-martial, the convening authority shall detail as members thereof such members of the armed forces as, in the opinion of the convening authority, are best qualified for the duty by reason of age, education, training, experience, length of service, and judicial temperament. No member of an armed force is eligible to serve as a member of a general or special court-martial when the member is the accuser or a witness for the prosecution or has acted as preliminary hearing officer or as counsel in the same case.

(3) The convening authority shall detail not less than the number of members necessary to impanel the court-martial under section 829 of this title (article 29).

(4) When convening a court-martial, the convening authority shall detail as members thereof members of the armed forces under such regulations as the President may prescribe for the randomized selection of qualified personnel, to the maximum extent practicable.

(f) Before a court-martial is assembled for the trial of a case, the convening authority may excuse a member of the court from participating in the case. Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the convening authority may delegate the authority of the convening authority under this subsection to the staff judge advocate or legal officer of the convening authority or to any other principal assistant.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 45; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(7), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1336; Pub. L. 98–209, §§3(b), 13(c), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394, 1408; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §803(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5182, title LVI, §5203(e)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2899, 2906; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §543(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 258.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
825(a) 825(b)	50:589(a). 50:589(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 25), 64 Stat. 116.
825(c)	50:589(c).
825(d)	50:589(d).

In subsection (a), the word "commissioned" is inserted before the word "officer" for clarity. The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".

In subsections (a), (b), and (c)(1), the words "with the armed forces" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "a commissioned" are substituted for the word "an" for clarity.

In subsection (c), the words "member" and "members", respectively are substituted for the words "person" and "persons". The words "of an armed force" are inserted for clarity.

In subsection (c)(1), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to". The words "the accused may not" are substituted for the words "no enlisted person shall", for clarity. The word "If" is substituted for the word "Where".

In subsection (c)(2), the word "means" is substituted for the words "shall mean". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "than", before the words "a body", is omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (d)(1), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "member" is substituted for the word "person".

In subsection (d)(2), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The word "detail" is substituted for the word "appoint", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense. The words "member of an armed force" and "members of the armed forces", respectively, are substituted for the words "person" and "persons".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(b)(2)(A)(i), substituted "shall be sentenced by the military judge" for "may, after the findings are announced and before any matter is presented in the sentencing phase, request, orally on the record or in writing, sentencing by members".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(b)(2)(A)(ii), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "In a capital case, the accused shall be sentenced by the members for all offenses for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death in accordance with section 853(c) of this title (article 53(c))."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(b)(2)(B)(i), substituted "the member being tried" for "him".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(b)(2)(B)(ii), substituted "the opinion of the convening authority" for "his opinion" and "the member" for "he".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(b)(2)(C), substituted "the authority of the convening authority" for "his authority" and "the staff judge advocate or legal officer of the convening authority" for "his staff judge advocate or legal officer".

2022—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 117–263 added par. (4).

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(a), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) related to service on general and special courts-martial by enlisted members.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(b)(2), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(e)(2), which directed amendment of this section by substituting "preliminary hearing officer" for "investigating officer" in subsec. (d)(2), was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (e)(2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (d) as (e) by Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(b)(1).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(c), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §5182(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f).

1986—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–661 substituted "has requested orally on the record or in writing" for "has requested in writing".

1983—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(c), struck out "the word" before " 'unit' ".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(b), added subsec. (e).

1968—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 90–632 inserted requirement that an accused's request for inclusion of enlisted members on his court-martial be made before conclusion of a pre-trial session called by the military judge under section 839(a) or before the court is assembled for his trial and substituted "assembled" for "convened" to describe the calling together of the court for the trial in provision allowing such calling together without requested enlisted members if such members cannot be obtained.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 118–31 effective immediately after amendment by part 1 of subtitle D of title V of Pub. L. 117–81, see section 531(e) of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 816 of this title.

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §543(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022] and shall apply with respect to courts-martial convened on or after that effective date."

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §803(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only to a case in which arraignment is completed on or after the effective date of this title."

Title VIII of Pub. L. 99–661 effective the earlier of (1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986; or (2) the date specified in an Executive order for such amendment to take effect, see section 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by section 13(c) of Pub. L. 98–209 effective Dec. 6, 1983, and amendment by section 3(b) of Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §543(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582, provided that: "Not later than the effective date specified in subsection (b) [see Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note above], the President shall prescribe regulations implementing the requirement under paragraph (4) of section 825(e) of title 10, United States Code (article 25(e) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a) of this section."

§825a. Art. 25a. Number of court-martial members in capital cases

(a) In General.—In a case in which the accused may be sentenced to death, the number of members shall be 12.

(b) Case No Longer Capital.—Subject to section 829 of this title (article 29)—

(1) if a case is referred for trial as a capital case and, before the members are impaneled, the accused may no longer be sentenced to death, the number of members shall be eight; and

(2) if a case is referred for trial as a capital case and, after the members are impaneled, the accused may no longer be sentenced to death, the number of members shall remain 12.

(Added Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §582(b)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1124; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5183, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2900.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In a case in which the accused may be sentenced to a penalty of death, the number of members shall be not less than 12, unless 12 members are not reasonably available because of physical conditions or military exigencies, in which case the convening authority shall specify a lesser number of members not less than five, and the court may be assembled and the trial held with not less than the number of members so specified. In such a case, the convening authority shall make a detailed written statement, to be appended to the record, stating why a greater number of members were not reasonably available."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable with respect to offenses committed after Dec. 31, 2002, see section 582(d) of Pub. L. 107–107, set out as an Effective Date of 2001 Amendment note under section 816 of this title.

§826. Art. 26. Military judge of a general or special court-martial

(a) A military judge shall be detailed to each general and special court-martial. The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which military judges are detailed for such courts-martial and for the persons who are authorized to detail military judges for such courts-martial. The military judge shall preside over each open session of the court-martial to which he has been detailed.

(b) A military judge shall be a commissioned officer of the armed forces who is a member of the bar of a Federal court or a member of the bar of the highest court of a State and who is certified to be qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and judicial temperament, for duty as a military judge by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which such military judge is a member.

(c)(1) In accordance with regulations prescribed under subsection (a), a military judge of a general or special court-martial shall be designated for detail by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the military judge is a member.

(2) Neither the convening authority nor any member of the staff of the convening authority shall prepare or review any report concerning the effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency of the military judge so detailed, which relates to the military judge's performance of duty as a military judge.

(3) A commissioned officer who is certified to be qualified for duty as a military judge of a general court-martial—

(A) may perform such duties only when the officer is assigned and directly responsible to the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the military judge is a member; and

(B) may perform duties of a judicial or nonjudicial nature other than those relating to the officer's primary duty as a military judge of a general court-martial when such duties are assigned to the officer by or with the approval of that Judge Advocate General.

(4) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, assignments of military judges under this section (article) shall be for appropriate minimum periods, subject to such exceptions as may be authorized in the regulations.

(d) No person is eligible to act as military judge in a case if he is the accuser or a witness for the prosecution or has acted as preliminary hearing officer or a counsel in the same case.

(e) The military judge of a court-martial may not consult with the members of the court except in the presence of the accused, trial counsel, and defense counsel, nor may he vote with the members of the court.

(f) A military judge may be detailed under subsection (a) to a court-martial or a proceeding under section 830a of this title (article 30a) that is convened in a different armed force, when so permitted by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the military judge is a member.

(g) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, each Judge Advocate General shall designate a chief trial judge from among the members of the applicable trial judiciary.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 46; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(9), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1336; Pub. L. 98–209, §3(c)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5184, title LVI, §5203(e)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2901, 2906.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
826(a) 826(b)	50:590(a). 50:590(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 26), 64 Stat. 117.

In subsection (a), the words "a commissioned" are substituted for the word "an" for clarity. The words "of the United States" are omitted as surplusage. The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The word "if" is substituted for the word "when". The word "detail" is substituted for the word "appoint", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

In subsection (b), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5184(a), inserted "and special" after "each general" and struck out "Subject to regulations of the Secretary concerned, a military judge may be detailed to any special court-martial." before "The military judge".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5184(b), substituted "qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and judicial temperament, for duty" for "qualified for duty".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5184(c), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "The military judge of a general court-martial shall be designated by the Judge Advocate General, or his designee, of the armed force of which the military judge is a member for detail in accordance with regulations prescribed under subsection (a). Unless the court-martial was convened by the President or the Secretary concerned, neither the convening authority nor any member of his staff shall prepare or review any report concerning the effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency of the military judge so detailed, which relates to his performance of duty as a military judge. A commissioned officer who is certified to be qualified for duty as a military judge of a general court-martial may perform such duties only when he is assigned and directly responsible to the Judge Advocate General, or his designee, of the armed force of which the military judge is a member and may perform duties of a judicial or nonjudicial nature other than those relating to his primary duty as a military judge of a general court-martial when such duties are assigned to him by or with the approval of that Judge Advocate General or his designee."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(e)(3), substituted "preliminary hearing officer" for "investigating officer".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §5184(d), added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §5184(e), added subsec. (g).

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(c)(1)(A), amended subsec. (a) generally, inserting provision requiring the Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which military judges are detailed for courts-martial and for the persons who are authorized to detail military judges for such courts-martial.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(c)(1)(B), substituted "in accordance with regulations prescribed under subsection (a). Unless" for "by the convening authority, and, unless".

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and inserted reference to special court-martial.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted reference to military judge for references to law officer and such law officer's requisite qualifications, inserted reference to special court-martial and regulations of the Secretary concerned governing the convening of a special court-martial, inserted provisions directing the military judge to preside over the open sessions of the court-martial to which he was assigned, and struck out provisions making law officers ineligible in a case in which he was the accuser or a witness for the prosecution or acted as investigating officer or as counsel.

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 90–632 added subsecs. (b) to (d). Former subsec. (b) redesignated as subsec. (e) and amended.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90–632 redesignated former subsec. (b) as (e) and substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and struck out provision allowing consultation with members of the court on the form of the findings as provided in section 839 of this title (article 39).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to affect the designation or detail of a military judge or military counsel to a court-martial before that date, see section 12(a)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Statutory References to Law Officer Deemed References to Military Judge

Pub. L. 90–632, §3(a), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343, provided that: "Whenever the term law officer is used, with reference to any officer detailed to a court-martial pursuant to section 826(a) (article 26(a)) of title 10, United States Code [subsec. (a) of this section], in any provision of Federal law (other than provisions amended by this Act [see Short Title of 1968 Amendment note set out under section 801 of this title] or in any regulation, document, or record of the United States, such term shall be deemed to mean military judge."

§826a. Art. 26a. Military magistrates

(a) Qualifications.—A military magistrate shall be a commissioned officer of the armed forces who—

(1) is a member of the bar of a Federal court or a member of the bar of the highest court of a State; and

(2) is certified to be qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and judicial temperament, for duty as a military magistrate by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the officer is a member.

(b) Duties.—In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, in addition to duties when designated under section 819 or 830a of this title (article 19 or 30a), a military magistrate may be assigned to perform other duties of a nonjudicial nature.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5185, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2901.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§827. Art. 27. Detail of trial counsel and defense counsel

(a)(1) Trial counsel and defense counsel shall be detailed for each general and special court-martial. Assistant trial counsel and assistant and associate defense counsel may be detailed for each general and special court-martial. The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which counsel are detailed for such courts-martial and for the persons who are authorized to detail counsel for such courts-martial.

(2) No person who, with respect to a case, has served as a preliminary hearing officer, court member, military judge, military magistrate, or appellate judge, may later serve as trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, or, unless expressly requested by the accused, as defense counsel or assistant or associate defense counsel in the same case. No person who has acted for the prosecution may act later in the same case for the defense, nor may any person who has acted for the defense act later in the same case for the prosecution.

(b) Trial counsel, defense counsel, or assistant defense counsel detailed for a general court-martial—

(1) must be a judge advocate who is a graduate of an accredited law school or is a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; or must be a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(2) must be certified as competent to perform such duties by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which he is a member.

(c)(1) Defense counsel and assistant defense counsel detailed for a special court-martial shall have the qualifications set forth in subsection (b).

(2) Trial counsel and assistant trial counsel detailed for a special court-martial and assistant trial counsel detailed for a general court-martial must be determined to be competent to perform such duties by the Judge Advocate General, under such rules as the President may prescribe.

(d) To the greatest extent practicable, in any capital case, at least one defense counsel shall, as determined by the Judge Advocate General, be learned in the law applicable to such cases. If necessary, this counsel may be a civilian and, if so, may be compensated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(e) For each general and special court-martial for which charges and specifications were referred by a special trial counsel—

(1) a special trial counsel shall be detailed as trial counsel; and

(2) a special trial counsel may detail other trial counsel as necessary who are judge advocates.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 46; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(5), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 546; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(10), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1337; Pub. L. 98–209, §§2(d), 3(c)(2), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, 1394; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5186, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2902; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §535, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1696.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
827(a) 827(b)	50:591(a). 50:591(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 27), 64 Stat. 117.
827(c)	50:591(c).

The words, "detail" and "detailed" are substituted for the words "appoint" and "appointed" throughout the revised section, since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

In subsection (a), the word "and" is substituted for the words "together with". The word "considers" is substituted for the word "deems". The words "necessary or" are omitted as surplusage, since what is necessary is also appropriate. The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "later" is substituted for the word "subsequently".

In subsections (b) and (c), the word "must" is substituted for the word "shall", since the clauses prescribe conditions and not commands.

In subsection (b), the word "for" is substituted for the words "in the case of". The words "person * * * a person who is" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (e).

2016—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5186(1), substituted "No person who, with respect to a case, has served as a preliminary hearing officer, court member, military judge, military magistrate, or appellate judge, may later serve as trial counsel," for "No person who has acted as investigating officer, military judge, or court member in any case may act later as trial counsel,".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5186(2), substituted "Trial counsel, defense counsel, or assistant defense counsel" for "Trial counsel or defense counsel" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5186(3), added subsecs. (c) and (d) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "In the case of a special court-martial—

"(1) the accused shall be afforded the opportunity to be represented at the trial by counsel having the qualifications prescribed under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)) unless counsel having such qualifications cannot be obtained on account of physical conditions or military exigencies. If counsel having such qualifications cannot be obtained, the court may be convened and the trial held but the convening authority shall make a detailed written statement, to be appended to the record, stating why counsel with such qualifications could not be obtained;

"(2) if the trial counsel is qualified to act as counsel before a general court-martial, the defense counsel detailed by the convening authority must be a person similarly qualified; and

"(3) if the trial counsel is a judge advocate or a member of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State, the defense counsel detailed by the convening authority must be one of the foregoing."

1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(c)(2)(A), designated first sentence of existing provisions as par. (1), substituted provisions requiring that trial counsel and defense counsel be detailed for each general and special court-martial, and permitting the detailing of assistant trial counsel and assistant and associate defense counsel for each general and special court-martial for provisions requiring that for each general and special court-martial the authority convening the court had to detail trial counsel and defense counsel and such assistants as he considered appropriate, and inserted provision requiring the Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which counsel are detailed for such courts-martial and for the persons who are authorized to detail counsel for such courts-martial.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(c)(2)(B), designated existing provision, less first sentence, as par. (2) and substituted "assistant or associate defense counsel" for "assistant defense counsel".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(d)(1), substituted "judge advocate" for "judge advocate of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps or a law specialist of the Coast Guard,".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(d)(2), struck out ", or a law specialist," after "is a judge advocate".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(10)(A), substituted "military judge" for "law officer".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(10)(B), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as pars. (2) and (3), respectively, and added par. (1).

1967—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 90–179 inserted reference to judge advocate of the Marine Corps and substituted reference to judge advocate of the Navy for reference to law specialist of the Navy.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but amendment by section 3(c)(2) of Pub. L. 98–209 not to affect the designation or detail of a military judge or military counsel to a court-martial before that date, see section 12(a)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Military Defense Counsel

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §549D, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1726, provided that: "Each Secretary of a military department shall—

"(1) ensure that military defense counsel have timely and reliable access to and funding for defense investigators, expert witnesses, trial support, pre-trial and post-trial support, paralegal support, counsel travel, and other necessary resources;

"(2) ensure that military defense counsel detailed to represent a member of the Armed Forces accused of a covered offense (as defined in section 801(17) of title 10, United States Code (article 1(17) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by section 533 of this Act) are well-trained and experienced, highly skilled, and competent in the defense of cases involving covered offenses; and

"(3) take or direct such other actions regarding military defense counsel as may be warranted in the interest of the fair administration of justice."

Effective Prosecution and Defense in Courts-Martial and Pilot Programs on Professional Military Justice Development for Judge Advocates

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §542, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2126, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1388, provided that:

"(a) Program for Effective Prosecution and Defense.—The Secretary concerned shall carry out a program to ensure that—

"(1) trial counsel and defense counsel detailed to prosecute or defend a court-martial have sufficient experience and knowledge to effectively prosecute or defend the case or there is adequate supervision and oversight of trial counsel and defense counsel so detailed to ensure effective prosecution and defense in the court-martial; and

"(2) a deliberate professional developmental process is in place to ensure effective prosecution and defense in all courts-martial.

"(b) Military Justice Experience Designators or Skill Identifiers.—The Secretary concerned shall establish and use a system of military justice experience designators or skill identifiers for purposes of identifying judge advocates with skill and experience in military justice proceedings in order to ensure that judge advocates with experience and skills identified through such experience designators or skill identifiers are assigned to develop less experienced judge advocates in the prosecution and defense in courts-martial under a program carried out pursuant to subsection (a).

"(c) Use of Civilian Employees to Advise Less Experienced Judge Advocates in Prosecution and Defense.—The Secretary concerned may use highly qualified experts and other civilian employees who are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, are available, and are experienced in the prosecution or defense of complex criminal cases to provide assistance to, and consult with, less experienced judge advocates throughout the court-martial process.

"(d) Pilot Programs on Professional Developmental Process for Judge Advocates.—

"(1) Purpose.—The Secretary concerned shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of a military justice career track for judge advocates under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

"(2) Additional matters.—A pilot program may also assess such other matters related to professional military justice development for judge advocates as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate.

"(3) Duration.—Each pilot program shall be for a period of five years.

"(4) Elements.—Each pilot program shall include the following:

"(A) A military justice career track for judge advocates that leads to judge advocates with military justice expertise in the grade of colonel, or in the grade of captain in the case of judge advocates of the Navy.

"(B) The use of skill identifiers to identify judge advocates for participation in the pilot program from among judge advocates having appropriate skill and experience in military justice matters.

"(C) Guidance for promotion boards considering the selection for promotion of officers participating in the pilot program in order to ensure that judge advocates who are participating in the pilot program have the same opportunity for promotion as all other judge advocate officers being considered for promotion by such boards.

"(D) Such other matters as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate.

"(5) Report.—Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary concerned shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot programs conducted under this section. The report shall include the following:

"(A) A description and assessment of each pilot program.

"(B) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of the pilot programs, including whether any pilot program should be extended or made permanent.

"(e) Secretary Concerned Defined.—In this section, the term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code."

§828. Art. 28. Detail or employment of reporters and interpreters

Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the convening authority of a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry shall detail or employ qualified court reporters, who shall record the proceedings of and testimony taken before that court or commission. Under like regulations the convening authority of a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry may detail or employ interpreters who shall interpret for the court or commission. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 47; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
828	50:592.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 28), 64 Stat. 117.

The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department". The words, "detail or employ" are substituted for the word "appoint", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.

§829. Art. 29. Assembly and impaneling of members; detail of new members and military judges

(a) Assembly.—The military judge shall announce the assembly of a general or special court-martial with members. After such a court-martial is assembled, no member may be absent, unless the member is excused—

(1) as a result of a challenge;

(2) under subsection (b)(1)(B); or

(3) by order of the military judge or the convening authority for disability or other good cause.

(b) Impaneling.—(1) Under rules prescribed by the President, the military judge of a general or special court-martial with members shall—

(A) after determination of challenges, impanel the court-martial; and

(B) excuse the members who, having been assembled, are not impaneled.

(2) In a general court-martial, the military judge shall impanel—

(A) 12 members in a capital case; and

(B) eight members in a noncapital case.

(3) In a special court-martial, the military judge shall impanel four members.

(c) Alternate Members.—In addition to members under subsection (b), the military judge shall impanel alternate members, if the convening authority authorizes alternate members.

(d) Detail of New Members.—(1) If, after members are impaneled, the membership of the court-martial is reduced to—

(A) fewer than 12 members with respect to a general court-martial in a capital case;

(B) fewer than six members with respect to a general court-martial in a noncapital case; or

(C) fewer than four members with respect to a special court-martial;

the trial may not proceed unless the convening authority details new members and, from among the members so detailed, the military judge impanels new members sufficient in number to provide the membership specified in paragraph (2).

(2) The membership referred to in paragraph (1) is as follows:

(A) 12 members with respect to a general court-martial in a capital case.

(B) At least six but not more than eight members with respect to a general court-martial in a noncapital case.

(C) Four members with respect to a special court-martial.

(e) Detail of New Military Judge.—If the military judge is unable to proceed with the trial because of disability or otherwise, a new military judge shall be detailed to the court-martial.

(f) Evidence.—(1) In the case of new members under subsection (d), the trial may proceed with the new members present after the evidence previously introduced is read or, in the case of audiotape, videotape, or similar recording, is played, in the presence of the new members, the military judge, the accused, and counsel for both sides.

(2) In the case of a new military judge under subsection (e), the trial shall proceed as if no evidence had been introduced, unless the evidence previously introduced is read or, in the case of audiotape, videotape, or similar recording, is played, in the presence of the new military judge, the accused, and counsel for both sides.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 47; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(11), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1337; Pub. L. 98–209, §3(d), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §582(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1124; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LV, §5187, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2902.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
829(a) 829(b)	50:593(a). 50:593(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 29), 64 Stat. 117.
829(c)	50:593(c).

In subsections (a), (b), and (c), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsections (b) and (c), the word "details" is substituted for the word "appoints", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to absent and additional members of a general or special court-martial.

2001—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "the applicable minimum number of members" for "five members" in two places, and added par. (2).

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209 substituted "unless excused as a result of a challenge, excused by the military judge for physical disability or other good cause, or excused by order of the convening authority for good cause" for "except for physical disability or as a result of a challenge or by order of the convening authority for good cause".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(11)(A), substituted "court has been assembled for the trial of the accused" for "accused has been arraigned".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(11)(B), inserted reference to court-martial composed of a military judge alone, struck out reference to oath of members, and inserted provisions requiring that only the evidence which has been introduced before members of the court be read to the court and that all evidence, not merely testimony, be included.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(11)(C), inserted reference to court-martial composed of a military judge alone, struck out reference to oath of members, and substituted evidence previously introduced for testimony of previously examined witnesses as the body of evidence which the verbatim record must cover.

Subsec. (d) Pub. L. 90–632, §2(11)(D), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–107 applicable with respect to offenses committed after Dec. 31, 2002, see section 582(d) of Pub. L. 107–107, set out as a note under section 816 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VI—PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE

Sec.	Art.
830.	30.	Charges and specifications.
830a.	30a.	Proceedings conducted before referral.
831.	31.	Compulsory self-incrimination prohibited.
832.	32.	Preliminary hearing required before referral to general court-martial.
833.	33.	Disposition guidance.
834.	34.	Advice to convening authority before referral for trial.
835.	35.	Service of charges; commencement of trial.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §531(b)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1359, substituted "Proceedings conducted before referral" for "Certain proceedings conducted before referral" in item 830a.

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), (C), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, amended Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(3). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2965, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), (C), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added item 830a and substituted "Preliminary hearing required before referral to general court-martial" for "Preliminary hearing" in item 832, "Disposition guidance" for "Forwarding of charges" in item 833, "Advice to convening authority before referral for trial" for "Advice of staff judge advocate and reference for trial" in item 834, and "Service of charges; commencement of trial" for "Service of charges" in item 835.

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(a)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 955, substituted "Preliminary hearing" for "Investigation" in item 832.

§830. Art. 30. Charges and specifications

(a) In General.—Charges and specifications—

(1) may be preferred only by a person subject to this chapter; and

(2) shall be preferred by presentment in writing, signed under oath before a commissioned officer of the armed forces who is authorized to administer oaths.

(b) Required Content.—The writing under subsection (a) shall state that—

(1) the signer has personal knowledge of, or has investigated, the matters set forth in the charges and specifications; and

(2) the matters set forth in the charges and specifications are true, to the best of the knowledge and belief of the signer.

(c) Duty of Proper Authority.—When charges and specifications are preferred under subsection (a), the proper authority shall, as soon as practicable—

(1) inform the person accused of the charges and specifications; and

(2) determine what disposition should be made of the charges and specifications in the interest of justice and discipline.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 47; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5201, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2904.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
830(a) 830(b)	50:601(a). 50:601(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 30), 64 Stat. 118.

In subsection (a), the word "they" is substituted for the words "the same". The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Charges and specifications shall be signed by a person subject to this chapter under oath before a commissioned officer of the armed forces authorized to administer oaths and shall state—

"(1) that the signer has personal knowledge of or has investigated, the matters set forth therein; and

"(2) that they are true in fact to the best of his knowledge and belief.

"(b) Upon the preferring of charges, the proper authority shall take immediate steps to determine what disposition should be made thereof in the interest of justice and discipline, and the person accused shall be informed of the charges against him as soon as practicable."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Timely Disposition of Nonprosecutable Sex-Related Offenses

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §540C, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1366, provided that:

"(a) Policy Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a policy to ensure the timely disposition of nonprosecutable sex-related offenses.

"(b) Nonprosecutable Sex-related Offense Defined.—In this section, the term 'nonprosecutable sex-related offense' means an alleged sex-related offense (as that term is defined in section 1044e(g) of title 10, United States Code) that a court-martial convening authority has declined to refer for trial by a general or special court-martial under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), due to a determination that there is insufficient evidence to support prosecution of the sex-related offense."

§830a. Art. 30a. Proceedings conducted before referral

(a) In General.—(1) The President shall prescribe regulations for matters relating to proceedings conducted before referral of charges and specifications to court-martial for trial, including the following:

(A) Pre-referral investigative subpoenas.

(B) Pre-referral warrants or orders for electronic communications.

(C) Pre-referral matters referred by an appellate court.

(D) Pre-referral matters under subsection (c) or (e) of section 806b of this title (article 6b).

(E) Pre-referral matters relating to the following:

(i) Pre-trial confinement of an accused.

(ii) The mental capacity or mental responsibility of an accused.

(iii) A request for an individual military counsel.

(2) In addition to the matters specified in paragraph (1), the regulations prescribed under that paragraph shall—

(A) set forth the matters that a military judge may rule upon in such proceedings;

(B) include procedures for the review of such rulings;

(C) include appropriate limitations to ensure that proceedings under this section extend only to matters that would be subject to consideration by a military judge in a general or special court-martial; and

(D) provide such limitations on the relief that may be ordered under this section as the President considers appropriate.

(3) If any matter in a proceeding under this section becomes a subject at issue with respect to charges that have been referred to a general or special court-martial, the matter shall be transferred to the military judge detailed to the court-martial.

(b) Detail of Military Judge.—The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which military judges are detailed to proceedings under subsection (a)(1).

(c) Discretion to Designate Magistrate to Preside.—In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a military judge detailed to a proceeding under subsection (a)(1), other than a proceeding described in subparagraph (B) of that subsection, may designate a military magistrate to preside over the proceeding.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5202, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2904; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §531(a), (b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1359.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §531(b)(1), substituted "Proceedings conducted before referral" for "Certain proceedings conducted before referral" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 116–92, §531(a), added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) Proceedings may be conducted to review, or otherwise act on, the following matters before referral of charges and specifications to court-martial for trial in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President:

"(A) Pre-referral investigative subpoenas.

"(B) Pre-referral warrants or orders for electronic communications.

"(C) Pre-referral matters referred by an appellate court.

"(D) Pre-referral matters under subsection (c) or (e) of section 806b of this title (article 6b).

"(2) The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall—

"(A) include procedures for the review of such rulings that may be ordered under this section as the President considers appropriate; and

"(B) provide such limitations on the relief that may be ordered under this section as the President considers appropriate."

2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(b)(1), inserted ", or otherwise act on," after "to review" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(b)(2), added subpar. (D).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after this section takes effect as provided for in section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§831. Art. 31. Compulsory self-incrimination prohibited

(a) No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to incriminate himself or to answer any question the answer to which may tend to incriminate him.

(b) No person subject to this chapter may interrogate, or request any statement from, an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing him of the nature of the accusation and advising him that he does not have to make any statement regarding the offense of which he is accused or suspected and that any statement made by him may be used as evidence against him in a trial by court-martial.

(c) No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to make a statement or produce evidence before any military tribunal if the statement or evidence is not material to the issue and may tend to degrade him.

(d) No statement obtained from any person in violation of this article, or through the use of coercion, unlawful influence, or unlawful inducement may be received in evidence against him in a trial by court-martial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 48.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
831(a) 831(b)	50:602(a). 50:602(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art 31), 64 Stat. 118.
831(c)	50:602(c).
831(d)	50:602(d).

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" throughout the revised section.

§832. Art. 32. Preliminary hearing required before referral to general court-martial

(a) In General.—(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a preliminary hearing shall be held before referral of charges and specifications for trial by general court-martial. The preliminary hearing shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer detailed in accordance with subparagraph (C).

(B) Under regulations prescribed by the President, a preliminary hearing need not be held if the accused submits a written waiver to—

(i) except as provided in clause (ii), the convening authority and the convening authority determines that a hearing is not required; and

(ii) with respect to charges and specifications over which the special trial counsel is exercising authority in accordance with section 824a of this title (article 24a), the special trial counsel and the special trial counsel determines that a hearing is not required.

(C)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), the convening authority shall detail a hearing officer.

(ii) If a special trial counsel is exercising authority over the charges and specifications subject to a preliminary hearing under this section (article), the special trial counsel shall request a hearing officer and a hearing officer shall be provided by the convening authority, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President.

(2) The purpose of the preliminary hearing shall be limited to determining the following:

(A) Whether or not the specification alleges an offense under this chapter.

(B) Whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged.

(C) Whether or not the convening authority has court-martial jurisdiction over the accused and over the offense.

(D) A recommendation as to the disposition that should be made of the case.

(b) Hearing Officer.—(1) A preliminary hearing under this section shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer, who—

(A) whenever practicable, shall be a judge advocate who is certified under section 827(b)(2) of this title (article 27(b)(2)); or

(B) when it is not practicable to appoint a judge advocate because of exceptional circumstances, is not a judge advocate so certified.

(2) In the case of a hearing officer under paragraph (1)(B), a judge advocate who is certified under section 827(b)(2) of this title (article 27(b)(2)) shall be available to provide legal advice to the hearing officer.

(3) Whenever practicable, the hearing officer shall be equal in grade or senior in grade to military counsel who are detailed to represent the accused or the Government at the preliminary hearing.

(c) Report to Convening Authority or Special Trial Counsel.—After a preliminary hearing under this section, the hearing officer shall submit to the convening authority or, in the case of a preliminary hearing in which the hearing officer is provided at the request of a special trial counsel to the special trial counsel, a written report (accompanied by a recording of the preliminary hearing under subsection (e)) that includes the following:

(1) For each specification, a statement of the reasoning and conclusions of the hearing officer with respect to determinations under subsection (a)(2), including a summary of relevant witness testimony and documentary evidence presented at the hearing and any observations of the hearing officer concerning the testimony of witnesses and the availability and admissibility of evidence at trial.

(2) Recommendations for any necessary modifications to the form of the charges or specifications.

(3) An analysis of any additional information submitted after the hearing by the parties or by a victim of an offense, that, under such rules as the President may prescribe, is relevant to disposition under sections 830 and 834 of this title (articles 30 and 34).

(4) A statement of action taken on evidence adduced with respect to uncharged offenses, as described in subsection (f).

(d) Rights of Accused and Victim.—(1) The accused shall be advised of the charges against the accused and of the accused's right to be represented by counsel at the preliminary hearing under this section. The accused has the right to be represented at the preliminary hearing as provided in section 838 of this title (article 38) and in regulations prescribed under that section.

(2) The accused may cross-examine witnesses who testify at the preliminary hearing and present additional evidence that is relevant to the issues for determination under subsection (a)(2).

(3) A victim may not be required to testify at the preliminary hearing. A victim who declines to testify shall be deemed to be not available for purposes of the preliminary hearing. A declination under this paragraph shall not serve as the sole basis for ordering a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49).

(4) The presentation of evidence and examination (including cross-examination) of witnesses at a preliminary hearing shall be limited to the matters relevant to determinations under subsection (a)(2).

(e) Recording of Preliminary Hearing.—A preliminary hearing under subsection (a) shall be recorded by a suitable recording device. The victim may request the recording and shall have access to the recording under such rules as the President may prescribe.

(f) Effect of Evidence of Uncharged Offense.—If evidence adduced in a preliminary hearing under subsection (a) indicates that the accused committed an uncharged offense, the hearing officer may consider the subject matter of that offense without the accused having first been charged with the offense if the accused—

(1) is present at the preliminary hearing;

(2) is informed of the nature of each uncharged offense considered; and

(3) is afforded the opportunities for representation, cross-examination, and presentation consistent with subsection (d).

(g) Effect of Violation.—The requirements of this section are binding on all persons administering this chapter, but failure to follow the requirements does not constitute jurisdictional error. A defect in a report under subsection (c) is not a basis for relief if the report is in substantial compliance with that subsection.

(h) Victim Defined.—In this section, the term "victim" means a person who—

(1) is alleged to have suffered a direct physical, emotional, or pecuniary harm as a result of the matters set forth in a charge or specification being considered; and

(2) is named in one of the specifications.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 48; Pub. L. 97–81, §4(a), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1131, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 464; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(a)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 954; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(a)(4)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5203(a)–(d), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2905, 2906; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §536, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1696.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
832(a) 832(b)	50:603(a). 50:603(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 32), 64 Stat. 118.
832(c)	50:603(c).
832(d)	50:603(d).

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The words "consideration of the" and "a recommendation as to" are inserted in the interest of accuracy and precision of statement.

In subsection (b), the word "detailed" is substituted for the word "appointed", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

In subsection (c), the word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to the time". The words "of this section" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (d), the word "are" is substituted for the words "shall be." The word "does" is substituted for the words "in any case shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, §536(a)(1), substituted "hearing officer detailed in accordance with subparagraph (C)." for "hearing officer, detailed by the convening authority in accordance with subsection (b)."

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, §536(a)(2), substituted "written waiver to—" and cls. (i) and (ii) for "written waiver to the convening authority and the convening authority determines that a hearing is not required."

Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–81, §536(a)(3), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §536(b), inserted "or Special Trial Counsel" after "Convening Authority" in heading and substituted "to the convening authority or, in the case of a preliminary hearing in which the hearing officer is provided at the request of a special trial counsel to the special trial counsel," for "to the convening authority" in introductory provisions.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(a), substituted "Preliminary hearing required before referral to general court-martial" for "Preliminary hearing" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(a), added subsecs. (a) to (c) and struck out former subsecs. (a) to (c) which related to requirement of preliminary hearing, hearing officer, and report of hearing results, respectively.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(b)(1), substituted "this section" for "subsection (a)".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(b)(2), substituted "that is relevant to the issues for determination under subsection (a)(2)." for "in defense and mitigation, relevant to the limited purposes of the hearing, as provided for in paragraph (4) and subsection (a)(2)."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(b)(3), inserted at end "A declination under this paragraph shall not serve as the sole basis for ordering a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49)."

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(b)(4), substituted "determinations under subsection (a)(2)" for "the limited purposes of the hearing, as provided in subsection (a)(2)".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(c), substituted "under such rules as the President may prescribe" for "as prescribed by the Manual for Courts-Martial".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §5203(d), inserted at end "A defect in a report under subsection (c) is not a basis for relief if the report is in substantial compliance with that subsection."

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–291 inserted ", unless such hearing is waived by the accused" after "preliminary hearing".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "Preliminary hearing" for "Investigation" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, section provided that no charge or specification may be referred to general court-martial for trial until thorough and impartial investigation of all the matters had been made.

1996—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–81 substituted "The accused has the right to be represented at that investigation as provided in section 838 of this title (article 38) and in regulations prescribed under that section" for "Upon his own request he shall be represented by civilian counsel if provided by him, or military counsel of his own selection if such counsel is reasonably available, or by counsel detailed by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply with respect to investigations under this section that begin on or after that date, see section 7(a) and (b)(3) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

§833. Art. 33. Disposition guidance

The President shall direct the Secretary of Defense to issue, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, non-binding guidance regarding factors that commanders, convening authorities, staff judge advocates, and judge advocates should take into account when exercising their duties with respect to disposition of charges and specifications in the interest of justice and discipline under sections 830 and 834 of this title (articles 30 and 34). Such guidance shall take into account, with appropriate consideration of military requirements, the principles contained in official guidance of the Attorney General to attorneys for the Government with respect to disposition of Federal criminal cases in accordance with the principle of fair and evenhanded administration of Federal criminal law.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 49; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5204, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2906.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
833	50:604.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 33), 64 Stat. 119.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "When a person is held for trial by general court-martial the commanding officer shall, within eight days after the accused is ordered into arrest or confinement, if practicable, forward the charges, together with the investigation and allied papers, to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction. If that is not practicable, he shall report in writing to that officer the reasons for delay."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§834. Art. 34. Advice to convening authority before referral for trial

(a) General Court-martial.—

(1) Staff judge advocate advice required before referral.—Subject to subsection (c), before referral of charges and specifications to a general court-martial for trial, the convening authority shall submit the matter to the staff judge advocate for advice, which the staff judge advocate shall provide to the convening authority in writing. The convening authority may not refer a specification under a charge to a general court-martial unless the staff judge advocate advises the convening authority in writing that—

(A) the specification alleges an offense under this chapter;

(B) there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged; and

(C) a court-martial would have jurisdiction over the accused and the offense.

(2) Staff judge advocate recommendation as to disposition.—Together with the written advice provided under paragraph (1), the staff judge advocate shall provide a written recommendation to the convening authority as to the disposition that should be made of the specification in the interest of justice and discipline.

(3) Staff judge advocate advice and recommendation to accompany referral.—When a convening authority makes a referral for trial by general court-martial, the written advice of the staff judge advocate under paragraph (1) and the written recommendation of the staff judge advocate under paragraph (2) with respect to each specification shall accompany the referral.

(b) Special Court-martial; Convening Authority Consultation With Judge Advocate.—Subject to subsection (c), before referral of charges and specifications to a special court-martial for trial, the convening authority shall consult a judge advocate on relevant legal issues.

(c) Covered Offenses.—A referral to a general or special court-martial for trial of charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority may only be made—

(1) by a special trial counsel, subject to a special trial counsel's written determination accompanying the referral that—

(A) each specification under a charge alleges an offense under this chapter;

(B) there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged; and

(C) a court-martial would have jurisdiction over the accused and the offense; or

(2) in the case of charges and specifications that do not allege a covered offense and as to which a special trial counsel declines to prefer or, in the case of charges and specifications preferred by a person other than a special trial counsel, refer charges, by the convening authority in accordance with this section.

(d) General and Special Courts-martial; Correction of Charges and Specifications Before Referral.—Before referral for trial by general court-martial or special court-martial, changes may be made to charges and specifications—

(1) to correct errors in form; and

(2) when applicable, to conform to the substance of the evidence contained in a report under section 832(c) of this title (article 32(c)).

(e) Referral Defined.—In this section, the term "referral" means the order of a convening authority or, with respect to charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority in accordance with section 824a of this title (article 24a), a special trial counsel, that charges and specifications against an accused be tried by a specified court-martial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98–209, §4, Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1395; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(B), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 957; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(a)(4)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5205, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2907; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §537, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1697.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
834(a) 834(b)	50:605(a). 50:605(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 34), 64 Stat. 119.

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §537(1), substituted "Subject to subsection (c), before referral" for "Before referral" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81, §537(2), substituted "Subject to subsection (c), before referral" for "Before referral".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 117–81, §537(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81, §537(5), inserted "or, with respect to charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority in accordance with section 824a of this title (article 24a), a special trial counsel," after "convening authority".

Pub. L. 117–81, §537(3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (c) relating to reference of charge to staff judge advocate for consideration and advice before trial, written and signed statement of advice by the staff judge advocate, and corrections to charges and specifications, respectively.

2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–291 inserted "(if there is such a report)" after "(article 32)".

2013—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32)" for "investigation under section 832 of this title (article 32) (if there is such a report)".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209, §4(a), substituted "judge advocate" for "judge advocate or legal officer", and provisions that the convening authority may not refer a specification under a charge to a general court-martial for trial unless he has been advised in writing by the staff judge advocate that the specification alleges an offense under this chapter, the specification is warranted by the evidence indicated in the report of investigation under section 832 of this title (article 32) (if there is such a report), and a court-martial would have jurisdiction over the accused and the offense, for provision that the convening authority could not refer a charge to a general court-martial for trial unless he found that the charge alleged an offense under this chapter and was warranted by evidence indicated in the report of investigation.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 98–209, §4(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which charges were referred to trial before that date, and proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Review of Decisions Not To Refer Charges of Certain Sex-Related Offenses for Trial by Court-Martial

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1744, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 980, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §541, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3371, provided that:

"(a) Review Required.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretaries of the military departments to provide for review of decisions not to refer charges for trial by court-martial in cases where a sex-related offense has been alleged by a victim of the alleged offense.

"(2) Specific review requirements.—As part of a review conducted pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary of a military department shall require that—

"(A) consideration be given to the victim's statement provided during the course of the criminal investigation regarding the alleged sex-related offense perpetrated against the victim; and

"(B) a determination be made whether the victim's statement and views concerning disposition of the alleged sex-related offense were considered by the convening authority in making the referral decision.

"(b) Sex-related Offense Defined.—In this section, the term 'sex-related offense' means any of the following:

"(1) Rape or sexual assault under subsection (a) or (b) of section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(2) Forcible sodomy under section 925 of such title (article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(3) An attempt to commit an offense specified in paragraph (1) or (2) as punishable under section 880 of such title (article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(c) Review of Certain Cases Not Referred to Court-martial.—

"(1) Cases not referred following staff judge advocate recommendation for referral for trial.—In any case where a staff judge advocate, pursuant to section 834 of title 10, United States Code (article 34 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), recommends that charges of a sex-related offense be referred for trial by court-martial and the convening authority decides not to refer any charges to a court-martial, the convening authority shall forward the case file to the Secretary of the military department concerned for review as a superior authorized to exercise general court-martial convening authority.

"(2) Cases not referred by convening authority upon request for review by chief prosecutor.—

"(A) In general.—In any case where a convening authority decides not to refer a charge of a sex-related offense to trial by court-martial, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall review the decision as a superior authority authorized to exercise general court-martial convening authority if the chief prosecutor of the Armed Force concerned, in response to a request by the detailed counsel for the Government, requests review of the decision by the Secretary.

"(B) Chief prosecutor defined.—In this paragraph, the term 'chief prosecutor' means the chief prosecutor or equivalent position of an Armed Force, or, if an Armed Force does not have a chief prosecutor or equivalent position, such other trial counsel as shall be designated by the Judge Advocate General of that Armed Force, or in the case of the Marine Corps, the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

"(d) Review of Cases Not Referred to Court-martial Following Staff Judge Advocate Recommendation Not to Refer for Trial.—In any case where a staff judge advocate, pursuant to section 834 of title 10, United States Code (article 34 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), recommends that charges of a sex-related offense should not be referred for trial by court-martial and the convening authority decides not to refer any charges to a court-martial, the convening authority shall forward the case file for review to the next superior commander authorized to exercise general court-martial convening authority.

"(e) Elements of Case File.—A case file forwarded to higher authority for review pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) shall include the following:

"(1) All charges and specifications preferred under section 830 of title 10, United States Code (article 30 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(2) All reports of investigations of such charges, including the military criminal investigative organization investigation report and the report prepared under section 832 of title 10, United States Code (article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by section 1702.

"(3) A certification that the victim of the alleged sex-related offense was notified of the opportunity to express views on the victim's preferred disposition of the alleged offense for consideration by the convening authority.

"(4) All statements of the victim provided to the military criminal investigative organization and to the victim's chain of command relating to the alleged sex-related offense and any statement provided by the victim to the convening authority expressing the victim's view on the victim's preferred disposition of the alleged offense.

"(5) The written advice of the staff judge advocate to the convening authority pursuant to section 834 of title 10, United States Code (article 34 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(6) A written statement explaining the reasons for the convening authority's decision not to refer any charges for trial by court-martial.

"(7) A certification that the victim of the alleged sex-related offense was informed of the convening authority's decision to forward the case as provided in subsection (c) or (d).

"(f) Notice on Results or Review.—The victim of the alleged sex-related offense shall be notified of the results of the review conducted under subsection (c) or (d) in the manner prescribed by the victims and witness assistance program of the Armed Force concerned.

"(g) Victim Allegation of Sex-related Offense.—The Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretaries of the military departments to develop a system to ensure that a victim of a possible sex-related offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice is given the opportunity to state, either at the time of making an unrestricted report of the allegation or during the criminal investigation of the allegation, whether or not the victim believes that the offense alleged is a sex-related offense subject to the requirements of this section."

§835. Art. 35. Service of charges; commencement of trial

(a) In General.—Trial counsel detailed for a court-martial under section 827 of this title (article 27) shall cause to be served upon the accused a copy of the charges and specifications referred for trial.

(b) Commencement of Trial.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), no trial or other proceeding of a general court-martial or a special court-martial (including any session under section 839(a) of this title (article 39(a)) may be held over the objection of the accused—

(A) with respect to a general court-martial, from the time of service through the fifth day after the date of service; or

(B) with respect to a special court-martial, from the time of service through the third day after the date of service.

(2) An objection under paragraph (1) may be raised only at the first session of the trial or other proceeding and only if the first session occurs before the end of the applicable period under paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B). If the first session occurs before the end of the applicable period, the military judge shall, at that session, inquire as to whether the defense objects under this subsection.

(3) This subsection shall not apply in time of war.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 49; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(12), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1337; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVI, §5206, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2908.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
835	50:606.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 35), 64 Stat. 119.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "after" is substituted for the words "subsequent to".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The trial counsel to whom court-martial charges are referred for trial shall cause to be served upon the accused a copy of the charges upon which trial is to be had. In time of peace no person may, against his objection, be brought to trial, or be required to participate by himself or counsel in a session called by the military judge under section 839(a) of this title (article 39(a)), in a general court-martial case within a period of five days after the service of charges upon him, or in a special court-martial case within a period of three days after the service of charges upon him."

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to a session called by the military judge under section 839(a) of this title (article 39(a)).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VII—TRIAL PROCEDURE

Sec.	Art.
836.	36.	President may prescribe rules.
837.	37.	Command influence.
838.	38.	Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel.
839.	39.	Sessions.
840.	40.	Continuances.
841.	41.	Challenges.
842.	42.	Oaths.
843.	43.	Statute of limitations.
844.	44.	Former jeopardy.
845.	45.	Pleas of the accused.
846.	46.	Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial.
847.	47.	Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence.
848.	48.	Contempt.
849.	49.	Depositions.
850.	50.	Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry.
850a.	50a.	Defense of lack of mental responsibility.
851.	51.	Voting and rulings.
852.	52.	Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters.
853.	53.	Findings and sentencing.
853a.	53a.	Plea agreements.
854.	54.	Record of trial.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(20), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3871, added item 837 and struck out former item 837 "837. Art. 37. Command influence".

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, in item 837 substituted "Art. 37. Command influence" for "37. Unlawfully influencing action of court".

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(4). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(4), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added item 853a and substituted "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial" for "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence" in item 846, "Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence" for "Refusal to appear or testify" in item 847, "Contempt" for "Contempts" in item 848, "Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry" for "Admissibility of records of courts of inquiry" in item 850, "Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters" for "Number of votes required" in item 852, and "Findings and sentencing" for "Court to announce action" in item 853.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(a)(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906, added item 850a.

§836. Art. 36. President may prescribe rules

(a) Pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures, including modes of proof, for cases arising under this chapter triable in courts-martial, military commissions and other military tribunals, and procedures for courts of inquiry, may be prescribed by the President by regulations which shall, so far as he considers practicable, apply the principles of law and the rules of evidence generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases in the United States district courts, but which may not, except as provided in chapter 47A of this title, be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter.

(b) All rules and regulations made under this article shall be uniform insofar as practicable, except insofar as applicable to military commissions established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §801(b), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 811; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIII, §1301(4), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
836(a) 836(b)	50:611(a). 50:611(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 36), 64 Stat. 120.

In subsection (a), the word "considers" is substituted for the word "deems". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (b), the word "under" is substituted for the words "in pursuance of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3)(A), inserted ", except as provided in chapter 47A of this title," after "but which may not".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3)(B), inserted before period at end ", except insofar as applicable to military commissions established under chapter 47A of this title".

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510 struck out "and shall be reported to Congress" after "as practicable".

1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–107 substituted provisions authorizing pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures for cases under this chapter triable in courts-martial, military commissions and other military tribunals, for provisions authorizing procedure in cases before courts-martial, military commissions, and other military tribunals.

§837. Art. 37. Command influence

(a)(1) No court-martial convening authority, nor any other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, or admonish the court or any member, military judge, or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding.

(2) No court-martial convening authority, nor any other commanding officer, may deter or attempt to deter a potential witness from participating in the investigatory process or testifying at a court-martial. The denial of a request to travel at government expense or refusal to make a witness available shall not by itself constitute unlawful command influence.

(3) No person subject to this chapter may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, attempt to influence the action of a court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, approving, or reviewing authority or preliminary hearing officer with respect to such acts taken pursuant to this chapter as prescribed by the President.

(4) Conduct that does not constitute a violation of paragraphs (1) through (3) may include, for example—

(A) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing persons on the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial;

(B) statements regarding criminal activity or a particular criminal offense that do not advocate a particular disposition, or a particular court-martial finding or sentence, or do not relate to a particular accused; or

(C) statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge or counsel.

(5)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), but subject to subparagraph (B)—

(i) a superior convening authority or officer may generally discuss matters to consider regarding the disposition of alleged violations of this chapter with a subordinate convening authority or officer; and

(ii) a subordinate convening authority or officer may seek advice from a superior convening authority or officer regarding the disposition of an alleged offense under this chapter.

(B) No superior convening authority or officer may direct a subordinate convening authority or officer to make a particular disposition in a specific case or otherwise substitute the discretion of such authority or such officer for that of the subordinate convening authority or officer.

(b) In the preparation of an effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency report, or any other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of determining whether a member of the armed forces is qualified to be advanced in grade, or in determining the assignment or transfer of a member of the armed forces or in determining whether a member of the armed forces should be retained on active duty, no person subject to this chapter may, in preparing any such report (1) consider or evaluate the performance of duty of any such member as a member of a court-martial, or (2) give a less favorable rating or evaluation of any member of the armed forces because of the zeal with which such member, as counsel, represented any person in a court-martial proceeding.

(c) No finding or sentence of a court-martial may be held incorrect on the ground of a violation of this section unless the violation materially prejudices the substantial rights of the accused.

(d)(1) A superior convening authority or commanding officer may withhold the authority of a subordinate convening authority or officer to dispose of offenses in individual cases, types of cases, or generally.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) or as otherwise authorized by this chapter, a superior convening authority or commanding officer may not limit the discretion of a subordinate convening authority or officer to act with respect to a case for which the subordinate convening authority or officer has authority to dispose of the offenses.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(13), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1359.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
837	50:612.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 37), 64 Stat. 120.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(1), substituted "Command influence" for "Unlawfully influencing action of court" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(2), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "No authority convening a general, special, or summary court-martial, nor any other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, or admonish the court or any member, military judge, or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding. No person subject to this chapter may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence the action of a court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, approving, or reviewing authority with respect to his judicial acts. The foregoing provisions of the subsection shall not apply with respect to (1) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command in the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial, or (2) to statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge, president of a special court-martial, or counsel."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(3), substituted "advanced in grade" for "advanced, in grade" and "person in a court-martial proceeding" for "accused before a court-martial".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(4), added subsecs. (c) and (d).

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "military judge" for "law officer", inserted provisions specifically exempting instructional or general informational lectures on military justice and statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge, president of a special court-martial, or counsel from prohibitions of subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019] and shall apply with respect to violations of section 837 of title 10, United States Code (article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), committed on or after such date."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§838. Art. 38. Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel

(a) The trial counsel of a general or special court-martial shall prosecute in the name of the United States, and shall, under the direction of the court, prepare the record of the proceedings.

(b)(1) The accused has the right to be represented in his defense before a general or special court-martial or at a preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32) as provided in this subsection.

(2) The accused may be represented by civilian counsel if provided by him.

(3) The accused may be represented—

(A) by military counsel detailed under section 827 of this title (article 27); or

(B) by military counsel of his own selection if that counsel is reasonably available (as determined under regulations prescribed under paragraph (7)).

(4) If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel detailed or selected under paragraph (3) shall act as associate counsel unless excused at the request of the accused.

(5) Except as provided under paragraph (6), if the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection under paragraph (3)(B), any military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)(A) shall be excused.

(6) The accused is not entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel. However, the person authorized under regulations prescribed under section 827 of this title (article 27) to detail counsel, in his sole discretion—

(A) may detail additional military counsel as assistant defense counsel; and

(B) if the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection under paragraph (3)(B), may approve a request from the accused that military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)(A) act as associate defense counsel.

(7) The Secretary concerned shall, by regulation, define "reasonably available" for the purpose of paragraph (3)(B) and establish procedures for determining whether the military counsel selected by an accused under that paragraph is reasonably available. Such regulations may not prescribe any limitation based on the reasonable availability of counsel solely on the grounds that the counsel selected by the accused is from an armed force other than the armed force of which the accused is a member. To the maximum extent practicable, such regulations shall establish uniform policies among the armed forces while recognizing the differences in the circumstances and needs of the various armed forces. The Secretary concerned shall submit copies of regulations prescribed under this paragraph to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(c) In any court-martial proceeding resulting in a conviction, the defense counsel—

(1) may forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of such matters as he determines should be considered in behalf of the accused on review (including any objection to the contents of the record which he considers appropriate);

(2) may assist the accused in the submission of any matter under section 860, 860a, or 860b of this title (article 60, 60a, or 60b); and

(3) may take other action authorized by this chapter.

(d) An assistant trial counsel of a general court-martial may, under the direction of the trial counsel or when he is qualified to be a trial counsel as required by section 827 of this title (article 27), perform any duty imposed by law, regulation, or the custom of the service upon the trial counsel of the court. An assistant trial counsel of a special court-martial may perform any duty of the trial counsel.

(e) An assistant defense counsel of a general or special court-martial may perform any duty imposed by law, regulation, or the custom of the service upon counsel for the accused.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(14), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 97–81, §4(b), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(C), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 957; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5221, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
838(a) 838(b) 838(c)	50:613(a). 50:613(b). 50:613(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 38), 64 Stat. 120.
838(d)	50:613(d).
838(e)	50:613(e).

In subsection (b), the word "has" is substituted for the words "shall have". The word "under" is substituted for the words "pursuant to". The word "duly" is omitted as surplusage. The words "detailed" and "who were detailed" are substituted for the word "appointed", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.

In subsection (c), the word "considers" is substituted for the words "may deem".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 860, 860a, or 860b of this title (article 60, 60a, or 60b)" for "section 860 of this title (article 60)".

2016—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out ", under the direction of the defense counsel or when he is qualified to be the defense counsel as required by section 827 of this title (article 27)," after "court-martial may".

2013—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing under section 832" for "an investigation under section 832".

1999—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".

1996—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".

1983—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(1), substituted "the person authorized under regulations prescribed under section 827 of this title (article 27) to detail counsel" for "a convening authority".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(2), inserted provision that such regulations may not prescribe any limitation based on the reasonable availability of counsel solely on the grounds that the counsel selected by the accused is from an armed force other than the armed force of which the accused is a member.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(3), designated existing provisions as par. (1), made minor changes in phraseology and punctuation, and added pars. (2) and (3).

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–81 revised subsec. (b) by dividing its provisions into seven numbered paragraphs and inserted provisions relating to the right to counsel at an investigation under section 832 of this title (article 32), authorizing the promulgation of regulations relating to the "reasonable availability" of military counsel, and authorizing the detailing of additional military counsel for the accused under specified circumstances.

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge" for "president of the court".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to affect the designation or detail of a military judge or military counsel to a court-martial before that date, see section 12(a)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to trials by courts-martial in which all charges are referred to trial on or after that date, see section 7(a) and (b)(4) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective on first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§839. Art. 39. Sessions

(a) At any time after the service of charges which have been referred for trial to a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, the military judge may, subject to section 835 of this title (article 35), call the court into session without the presence of the members for the purpose of—

(1) hearing and determining motions raising defenses or objections which are capable of determination without trial of the issues raised by a plea of not guilty;

(2) hearing and ruling upon any matter which may be ruled upon by the military judge under this chapter, whether or not the matter is appropriate for later consideration or decision by the members of the court;

(3) holding the arraignment and receiving the pleas of the accused;

(4) conducting a sentencing proceeding and sentencing the accused under section 853(b)(1) of this title (article 53(b)(1)); and

(5) performing any other procedural function which may be performed by the military judge under this chapter or under rules prescribed pursuant to section 836 of this title (article 36) and which does not require the presence of the members of the court.

(b) Proceedings under subsection (a) shall be conducted in the presence of the accused, the defense counsel, and the trial counsel and shall be made a part of the record. These proceedings may be conducted notwithstanding the number of members of the court and without regard to section 829 of this title (article 29). If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, and if at least one defense counsel is physically in the presence of the accused, the presence required by this subsection may otherwise be established by audiovisual technology (such as videoteleconferencing technology).

(c) When the members of a court-martial deliberate or vote, only the members may be present. All other proceedings, including any other consultation of the members of the court with counsel or the military judge, shall be made a part of the record and shall be in the presence of the accused, the defense counsel, the trial counsel, and the military judge.

(d) The findings, holdings, interpretations, and other precedents of military commissions under chapter 47A of this title—

(1) may not be introduced or considered in any hearing, trial, or other proceeding of a court-martial under this chapter; and

(2) may not form the basis of any holding, decision, or other determination of a court-martial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(15), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §556, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(a)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5222, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(D), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
839	50:614.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 39), 64 Stat. 121.

The word "When" is substituted for the word "Whenever". The words "deliberates or votes" are substituted for the words "is to deliberate or vote". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "shall" is inserted before the words "be in the presence" for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "under section 853(b)(1) of this title (article 53(b)(1))" for "in non-capital cases unless the accused requests sentencing by members under section 825 of this title (article 25)".

2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(1)(A), struck out "if permitted by regulations of the Secretary concerned," before "holding" and "and" after "accused;".

Subsec. (a)(4), (5). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(1)(B), (C), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(2), struck out ", in cases in which a military judge has been detailed to the court," after "the trial counsel, and".

2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–84 added subsec. (d).

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 redesignated concluding provisions of subsec. (a) as subsec. (b), substituted "Proceedings under subsection (a) shall be conducted" for "These proceedings shall be conducted", inserted at end "If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, and if at least one defense counsel is physically in the presence of the accused, the presence required by this subsection may otherwise be established by audiovisual technology (such as videoteleconferencing technology).", and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510 inserted at end "These proceedings may be conducted notwithstanding the number of members of the court and without regard to section 829 of this title (article 29)."

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 added subsec. (a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (b), substituted "military judge" for "law officer", and struck out provisions authorizing the court after voting on the findings in a general court-martial to request the law officer and the reporter to appear before the court to put the findings in proper form.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(e), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) through (d) [amending this section and section 841 of this title] shall apply only to a court-martial convened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§840. Art. 40. Continuances

The military judge or a summary court-martial may, for reasonable cause, grant a continuance to any party for such time, and as often, as may appear to be just.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(16), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5223, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
840	50:615.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 40), 64 Stat. 121.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "summary court-martial" for "court-martial without a military judge".

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to military judge.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§841. Art. 41. Challenges

(a)(1) The military judge and members of a general or special court-martial may be challenged by the accused or the trial counsel for cause stated to the court. The military judge shall determine the relevancy and validity of challenges for cause, and may not receive a challenge to more than one person at a time. Challenges by the trial counsel shall ordinarily be presented and decided before those by the accused are offered.

(2) If exercise of a challenge for cause reduces the court below the number of members required by section 816 of this title (article 16), all parties shall (notwithstanding section 829 of this title (article 29)) either exercise or waive any challenge for cause then apparent against the remaining members of the court before additional members are detailed to the court. However, peremptory challenges shall not be exercised at that time.

(b)(1) Each accused and the trial counsel are entitled initially to one peremptory challenge of members of the court. The military judge may not be challenged except for cause.

(2) If exercise of a peremptory challenge reduces the court below the number of members required by section 816 of this title (article 16), the parties shall (notwithstanding section 829 of this title (article 29)) either exercise or waive any remaining peremptory challenge (not previously waived) against the remaining members of the court before additional members are detailed to the court.

(c) Whenever additional members are detailed to the court, and after any challenges for cause against such additional members are presented and decided, each accused and the trial counsel are entitled to one peremptory challenge against members not previously subject to peremptory challenge.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(b)–(d), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(13), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5224, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
841(a) 841(b)	50:616(a). 50:616(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 41), 64 Stat. 121.

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" before the words "not receive".

In subsection (b), the word "the" is inserted before the word "trial". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(1), struck out ", or, if none, the court," before "shall determine".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(2), struck out "minimum" after "below the".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(3), struck out "minimum" after "below the".

2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "trial counsel" for "trail counsel".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(b), designated existing provision as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(c), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Each accused and the trial counsel is entitled to one peremptory challenge, but the military judge may not be challenged except for cause."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(d), added subsec. (c).

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17)(A), (B), inserted reference to the military judge and struck out references to the law officer of a general court-martial.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17)(C), substituted "military judge" for "law officer".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–510 applicable only to court-martial convened on or after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 541(e) of Pub. L. 101–510, set out as a note under section 839 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§842. Art. 42. Oaths

(a) Before performing their respective duties, military judges, members of general and special courts-martial, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, assistant or associate defense counsel, reporters, and interpreters shall take an oath to perform their duties faithfully. The form of the oath, the time and place of the taking thereof, the manner of recording the same, and whether the oath shall be taken for all cases in which these duties are to be performed or for a particular case, shall be as prescribed in regulations of the Secretary concerned. These regulations may provide that an oath to perform faithfully duties as a military judge, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, or assistant or associate defense counsel may be taken at any time by any judge advocate or other person certified to be qualified or competent for the duty, and if such an oath is taken it need not again be taken at the time the judge advocate or other person is detailed to that duty.

(b) Each witness before a court-martial shall be examined on oath.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(18), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 98–209, §§2(e), 3(f), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, 1395.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
842(a) 842(b)	50:617(a). 50:617(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 42), 64 Stat. 121.

In subsection (a), the word "all" and the word "the" before the words "members", "trial", "defense", and "reporter" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "or affirmation" are omitted as covered by the definition of the word "oath" in section 1 of Title 1.

In subsection (b), the words "Each witness" are substituted for the words "All witnesses".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209 struck out ", law specialist," after "judge advocate" in two places, substituted "assistant or associate defense counsel" for "assistant defense counsel".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 struck out requirement that the oath given to court-martial personnel be taken in the presence of the accused and provided that the form of the oath, the time and place of its taking, the manner of recording thereof, and whether the oath shall be taken for all cases or for a particular case shall be as prescribed by regulations of the Secretary concerned and contemplated secretarial regulations allowing the administration of an oath to certified legal personnel on a one-time basis.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§843. Art. 43. Statute of limitations

(a) No Limitation for Certain Offenses.—A person charged with absence without leave or missing movement in time of war, with murder, rape or sexual assault, or rape or sexual assault of a child, maiming of a child, kidnapping of a child, or with any other offense punishable by death, may be tried and punished at any time without limitation.

(b) Five-year Limitation for Trial by Court-martial.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section (article), a person charged with an offense is not liable to be tried by court-martial if the offense was committed more than five years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command.

(2)(A) A person charged with having committed a child abuse offense against a child is liable to be tried by court-martial if the sworn charges and specifications are received during the life of the child or within ten years after the date on which the offense was committed, whichever provides a longer period, by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction with respect to that person.

(B) In subparagraph (A), the term "child abuse offense" means an act that involves abuse of a person who has not attained the age of 16 years and constitutes any of the following offenses:

(i) Any offense in violation of section 920, 920a, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, or 130), unless the offense is covered by subsection (a).

(ii) Aggravated assault, assault consummated by a battery, or assault with intent to commit specified offenses in violation of section 928 of this title (article 128).

(C) In subparagraph (A), the term "child abuse offense" includes an act that involves abuse of a person who has not attained the age of 18 years and would constitute an offense under chapter 110 or 117 of title 18 or under section 1591 of that title.

(3) A person charged with an offense is not liable to be punished under section 815 of this title (article 15) if the offense was committed more than two years before the imposition of punishment.

(c) Tolling for Absence Without Leave or Flight From Justice.—Periods in which the accused is absent without authority or fleeing from justice shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this section (article).

(d) Tolling for Absence From US or Military Jurisdiction.—Periods in which the accused was absent from territory in which the United States has the authority to apprehend him, or in the custody of civil authorities, or in the hands of the enemy, shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this article.

(e) Extension for Offenses in Time of War Detrimental to Prosecution of War.—For an offense the trial of which in time of war is certified to the President by the Secretary concerned to be detrimental to the prosecution of the war or inimical to the national security, the period of limitation prescribed in this article is extended to six months after the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President or by a joint resolution of Congress.

(f) Extension for Other Offenses in Time of War.—When the United States is at war, the running of any statute of limitations applicable to any offense under this chapter—

(1) involving fraud or attempted fraud against the United States or any agency thereof in any manner, whether by conspiracy or not;

(2) committed in connection with the acquisition, care, handling, custody, control, or disposition of any real or personal property of the United States; or

(3) committed in connection with the negotiation, procurement, award, performance, payment, interim financing, cancellation, or other termination or settlement, of any contract, subcontract, or purchase order which is connected with or related to the prosecution of the war, or with any disposition of termination inventory by any war contractor or Government agency;

is suspended until three years after the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President or by a joint resolution of Congress.

(g) Defective or Insufficient Charges.—(1) If charges or specifications are dismissed as defective or insufficient for any cause and the period prescribed by the applicable statute of limitations—

(A) has expired; or

(B) will expire within 180 days after the date of dismissal of the charges and specifications,

trial and punishment under new charges and specifications are not barred by the statute of limitations if the conditions specified in paragraph (2) are met.

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) are that the new charges and specifications must—

(A) be received by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command within 180 days after the dismissal of the charges or specifications; and

(B) allege the same acts or omissions that were alleged in the dismissed charges or specifications (or allege acts or omissions that were included in the dismissed charges or specifications).

(h) Fraudulent Enlistment or Appointment.—A person charged with fraudulent enlistment or fraudulent appointment under section 904a(1) of this title (article 104a(1)) may be tried by court-martial if the sworn charges and specifications are received by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction with respect to that person, as follows:

(1) In the case of an enlisted member, during the period of the enlistment or five years, whichever provides a longer period.

(2) In the case of an officer, during the period of the appointment or five years, whichever provides a longer period.

(i) DNA Evidence.—If DNA testing implicates an identified person in the commission of an offense punishable by confinement for more than one year, no statute of limitations that would otherwise preclude prosecution of the offense shall preclude such prosecution until a period of time following the implication of the person by DNA testing has elapsed that is equal to the otherwise applicable limitation period.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §805(a), (b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §551, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1481; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §§552(e), 553, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, 3264; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(a)(4), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2398; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(14), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(d)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(8), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1703(a), (b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(d)(2)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5225(a)–(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909, 2910; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(E), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §533(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
843(a) 843(b)	50:618(a). 50:618(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 43), 64 Stat. 121.
843(c)	50:618(c).
843(d)	50:618(d).
843(e)	50:618(e).
843(f)	50:618(f).

In subsection (b), the word "inclusive" is omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (b) and (c), the words "is not" are substituted for the words "shall not be".

In subsection (e), the words "For an" are substituted for the words "In the case of any". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (f), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §533(a)(1), inserted "maiming of a child, kidnapping of a child," after "sexual assault of a child,".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 116–92, §533(a)(2), redesignated cl. (iii) as (ii) and struck out former cls. (ii) and (iv) which read as follows:

"(ii) Maiming in violation of section 928a of this title (article 128a).

"(iv) Kidnapping in violation of section 925 of this title (article 125)."

2017—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "DNA Evidence" for "Dna Evidence" in heading.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(e), inserted headings in subsecs. (a) to (g).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(a), substituted "ten years" for "five years".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i) to (v). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(d), added pars. (i) to (iv) and struck out former pars. (i) to (v) which read as follows:

"(i) Any offense in violation of section 920, 920a, 920b, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, or 120c), unless the offense is covered by subsection (a).

"(ii) Maiming in violation of section 924 of this title (article 124).

"(iii) Forcible sodomy in violation of section 925 of this title (article 125).

"(iv) Aggravated assault or assault consummated by a battery in violation of section 928 of this title (article 128).

"(v) Kidnaping, assault with intent to commit murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, or forcible sodomy, or indecent acts in violation of section 934 of this title (article 134)."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(b), added subsec. (h).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(c), added subsec. (i).

2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(d)(2)(A)(i), substituted "Forcible sodomy" for "Sodomy".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(d)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "forcible sodomy" for "sodomy".

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–66, §1703(a), substituted "rape or sexual assault, or rape or sexual assault of a child" for "rape, or rape of a child".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–66, §1703(b), inserted ", unless the offense is covered by subsection (a)" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "Kidnaping," for "Kidnaping,,".

2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(d)(1)(A), substituted "section 920, 920a, 920b, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, or 120c)" for "section 920 of this title (article 120)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(d)(1)(B), struck out "indecent assault" after "Kidnaping," and "or liberties with a child" after "indecent acts".

Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "Kidnaping, indecent assault," for "Kidnaping; indecent assault;".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(a), substituted "with murder or rape, or with any other offense punishable by death" for "or with any offense punishable by death".

Pub. L. 109–163, §552(e), substituted ", rape, or rape of a child," for "or rape,".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(1), substituted "during the life of the child or within five years after the date on which the offense was committed, whichever provides a longer period," for "before the child attains the age of 25 years".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(A), struck out "sexual or physical" before "abuse of a person" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(B), substituted "Any offense" for "Rape or carnal knowledge".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 109–364, §1071(a)(4)(A), substituted "125" for "126".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(C), substituted "Kidnaping; indecent assault;" for "Indecent assault,".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109–364, §1071(a)(4)(B), substituted "under chapter 110 or 117 of title 18 or under section 1591 of that title" for "under chapter 110 or 117, or under section 1591, of title 18".

Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(3), added subpar. (C).

2003—Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 108–136 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

1986—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 99–661, §805(a), amended subsecs. (a) to (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (a) to (c) read as follows:

"(a) A person charged with desertion or absence without leave in time of war, or with aiding the enemy, mutiny, or murder, may be tried and punished at any time without limitation.

"(b) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person charged with desertion in time of peace or any of the offenses punishable under sections 919–932 of this title (articles 119–132) is not liable to be tried by court-martial if the offense was committed more than three years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command.

"(c) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person charged with any offense is not liable to be tried by court-martial or punished under section 815 of this title (article 15) if the offense was committed more than two years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command or before the imposition of punishment under section 815 of this title (article 15)."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–661, §805(b), added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §533(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019] and shall apply with respect to the prosecution of offenses committed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act if the applicable limitation period has not yet expired."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(E) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5225(f), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2910, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(17), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1600, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section] shall apply to the prosecution of any offense committed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 23, 2016] if the applicable limitation period has not yet expired."

[Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599, provided that the amendment made by section 1081(d)(17) to section 5225(f) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above, is effective as of Dec. 23, 2016, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–328 as enacted.]

Amendment by section 5225(e) of Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1703(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], and shall apply with respect to an offense covered by section 920(b) or 920b(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 120(b) or 120b(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is committed on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(f), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting sections 920b and 920c of this title and amending this section and sections 918 and 920 of this title] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011] and shall apply with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(f), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 918 and 920 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 920 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2007."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §805(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to an offense committed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."

Applicability of Subsections (b)(2)(B) and (h)

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(n)(2), (3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1387, provided that:

"(2) Child abuse offenses.—With respect to offenses committed before the date designated by the President under section 5542(a) of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2967) [10 U.S.C. 801 note], subsection (b)(2)(B) of section 843 of title 10, United States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be applied as in effect on December 22, 2016.

"(3) Fraudulent enlistment or appointment offenses.—With respect to the period beginning on December 23, 2016, and ending on the day before the date designated by the President under section 5542(a) of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2967), in the application of subsection (h) of section 843 of title 10, United States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by section 5225(b) of that Act (130 Stat. 2909), the reference in such subsection (h) to section 904a(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 104a(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be deemed to be a reference to section 883(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 83(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)."

§844. Art. 44. Former jeopardy

(a) No person may, without his consent, be tried a second time for the same offense.

(b) No proceeding in which an accused has been found guilty by a court-martial upon any charge or specification is a trial in the sense of this article until the finding of guilty has become final after review of the case has been fully completed.

(c)(1) A court-martial with a military judge alone is a trial in the sense of this section (article) if, without fault of the accused—

(A) after introduction of evidence; and

(B) before announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53);

the case is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or the special trial counsel or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses.

(2) A court-martial with a military judge and members is a trial in the sense of this section (article) if, without fault of the accused—

(A) after the members, having taken an oath as members under section 842 of this title (article 42) and after completion of challenges under section 841 of this title (article 41), are impaneled; and

(B) before announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53);

the case is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or the special trial counsel or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 52; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5226, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2910; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §538, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
844(a) 844(b) 844(c)	50:619(a). 50:619(b). 50:619(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 44), 64 Stat. 122.

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (b), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be held to be".

In subsection (c), the word "after" is substituted for the words "subsequent to". The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81 inserted "or the special trial counsel" after "the convening authority" in two places.

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "A proceeding which, after the introduction of evidence but before a finding, is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses without any fault of the accused is a trial in the sense of this article."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§845. Art. 45. Pleas of the accused

(a) Irregular and Similar Pleas.—If an accused after arraignment makes an irregular pleading, or after a plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it appears that he has entered the plea of guilty improvidently or through lack of understanding of its meaning and effect, or if he fails or refuses to plead, a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the court shall proceed as though he had pleaded not guilty.

(b) Pleas of Guilty.—A plea of guilty by the accused may not be received to any charge or specification alleging an offense for which the death penalty is mandatory. With respect to any other charge or specification to which a plea of guilty has been made by the accused and accepted by the military judge, a finding of guilty of the charge or specification may be entered immediately without vote. This finding shall constitute the finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.

(c) Harmless Error.—A variance from the requirements of this article is harmless error if the variance does not materially prejudice the substantial rights of the accused.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 52; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5227, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2911.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
845(a) 845(b)	50:620(a). 50:620(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 45), 64 Stat. 122.

In subsection (b), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(c)(1), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(c)(2), inserted heading.

Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(a), substituted "is mandatory" for "may be adjudged" and struck out "or by a court-martial without a military judge" after "by the military judge" and ", if permitted by regulations of the Secretary concerned," after "charge or specification may".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(b), added subsec. (c).

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19)(A), substituted "after arraignment" for "arraigned before a court-martial".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19)(B), inserted provisions covering the making and accepting of a guilty plea to charges or specifications other than charges and specifications alleging an offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§846. Art. 46. Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial

(a) Opportunity To Obtain Witnesses and Other Evidence.—In a case referred for trial by court-martial, the trial counsel, the defense counsel, and the court-martial shall have equal opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in accordance with such regulations as the President may prescribe.

(b) Subpoena and Other Process Generally.—Any subpoena or other process issued under this section (article)—

(1) shall be similar to that which courts of the United States having criminal jurisdiction may issue;

(2) shall be executed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President; and

(3) shall run to any part of the United States and to the Commonwealths and possessions of the United States.

(c) Subpoena and Other Process for Witnesses.—A subpoena or other process may be issued to compel a witness to appear and testify—

(1) before a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry;

(2) at a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49); or

(3) as otherwise authorized under this chapter.

(d) Subpoena and Other Process for Evidence.—

(1) In general.—A subpoena or other process may be issued to compel the production of evidence—

(A) for a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry;

(B) for a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49);

(C) for an investigation of an offense under this chapter; or

(D) as otherwise authorized under this chapter.

(2) Investigative subpoena.—An investigative subpoena under paragraph (1)(C) may be issued before referral of charges to a court-martial only if a general court-martial convening authority has authorized counsel for the Government to issue such a subpoena or a military judge issues such a subpoena pursuant to section 830a of this title (article 30a).

(3) Warrant or order for wire or electronic communications.—With respect to an investigation of an offense under this chapter, a military judge detailed in accordance with section 826 or 830a of this title (article 26 or 30a) may issue warrants or court orders for the contents of, and records concerning, wire or electronic communications in the same manner as such warrants and orders may be issued by a district court of the United States under chapter 121 of title 18, subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(e) Request for Relief From Subpoena or Other Process.—If a person requests relief from a subpoena or other process under this section (article) on grounds that compliance is unreasonable or oppressive or is prohibited by law, a military judge detailed in accordance with section 826 or 830a of this title (article 26 or 30a) shall review the request and shall—

(1) order that the subpoena or other process be modified or withdrawn, as appropriate; or

(2) order the person to comply with the subpoena or other process.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(6), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3441; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1704, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5228(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2911.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
846	50:621.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 46), 64 Stat. 122.

The word "Commonwealths" is inserted to reflect the present status of Puerto Rico.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(5), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial" for "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(1), substituted "In a case referred for trial by court-martial, the trial counsel, the defense counsel," for "The counsel for the Government, the counsel for the accused,".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to request by counsel for accused to interview the victim of an alleged sex-related offense.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(3), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Process issued in court-martial cases to compel witnesses to appear and testify and to compel the production of other evidence shall be similar to that which courts of the United States having criminal jurisdiction may lawfully issue and shall run to any part of the United States, or the Commonwealths and possessions."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(4), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(2), (3)(B), substituted "counsel for the Government" for "trial counsel" and "counsel for the accused" for "defense counsel".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(3)(A), which directed substitution of "Counsel for Accused" for "Defense Counsel" in heading of section, was executed by making the substitution in the heading of subsec. (b) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(2), (3)(B), substituted "counsel for the Government" for "trial counsel" and "counsel for the accused" for "defense counsel" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(1), substituted "through the Special Victims' Counsel or other counsel for the victim, if applicable" for "through trial counsel".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 designated first sentence as subsec. (a) and second sentence as subsec. (c), inserted headings, and added subsec. (b).

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Commonwealths and possessions" for "Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§847. Art. 47. Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence

(a) In General.—(1) Any person described in paragraph (2) who—

(A) willfully neglects or refuses to appear; or

(B) willfully refuses to qualify as a witness or to testify or to produce any evidence which that person is required to produce;

is guilty of an offense against the United States.

(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:

(A) Any person not subject to this chapter who—

(i) is issued a subpoena or other process described in subsection (c) of section 846 of this title (article 46); and

(ii) is provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage at the rates allowed to witnesses attending the courts of the United States or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage.

(B) Any person not subject to this chapter who is issued a subpoena or other process described in subsection (d) of section 846 of this title (article 46).

(b) Any person who commits an offense named in subsection (a) shall be tried on indictment or information in a United States district court or in a court of original criminal jurisdiction in any of the Commonwealths or possessions of the United States, and jurisdiction is conferred upon those courts for that purpose. Upon conviction, such a person shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, at the court's discretion.

(c) The United States attorney or the officer prosecuting for the United States in any such court of original criminal jurisdiction shall, upon the certification of the facts to him by the military court, commission, court of inquiry, board, or convening authority, file an information against and prosecute any person violating this article.

(d) The fees and mileage of witnesses shall be advanced or paid out of the appropriations for the compensation of witnesses.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041. 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1111, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 461; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(5), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §542(a), (b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(D), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5229, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2913.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
847(a) 847(b)	50:622(a). 50:622(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 47), 64 Stat. 123.
847(c)	50:622(c).
847(d)	50:622(d).

In subsection (a), the word "Any" is substituted for the word "Every". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be deemed".

In subsection (b), the words "named in subsection (a)" are substituted for the words "denounced by this article". The words "Territories, Commonwealths, or" are substituted for the word "Territorial". The words "not more than" are substituted for the words "a period not exceeding".

In subsection (c), the words "It shall be the duty of * * * to" are omitted as surplusage. The words "United States Attorney" are substituted for the words "United States district attorney", to conform to the terminology of section 501 of title 28. The word "shall" is inserted after the word "jurisdiction".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5229(b), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence" for "Refusal to appear or testify".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5229(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Any person not subject to this chapter who—

"(1) has been duly subpoenaed to appear as a witness before a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or any other military court or board, or before any military or civil officer designated to take a deposition to be read in evidence before such a court, commission, or board, or has been duly issued a subpoena duces tecum for a preliminary hearing pursuant to section 832 of this title (article 32);

"(2) has been provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage at the rates allowed to witnesses attending the courts of the United States or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage; and

"(3) willfully neglects or refuses to appear, or refuses to qualify as a witness or to testify or to produce any evidence which that person may have been legally subpoenaed to produce;

is guilty of an offense against the United States."

2013—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing pursuant to section 832 of this title (article 32)" for "an investigation pursuant to section 832(b) of this title (article 32(b))".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(b), substituted "subpoenaed" for "subpenaed" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(1)(A), substituted "board, or has been duly issued a subpoena duces tecum for an investigation pursuant to section 832(b) of this title (article 32(b));" for "board;".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(1)(B), substituted "provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage" for "duly paid or tendered the fees and mileage of a witness" and inserted "or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage" before semicolon.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(2), substituted "board, or convening authority" for "or board".

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Commonwealths or possessions" for "Territories, Commonwealths, or possessions".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106 inserted "indictment or" after "shall be tried on" and substituted "shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, at the court's discretion" for "shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §542(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to subpoenas issued after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011]."

§848. Art. 48. Contempt

(a) Authority To Punish.—(1) With respect to any proceeding under this chapter, a judicial officer specified in paragraph (2) may punish for contempt any person who—

(A) uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in the presence of the judicial officer during the proceeding;

(B) disturbs the proceeding by any riot or disorder; or

(C) willfully disobeys a lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command issued with respect to the proceeding.

(2) A judicial officer referred to in paragraph (1) is any of the following:

(A) Any judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and any judge of a Court of Criminal Appeals under section 866 of this title (article 66).

(B) Any military judge detailed to a court-martial, a provost court, a military commission, or any other proceeding under this chapter.

(C) Any military magistrate designated to preside under section 819 of this title (article 19).

(D) The president of a court of inquiry.

(b) Punishment.—The punishment for contempt under subsection (a) may not exceed confinement for 30 days, a fine of $1,000, or both.

(c) Review.—A punishment under this section—

(1) if imposed by a military judge or military magistrate, may be reviewed by the Court of Criminal Appeals in accordance with the uniform rules of procedure for the Courts of Criminal Appeals under section 866(h) of this title (article 66(h));

(2) if imposed by a judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces or a judge of a Court of Criminal Appeals, shall constitute a judgment of the court, subject to review under the applicable provisions of section 867 or 867a of this title (article 67 or 67a); and

(3) if imposed by a court of inquiry, shall be subject to review by the convening authority in accordance with rules prescribed by the President.

(d) Inapplicability to Military Commissions Under Chapter 47A.—This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §542(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4218; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5230, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2913; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(F), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
848	50:623.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 48), 64 Stat. 123.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 866(h) of this title (article 66(h))" for "section 866(g) of this title (article 66(g))".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(c), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Contempt" for "Contempts".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A judge detailed to a court-martial, a court of inquiry, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, a military Court of Criminal Appeals, a provost court, or a military commission may punish for contempt any person who—

"(1) uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in the presence of the judge during the proceedings of the court-martial, court, or military commission;

"(2) disturbs the proceedings of the court-martial, court, or military commission by any riot or disorder; or

"(3) willfully disobeys the lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command of the court-martial, court, or military commission."

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(b), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

2011—Pub. L. 111–383 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A court-martial, provost court, or military commission may punish for contempt any person who uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in its presence, or who disturbs its proceedings by any riot or disorder. The punishment may not exceed confinement for 30 days or a fine of $100, or both. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title."

2006—Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §542(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4218, provided that: "Section 848 of title 10, United States Code (article 48 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to acts of contempt committed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 7, 2011]."

§849. Art. 49. Depositions

(a) In General.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a convening authority or a military judge may order depositions at the request of any party.

(2) A deposition may be ordered under paragraph (1) only if the requesting party demonstrates that, due to exceptional circumstances, it is in the interest of justice that the testimony of a prospective witness be preserved for use at a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or other military court or board.

(3) A party who requests a deposition under this section shall give to every other party reasonable written notice of the time and place for the deposition.

(4) A deposition under this section shall be taken before, and authenticated by, an impartial officer, as follows:

(A) Whenever practicable, by an impartial judge advocate certified under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)).

(B) In exceptional circumstances, by an impartial military or civil officer authorized to administer oaths by (i) the laws of the United States or (ii) the laws of the place where the deposition is taken.

(b) Representation by Counsel.—Representation of the parties with respect to a deposition shall be by counsel detailed in the same manner as trial counsel and defense counsel are detailed under section 827 of this title (article 27). In addition, the accused shall have the right to be represented by civilian or military counsel in the same manner as such counsel are provided for in section 838(b) of this title (article 38(b)).

(c) Admissibility and Use as Evidence.—A deposition order under subsection (a) does not control the admissibility of the deposition in a court-martial or other proceeding under this chapter. Except as provided by subsection (d), a party may use all or part of a deposition as provided by the rules of evidence.

(d) Capital Cases.—Testimony by deposition may be presented in capital cases only by the defense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(20), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 98–209, §6(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(3), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3366; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5231, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2914.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
849(a) 849(b)	50:624(a). 50:624(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 49), 64 Stat. 123.
849(c)	50:624(c).
849(d)	50:624(d).
849(e)	50:624(e).
849(f)	50:624(f).

In subsection (a), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

In subsection (d), the word "Commonwealth" is inserted to reflect the present status of Puerto Rico. The words "of Columbia" are inserted after the word "District" for clarity. The words "the distance of" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (e) and (f), the words "the requirements of" and the words "of this article" are omitted as surplusage. The word "presented" is substituted for the word "adduced" in subsection (e).

In subsection (f), the word "directs" is substituted for the words "shall have directed". The words "by law" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (f) relating to ordering depositions, notice, military and civil officers authorized to take depositions, use of depositions as evidence, testimony by deposition by the defense in capital cases, and use of deposition as evidence in cases in which the death penalty is authorized, respectively.

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–291 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "At any time after charges have been signed as provided in section 830 of this title (article 30), any party may take oral or written depositions unless the military judge or court-martial without a military judge hearing the case or, if the case is not being heard, an authority competent to convene a court-martial for the trial of those charges forbids it for good cause. If a deposition is to be taken before charges are referred for trial, such an authority may designate commissioned officers to represent the prosecution and the defense and may authorize those officers to take the deposition of any witness."

2006—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–163 struck out "Territory," after "State,".

1983—Subsecs. (d), (f). Pub. L. 98–209 inserted "or, in the case of audiotape, videotape, or similar material, may be played in evidence" after "read in evidence".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to the taking of depositions being forbidden by the military judge or the court-martial without a military judge if the case is being heard.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective on first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§850. Art. 50. Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry

(a) Use as Evidence by Any Party.—In any case not capital and not extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer, the sworn testimony, contained in the duly authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry, of a person whose oral testimony cannot be obtained, may, if otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, be read in evidence by any party before a court-martial or military commission if the accused was a party before the court of inquiry and if the same issue was involved or if the accused consents to the introduction of such evidence. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(b) Use as Evidence by Defense.—Such testimony may be read in evidence only by the defense in capital cases or cases extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer.

(c) Use in Courts of Inquiry and Military Boards.—Such testimony may also be read in evidence before a court of inquiry or a military board.

(d) Audiotape or Videotape.—Sworn testimony that—

(1) is recorded by audiotape, videotape, or similar method; and

(2) is contained in the duly authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry;

is admissible before a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or military board, to the same extent as sworn testimony may be read in evidence before any such body under subsection (a), (b), or (c).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 54; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5232, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
850(a) 850(b)	50:625(a). 50:625(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 50), 64 Stat. 124.
850(c)	50:625(c).

In subsections (a) and (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(b), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry" for "Admissibility of records of courts of inquiry".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(1), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(2), inserted heading.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(3), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(a), added subsec. (d).

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§850a. Art. 50a. Defense of lack of mental responsibility

(a) It is an affirmative defense in a trial by court-martial that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the accused, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of the acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense.

(b) The accused has the burden of proving the defense of lack of mental responsibility by clear and convincing evidence.

(c) Whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge shall instruct the members of the court as to the defense of lack of mental responsibility under this section and charge them to find the accused—

(1) guilty;

(2) not guilty; or

(3) not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.

(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a court-martial composed of a military judge only. In the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only, whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge shall find the accused—

(1) guilty;

(2) not guilty; or

(3) not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 852 of this title (article 52), the accused shall be found not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility if—

(1) a majority of the members of the court-martial present at the time the vote is taken determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established; or

(2) in the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only, the military judge determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established.

(Added Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(a)(1), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3905; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5233, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, in introductory provisions, struck out ", or the president of a court-martial without a military judge," after "the military judge".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906, provided that: "Section 850a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply only to offenses committed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."

§851. Art. 51. Voting and rulings

(a) Voting by members of a general or special court-martial on the findings and on the sentence shall be by secret written ballot. The junior member of the court shall count the votes. The count shall be checked by the president, who shall forthwith announce the result of the ballot to the members of the court.

(b) The military judge shall rule upon all questions of law and all interlocutory questions arising during the proceedings. Any such ruling made by the military judge upon any question of law or any interlocutory question other than the factual issue of mental responsibility of the accused is final and constitutes the ruling of the court, except that the military judge may change a ruling at any time during trial.

(c) Before a vote is taken on the findings, the military judge shall, in the presence of the accused and counsel, instruct the members of the court as to the elements of the offense and charge them—

(1) that the accused must be presumed to be innocent until his guilt is established by legal and competent evidence beyond reasonable doubt;

(2) that in the case being considered, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused, the doubt must be resolved in favor of the accused and he must be acquitted;

(3) that, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the degree of guilt, the finding must be in a lower degree as to which there is no reasonable doubt; and

(4) that the burden of proof to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt is upon the United States.

(d) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) do not apply to a court-martial composed of a military judge only. The military judge of such a court-martial shall determine all questions of law and fact arising during the proceedings and, if the accused is convicted, adjudge an appropriate sentence. The military judge of such a court-martial shall make a general finding and shall in addition on request find the facts specially. If an opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient if the findings of fact appear therein.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 54; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5234, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
851(a) 851(b)	50:626(a). 50:626(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 51), 64 Stat. 124.
851(c)	50:626(c).

In subsection (a), the words "in each case" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" in the second sentence. The word "constitutes" is substituted for the words "shall constitute". The word "However," is substituted for the word "but". The word "his" is substituted for the words "any such". The words "the ruling is" are substituted for the words "such ruling be". The words "voice vote" are substituted for the words "vote * * * viva voce".

In subsection (c), the word "must" is substituted for the word "shall" in clause (2), since a condition is prescribed, not a command. The words "United States" are substituted for the word "Government".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(1), struck out ", and by members of a court-martial without a military judge upon questions of challenge," after "on the sentence".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(2), struck out "and, except for questions of challenge, the president of a court-martial without a military judge" after "The military judge" and substituted "is final and constitutes the ruling of the court, except that the military judge may change a ruling at any time during trial." for ", or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge upon any question of law other than a motion for a finding of not guilty, is final and constitutes the ruling of the court. However, the military judge or the president of a court-martial without a military judge may change his ruling at any time during trial. Unless the ruling is final, if any member objects thereto, the court shall be cleared and closed and the question decided by a voice vote as provided in section 852 of this title (article 52), beginning with the junior in rank."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(3), struck out "or the president of a court-martial without a military judge" after "the military judge" in introductory provisions.

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(A), limited the balloting on the question of challenges to courts-martial without military judges.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(B), substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and inserted reference to the military judge's ruling upon challenges for cause when a military judge is part of a court-martial and reference to questions of law.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(C), substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and made minor changes in phraseology eliminating the division between general and special court-martials.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(D), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§852. Art. 52. Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters

(a) In General.—No person may be convicted of an offense in a general or special court-martial, other than—

(1) after a plea of guilty under section 845(b) of this title (article 45(b));

(2) by a military judge in a court-martial with a military judge alone, under section 816 of this title (article 16); or

(3) in a court-martial with members under section 816 of this title (article 16), by the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members present when the vote is taken.

(b) Level of Concurrence Required.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in subsection (a) and in paragraph (2), all matters to be decided by members of a general or special court-martial shall be determined by a majority vote, but a reconsideration of a finding of guilty or reconsideration of a sentence, with a view toward decreasing the sentence, may be made by any lesser vote which indicates that the reconsideration is not opposed by the number of votes required for that finding or sentence.

(2) Sentencing.—A sentence of death requires (A) a unanimous finding of guilty of an offense in this chapter expressly made punishable by death and (B) a unanimous determination by the members that the sentence for that offense shall include death. All other sentences imposed by members shall be determined by the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members present when the vote is taken.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 55; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5235, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2916.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
852(a) 852(b)	50:627(a). 50:627(b)	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 52), 64 Stat. 125.
852(c)	50:627(c).

In subsections (a) and (b), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (b)(2), the words "for more than" are substituted for the words "in excess of".

In subsection (c), the word "disqualifies" is substituted for the words "shall disqualify". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" in the last two sentences.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (c) relating to number of votes required for conviction of an offense for which the death penalty is mandatory, sentences, and all other questions, respectively.

1968—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22)(A), inserted reference to the exception provided in section 845(b) of this title (article 45(b)).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22)(B), provided that a determination to reconsider a finding of guilty or to reconsider a sentence, with a view toward decreasing it, may be made by a vote of less than a majority vote which indicates that the reconsideration is not opposed by the number of votes required for that finding or sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§853. Art. 53. Findings and sentencing

(a) Announcement.—A court-martial shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon as determined.

(b) Sentencing Generally.—

(1) General and special courts-martial.—Except as provided in subsection (c) for capital offenses, if the accused is convicted of an offense in a trial by general or special court-martial, the military judge shall sentence the accused. The sentence determined by the military judge constitutes the sentence of the court-martial.

(2) Summary courts-martial.—If the accused is convicted of an offense in a trial by summary court-martial, the court-martial shall sentence the accused.

(c) Sentencing for Capital Offenses.—

(1) In general.—In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death—

(A) the members shall determine—

(i) whether the sentence for that offense shall be death or life in prison without eligibility for parole; or

(ii) whether the matter shall be returned to the military judge for determination of a lesser punishment; and

(B) the military judge shall sentence the accused for that offense in accordance with the determination of the members under subparagraph (A).

(2) Lesser authorized punishments.—In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, the military judge may include in any sentence to death or life in prison without eligibility for parole other lesser punishments authorized under this chapter.

(3) Other non-capital offenses.—In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of a non-capital offense, the accused shall be sentenced for such non-capital offense in accordance with subsection (b), regardless of whether the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5236, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2916; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(G), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1700.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
853	50:628.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 53), 64 Stat. 125.

The word "A" is substituted for the word "Every".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) provided that, except for capital offenses, accused who is convicted in trial by general or special court-martial shall be sentenced by military judge or, if court-martial consisted of military judge and members, accused may elect sentencing by members.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(2)(A), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death, the members shall determine whether the sentence for that offense shall be death or a lesser authorized punishment."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(2)(B), substituted "the military judge" for "the court-martial".

2017—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out "in a trial" after "convicted of an offense".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A court-martial shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon as determined."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(f), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1706, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 853a, 856, and 866 of this title and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 856 of this title] shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021] and shall apply to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§853a. Art. 53a. Plea agreements

(a) In General.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), at any time before the announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53), the convening authority and the accused may enter into a plea agreement with respect to such matters as—

(A) the manner in which the convening authority will dispose of one or more charges and specifications; and

(B) limitations on the sentence that may be adjudged for one or more charges and specifications.

(2) The military judge of a general or special court-martial may not participate in discussions between the parties concerning prospective terms and conditions of a plea agreement.

(3) With respect to charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority pursuant to section 824a of this title (article 24a), a plea agreement under this section may only be entered into between a special trial counsel and the accused. Such agreement shall be subject to the same limitations and conditions applicable to other plea agreements under this section (article).

(b) Acceptance of Plea Agreement.—Subject to subsection (c), the military judge of a general or special court-martial shall accept a plea agreement submitted by the parties, except that—

(1) in the case of an offense with a sentencing parameter set forth in regulations prescribed by the President pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge may reject a plea agreement that proposes a sentence that is outside the sentencing parameter if the military judge determines that the proposed sentence is plainly unreasonable; and

(2) in the case of an offense for which the President has not established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge may reject a plea agreement that proposes a sentence if the military judge determines that the proposed sentence is plainly unreasonable.

(c) Limitation on Acceptance of Plea Agreements.—The military judge of a general or special court-martial shall reject a plea agreement that—

(1) contains a provision that has not been accepted by both parties;

(2) contains a provision that is not understood by the accused;

(3) except as provided in subsection (c), contains a provision for a sentence that is less than the mandatory minimum sentence applicable to an offense referred to in section 856(b)(2) of this title (article 56(b)(2));

(4) is prohibited by law; or

(5) is contrary to, or is inconsistent with, a regulation prescribed by the President with respect to terms, conditions, or other aspects of plea agreements.

(d) Limited Conditions for Acceptance of Plea Agreement for Sentence Below Mandatory Minimum for Certain Offenses.—With respect to an offense referred to in section 856(b)(2) of this title (article 56(b)(2))—

(1) the military judge may accept a plea agreement that provides for a sentence of bad conduct discharge; and

(2) upon recommendation of the trial counsel, in exchange for substantial assistance by the accused in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense, the military judge may accept a plea agreement that provides for a sentence that is less than the mandatory minimum sentence for the offense charged.

(e) Binding Effect of Plea Agreement.—Upon acceptance by the military judge of a general or special court-martial, a plea agreement shall bind the parties (including the convening authority and the special trial counsel in the case of a plea agreement entered into under subsection (a)(3)) and the court-martial.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5237, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2917; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(d), title X, §1081(c)(1)(H), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384, 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §§539, 539E(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698, 1701.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsec. (b), is section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81, which is set out as a note under section 856 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539(a)(1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (3), at any time" for "At any time" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §539(a)(2), added par. (3).

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Pub. L. 117–81, §539(b), inserted "(including the convening authority and the special trial counsel in the case of a plea agreement entered into under subsection (a)(3))" after "parties".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

2017—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(1), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(H), which directed substitution of "court-martial" for "military judge" the second place it appeared, could not be executed because of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(2). See below.

Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(2), substituted "shall bind the parties and the court-martial" for "shall bind the parties and the military judge".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 539 of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by section 539E(b) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539E(f) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 853 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 531(d) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(H) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§854. Art. 54. Record of trial

(a) General and Special Courts-martial.—Each general or special court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case brought before it. The record shall be certified by a court-reporter, except that in the case of death, disability, or absence of a court reporter, the record shall be certified by an official selected as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(b) Summary Courts-martial.—Each summary court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case, and the record shall be certified in the manner required by such regulations as the President may prescribe.

(c) Contents of Record.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the record shall contain such matters as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(2) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, a complete record of proceedings and testimony shall be prepared in any case of a sentence of death, dismissal, discharge, confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months.

(d) Copy to Accused.—A copy of the record of the proceedings of each general and special court-martial shall be given to the accused as soon as it is certified.

(e) Copy to Victim.—In the case of a general or special court-martial, upon request, a copy of all prepared records of the proceedings of the court-martial shall be given to the victim of the offense if the victim testified during the proceedings. The records of the proceedings shall be provided without charge and as soon as the records are certified. The victim shall be notified of the opportunity to receive the records of the proceedings.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(23), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §555(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-127; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §586(e), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1435; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5238, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2918.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
854(a) 854(b)	50:629(a). 50:629(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 54), 64 Stat. 125.
854(c)	50:629(c).

In subsection (a), the word "If" is substituted for the words "In case". The words "any of those" are substituted for the word "such" in the last sentence.

In subsection (b), the words "and the" are substituted for the word "which" before the word "record". The words "the matter and shall be authenticated in the manner required by such regulations as" are substituted for the words "such matter and be authenticated in such manner as may be required by regulations which".

In subsection (c), the words "it is" are inserted before the word "authenticated".

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 586(e) of Pub. L. 112–81 is set out in a note under section 1561 of this title.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "Each general court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case brought before it, and the record shall be authenticated by the signature of the military judge. If the record cannot be authenticated by the military judge by reason of his death, disability, or absence, it shall be authenticated by the signature of the trial counsel or by that of a member if the trial counsel is unable to authenticate it by reason of his death, disability, or absence. In a court-martial consisting of only a military judge the record shall be authenticated by the court reporter under the same conditions which would impose such a duty on a member under this subsection."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(2), substituted "Summary Courts-martial.—Each summary court-martial" for "Each special and summary court-martial" and "certified" for "authenticated".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to preparation of complete record of proceedings.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(4), inserted heading and substituted "certified" for "authenticated".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(5), inserted heading and substituted ", upon request," for "involving a sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920 of this title (article 120)," and "certified" for "authenticated".

2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81 added subsec. (e).

2000—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–398 inserted ", confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months" after "bad-conduct discharge".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(1), struck out provision that if the proceedings had resulted in an acquittal of all charges and specifications or, if not affecting a general or flag officer, in a sentence not including discharge and not in excess of that which could otherwise be adjudged by a special court-martial, the record had to contain such matters as might be prescribed by regulations of the President.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(2), substituted "the record" for "the record shall contain the matter and".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 provided for authentication of a record of trial by general court-martial by the signature of the military judge, for alternate methods of authentication if the military judge for specified reasons is unable to authenticate it, for authentication when a court-martial consists only of a military judge, and for summarized records of trial in specified cases.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §555(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-127, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of April 1, 2000, and shall apply with respect to charges referred on or after that date to trial by special court-martial."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VIII—SENTENCES

Sec.	Art.
855.	55.	Cruel and unusual punishments prohibited.
856.	56.	Sentencing.
[856a.	56a.	Repealed.]
857.	57.	Effective date of sentences.
[857a.	57a.	Repealed.]
858.	58.	Execution of confinement.
858a.	58a.	Sentences: reduction in enlisted grade.
858b.	58b.	Sentences: forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(5). See 2016 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(f)(3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385, added item 858a and struck out former item 858a "Sentences: reduction in enlisted grade upon approval".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(5), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, substituted "Sentencing" for "Maximum and minimum limits" in item 856 and struck out items 856a "Art. 56a. Sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole" and 857a "Art. 57a. Deferment of sentences".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1705(a)(2)(B), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 959, substituted "Maximum and minimum limits" for "Maximum limits" in item 856.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §581(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1760, added item 856a.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §§1122(a)(2), 1123(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 463, 464, added items 857a and 858b.

1960—Pub. L. 86–633, §1(2), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 468, added item 858a.

§855. Art. 55. Cruel and unusual punishments prohibited

Punishment by flogging, or by branding, marking, or tattooing on the body, or any other cruel or unusual punishment, may not be adjudged by any court-martial or inflicted upon any person subject to this chapter. The use of irons, single or double, except for the purpose of safe custody, is prohibited.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
855	50:636.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 55), 64 Stat. 126.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

§856. Art. 56. Sentencing

(a) Sentence Maximums.—The punishment which a court-martial may direct for an offense may not exceed such limits as the President may prescribe for that offense.

(b) Sentence Minimums for Certain Offenses.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (c) ¹ of section 853a of this title (article 53a), punishment for any offense specified in paragraph (2) shall include dismissal or dishonorable discharge, as applicable.

(2) The offenses referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:

(A) Rape under subsection (a) of section 920 of this title (article 120).

(B) Sexual assault under subsection (b) of such section (article).

(C) Rape of a child under subsection (a) of section 920b of this title (article 120b).

(D) Sexual assault of a child under subsection (b) of such section (article).

(E) An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) that is punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

(F) Conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) that is punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81).

(c) Imposition of Sentence.—

(1) In general.—In sentencing an accused under section 853 of this title (article 53), a court-martial shall impose punishment that is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to promote justice and to maintain good order and discipline in the armed forces, taking into consideration—

(A) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the accused;

(B) the impact of the offense on—

(i) the financial, social, psychological, or medical well-being of any victim of the offense; and

(ii) the mission, discipline, or efficiency of the command of the accused and any victim of the offense;

(C) the need for the sentence—

(i) to reflect the seriousness of the offense;

(ii) to promote respect for the law;

(iii) to provide just punishment for the offense;

(iv) to promote adequate deterrence of misconduct;

(v) to protect others from further crimes by the accused;

(vi) to rehabilitate the accused; and

(vii) to provide, in appropriate cases, the opportunity for retraining and return to duty to meet the needs of the service;

(D) the sentences available under this chapter; and

(E) the applicable sentencing parameters or sentencing criteria set forth in regulations prescribed by the President pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

(2) Application of sentencing parameters in general and special courts-martial.—

(A) Requirement to sentence within parameters.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in a general or special court-martial in which the accused is convicted of an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge shall sentence the accused for that offense within the applicable parameter.

(B) Exception.—The military judge may impose a sentence outside a sentencing parameter upon finding specific facts that warrant such a sentence. If the military judge imposes a sentence outside a sentencing parameter under this subparagraph, the military judge shall include in the record a written statement of the factual basis for the sentence.

(3) Use of sentencing criteria in general and special courts-martial.—In a general or special court-martial in which the accused is convicted of an offense for which the President has established sentencing criteria pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge shall consider the applicable sentencing criteria in determining the sentence for that offense.

(4) Offense-based sentencing in general and special courts-martial.—In announcing the sentence under section 853 of this title (article 53) in a general or special court-martial, the military judge shall, with respect to each offense of which the accused is found guilty, specify the term of confinement, if any, and the amount of the fine, if any. If the accused is sentenced to confinement for more than one offense, the military judge shall specify whether the terms of confinement are to run consecutively or concurrently.

(5) Inapplicability to death penalty.—Sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria shall not apply to a determination of whether an offense should be punished by death.

(6) Sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole.—

(A) In general.—If an offense is subject to a sentence of confinement for life, a court-martial may impose a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole.

(B) Term of confinement.—An accused who is sentenced to confinement for life without eligibility for parole shall be confined for the remainder of the accused's life unless—

(i) the sentence is set aside or otherwise modified as a result of—

(I) action taken by the convening authority or the Secretary concerned; or

(II) any other action taken during post-trial procedure or review under any other provision of subchapter IX of this chapter;

(ii) the sentence is set aside or otherwise modified as a result of action taken by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(iii) the accused receives a pardon or another form of Executive clemency.

(d) Appeal of Sentence by the United States.—(1) With the approval of the Judge Advocate General concerned, and consistent with standards and procedures set forth in regulations prescribed by the President, the Government may appeal a sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeals, on the grounds that—

(A) the sentence violates the law;

(B) in the case of a sentence for an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the sentence is a result of an incorrect application of the parameter; or

(C) the sentence is plainly unreasonable.

(2) An appeal under this subsection must be filed within 60 days after the date on which the judgment of a court-martial is entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(a)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 959; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5301(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2919; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(e), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(c), title X, §1081(a)(14), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1701, 1920.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
856	50:637.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 56), 64 Stat. 126.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subsection (c) of section 853a of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was redesignated subsec. (d) of section 853a of this title by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1701.

Section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(E), (2)(A), (3), (d)(1)(B), is section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81, which is set out as a note below.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §1081(a)(14), substituted "subsection (c) of section 853a" for "subsection (d) of section 853a".

Subsec. (c)(1)(E). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(c)(1)(A), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (c)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(c)(1)(B), added pars. (2) to (6) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which related to sentencing by military judge, sentencing by members, and sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole, respectively.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(c)(4)(C), added subpar. (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (C).

Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(c)(4)(D), struck out ", as determined in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the President" after "unreasonable".

Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(c)(4)(A), (B), redesignated subpar. (B) as (C).

2017—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(e)(1), inserted "and consistent with standards and procedures set forth in regulations prescribed by the President," after "concerned," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(e)(2), inserted ", as determined in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the President" before period at end.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to maximum and minimum sentencing limits.

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "Maximum and minimum limits" for "Maximum limits" in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 539E(c) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539E(f) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 853 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective 180 days after Dec. 26, 2013, and applicable to offenses specified in subsec. (b)(2) of this section committed on or after that date, see section 1705(c) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 818 of this title.

Establishment of Sentencing Parameters and Sentencing Criteria

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(e), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1704, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the President shall prescribe regulations establishing sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria related to offenses under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), in accordance with this subsection. Such parameters and criteria—

"(A) shall cover sentences of confinement; and

"(B) may cover lesser punishments, as the President determines appropriate.

"(2) Sentencing parameters.—Sentencing parameters established under paragraph (1) shall—

"(A) identify a delineated sentencing range for an offense that is appropriate for a typical violation of the offense, taking into consideration—

"(i) the severity of the offense;

"(ii) the guideline or offense category that would apply to the offense if the offense were tried in a United States district court;

"(iii) any military-specific sentencing factors;

"(iv) the need for the sentencing parameter to be sufficiently broad to allow for individualized consideration of the offense and the accused; and

"(v) any other relevant sentencing guideline.

"(B) include no fewer than 5 and no more than 12 offense categories;

"(C) assign such offense under this chapter [probably should be "chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice)"] to an offense category unless the offense is identified as unsuitable for sentencing parameters under paragraph (4)(F)(ii); and

"(D) delineate the confinement range for each offense category by setting an upper confinement limit and a lower confinement limit.

"(3) Sentencing criteria.—Sentencing criteria established under paragraph (1) shall identify offense-specific factors the military judge should consider and any collateral effects of available punishments that may aid the military judge in determining an appropriate sentence when there is no applicable sentencing parameter for a specific offense.

"(4) Military sentencing parameters and criteria board.—

"(A) In general.—There is established within the Department of Defense a board, to be known as the 'Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board' (referred to in this subsection as the 'Board').

"(B) Voting members.—The Board shall have 5 voting members, as follows:

"(i) The 4 chief trial judges designated under section 826(g) of title 10, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), except that, if the chief trial judge of the Coast Guard is not available, the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard may designate as a voting member a judge advocate of the Coast Guard with substantial military justice experience.

"(ii) A trial judge of the Navy, designated under regulations prescribed by the President, if the chief trial judges designated under section 826(g) of title 10, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), do not include a trial judge of the Navy.

"(iii) A trial judge of the Marine Corps, designated under regulations prescribed by the President, if the chief trial judges designated under section 826(g) of title 10, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), do not include a trial judge of the Marine Corps.

"(C) Nonvoting members.—The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the General Counsel of the Department of Defense shall each designate one nonvoting member of the Board. The Secretary of Defense may appoint one additional nonvoting member of the Board at the Secretary's discretion.

"(D) Chair and vice-chair.—The Secretary of Defense shall designate one voting member as chair of the Board and one voting member as vice-chair.

"(E) Voting requirement.—An affirmative vote of at least three members is required for any action of the Board under this subsection.

"(F) Duties of board.—The Board shall have the following duties:

"(i) As directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Board shall submit to the President for approval—

"(I) sentencing parameters for all offenses under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) (other than offenses that the Board identifies as unsuitable for sentencing parameters in accordance with clause (ii)); and

"(II) sentencing criteria to be used by military judges in determining appropriate sentences for offenses that are identified as unsuitable for sentencing parameters in accordance with clause (ii).

"(ii) Identify each offense under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is unsuitable for sentencing parameters. The Board shall identify an offense as unsuitable for sentencing parameters if—

"(I) the nature of the offense is indeterminate and unsuitable for categorization; and

"(II) there is no similar criminal offense under the laws of the United States or the laws of the District of Columbia.

"(iii) In developing sentencing parameters and criteria, the Board shall consider the sentencing data collected by the Military Justice Review Panel pursuant to section 946(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 146(f)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(iv) In addition to establishing parameters for sentences of confinement under clause (i)(I), the Board shall consider the appropriateness of establishing sentencing parameters for punitive discharges, fines, reductions, forfeitures, and other lesser punishments authorized under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(v) The Board shall regularly—

"(I) review, and propose revision to, in consideration of comments and data coming to the Board's attention, the sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria prescribed under paragraph (1); and

"(II) submit to the President, through the Secretary of Defense, proposed amendments to the sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria, together with statements explaining the basis for the proposed amendments.

"(vi) The Board shall develop means of measuring the degree to which applicable sentencing, penal, and correctional practices are effective with respect to the sentencing factors and policies set forth in this section.

"(vii) In fulfilling its duties and in exercising its powers, the Board shall consult authorities on, and individual and institutional representatives of, various aspects of the military criminal justice system. The Board may establish separate advisory groups consisting of individuals with current or recent experience in command and in senior enlisted positions, individuals with experience in the trial of courts-martial, and such other groups as the Board deems appropriate.

"(viii) The Board shall submit to the President, through the Secretary of Defense, proposed amendments to the rules for courts-martial with respect to sentencing proceedings and maximum punishments, together with statements explaining the basis for the proposed amendments."

Guidelines on Sentences for Offenses Committed Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §537, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1363, which required the Secretary of Defense to develop nonbinding guidelines on sentences for offenses under chapter 47 of this title, not later than one year after date on which first report of Military Justice Review Panel is submitted to Committees on Armed Services of Senate and House of Representatives pursuant to section 946(f)(5) of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(g), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1706. See section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note above.

Executive Documents

Prescription of Method of Designating a Member of the Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board

Memorandum of President of the United States, June 21, 2022, 87 F.R. 37971, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 539E(e)(4)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, Public Law 117–81, 135 Stat. 1541, 1700 (2021) [set out in a note above], I hereby order as follows:

(1) If the chief trial judges designated under article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 826(g), do not include a trial judge of the Navy, then the Judge Advocate General of the Navy shall designate as a voting member of the Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board (Board) either the Chief Judge of the Department of the Navy or a Navy trial judge assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary.

(2) If the chief trial judges designated under article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 826(g), do not include a trial judge of the Marine Corps, then the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, in consultation with the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, shall designate as a voting member of the Board a Marine Corps trial judge assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary.

This memorandum constitutes the regulations provided for in subsections (ii) and (iii) of section 539E(e)(4)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

¹ See References in Text note below.

[§856a. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5301(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2920]

Section, added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §581(a)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1759, related to sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§857. Art. 57. Effective date of sentences

(a) Execution of Sentences.—A court-martial sentence shall be executed and take effect as follows:

(1) Forfeiture and reduction.—A forfeiture of pay or allowances shall be applicable to pay and allowances accruing on and after the date on which the sentence takes effect. Any forfeiture of pay or allowances or reduction in grade that is included in a sentence of a court-martial takes effect on the earlier of—

(A) the date that is 14 days after the date on which the sentence is adjudged; or

(B) in the case of a summary court-martial, the date on which the sentence is approved by the convening authority.

(2) Confinement.—Any period of confinement included in a sentence of a court-martial begins to run from the date the sentence is adjudged by the court-martial, but periods during which the sentence to confinement is suspended or deferred shall be excluded in computing the service of the term of confinement.

(3) Approval of sentence of death.—If the sentence of the court-martial extends to death, that part of the sentence providing for death may not be executed until approved by the President. In such a case, the President may commute, remit, or suspend the sentence, or any part thereof, as the President sees fit. That part of the sentence providing for death may not be suspended.

(4) Approval of dismissal.—If in the case of a commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman, the sentence of a court-martial extends to dismissal, that part of the sentence providing for dismissal may not be executed until approved by the Secretary concerned or such Under Secretary or Assistant Secretary as may be designated by the Secretary concerned. In such a case, the Secretary, Under Secretary, or Assistant Secretary, as the case may be, may commute, remit, or suspend the sentence, or any part of the sentence, as the Secretary sees fit. In time of war or national emergency he may commute a sentence of dismissal to reduction to any enlisted grade. A person so reduced may be required to serve for the duration of the war or emergency and six months thereafter.

(5) Completion of appellate review.—If a sentence extends to death, dismissal, or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, that part of the sentence extending to death, dismissal, or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may be executed, in accordance with service regulations, after completion of appellate review (and, with respect to death or dismissal, approval under paragraph (3) or (4), as appropriate).

(6) Other sentences.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a general or special court-martial sentence is effective upon entry of judgment and a summary court-martial sentence is effective when the convening authority acts on the sentence.

(b) Deferral of Sentences.—

(1) In general.—On application by an accused, the convening authority or, if the accused is no longer under his or her jurisdiction, the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command to which the accused is currently assigned, may, in his or her sole discretion, defer the effective date of a sentence of confinement, reduction, or forfeiture. The deferment shall terminate upon entry of judgment or, in the case of a summary court-martial, when the convening authority acts on the sentence. The deferment may be rescinded at any time by the officer who granted it or, if the accused is no longer under his jurisdiction, by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command to which the accused is currently assigned.

(2) Deferral of certain persons sentenced to confinement.—In any case in which a court-martial sentences a person referred to in paragraph (3) to confinement, the convening authority may defer the service of the sentence to confinement, without the consent of that person, until after the person has been permanently released to the armed forces by a State or foreign country referred to in that paragraph.

(3) Covered persons.—Paragraph (2) applies to a person subject to this chapter who—

(A) while in the custody of a State or foreign country is temporarily returned by that State or foreign country to the armed forces for trial by court-martial; and

(B) after the court-martial, is returned to that State or foreign country under the authority of a mutual agreement or treaty, as the case may be.

(4) State defined.—In this subsection, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia and any Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(5) Deferral while review pending.—In any case in which a court-martial sentences a person to confinement, but in which review of the case under section 867(a)(2) of this title (article 67(a)(2)) is pending, the Secretary concerned may defer further service of the sentence to confinement while that review is pending.

(c) Appellate Review.—

(1) Completion of appellate review.—Appellate review is complete under this section when—

(A) a review under section 865 of this title (article 65) is completed; or

(B) a review under section 866 of this title (article 66) is completed by a Court of Criminal Appeals and—

(i) the time for the accused to file a petition for review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has expired and the accused has not filed a timely petition for such review and the case is not otherwise under review by that Court;

(ii) such a petition is rejected by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; or

(iii) review is completed in accordance with the judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and—

(I) a petition for a writ of certiorari is not filed within the time limits prescribed by the Supreme Court;

(II) such a petition is rejected by the Supreme Court; or

(III) review is otherwise completed in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court.

(2) Completion as final judgment of legality of proceedings.—The completion of appellate review shall constitute a final judgment as to the legality of the proceedings.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(24), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1341; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(f), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1064, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2505; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §§1121(a), 1123(a)(1), (2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 462–464; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5302(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2921.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
857(a) 857(b)	50:638(a). 50:638(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 57), 64 Stat. 126.
857(c)	50:638(c).

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (b), the word "begins" is substituted for the words "shall begin".

In subsection (c), the word "are" is substituted for the words "shall become".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to effective date of sentences.

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–106, §1121(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "No forfeiture may extend to any pay or allowances accrued before the date on which the sentence is approved by the person acting under section 860(c) of this title (article 60(c))."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 104–106, §1123(a)(1), (2), redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as section 857a(a) and (b), respectively, of this title.

1992—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–484 added subsec. (e).

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209 substituted provision that no forfeiture may extend to any pay or allowances accrued before the date on which the sentence is approved by the person acting under section 860(c) of this title, for provision that whenever a sentence of a court-martial as lawfully adjudged and approved included a forfeiture of pay or allowances in addition to confinement not suspended or deferred, the forfeiture could apply to pay or allowances becoming due on or after the date the sentence was approved by the convening authority, and that no forfeiture could extend to any pay or allowances accrued before that date.

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to deferral of sentence of confinement.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to deferral of sentence of confinement.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–632 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1121(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 462, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to a case in which a sentence is adjudged by a court-martial on or after the first day of the first month that begins at least 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996]."

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–484 effective Oct. 23, 1992, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after that date, see section 1067 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 803 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

[§857a. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5302(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2923]

Section, added Pub. L. 90–632, §2(24), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1341, §857(d); amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1064, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2505; renumbered §857a and amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1123(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 463, related to deferment of sentence to confinement.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§858. Art. 58. Execution of confinement

(a) Under such instructions as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, a sentence of confinement adjudged by a court-martial or other military tribunal, whether or not the sentence includes discharge or dismissal, and whether or not the discharge or dismissal has been executed, may be carried into execution by confinement in any place of confinement under the control of any of the armed forces or in any penal or correctional institution under the control of the United States, or which the United States may be allowed to use. Persons so confined in a penal or correctional institution not under the control of one of the armed forces are subject to the same discipline and treatment as persons confined or committed by the courts of the United States or of the State, District of Columbia, or place in which the institution is situated.

(b) The omission of the words "hard labor" from any sentence of a court-martial adjudging confinement does not deprive the authority executing that sentence of the power to require hard labor as a part of the punishment.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 57; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(3), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
858(a) 858(b)	50:639(a). 50:639(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 58), 64 Stat. 126.

In subsection (a), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Department concerned", since the "Department" as an entity, cannot issue instructions. The word "are" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "of Columbia" are inserted after "District" for clarity.

In subsection (b), the word "from" is substituted for the word "in". The words "does not deprive" are substituted for the words "shall not be construed as depriving".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163 struck out "Territory," after "State,".

§858a. Art. 58a. Sentences: reduction in enlisted grade

(a) A court-martial sentence of an enlisted member in a pay grade above E–1, as set forth in the judgment of the court-martial entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c), that includes—

(1) a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge;

(2) confinement; or

(3) hard labor without confinement;

reduces that member to pay grade E–1, if such a reduction is authorized by regulation prescribed by the President. The reduction in pay grade shall take effect on the date on which the judgment is so entered.

(b) If the sentence of a member who is reduced in pay grade under subsection (a) is set aside or reduced, or, as finally affirmed, does not include any punishment named in subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3), the rights and privileges of which he was deprived because of that reduction shall be restored to him and he is entitled to the pay and allowances to which he would have been entitled, for the period the reduction was in effect, had he not been so reduced.

(Added Pub. L. 86–633, §1(1), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 468; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5303, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2923; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(f)(1), (2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, §531(f)(2), struck out "upon approval" after "reduction in enlisted grade" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(f)(1), substituted ", if such a reduction is authorized by regulation prescribed by the President. The reduction in pay grade shall take effect on the date" for ", effective on the date" in concluding provisions.

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5303(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "A" for "Unless otherwise provided in regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a" and "as set forth in the judgment of the court-martial entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c)" for "as approved by the convening authority", and, in concluding provisions, substituted "on which the judgment is so entered" for "of that approval".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5303(2), substituted "reduced, or, as finally affirmed" for "disapproved, or, as finally approved".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§858b. Art. 58b. Sentences: forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement

(a)(1) A court-martial sentence described in paragraph (2) shall result in the forfeiture of pay, or of pay and allowances, due that member during any period of confinement or parole. The forfeiture pursuant to this section shall take effect on the date determined under section 857 of this title (article 57) and may be deferred as provided in that section. The pay and allowances forfeited, in the case of a general court-martial, shall be all pay and allowances due that member during such period and, in the case of a special court-martial, shall be two-thirds of all pay due that member during such period.

(2) A sentence covered by this section is any sentence that includes—

(A) confinement for more than six months or death; or

(B) confinement for six months or less and a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge or dismissal.

(b) In a case involving an accused who has dependents, the convening authority or other person acting under section 860a or 860b of this title (article 60a or 60b) may waive any or all of the forfeitures of pay and allowances required by subsection (a) for a period not to exceed six months. Any amount of pay or allowances that, except for a waiver under this subsection, would be forfeited shall be paid, as the convening authority or other person taking action directs, to the dependents of the accused.

(c) If the sentence of a member who forfeits pay and allowances under subsection (a) is set aside or disapproved or, as finally approved, does not provide for a punishment referred to in subsection (a)(2), the member shall be paid the pay and allowances which the member would have been paid, except for the forfeiture, for the period during which the forfeiture was in effect.

(Added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1122(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 463; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1068(a)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2655; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(9), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5302(b)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2923; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(g), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 860a or 860b of this title (article 60a or 60b)" for "section 860 of this title (article 60)".

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "section 857 of this title (article 57)" for "section 857(a) of this title (article 57(a))".

1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "forfeiture of pay, or of pay and allowances, due that member" for "forfeiture of pay and (if adjudged by a general court-martial) allowances due that member" in first sentence.

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, §1068(a)(1)(B), substituted "two-thirds of all pay" for "two-thirds of all pay and allowances" in third sentence.

Pub. L. 104–201, §1068(a)(1)(A), which directed amendment of first sentence by inserting "(if adjudged by a general court-martial)" after "all pay and", was executed by making the insertion after "of pay and" in first sentence to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1068(a)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2655, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect as of April 1, 1996, and shall apply to any case in which a sentence is adjudged by a court-martial on or after that date."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1122(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 463, provided that: "The section (article) added by the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [this section] shall apply to a case in which a sentence is adjudged by a court-martial on or after the first day of the first month that begins at least 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996]."

SUBCHAPTER IX—POST-TRIAL PROCEDURE AND REVIEW OF COURTS-MARTIAL

Sec.	Art.
859.	59.	Error of law; lesser included offense.
860.	60.	Post-trial processing in general and special courts-martial.
860a.	60a.	Limited authority to act on sentence in specified post-trial circumstances.
860b.	60b.	Post-trial actions in summary courts-martial and certain general and special courts-martial.
860c.	60c.	Entry of judgment.
861.	61.	Waiver of right to appeal; withdrawal of appeal.
862.	62.	Appeal by the United States.
863.	63.	Rehearings.
864.	64.	Judge advocate review of finding of guilty in summary court-martial.
865.	65.	Transmittal and review of records.
866.	66.	Courts of Criminal Appeals.
867.	67.	Review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
867a.	67a.	Review by the Supreme Court.
868.	68.	Branch offices.
869.	69.	Review by Judge Advocate General.
870.	70.	Appellate counsel.
[871.	71.	Repealed.]
872.	72.	Vacation of suspension.
873.	73.	Petition for a new trial.
874.	74.	Remission and suspension.
875.	75.	Restoration.
876.	76.	Finality of proceedings, findings, and sentences.
876a.	76a.	Leave required to be taken pending review of certain court-martial convictions.
876b.	76b.	Lack of mental capacity or mental responsibility: commitment of accused for examination and treatment.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(6)(A) to (C). See 2016 Amendment notes below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(6)(D), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2967, struck out item 871 "Art. 71. Execution of sentence; suspension of sentence".

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(6)(B), (C), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2967, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, substituted "Judge advocate review of finding of guilty in summary court-martial" for "Review by a judge advocate" in item 864, "Transmittal and review of records" for "Disposition of records" in item 865, "Courts of Criminal Appeals" for "Review by Court of Criminal Appeals" in item 866, and "Review by Judge Advocate General" for "Review in the office of the Judge Advocate General" in item 869.

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(6)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added items 860a to 860c and substituted "Post-trial processing in general and special courts-martial" for "Action by the convening authority" in item 860.

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(6)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, which directed amendment of analysis by striking out item "61" and inserting item 861, was amended by striking out item 861 "Waiver or withdrawal of appeal" and adding new item 861 to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1133(a)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 466, added item 876b.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(4)(C), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2832, substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" in item 866 and "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" in item 867.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(i)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1718, added item 867a.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209, §§5(a)(2), (b)(2), (c)(2), (h)(2), 6(d)(2), 7(a)(2), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1397, 1398, 1400-1402, substituted "Post-trial Procedure and Review of Courts-Martial" for "Review of Courts-Martial" as subchapter heading, "Action by the convening authority" for "Initial action on the record" in item 860, "Waiver or withdrawal of appeal" for "Same—General court-martial records" in item 861, "Appeal by the United States" for "Reconsideration and revision" in item 862, "Review by a judge advocate" for "Approval by the convening authority" in item 864, and "Disposition of records" for "Disposition of records after review by the convening authority" in item 865.

1981—Pub. L. 97–81, §2(c)(2), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1087, added item 876a.

1968—Pub. L. 90–632, §2(25), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1341, substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" in item 866 (article 66).

§859. Art. 59. Error of law; lesser included offense

(a) A finding or sentence of a court-martial may not be held incorrect on the ground of an error of law unless the error materially prejudices the substantial rights of the accused.

(b) Any reviewing authority with the power to approve or affirm a finding of guilty may approve or affirm, instead, so much of the finding as includes a lesser included offense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 57.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
859(a) 859(b)	50:646(a). 50:646(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 59), 64 Stat. 127.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

§860. Art. 60. Post-trial processing in general and special courts-martial

(a) Statement of Trial Results.—(1) The military judge of a general or special court-martial shall enter into the record of trial a document entitled "Statement of Trial Results", which shall set forth—

(A) each plea and finding;

(B) the sentence, if any; and

(C) such other information as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(2) Copies of the Statement of Trial Results shall be provided promptly to the convening authority, the accused, and any victim of the offense.

(b) Post-trial Motions.—In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, the military judge in a general or special court-martial shall address all post-trial motions and other post-trial matters that—

(1) may affect a plea, a finding, the sentence, the Statement of Trial Results, the record of trial, or any post-trial action by the convening authority; and

(2) are subject to resolution by the military judge before entry of judgment.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 57; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(a)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1395; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §806(a)–(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908, 3909; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1132, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 464; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §§1702(b), (c)(1), 1706, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 955–957, 960; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(a)(1)–(3), (5), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3362, 3363; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5321, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2924.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
860	50:647.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 60), 64 Stat. 127.

The word "a" is substituted for the word "every". The word "by" before the words "any officer" is omitted as surplusage. The word "person" is substituted for the word "officer" before the words "who convened", since, under sections 823 and 824 of this title (articles 23 and 24), noncommissioned officers who are "officers in charge" may convene special and summary courts-martial.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to action by the convening authority.

2014—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(1)(A), inserted "and may be taken only with respect to a qualifying offense" after "is not required".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(1)(B), struck out ", other than a charge or specification for a qualifying offense," after "specification" and inserted ", but may take such action with respect to a qualifying offense" before semicolon.

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(1)(C), struck out ", other than a charge or specification for a qualifying offense," after "to a charge or specification" and inserted ", but may take such action with respect to a qualifying offense" before period.

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(2), struck out "(other than a qualifying offense)" after "offense".

Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(5), inserted "pursuant to section 856(b) of this title (article 56(b))" after "applies".

Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(3)(A)(i), inserted ", if applicable" before semicolon.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(3)(A)(ii), struck out "if applicable," before "the date".

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(a)(3)(B), substituted "harm" for "loss".

2013—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–66, §1706(c), substituted "subsection (e)" for "subsection (d)".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–66, §1702(c)(1)(A), substituted "or another person authorized to act under this section" for "or other person taking action under this section".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 113–66, §1706(b), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–66, §1702(b), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text related to the command prerogative of the convening authority to modify the findings and sentence of a court-martial.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–66, §1706(a)(2), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Pub. L. 113–66, §1702(c)(1)(B), substituted "or another person authorized to act under this section" for "or other person taking action under this section" in first sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–66, §1706(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 113–66, §1702(c)(1)(C), substituted "or another person authorized to act under this section" for "or other person taking action under this section, in his sole discretion,".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 113–66, §1702(c)(1)(D), substituted "or another person authorized to act under this section" for "or other person taking action under this section".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–66, §1706(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f).

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 inserted after first sentence "Any such submission shall be in writing."

1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–661, §806(a)(3), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Within 30 days after the sentence of a general court-martial or of a special court-martial which has adjudged a bad-conduct discharge has been announced, the accused may submit to the convening authority matters for consideration by the convening authority with respect to the findings and the sentence. In the case of all other special courts-martial, the accused may make such a submission to the convening authority within 20 days after the sentence is announced. In the case of all summary courts-martial the accused may make such a submission to the convening authority within seven days after the sentence is announced. If the accused shows that additional time is required for the accused to submit such matters, the convening authority or other person taking action under this section, for good cause, may extend the period—

"(A) in the case of a general court-martial or a special court-martial which has adjudged a bad-conduct discharge, for not more than an additional 20 days; and

"(B) in the case of all other courts-martial, for not more than an additional 10 days."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–661, §806(a)(2), (3), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–661, §806(a)(1), (2), redesignated par. (2) as (3), inserted a comma after "case", and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "In no event shall the accused in any general or special court-martial case have less than a seven-day period after the day on which a copy of the authenticated record of trial has been given to him within which to make a submission under paragraph (1). The convening authority or other person taking action on the case, for good cause, may extend this period for up to an additional 10 days."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 99–661, §806(b), struck out "and, if applicable, under subsection (d)," after "under subsection (b)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–661, §806(c), substituted "who may submit any matter in response under subsection (b)" for "who shall have five days from the date of receipt in which to submit any matter in response. The convening authority or other person taking action under this section, for good cause, may extend that period for up to an additional 20 days."

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally, substituting "Action by the convening authority" for "Initial action on the record" as section catchline, and, in text, substituting new provision for provision that after a trial by court-martial the record had to be forwarded to the convening authority, and action thereon could be taken by the person who convened the court, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, a successor in command, or any officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(d)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(g)(2)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3365, provided that:

"(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by subsection (b) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) [amending this section and section 871 of this title] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013] and shall apply with respect to offenses committed under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), on or after that effective date.

"(B) With respect to the findings and sentence of a court-martial that includes both a conviction for an offense committed before the effective date specified in subparagraph (A) and a conviction for an offense committed on or after that effective date, the convening authority shall have the same authority to take action on such findings and sentence as was in effect on the day before such effective date, except with respect to a mandatory minimum sentence under section 856(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 56(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)."

[Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(g)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3366, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending section 1702(d)(2) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out above] shall not apply to the findings and sentence of a court-martial with respect to which the convening authority has taken action before the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014]."]

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §806(c) [(d)], Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3909, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply in cases in which the sentence is adjudged on or after the effective date of this title."

Title VIII of Pub. L. 99–661 effective the earlier of (1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986; or (2) the date specified in an Executive order for such amendment to take effect, see section 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§860a. Art. 60a. Limited authority to act on sentence in specified post-trial circumstances

(a) In General.—(1) The convening authority of a general or special court-martial described in paragraph (2)—

(A) may act on the sentence of the court-martial only as provided in subsection (b), (c), or (d); and

(B) may not act on the findings of the court-martial.

(2) The courts-martial referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:

(A) A general or special court-martial in which the maximum sentence of confinement established under subsection (a) of section 856 of this title (article 56) for any offense of which the accused is found guilty is more than two years.

(B) A general or special court-martial in which the total of the sentences of confinement imposed, running consecutively, is more than six months.

(C) A general or special court-martial in which the sentence imposed includes a dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or bad-conduct discharge.

(D) A general or special court-martial in which the accused is found guilty of a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 920 of this title (article 120), section 920b of this title (article 120b), or such other offense as the Secretary of Defense may specify by regulation.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (d), the convening authority may act under this section only before entry of judgment.

(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, a successor in command, or any person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction may act under this section in place of the convening authority.

(b) Reduction, Commutation, and Suspension of Sentences Generally.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (c) or (d), the convening authority may not reduce, commute, or suspend any of the following sentences:

(A) A sentence of confinement, if the total period of confinement imposed for all offenses involved, running consecutively, is greater than six months.

(B) A sentence of dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or bad-conduct discharge.

(C) A sentence of death.

(2) The convening authority may reduce, commute, or suspend any sentence not specified in paragraph (1).

(c) Suspension of Certain Sentences Upon Recommendation of Military Judge.—(1) Upon recommendation of the military judge, as included in the Statement of Trial Results, together with an explanation of the facts supporting the recommendation, the convening authority may suspend—

(A) a sentence of confinement, in whole or in part; or

(B) a sentence of dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or bad-conduct discharge.

(2) The convening authority may not, under paragraph (1)—

(A) suspend a mandatory minimum sentence; or

(B) suspend a sentence to an extent in excess of the suspension recommended by the military judge.

(d) Reduction of Sentence for Substantial Assistance by Accused.—(1) Upon a recommendation by the trial counsel, if the accused, after sentencing and before entry of judgment, provides substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person, the convening authority may reduce, commute, or suspend a sentence, in whole or in part, including any mandatory minimum sentence.

(2) Upon a recommendation by a trial counsel, designated in accordance with rules prescribed by the President, if the accused, after entry of judgment, provides substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person, a convening authority, designated under such regulations, may reduce, commute, or suspend a sentence, in whole or in part, including any mandatory minimum sentence.

(3) In evaluating whether the accused has provided substantial assistance under this subsection, the convening authority may consider the presentence assistance of the accused.

(e) Submissions by Accused and Victim.—(1) In accordance with rules prescribed by the President, in determining whether to act under this section, the convening authority shall consider matters submitted in writing by the accused or any victim of an offense. Such rules shall include—

(A) procedures for notice of the opportunity to make such submissions;

(B) the deadlines for such submissions; and

(C) procedures for providing the accused and any victim of an offense with a copy of the recording of any open sessions of the court-martial and copies of, or access to, any admitted, unsealed exhibits.

(2) The convening authority shall not consider under this section any submitted matters that relate to the character of a victim unless such matters were presented as evidence at trial and not excluded at trial.

(f) Decision of Convening Authority.—(1) The decision of the convening authority under this section shall be forwarded to the military judge, with copies provided to the accused and to any victim of the offense.

(2) If, under this section, the convening authority reduces, commutes, or suspends the sentence, the decision of the convening authority shall include a written explanation of the reasons for such action.

(3) If, under subsection (d)(2), the convening authority reduces, commutes, or suspends the sentence, the decision of the convening authority shall be forwarded to the chief trial judge for appropriate modification of the entry of judgment, which shall be transmitted to the Judge Advocate General for appropriate action.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5322, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2924.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§860b. Art. 60b. Post-trial actions in summary courts-martial and certain general and special courts-martial

(a) In General.—(1) In a court-martial not specified in section 860a(a)(2) of this title (article 60a(a)(2)), the convening authority may—

(A) dismiss any charge or specification by setting aside the finding of guilty;

(B) change a finding of guilty to a charge or specification to a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense;

(C) disapprove the findings and the sentence and dismiss the charges and specifications;

(D) disapprove the findings and the sentence and order a rehearing as to the findings and the sentence;

(E) disapprove, commute, or suspend the sentence, in whole or in part; or

(F) disapprove the sentence and order a rehearing as to the sentence.

(2) In a summary court-martial, the convening authority shall approve the sentence or take other action on the sentence under paragraph (1).

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the convening authority may act under this section only before entry of judgment.

(4) The convening authority may act under this section after entry of judgment in a general or special court-martial in the same manner as the convening authority may act under section 860a(d)(2) of this title (article 60a(d)(2)). Such action shall be forwarded to the chief trial judge, who shall ensure appropriate modification to the entry of judgment and shall transmit the entry of judgment to the Judge Advocate General for appropriate action.

(5) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, a successor in command, or any person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction may act under this section in place of the convening authority.

(b) Limitations on Rehearings.—The convening authority may not order a rehearing under this section—

(1) as to the findings, if there is insufficient evidence in the record to support the findings;

(2) to reconsider a finding of not guilty of any specification or a ruling which amounts to a finding of not guilty; or

(3) to reconsider a finding of not guilty of any charge, unless there has been a finding of guilty under a specification laid under that charge, which sufficiently alleges a violation of some article of this chapter.

(c) Submissions by Accused and Victim.—In accordance with rules prescribed by the President, in determining whether to act under this section, the convening authority shall consider matters submitted in writing by the accused or any victim of the offense. Such rules shall include the matter required by section 860a(e) of this title (article 60a(e)).

(d) Decision of Convening Authority.—(1) In a general or special court-martial, the decision of the convening authority under this section shall be forwarded to the military judge, with copies provided to the accused and to any victim of the offense.

(2) If the convening authority acts on the findings or the sentence under subsection (a)(1), the decision of the convening authority shall include a written explanation of the reasons for such action.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5323, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2926.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§860c. Art. 60c. Entry of judgment

(a) Entry of Judgment of General or Special Court-martial.—(1) In accordance with rules prescribed by the President, in a general or special court-martial, the military judge shall enter into the record of trial the judgment of the court. The judgment of the court shall consist of the following:

(A) The Statement of Trial Results under section 860 of this title (article 60).

(B) Any modifications of, or supplements to, the Statement of Trial Results by reason of—

(i) any post-trial action by the convening authority; or

(ii) any ruling, order, or other determination of the military judge that affects a plea, a finding, or the sentence.

(2) Under rules prescribed by the President, the judgment under paragraph (1) shall be—

(A) provided to the accused and to any victim of the offense; and

(B) made available to the public.

(b) Summary Court-martial Judgment.—The findings and sentence of a summary court-martial, as modified by any post-trial action by the convening authority under section 860b of this title (article 60b), constitutes the judgment of the court-martial and shall be recorded and distributed under rules prescribed by the President.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5324, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2927.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§861. Art. 61. Waiver of right to appeal; withdrawal of appeal

(a) Waiver of Right to Appeal.—After entry of judgment in a general or special court-martial, under procedures prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the accused may waive the right to appellate review in each case subject to such review under section 866 of this title (article 66). Such a waiver shall be—

(1) signed by the accused and by defense counsel; and

(2) attached to the record of trial.

(b) Withdrawal of Appeal.—In a general or special court-martial, the accused may withdraw an appeal at any time.

(c) Death Penalty Case Exception.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), an accused may not waive the right to appeal or withdraw an appeal with respect to a judgment that includes a sentence of death.

(d) Waiver or Withdrawal as Bar.—Except as provided by section 869(c)(2) of this title (article 69(c)(2)), a waiver or withdrawal under this section bars review under section 866 of this title (article 66).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 58; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(b)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1397; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5325, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2928; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §544(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
861	50:648.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 61), 64 Stat. 127.

The word "each" is substituted for the word "every".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "Except as provided by section 869(c)(2) of this title (article 69(c)(2)), a waiver" for "A waiver".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to waiver or withdrawal of appeal.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally, substituting "Waiver or withdrawal of appeal" for "Same—General court-martial records" as section catchline, and, in text, substituting provisions relating to waiver or withdrawal of appeal for provisions relating to initial action by the convening authority on general court-martial records.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §544(d), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2583, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 866 and 869 of this title] shall not apply to—

"(1) any matter that was submitted before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022] to a Court of Criminal Appeals established under section 866 of title 10, United States Code (article 66 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or

"(2) any matter that was submitted before the date of the enactment of this Act to a Judge Advocate General under section 869 of such title (article 69 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)."

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§862. Art. 62. Appeal by the United States

(a)(1) In a trial by general or special court-martial, or in a pretrial proceeding under section 830a of this title (article 30a), the United States may appeal the following:

(A) An order or ruling of the military judge which terminates the proceedings with respect to a charge or specification.

(B) An order or ruling which excludes evidence that is substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding.

(C) An order or ruling which directs the disclosure of classified information.

(D) An order or ruling which imposes sanctions for nondisclosure of classified information.

(E) A refusal of the military judge to issue a protective order sought by the United States to prevent the disclosure of classified information.

(F) A refusal by the military judge to enforce an order described in subparagraph (E) that has previously been issued by appropriate authority.

(G) An order or ruling of the military judge entering a finding of not guilty with respect to a charge or specification following the return of a finding of guilty by the members.

(2)(A) An appeal of an order or ruling may not be taken unless the trial counsel provides the military judge with written notice of appeal from the order or ruling within 72 hours of the order or ruling. Such notice shall include a certification by the trial counsel that the appeal is not taken for the purpose of delay and (if the order or ruling appealed is one which excludes evidence) that the evidence excluded is substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding.

(B) An appeal of an order or ruling may not be taken when prohibited by section 844 of this title (article 44).

(3) An appeal under this section shall be diligently prosecuted by appellate Government counsel.

(b) An appeal under this section shall be forwarded by a means prescribed under regulations of the President directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals and shall, whenever practicable, have priority over all other proceedings before that court. In ruling on an appeal under this section, the Court of Criminal Appeals may act only with respect to matters of law.

(c) Any period of delay resulting from an appeal under this section shall be excluded in deciding any issue regarding denial of a speedy trial unless an appropriate authority determines that the appeal was filed solely for the purpose of delay with the knowledge that it was totally frivolous and without merit.

(d) The United States may appeal a ruling or order of a military magistrate in the same manner as had the ruling or order been made by a military judge, except that the issue shall first be presented to the military judge who designated the military magistrate or to a military judge detailed to hear the issue.

(e) The provisions of this section shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 58; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(c)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1398; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1141(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 466; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5326, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2928; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(h), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
862(a) 862(b)	50:649(a). 50:649(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 62), 64 Stat. 127.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out ", notwithstanding section 866(c) of this title (article 66(c))" after "matters of law".

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5326(1)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "general or special court-martial, or in a pretrial proceeding under section 830a of this title (article 30a), the United States may appeal the following:" for "court-martial in which a military judge presides and in which a punitive discharge may be adjudged, the United States may appeal the following (other than an order or ruling that is, or that amounts to, a finding of not guilty with respect to the charge or specification):".

Subsec. (a)(1)(G). Pub. L. 114–328, §5326(1)(B), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5326(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5326(3), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "In a trial by court-martial in which a military judge presides and in which a punitive discharge may be adjudged, the United States may appeal an order or ruling of the military judge which terminates the proceedings with respect to a charge or specification or which excludes evidence that is substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding. However, the United States may not appeal an order or ruling that is, or that amounts to, a finding of not guilty with respect to the charge or specification."

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" in two places.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally, substituting "Appeal by the United States" for "Reconsideration and revision" as section catchline, and, in text, substituting provisions relating to appeals by the United States for provisions relating to the convening authority returning the record to the court for reconsideration and appropriate action.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§863. Art. 63. Rehearings

(a) Each rehearing under this chapter shall take place before a court-martial composed of members not members of the court-martial which first heard the case. Upon a rehearing the accused may not be tried for any offense of which he was found not guilty by the first court-martial, and no sentence in excess of or more severe than the original sentence may be adjudged, unless the sentence is based upon a finding of guilty of an offense not considered upon the merits in the original proceedings, or unless the sentence prescribed for the offense is mandatory.

(b) If the sentence adjudged by the first court-martial was in accordance with a plea agreement under section 853a of this title (article 53a) and the accused at the rehearing does not comply with the agreement, or if a plea of guilty was entered for an offense at the first court-martial and a plea of not guilty was entered at the rehearing, the sentence as to those charges or specifications may include any punishment not in excess of that which could have been adjudged at the first court-martial, subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(c) If, after appeal by the Government under section 856(d) of this title (article 56(d)), the sentence adjudged is set aside and a rehearing on sentence is ordered by the Court of Criminal Appeals or Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the court-martial may impose any sentence that is in accordance with the order or ruling setting aside the adjudged sentence, subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 58; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(d), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1398; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1065, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5327, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2929; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(i), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
863(a) 863(b)	50:650(a). 50:650(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 63), 64 Stat. 127.

In subsection (a), the words "In such a" are substituted for the words "in which".

In subsection (b), the word "Each" is substituted for the word "Every". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" in the second sentence.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted ", subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation" before period at end.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "may be adjudged" for "may be approved" in second sentence, struck out at end "If the sentence approved after the first court-martial was in accordance with a pretrial agreement and the accused at the rehearing changes his plea with respect to the charges or specifications upon which the pretrial agreement was based, or otherwise does not comply with the pretrial agreement, the approved sentence as to those charges or specifications may include any punishment not in excess of that lawfully adjudged at the first court-martial.", and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "approved" for "imposed" in second sentence and inserted "approved" before last reference to "sentence" in third sentence.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 struck out subsec. (a) which provided that if the convening authority disapproved the findings and sentence of a court-martial he could, except where there was lack of sufficient evidence in the record to support the findings, order a rehearing, stating the reasons for disapproval, and that if he disapproved the findings without reordering a rehearing, he had to dismiss the charges, and redesignated former subsec. (b) as entire section, and, as so redesignated, inserted "under this chapter" after "Each rehearing", and inserted provision that if the sentence approved after the first court-martial was in accordance with a pretrial agreement and the accused at the rehearing changes his plea with respect to the charges or specifications upon which the pretrial agreement was based, or otherwise does not comply with the pretrial agreement, the sentence as to those charges or specifications may include any punishment not in excess of that lawfully adjudged at the first court-martial.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–484 effective Oct. 23, 1992, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after that date, see section 1067 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 803 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§864. Art. 64. Judge advocate review of finding of guilty in summary court-martial

(a) In General.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, each summary court-martial in which there is a finding of guilty shall be reviewed by a judge advocate. A judge advocate may not review a case under this subsection if the judge advocate has acted in the same case as an accuser, preliminary hearing officer, member of the court, military judge, or counsel or has otherwise acted on behalf of the prosecution or defense. The judge advocate's review shall be in writing and shall contain the following:

(1) Conclusions as to whether—

(A) the court had jurisdiction over the accused and the offense;

(B) the charge and specification stated an offense; and

(C) the sentence was within the limits prescribed as a matter of law.

(2) A response to each allegation of error made in writing by the accused.

(3) If the case is sent for action under subsection (b), a recommendation as to the appropriate action to be taken and an opinion as to whether corrective action is required as a matter of law.

(b) Record.—The record of trial and related documents in each case reviewed under subsection (a) shall be sent for action to the person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the accused at the time the court was convened (or to that person's successor in command) if—

(1) the judge advocate who reviewed the case recommends corrective action; or

(2) such action is otherwise required by regulations of the Secretary concerned.

(c)(1) The person to whom the record of trial and related documents are sent under subsection (b) may—

(A) disapprove or approve the findings or sentence, in whole or in part;

(B) remit, commute, or suspend the sentence in whole or in part;

(C) except where the evidence was insufficient at the trial to support the findings, order a rehearing on the findings, on the sentence, or on both; or

(D) dismiss the charges.

(2) If a rehearing is ordered but the convening authority finds a rehearing impracticable, he shall dismiss the charges.

(3) If the opinion of the judge advocate in the judge advocate's review under subsection (a) is that corrective action is required as a matter of law and if the person required to take action under subsection (b) does not take action that is at least as favorable to the accused as that recommended by the judge advocate, the record of trial and action thereon shall be sent to the Judge Advocate General for review under section 869 of this title (article 69).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 58; Pub. L. 98–209, §7(a)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1401; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5328, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2929; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(I), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
864	50:651.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 64), 64 Stat. 128.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall constitute".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "(a) In General.—" for "(a) (a) In General.—".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5328(b)(1), substituted "Judge advocate review of finding of guilty in summary court-martial" for "Review by a judge advocate" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5328(a), inserted subsec. (a) designation, heading, and first two sentences, and struck out former first two sentences which read as follows: "Each case in which there has been a finding of guilty that is not reviewed under section 866 or 869(a) of this title (article 66 or 69(a)) shall be reviewed by a judge advocate under regulations of the Secretary concerned. A judge advocate may not review a case under this subsection if he has acted in the same case as an accuser, investigating officer, member of the court, military judge, or counsel or has otherwise acted on behalf of the prosecution or defense."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5328(b)(2)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5328(b)(2)(B)–(D), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "the sentence approved under section 860(c) of this title (article 60(c)) extends to dismissal, a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge, or confinement for more than six months; or".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5328(b)(3), substituted "section 869 of this title (article 69)." for "section 869(b) of this title (article 69(b))."

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally, substituting "Review by a judge advocate" for "Approval by the convening authority" in section catchline, and, in text, substituting provisions relating to review by a judge advocate for provision that in acting on the findings and sentence of a court-martial, the convening authority could approve only such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such part or amount of the sentence, as he found correct in law and fact and as he in his discretion determined should be approved, and that unless he indicated otherwise, approval of the sentence was approval of the findings and sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§865. Art. 65. Transmittal and review of records

(a) Transmittal of Records.—

(1) Finding of guilty in general or special court-martial.—If the judgment of a general or special court-martial entered under section 860c of this title (article 60c) includes a finding of guilty, the record shall be transmitted to the Judge Advocate General.

(2) Other cases.—In all other cases, records of trial by court-martial and related documents shall be transmitted and disposed of as the Secretary concerned may prescribe by regulation.

(b) Cases for Direct Appeal.—

(1) Automatic review.—If the judgment includes a sentence of death, dismissal of a commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman, dishonorable discharge or bad-conduct discharge, or confinement for 2 years or more, the Judge Advocate General shall forward—

(A) the record of trial to the Court of Criminal Appeals for review under section 866(b)(3) of this title (article 66(b)(3)); and

(B) a copy of the record of trial to an appellate defense counsel who shall be detailed to review the case and, upon request of the accused, to represent the accused before the Court of Criminal Appeals.

(2) Cases eligible for direct appeal review.—

(A) In general.—If the case is eligible for direct review under section 866(b)(1) of this title (article 66(b)(1)), the Judge Advocate General shall, upon written request of the accused—

(i) forward a copy of the record of trial to an appellate defense counsel who shall be detailed to review the case and to represent the accused before the Court of Criminal Appeals; and

(ii) forward a copy of the record of trial to civilian counsel provided by the accused.

(B) Inapplicability.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the accused waives the right to appeal under section 861 of this title (article 61).

(c) Notice of Right to Appeal.—

(1) In general.—The Judge Advocate General shall provide notice to the accused of the right to file an appeal under section 866(b)(1) of this title (article 66(b)(1)) by means of depositing in the United States mails for delivery by first class certified mail to the accused at an address provided by the accused or, if no such address has been provided by the accused, at the latest address listed for the accused in the official service record of the accused.

(2) Inapplicability upon waiver of appeal.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the accused waives the right to appeal under section 861 of this title (article 61).

(d) Review by Judge Advocate General.—

(1) By whom.—A review conducted under this subsection may be conducted by an attorney within the Office of the Judge Advocate General or another attorney designated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

(2) Review of cases not eligible for direct appeal.—

(A) In general.—A review under subparagraph (B) shall be completed in each general and special court-martial that is not eligible for direct appeal under paragraph (1) or (3) of section 866(b) of this title (article 66(b)).

(B) Scope of review.—A review referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include a written decision providing each of the following:

(i) A conclusion as to whether the court had jurisdiction over the accused and the offense.

(ii) A conclusion as to whether the charge and specification stated an offense.

(iii) A conclusion as to whether the sentence was within the limits prescribed as a matter of law.

(iv) A response to each allegation of error made in writing by the accused.

(3) Review when direct appeal is waived, withdrawn, or not filed.—

(A) In general.—A review under subparagraph (B) shall be completed in each general and special court-martial if—

(i) the accused waives the right to appeal or withdraws appeal under section 861 of this title (article 61); or

(ii) the accused does not file a timely appeal in a case eligible for direct appeal under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 866(b)(1) of this title (article 66(b)(1)).

(B) Scope of review.—A review referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include a written decision limited to providing conclusions on the matters specified in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of paragraph (2)(B).

(e) Remedy.—

(1) In general.—If after a review of a record under subsection (d), the attorney conducting the review believes corrective action may be required, the record shall be forwarded to the Judge Advocate General, who may set aside the findings or sentence, in whole or in part.

(2) Rehearing.—In setting aside findings or sentence, the Judge Advocate General may order a rehearing, except that a rehearing may not be ordered in violation of section 844 of this title (article 44).

(3) Remedy without rehearing.—

(A) Dismissal when no rehearing ordered.—If the Judge Advocate General sets aside findings and sentence and does not order a rehearing, the Judge Advocate General shall dismiss the charges.

(B) Dismissal when rehearing impracticable.—

(i) In general.—Subject to clause (ii), if the Judge Advocate General sets aside findings and orders a rehearing and the convening authority determines that a rehearing would be impractical, the convening authority shall dismiss the charges.

(ii) Cases referred by special trial counsel.—If a case was referred to trial by a special trial counsel, a special trial counsel shall determine if a rehearing is impracticable and shall dismiss the charges if the special trial counsel so determines.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 59; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(6), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 546; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(26), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1341; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(25), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922; Pub. L. 98–209, §6(d)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1401; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5329, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2930; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(J), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539A(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §563, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1903.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
865(a) 865(b)	50:652(a). 50:652(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 65), 64 Stat. 128.
865(c)	50:652(c).

In subsection (b), the word "If" is substituted for the word "Where".

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "send" and "sent" are substituted for the words "forward" and "forwarded", respectively.

In subsection (c), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–159, §563(1), substituted "forward—" for "forward", inserted subpar. (A) designation before "the record", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 118–159, §563(2)(A)(i), substituted "shall, upon written request of the accused" for "shall" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 118–159, §563(2)(A)(ii), struck out ", upon request of the accused," after "review the case and".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 118–159, §563(2)(A)(iii), struck out "upon written request of the accused," before "forward a copy".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–159, §563(2)(B), substituted "accused" for "accused—", struck out cl. (i) designation before "waives", and struck out cl. (ii) which read as follows: "declines in writing the detailing of appellate defense counsel under subparagraph (A)(i)."

2021—Subsec. (e)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "impracticable" for "impractical" in subpar. heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. (i) heading, substituted "Subject to clause (ii), if the Judge Advocate General" for "If the Judge Advocate General" and "impracticable" for "impractical", and added cl. (ii).

2017—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 866(b)(3) of this title (article 66(b)(3))" for "section 866(b)(2) of this title (article 66(b)(2))".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to disposition of records.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally, substituting "Disposition of records" for "Disposition of records after review by the convening authority" in section catchline, and, in text, substituting provisions relating to disposition of records for prior provisions relating to disposition of records that required when the convening authority had taken final action in a general court-martial case, he had to send the entire record, including his action thereon and the opinion or opinions of the staff judge advocate or legal officer, to the appropriate Judge Advocate General, required that where sentences of special courts-martial included a bad-conduct discharge, the record had to be sent for review either to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command to be reviewed or directly to the appropriate Judge Advocate General to be reviewed by a Court of Military Review, and required that all other special and summary court-martial records had to be reviewed by a judge advocate of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, or a law specialist or lawyer of the Coast Guard or Department of Transportation, and had to be transmitted and disposed of as the Secretary concerned might prescribe by regulation.

1980—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Department of Transportation" for "Department of the Treasury".

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" wherever appearing.

1967—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–179 inserted reference to judge advocate of the Marine Corps and substituted reference to judge advocate of the Navy for reference to law specialist of the Navy.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§866. Art. 66. Courts of Criminal Appeals

(a) Courts of Criminal Appeals.—

(1) In general.—Each Judge Advocate General shall establish a Court of Criminal Appeals which shall be composed of one or more panels, and each such panel shall be composed of not less than three appellate military judges. For the purpose of reviewing court-martial cases, the court may sit in panels or as a whole in accordance with rules prescribed under subsection (h). Any decision of a panel may be reconsidered by the court sitting as a whole in accordance with such rules. Appellate military judges who are assigned to a Court of Criminal Appeals may be commissioned officers or civilians, each of whom must be a member of a bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State and must be certified by the Judge Advocate General as qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and judicial temperament, for duty as an appellate military judge. The Judge Advocate General shall designate as chief judge one of the appellate military judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals established by him. The chief judge shall determine on which panels of the court the appellate judges assigned to the court will serve and which military judge assigned to the court will act as the senior judge on each panel. In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, assignments of appellate military judges under this section (article) shall be for appropriate minimum periods, subject to such exceptions as may be authorized in the regulations.

(2) Additional qualifications.—In addition to any other qualifications specified in paragraph (1), any commissioned officer or civilian assigned as an appellate military judge to a Court of Criminal Appeals shall have not fewer than 12 years of experience in the practice of law before such assignment.

(b) Review.—

(1) Appeals by accused.—A Court of Criminal Appeals shall have jurisdiction over—

(A) a timely appeal from the judgment of a court-martial, entered into the record under section 860c(a) of this title (article 60c(a)), that includes a finding of guilty; and

(B) a summary court-martial case in which the accused filed an application for review with the Court under section 869(d)(1) of this title (article 69(d)(1)) and for which the application has been granted by the Court.

(2) Review of certain sentences.—A Court of Criminal Appeals shall have jurisdiction over all cases that the Judge Advocate General orders sent to the Court for review under section 856(d) of this title (article 56(d)).

(3) Automatic review.—A Court of Criminal Appeals shall have jurisdiction over a court-martial in which the judgment entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c) includes a sentence of death, dismissal of a commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman, dishonorable discharge or bad-conduct discharge, or confinement for 2 years or more.

(c) Timeliness.—An appeal under subsection (b)(1) is timely if—

(1) in the case of an appeal under subparagraph (A) of such subsection, it is filed before the later of—

(A) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date the accused is provided notice of appellate rights under section 865(c) of this title (article 65(c)); or

(B) the date set by the Court of Criminal Appeals by rule or order; and

(2) in the case of an appeal under subparagraph (B) of such subsection, an application for review with the Court is filed not later than the earlier of the dates established under section 869(d)(2)(B) of this title (article 69(d)(2)(B)).

(d) Duties.—

(1) Cases appealed by accused.—

(A) In general.—In any case before the Court of Criminal Appeals under subsection (b), the Court may act only with respect to the findings and sentence as entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c). The Court may affirm only such findings of guilty as the Court finds correct in law, and in fact in accordance with subparagraph (B).

(B) Factual sufficiency review.—(i) In an appeal of a finding of guilty under subsection (b), the Court may consider whether the finding is correct in fact upon request of the accused if the accused makes a specific showing of a deficiency in proof.

(ii) After an accused has made such a showing, the Court may weigh the evidence and determine controverted questions of fact subject to—

(I) appropriate deference to the fact that the trial court saw and heard the witnesses and other evidence; and

(II) appropriate deference to findings of fact entered into the record by the military judge.

(iii) If, as a result of the review conducted under clause (ii), the Court is clearly convinced that the finding of guilty was against the weight of the evidence, the Court may dismiss, set aside, or modify the finding, or affirm a lesser finding.

(2) Error or excessive delay.—In any case before the Court of Criminal Appeals under subsection (b), the Court may provide appropriate relief if the accused demonstrates error or excessive delay in the processing of the court-martial after the judgment was entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c).

(e) Consideration of Sentence.—

(1) In general.—In considering a sentence on appeal, other than as provided in section 856(d) of this title (article 56(d)), the Court of Criminal Appeals may consider—

(A) whether the sentence violates the law;

(B) whether the sentence is inappropriately severe—

(i) if the sentence is for an offense for which the President has not established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022; or

(ii) in the case of an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, if the sentence is above the upper range of such sentencing parameter;

(C) in the case of a sentence for an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, whether the sentence is a result of an incorrect application of the parameter;

(D) whether the sentence is plainly unreasonable; and

(E) in review of a sentence to death or to life in prison without eligibility for parole determined by the members in a capital case under section 853(c) of this title (article 53(c)), whether the sentence is otherwise appropriate, under rules prescribed by the President.

(2) Record on appeal.—In an appeal under this subsection or section 856(d) of this title (article 56(d)), other than review under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the record on appeal shall consist of—

(A) any portion of the record in the case that is designated as pertinent by any party;

(B) the information submitted during the sentencing proceeding; and

(C) any information required by rule or order of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

(f) Limits of Authority.—

(1) Set aside of findings.—

(A) In general.—If the Court of Criminal Appeals sets aside the findings, the Court—

(i) may affirm any lesser included offense; and

(ii) may, except when prohibited by section 844 of this title (article 44), order a rehearing.

(B) Dismissal when no rehearing ordered.—If the Court of Criminal Appeals sets aside the findings and does not order a rehearing, the Court shall order that the charges be dismissed.

(C) Dismissal when rehearing Impracticable.—

(i) In general.—Subject to clause (ii), if the Court of Criminal Appeals orders a rehearing on a charge and the convening authority finds a rehearing impracticable, the convening authority may dismiss the charge.

(ii) Cases referred by special trial counsel.—If a case was referred to trial by a special trial counsel, a special trial counsel shall determine if a rehearing is impracticable and shall dismiss the charges if the special trial counsel so determines.

(2) Set aside of sentence.—If the Court of Criminal Appeals sets aside the sentence, the Court may—

(A) modify the sentence to a lesser sentence; or

(B) order a rehearing.

(3) Additional proceedings.—If the Court of Criminal Appeals determines that additional proceedings are warranted, the Court may order a hearing as may be necessary to address a substantial issue, subject to such limitations as the Court may direct and under such regulations as the President may prescribe. If the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces determines that additional proceedings are warranted, the Court of Criminal Appeals shall order a hearing or other proceeding in accordance with the direction of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(g) Action in Accordance With Decisions of Courts.—The Judge Advocate General shall, unless there is to be further action by the President, the Secretary concerned, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or the Supreme Court, instruct the appropriate authority to take action in accordance with the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

(h) Rules of Procedure.—The Judge Advocates General shall prescribe uniform rules of procedure for Courts of Criminal Appeals and shall meet periodically to formulate policies and procedure in regard to review of court-martial cases in the offices of the Judge Advocates General and by Courts of Criminal Appeals.

(i) Prohibition on Evaluation of Other Members of Courts.—No member of a Court of Criminal Appeals shall be required, or on his own initiative be permitted, to prepare, approve, disapprove, review, or submit, with respect to any other member of the same or another Court of Criminal Appeals, an effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency report, or any other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of determining whether a member of the armed forces is qualified to be advanced in grade, or in determining the assignment or transfer of a member of the armed forces, or in determining whether a member of the armed forces should be retained on active duty.

(j) Ineligibility of Members of Courts To Review Records of Cases Involving Certain Prior Member Service.—No member of a Court of Criminal Appeals shall be eligible to review the record of any trial if such member served as investigating officer in the case or served as a member of the court-martial before which such trial was conducted, or served as military judge, trial or defense counsel, or reviewing officer of such trial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 59; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(27), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1341; Pub. L. 98–209, §§7(b), (c), 10(c)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1402, 1406; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(2), (c)(1), (4)(A), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831, 2832; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1153, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5330, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2932; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(j), title X, §1081(c)(1)(K), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1385, 1598; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §542(a), (b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3611; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §§539A(b), 539E(d), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698, 1703; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §544(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
866(a) 866(b)	50:653(a). 50:653(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 66), 64 Stat. 128.
866(c)	50:653(c).
866(d)	50:653(d).
866(e)	50:653(e).
866(f)	50:653(f).

In subsection (a), the word "Each" is substituted for the words "The * * * of each of the armed forces". The word "must" is substituted for the word "shall" after the word "whom", since a condition is prescribed, not a command. The words "of the United States" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (a) and (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted before the word "officer".

In subsection (c), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" and for the words "shall have authority to".

In subsection (e), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (f), the words "of the armed forces" and "proceedings in and before" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(B), (C), is section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81, which is set out as a note under section 856 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(b)(1), substituted "shall have jurisdiction over—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "shall have jurisdiction over a timely appeal from the judgment of a court-martial, entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c), as follows:

"(A) On appeal by the accused in a case in which the sentence extends to confinement for more than six months and the case is not subject to automatic review under paragraph (3).

"(B) On appeal by the accused in a case in which the Government previously filed an appeal under section 862 of this title (article 62).

"(C) On appeal by the accused in a case that the Judge Advocate General has sent to the Court of Criminal Appeals for review of the sentence under section 856(d) of this title (article 56(d)).

"(D) In a case in which the accused filed an application for review with the Court under section 869(d)(1)(B) of this title (article 69(d)(1)(B)) and the application has been granted by the Court."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(b)(2), substituted "is timely if—" and pars. (1) and (2) for "is timely if it is filed as follows:

"(1) In the case of an appeal by the accused under subsection (b)(1)(A) or (b)(1)(B), if filed before the later of—

"(A) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date the accused is provided notice of appellate rights under section 865(c) of this title (article 65(c)); or

"(B) the date set by the Court of Criminal Appeals by rule or order.

"(2) In the case of an appeal by the accused under subsection (b)(1)(C), if filed before the later of—

"(A) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date the accused is notified that the application for review has been granted by letter placed in the United States mails for delivery by first class certified mail to the accused at an address provided by the accused or, if no such address has been provided by the accused, at the latest address listed for the accused in his official service record; or

"(B) the date set by the Court of Criminal Appeals by rule or order."

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §542(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §542(b), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In any case before the Court of Criminal Appeals under subsection (b), the Court may act only with respect to the findings and sentence as entered into the record under section 860c of this title (article 60c). The Court may affirm only such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such part or amount of the sentence, as the Court finds correct in law and fact and determines, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. In considering the record, the Court may weigh the evidence, judge the credibility of witnesses, and determine controverted questions of fact, recognizing that the trial court saw and heard the witnesses."

Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(d)(1), struck out at end "The Court may affirm only the sentence, or such part or amount of the sentence, as the Court finds correct in law and fact and determines, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(d)(2), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) provided that, in considering sentence on appeal or review, Court of Criminal Appeals may consider whether the sentence violates the law and whether the sentence is plainly unreasonable and detailed what should be included in record on appeal or review.

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–81, §539A(b), substituted "Impracticable" for "impracticable" in subpar. heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. (i) heading, substituted "Subject to clause (ii), if the Court of Criminal Appeals" for "If the Court of Criminal Appeals", and added cl. (ii).

2017—Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(j)(1), inserted "by regulation prescribed by the President or" after "required".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, §§531(j)(2)(A) and 1081(c)(1)(K), amended par. (3) identically, substituting "If the Court of Criminal Appeals" for "If the Court".

Pub. L. 115–91, §531(j)(2)(B), inserted at end "If the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces determines that additional proceedings are warranted, the Court of Criminal Appeals shall order a hearing or other proceeding in accordance with the direction of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces."

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(d), substituted "Courts of Criminal Appeals" for "Review by Court of Criminal Appeals" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(e)(1), inserted heading.

Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(a), substituted "subsection (h)" for "subsection (f)", inserted "and must be certified by the Judge Advocate General as qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and judicial temperament, for duty as an appellate military judge" after "highest court of a State", and inserted at end "In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, assignments of appellate military judges under this section (article) shall be for appropriate minimum periods, subject to such exceptions as may be authorized in the regulations."

Subsecs. (b) to (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(b)(2), added subsecs. (b) to (f) and struck out former subsecs. (b) to (d) which related to referral of records in certain cases to a Court of Criminal Appeals, criteria by which a Court of Criminal Appeals may act in a referred case, and possible outcomes if a Court of Criminal Appeals sets aside the findings and sentence. Former subsecs. (e) and (f) redesignated (g) and (h), respectively.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(b)(1), (c), (e)(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (g), inserted heading, substituted "appropriate authority" for "convening authority", and struck out last sentence which read as follows: "If the Court of Criminal Appeals has ordered a rehearing but the convening authority finds a rehearing impracticable, he may dismiss the charges."

Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 114–328, §5330(b)(1), (e)(3)–(5), redesignated subsecs. (f) to (h) as (h) to (j), respectively, and inserted headings.

1996—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Courts of Criminal Appeals" for "Courts of Military Review" in two places.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §924(c)(4)(A), substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 103–337, §924(b)(2), substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 103–337, §924(c)(1), substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" in subsec. (e).

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209, §7(b), inserted provision that any decision of a panel may be reconsidered by the court sitting as a whole in accordance with the rules.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §7(c), amended subsec. (b) generally, designating existing provisions as par. (1), struck out provision extending applicability of provisions to sentences affecting a general or flag officer, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–209, §10(c)(1), substituted "the Court of Military Appeals, or the Supreme Court" for "or the Court of Military Appeals".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(27)(A), (B), substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" in section catchline and, in subsec. (a), substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" as name of reviewing body established by each Judge Advocate General, and inserted provisions setting out procedures for such Courts of Military Review, their composition and functions.

Subsecs. (b) to (e). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(27)(C), substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(27)(D), substituted "Courts of Military Review" for "boards of review" in two places.

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(27)(E), added subsecs. (g) and (h).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831, provided that: "Each Court of Military Review shall hereafter be known and designated as a Court of Criminal Appeals."

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–263 not applicable to any matter that was submitted before Dec. 23, 2022, to a Court of Criminal Appeals established under this section, see section 544(d)(1) of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 539A(b) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by section 539E(d) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539E(f) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 853 of this title.

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §542(e), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3612, provided that:

"(1) Qualifications of certain judges.—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], and shall apply with respect to the assignment of appellate military judges on or after that date.

"(2) Review amendments.—The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section and section 867 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to any case in which every finding of guilty entered into the record under section 860c of title 10, United States Code (article 60c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is for an offense that occurred on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 531(j) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(K) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but amendments by section 7(b), (c) of Pub. L. 98–209 not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Statutory References to Board of Review Deemed References to Court of Military Review

Pub. L. 90–632, §3(b), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343, provided that: "Whenever the term board of review is used, with reference to or in connection with the appellate review of courts-martial cases, in any provision of Federal law (other than provisions amended by this Act) [see Short Title of 1968 Amendment note under section 801 of this title] or in any regulation, document, or record of the United States, such term shall be deemed to mean Court of Military Review [now Court of Criminal Appeals]."

§867. Art. 67. Review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

(a) The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall review the record in—

(1) all cases in which the sentence, as affirmed by a Court of Criminal Appeals, extends to death;

(2) all cases reviewed by a Court of Criminal Appeals which the Judge Advocate General, after appropriate notification to the other Judge Advocates General and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, orders sent to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for review; and

(3) all cases reviewed by a Court of Criminal Appeals in which, upon petition of the accused and on good cause shown, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has granted a review.

(b) The accused may petition the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for review of a decision of a Court of Criminal Appeals within 60 days from the earlier of—

(1) the date on which the accused is notified of the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals; or

(2) the date on which a copy of the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals, after being served on appellate counsel of record for the accused (if any), is deposited in the United States mails for delivery by first-class certified mail to the accused at an address provided by the accused or, if no such address has been provided by the accused, at the latest address listed for the accused in his official service record.

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall act upon such a petition promptly in accordance with the rules of the court.

(c)(1) In any case reviewed by it, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may act only with respect to—

(A) the findings and sentence set forth in the entry of judgment, as affirmed or set aside as incorrect in law by the Court of Criminal Appeals;

(B) a decision, judgment, or order by a military judge, as affirmed or set aside as incorrect in law by the Court of Criminal Appeals; or

(C) the findings set forth in the entry of judgment, as affirmed, dismissed, set aside, or modfied by the Court of Criminal Appeals as incorrect in fact under section 866(d)(1)(B) of this title (article 66(d)(1)(B)).

(2) In a case which the Judge Advocate General orders sent to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, that action need be taken only with respect to the issues raised by him.

(3) In a case reviewed upon petition of the accused, that action need be taken only with respect to issues specified in the grant of review.

(4) The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall take action only with respect to matters of law.

(d) If the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces sets aside the findings and sentence, it may, except where the setting aside is based on lack of sufficient evidence in the record to support the findings, order a rehearing. If it sets aside the findings and sentence and does not order a rehearing, it shall order that the charges be dismissed.

(e) After it has acted on a case, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may direct the Judge Advocate General to return the record to the Court of Criminal Appeals for further review in accordance with the decision of the court. Otherwise, unless there is to be further action by the President or the Secretary concerned, the Judge Advocate General shall instruct the convening authority to take action in accordance with that decision. If the court has ordered a rehearing, but the convening authority finds a rehearing impracticable, he may dismiss the charges. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if a case was referred to trial by a special trial counsel, a special trial counsel shall determine if a rehearing is impracticable and shall dismiss the charges if the special trial counsel so determines.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 60; Pub. L. 88–426, title IV, §403(j), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 434; Pub. L. 90–340, §1, June 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 178; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(28), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 96–579, §12(a), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3369; Pub. L. 97–81, §5, Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(12), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 98–209, §§7(d), 9(a), 10(c)(2), 13(d), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408; Pub. L. 100–26, §7(a)(2), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 275; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §722(a), (c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2002, 2003; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(a), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1569; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), (2), (4)(B), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831, 2832; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5331, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2934; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §542(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3612; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539A(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1699.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
867(a) 867(b) 867(c) 867(d)	50:654(a). 50:654(b). 50:654(c). 50:654(d).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 67), 64 Stat. 129; Mar. 2, 1955, ch. 9, §1(i), 69 Stat. 10.
867(e)	50:654(e).
867(f)	50:654(f).
867(g)	50:654(g).

In subsection (a)(1), the word "is" is substituted for the words "is hereby established". The words "all" and "which shall be" are omitted as surplusage. The word "consists" is substituted for the words "shall consist". The word "civil" is substituted for the word "civilian". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" before the words "be appointed". The word "is" is substituted for the word "shall" before the words "any person". The words "is entitled to" are substituted for the words "shall receive". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" in the fourth sentence. The word "may" is substituted for the words "shall have power to * * * to". The word "does" is substituted for the word "shall" in the next to the last sentence. In the last sentence, the words "is entitled * * * to" are substituted for the word "shall". The word "outside" is substituted for the words "at a place other than his official station. The official station of such judges for such purpose shall be". The words "also" and "actually" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (a)(2), the words "February 28, 1951," are substituted for the words "the effective date of this subdivision". The word "shall" in the first sentence, and the word "shall" before the word "expire" in the second sentence, are omitted as surplusage. The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" before the words "be appointed".

In subsection (a)(3), the word "for" is substituted for the words "upon the ground of".

In subsection (b), the words "the following cases" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (b) and (d), the word "sent" is substituted for the word "forwarded".

In subsection (c), the word "when" is inserted after the word "time". The words "a grant of" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (d), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" in the first sentence.

In subsection (f), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (g), the words "of the armed forces" are omitted as surplusage. The words "policies as to sentences" are substituted for the words "sentence policies". The word "considered" is substituted for the word "deemed". The words "Secretaries of the military departments, and the Secretary of the Treasury" are substituted for the words "Secretaries of the Departments".

1982 Act

In subsection (d), the words "Court of Military Review" are substituted for "board of review" because of section 3(b) of the Military Justice Act of 1968 (Pub. L. 90–632, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343).

The change in subsection (g) reflects the transfer of functions from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of Transportation under 49:1655(b).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 116–283 added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81 inserted at end "Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if a case was referred to trial by a special trial counsel, a special trial counsel shall determine if a rehearing is impracticable and shall dismiss the charges if the special trial counsel so determines."

2016—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5331(a), inserted ", after appropriate notification to the other Judge Advocates General and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps," after "the Judge Advocate General".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5331(b), designated first sentence as par. (1) and substituted "only with respect to—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "only with respect to the issues raised by him." and designated second to fourth sentences as pars. (2) to (4), respectively.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §924(c)(4)(B), substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 103–337, §924(c)(2), substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" wherever appearing in subsecs. (a) to (c) and (e).

Pub. L. 103–337, §924(c)(1), substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" wherever appearing.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189 redesignated subsecs. (b) to (f) as (a) to (e), respectively, struck out former subsec. (a) which related to establishment of the United States Court of Military Appeals, and appointment, removal, allowances and compensation, etc., of judges of such court, struck out subsec. (g) which related to a committee required to make annual comprehensive surveys of the operation of this chapter, struck out subsec. (h) which related to review of decisions of the Court of Military Appeals by the Supreme Court, and struck out subsec. (i) which related to annuities for judges and former or retired judges, and survivors and former spouses of judges and former judges.

1988—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–456, §722(c), inserted "or an annuity under subsection (i) or subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5" after "retired pay" in two places.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–456, §722(a), added subsec. (i).

1987—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 100–26 substituted "the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps" for "the Director, Judge Advocate Division, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps".

1983—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–209, §13(d), inserted "Circuit" after "District of Columbia".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–209, §7(d), struck out "affects a general or flag officer or" before "extends to death".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–209, §9(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "A committee consisting of the judges of the Court of Military Appeals, the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard, the Director, Judge Advocate Division, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, and two members of the public appointed by the Secretary of Defense shall meet at least annually. The committee shall make an annual comprehensive survey of the operation of this chapter. After each such survey, the committee shall report" for "The Court of Military Appeals and the Judge Advocates General shall meet annually to make a comprehensive survey of the operation of this chapter and report", and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–209, §10(c)(2), added subsec. (h).

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–295, §1(12)(A), substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" after "incorrect in law by the".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–295, §1(12)(B), substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury" after "military departments, and the".

1981—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–81 substituted provisions authorizing the accused to petition the Court of Military Appeals for review of a decision of a Court of Military Review within 60 days from the earlier of (1) the date on which the accused is notified of the decision of the Court of Military Review, or (2) the date on which a copy of the decision of the Court of Military Review, after being served on appellate counsel of record for the accused (if any), is deposited in the United States mails for delivery by first-class certified mail to the accused at an address provided by the accused or, if no such address has been provided by the accused, at the latest address listed for the accused in his official service record, and directing the Court of Military Appeals to act upon such a petition promptly in accordance with the rules of the court for provision which had given the accused 30 days from the time when he was notified of the decision of a board of review to petition the Court of Military Appeals for review and which had directed the court to act upon such a petition within 30 days of the receipt thereof.

1980—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96–579 struck out third sentence prescribing expiration of terms of office of all successors of judges of the Court of Military Appeals serving on June 15, 1968, fifteen years after expiration of term of their predecessors subject to requirement that any judge appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed should be appointed only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.

1968—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 90–340 changed the name of the Court of Military Appeals to the United States Court of Military Appeals, and established it under Article I of the United States Constitution, provided that the terms of office of all successors of the judges serving on June 15, 1968, shall expire 15 years after the expiration of the terms for which their predecessors were appointed but that any judge appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term of his predecessor shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of his predecessor, substituted provisions that each judge is entitled to the same salary and travel allowances as are judges of the United States Court of Appeals for provisions that entitled each judge to a salary of $33,000 a year and a travel and maintenance allowance, for expenses incurred while attending court or transacting official business outside the District of Columbia, not to exceed $15 a day, and provided for the precedence of the chief judge, and of the other judges based on their seniority.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 90–340 redesignated former par. (3) as (2) and changed the name of the Court of Military Appeals to the United States Court of Military Appeals. Provisions of former par. (2) pertaining to the terms of office of judges were placed in par. (1). Provisions of former par. (2) pertaining to the terms of office of the three judges first taking office after February 28, 1951, and expiring, as designated by the President at the time of nomination, one on May 1, 1956, one on May 1, 1961, and one on May 1, 1966, were struck out.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 90–340 redesignated former par. (4) as (3) and changed the name of the Court of Military Appeals to the United States Court of Military Appeals, and provided that a judge appointed to fill a temporary vacancy due to illness or disability may only be a judge of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Former par. (3) redesignated (2).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 90–340 added par. (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).

Subsecs. (b), (f). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" wherever appearing.

1964—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 88–426 increased salary of judges from $25,500 to $33,000.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–283 effective on Jan. 1, 2021, and applicable with respect to any case in which every finding of guilty entered into the record under section 860c of this title is for an offense that occurred on or after that date, see section 542(e)(2) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out in a note under section 866 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §722(d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2003, provided that: "Subsection (i) of section 867 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to judges of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] whose term of service on such court ends on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 29, 1988] and to the survivors of such judges."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by sections 9(a) and 13(d) Pub. L. 98–209 effective Dec. 6, 1983, and amendment by sections 7(d) and 10(c)(2) of Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but amendment by section 7(d) of Pub. L. 98–209 not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to any accused with respect to a Court of Military Review [now Court of Criminal Appeals] decision that is dated on or after that date, see section 7(a), (b)(5) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 88–426, see section 501 of Pub. L. 88–426.

Commission To Study and Make Recommendations Concerning Sentencing Authority, Jurisdiction, Tenure, and Retirement of Military Judges; Establishment; Composition; Report to Congressional Committees

Pub. L. 98–209, §9(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1404, as amended by Pub. L. 98–525, title XV, §1521, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2628, directed Secretary of Defense to establish a commission to study the sentencing authority, jurisdiction, tenure, and retirement system of military judges, and to report, not later than Dec. 15, 1984, its findings and recommendations to committees of Congress and to the committee established under former section 867(g) of this title.

Terms of Office of Judges of United States Court of Military Appeals

Pub. L. 96–579, §12(b), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3369, provided that the term of office of a judge of United States Court of Military Appeals serving on such court on Dec. 23, 1980, expire (1) on the date the term of such judge would have expired under the law in effect on the day before Dec. 23, 1980, or (2) ten years after the date on which such judge took office as a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals, whichever is later.

Continuation of Powers and Jurisdiction of Court of Military Appeals; Status of Judges

Pub. L. 90–340, §2, June 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 178, provided that: "The United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] established under this Act [which amended subsec. (a) of this section] is a continuation of the Court of Military Appeals as it existed prior to the effective date of this Act [June 15, 1968], and no loss of rights or powers, interruption of jurisdiction, or prejudice to matters pending in the Court of Military Appeals before the effective date of this Act shall result. A judge of the Court of Military Appeals so serving on the day before the effective date of this Act shall, for all purposes, be a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals under this Act."

Executive Documents

Salary Increases

1987—Salaries of judges increased to $95,000 per annum, on recommendation of President, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2, The Congress.

1977—Salaries of judges increased to $57,500 per annum, on recommendation of President, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2.

1969—Salaries of judges increased from $33,000 to $42,500 per annum, commencing first day of pay period which begins after Feb. 14, 1969, on recommendation of President, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2.

Executive Order No. 12063

Ex. Ord. No. 12063, June 5, 1978, 43 F.R. 24659, which related to the United States Court of Military Appeals Nominating Commission, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12258, Dec. 31, 1980, 46 F.R. 1251, formerly set out as a note under section 14 of the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§867a. Art. 67a. Review by the Supreme Court

(a) Decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces are subject to review by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari as provided in section 1259 of title 28.

(b) The accused may petition the Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari without prepayment of fees and costs or security therefor and without filing the affidavit required by section 1915(a) of title 28.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(b), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1569; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5332, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2935; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §533(a)(2)(A), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 261.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 struck out at end "The Supreme Court may not review by a writ of certiorari under this section any action of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in refusing to grant a petition for review."

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "United States" before "Court of Appeals" in second sentence.

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" in two places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §533(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 261, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 1259 and 2101 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023] and shall apply with respect to any action of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in granting or refusing to grant a petition for review submitted to such Court for the first time on or after such effective date.

"(2) Inapplicability to pending decisions.—With respect to a petition submitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces before the effective date specified in paragraph (1) and on which the Court has not taken action as of such date, the provisions of the United States Code amended by subsection (a) shall apply as if such amendments had not been enacted. Any action of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in granting or refusing to grant such a petition is final and conclusive.

"(3) Finality of decisions before effective date.—Any action of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in granting or refusing to grant a petition for review before the effective date specified in paragraph (1) is final and conclusive.

"(4) Rules required.—The Supreme Court shall prescribe rules to carry out section 2101(g) of title 28, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(2)(B) of this section, by not later than the effective date specified in paragraph (1)."

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§868. Art. 68. Branch offices

The Secretary concerned may direct the Judge Advocate General to establish a branch office with any command. The branch office shall be under an Assistant Judge Advocate General who, with the consent of the Judge Advocate General, may establish a Court of Criminal Appeals with one or more panels. That Assistant Judge Advocate General and any Court of Criminal Appeals established by him may perform for that command under the general supervision of the Judge Advocate General, the respective duties which the Judge Advocate General and a Court of Criminal Appeals established by the Judge Advocate General would otherwise be required to perform as to all cases involving sentences not requiring approval by the President.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 61; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(29), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
868	50:655.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 68), 64 Stat. 130.

The word "considers" is substituted for the word "deems". The word "may" is substituted for the words "shall be empowered to". The word "respective" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" wherever appearing.

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 substituted the Secretary concerned for the President as the individual authorized to direct the Judge Advocate General to establish a branch office under an Assistant Judge Advocate General with any command and substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" as the name of the body established by the Assistant Judge Advocate General in charge of the branch office.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§869. Art. 69. Review by Judge Advocate General

(a) In General.—Upon application by the accused or receipt of the record pursuant to section 864(c)(3) of this title (article 64(c)(3)) and subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), the Judge Advocate General may—

(1) with respect to a summary court-martial, modify or set aside, in whole or in part, the findings and sentence; or

(2) with respect to a general or special court-martial, order such court-martial to be reviewed under section 866 of this title (article 66).

(b) Timing.—(1) To qualify for consideration, an application under subsection (a) must be submitted to the Judge Advocate General not later than—

(A) for a summary court-martial, one year after the date of completion of review under section 864 of this title (article 64); or

(B) for a general or special court-martial, one year after the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date the accused is provided notice of appellate rights under section 865(c) of this title (article 65(c)), unless the accused submitted a waiver or withdrawal of appellate review under section 861 of this title (article 61) before being provided notice of appellate rights, in which case the application must be submitted to the Judge Advocate General not later than one year after the entry of judgment under section 860c of this title (article 60c).

(2) The Judge Advocate General may, for good cause shown, extend the period for submission of an application, except that—

(A) in the case of an application for review of a summary court martial, the Judge Advocate may not consider an application submitted more than three years after the completion date referred to in paragraph (1)(A); and

(B) in case of an application for review of a general or special court-martial, the Judge Advocate may not consider an application submitted more than three years after the end of the applicable period under paragraph (1)(B).

(c) Scope.—(1)(A) In a case reviewed under section 864 of this title (article 64), the Judge Advocate General may set aside the findings or sentence, in whole or in part, on the grounds of newly discovered evidence, fraud on the court, lack of jurisdiction over the accused or the offense, error prejudicial to the substantial rights of the accused, or the appropriateness of the sentence.

(B) In setting aside findings or sentence, the Judge Advocate General may order a rehearing, except that a rehearing may not be ordered in violation of section 844 of this title (article 44).

(C) If the Judge Advocate General sets aside findings and sentence and does not order a rehearing, the Judge Advocate General shall dismiss the charges.

(D)(i) Subject to clause (ii), if the Judge Advocate General sets aside findings and orders a rehearing and the convening authority determines that a rehearing would be impracticable, the convening authority shall dismiss the charges.

(ii) If a case was referred to trial by a special trial counsel, a special trial counsel shall determine if a rehearing is impracticable and shall dismiss the charges if the special trial counsel so determines.

(2) In a case reviewed under section 865(b) of this title (article 65(b)), review under this section is limited to the issue of whether the waiver or withdrawal of an appeal was invalid under the law. If the Judge Advocate General determines that the waiver or withdrawal of an appeal was invalid, the Judge Advocate General shall send the case to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

(d) Court of Criminal Appeals.—(1) A Court of Criminal Appeals may review the action taken by the Judge Advocate General under subsection (c)(1) in a case submitted to the Court of Criminal Appeals by the accused in an application for review.

(2) The Court of Criminal Appeals may grant an application under paragraph (1) only if—

(A) the application demonstrates a substantial basis for concluding that the action on review under subsection (c) constituted prejudicial error; and

(B) the application is filed not later than the earlier of—

(i) 60 days after the date on which the accused is notified of the decision of the Judge Advocate General; or

(ii) 60 days after the date on which a copy of the decision of the Judge Advocate General is deposited in the United States mails for delivery by first-class certified mail to the accused at an address provided by the accused or, if no such address has been provided by the accused, at the latest address listed for the accused in his official service record.

(3) The submission of an application for review under this subsection does not constitute a proceeding before the Court of Criminal Appeals for purposes of section 870(c)(1) of this title (article 70(c)(1)).

(e) Action Only on Matters of Law.—Notwithstanding section 866 of this title (article 66), in any case reviewed by a Court of Criminal Appeals under subsection (d), the Court may take action only with respect to matters of law.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 61; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(30), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 97–81, §6, Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1089; Pub. L. 98–209, §7(e)(1), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1402; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §§1302(a), 1304(b)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1576, 1577; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5333, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2935; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(L), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539A(d), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1699; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, §544(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2582.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
869	50:656.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 69), 64 Stat. 130.

The word "may" is substituted for the word "will". The word "under" is substituted for the words "pursuant to the provisions of".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Upon application by the accused and subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), the Judge Advocate General may modify or set aside, in whole or in part, the findings and sentence in a court-martial that is not reviewed under section 866 of this title (article 66)."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "not later than—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "not later than one year after the date of completion of review under section 864 or 865 of this title (article 64 or 65), as the case may be. The Judge Advocate General may, for good cause shown, extend the period for submission of an application, but may not consider an application submitted more than three years after such completion date." and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(3)(A), substituted "section 864 of this title (article 64)" for "section 864 or 865(b) of this title (article 64 or 65(b))".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(3)(B), substituted "the Judge Advocate General shall send the case to the Court of Criminal Appeals" for "the Judge Advocate General shall order appropriate corrective action under rules prescribed by the President".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(4)(A), substituted "under subsection (c)(1) in a case submitted" for "under subsection (c)—

"(A) in a case sent to the Court of Criminal Appeals by order of the Judge Advocate General; or

"(B) in a case submitted".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §544(c)(4)(B), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "paragraph (1)(B)" in introductory provisions.

2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 117–81 designated existing provisions as cl. (i), substituted "Subject to clause (ii), if the Judge Advocate General" for "If the Judge Advocate General" and "impracticable" for "impractical", and added cl. (ii).

2017—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted comma after "in whole or in part".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to review in the office of the Judge Advocate General.

1994—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" wherever appearing.

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, §1304(b)(1), which directed amendment of subsec. (a) by striking "section 867(b)(2) of this title (article 67(b)(2))" in the third sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "section 867(a)(2) of this title (article 67(a)(2))", could not be executed because of the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 101–189, §1302(a)(1), which struck out the third sentence, see below.

Pub. L. 101–189, §1302(a)(1), struck out the third sentence, which read as follows: "If the Judge Advocate General so directs, the record shall be reviewed by a Court of Military Review under section 866 of this title (article 66), but in that event there may be no further review by the Court of Military Appeals except under section 867(b)(2) of this title (article 67(b)(2))."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 101–189, §1302(a)(2), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 amended section generally. Prior to amendment section provided that every record of trial by general court-martial, in which there had been a finding of guilty and a sentence, the appellate review of which was not otherwise provided for by section 866 of this title, was to be examined in the office of the Judge Advocate General; that if any part of the findings or sentence was found unsupported in law, or if the Judge Advocate General so directed, the record was to be reviewed by a board of review in accordance with section 866 of this title, but in that event there could be no further review by the Court of Military Appeals except under section 867(b)(2) of this title, that notwithstanding section 876 of this title, the findings or sentence, or both, in a court-martial case which had been finally reviewed, but had not been reviewed by a Court of Military Review could be vacated or modified, in whole or in part, by the Judge Advocate General on the ground of newly discovered evidence, fraud on the court, lack of jurisdiction over the accused or the offense, or error prejudicial to the substantial rights of the accused; and that when such a case was considered upon application of the accused, the application had to be filed in the Office of the Judge Advocate General by the accused before: (1) October 1, 1983, or (2) the last day of the two-year period beginning on the date the sentence was approved by the convening authority or, in a special court-martial case which required action under section 865(b) of this title, the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction, whichever was later, unless the accused established good cause for failure to file within that time.

1981—Pub. L. 97–81 inserted provision that, when a case is considered upon application of the accused, the application must be filed in the Office of the Judge Advocate General by the accused before (1) October 1, 1983, or (2) the last day of the two-year period beginning on the date the sentence is approved by the convening authority or, in a special court-martial case which requires action under section 865(b) of this title (article 65(b)), the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction, whichever is later, unless the accused establishes good cause for failure to file within that time.

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 authorized the Judge Advocate General to either vacate or modify the findings or sentence, or both, in whole or in part, in any court-martial case which has been finally reviewed, but which has not been reviewed by a Court of Military Review, because of newly discovered evidence, fraud on the court, lack of jurisdiction over the accused or the offense, or error prejudicial to the substantial rights of the accused.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–263 not applicable to any matter that was submitted before Dec. 23, 2022, to a Judge Advocate General under this section, see section 544(d)(2) of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1302(b), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1576, provided that: "Subsection (e) of section 869 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to cases in which a finding of guilty is adjudged by a general court-martial after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 effective at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective Oct. 24, 1968, see section 4(b) of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Two-Year Period for Applications for Modification or Set-Aside Inapplicable to Applications Filed On or Before October 1, 1983

Pub. L. 98–209, §7(e)(2), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1403, provided that the two-year period specified under the second sentence of subsec. (b) of this section did not apply to any application filed in the office of the appropriate Judge Advocate General on or before Oct. 1, 1983, and that the application in such a case would be considered in the same manner and with the same effect as if such two-year period had not been enacted.

§870. Art. 70. Appellate counsel

(a) The Judge Advocate General shall detail in his office one or more commissioned officers as appellate Government counsel, and one or more commissioned officers as appellate defense counsel, who are qualified under section 827(b)(1) of this title (article 27(b)(1)).

(b) Appellate Government counsel shall represent the United States before the Court of Criminal Appeals or the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces when directed to do so by the Judge Advocate General. Appellate Government counsel may represent the United States before the Supreme Court in cases arising under this chapter when requested to do so by the Attorney General.

(c) Appellate defense counsel shall represent the accused before the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or the Supreme Court—

(1) when requested by the accused;

(2) when the United States is represented by counsel; or

(3) when the Judge Advocate General has sent the case to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(d) The accused has the right to be represented before the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or the Supreme Court by civilian counsel if provided by him.

(e) Military appellate counsel shall also perform such other functions in connection with the review of court martial cases as the Judge Advocate General directs.

(f) To the greatest extent practicable, in any capital case, at least one defense counsel under subsection (c) shall, as determined by the Judge Advocate General, be learned in the law applicable to such cases. If necessary, this counsel may be a civilian and, if so, may be compensated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 62; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(31), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 98–209, §10(c)(3), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1406; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), (2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5334, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2936.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
870(a) 870(b)	50:657(a). 50:657(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 70), 64 Stat. 130.
870(c)	50:657(c).
870(d)	50:657(d).
870(e)	50:657(e).

In subsection (a), the word "detail" is substituted for the word "appoint", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense. The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity. The word "are" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "the provisions of" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsections (b) and (c), the word "shall" is substituted for the words "It shall be the duty of * * * to".

In subsection (c)(3), the word "sent" is substituted for the word "transmitted".

In subsection (d), the word "has" is substituted for the words "shall have".

In subsection (e), the word "directs" is substituted for the words "shall direct".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsec. (f).

1994—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" and "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals" wherever appearing.

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §10(c)(3)(A), inserted provision that Appellate Government counsel may represent the United States before the Supreme Court in cases arising under this chapter when requested to do so by the Attorney General.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98–209, §10(c)(3)(B), amended subsecs. (c) and (d) generally, inserting references to the Supreme Court.

1968—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "Court of Military Review" for "board of review" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

[§871. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, §5302(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2923]

Section, Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 62; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(32), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 98–209, §5(e), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1399; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), (2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 957, related to execution and suspension of various types of sentences.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§872. Art. 72. Vacation of suspension

(a) Before the vacation of the suspension of a special court-martial sentence which as approved includes a bad-conduct discharge, or of any general court-martial sentence, the officer having special court-martial jurisdiction over the probationer shall hold a hearing on the alleged violation of probation. The special court-martial convening authority may detail a judge advocate, who is certified under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)), to conduct the hearing. The probationer shall be represented at the hearing by counsel if the probationer so desires.

(b) The record of the hearing and the recommendation of the officer having special court-martial jurisdiction shall be sent for action to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the probationer. If the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction vacates the suspension, any unexecuted part of the sentence, except a dismissal, shall be executed, subject to applicable restrictions in section 857 of this title (article 57). The vacation of the suspension of a dismissal is not effective until approved by the Secretary concerned.

(c) The suspension of any other sentence may be vacated by any authority competent to convene, for the command in which the accused is serving or assigned, a court of the kind that imposed the sentence.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 63; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5335, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2936.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
872(a) 872(b)	50:659(a). 50:659(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 72), 64 Stat. 131.
872(c)	50:659(c).

In subsection (a), the word "Before" is substituted for the words "Prior to".

In subsection (b), the words "be effective * * * to" are omitted as surplusage.

The second sentence is restated to make it clear that the execution of the rest of the court-martial sentence is not automatic. The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall * * * be" in the last sentence. The word "sent" is substituted for the word "forwarded". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5335(a), (b)(1), inserted "The special court-martial convening authority may detail a judge advocate, who is certified under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)), to conduct the hearing." after first sentence and substituted "if the probationer so desires" for "if he so desires" in last sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5335(b)(2), substituted "If the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction" for "If he" and "section 857 of this title (article 57)" for "section 871(c) of this title (article 71(c))".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§873. Art. 73. Petition for a new trial

At any time within three years after the date of the entry of judgment under section 860c of this title (article 60c), the accused may petition the Judge Advocate General for a new trial on the grounds of newly discovered evidence or fraud on the court. If the accused's case is pending before a Court of Criminal Appeals or before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Judge Advocate General shall refer the petition to the appropriate court for action. Otherwise the Judge Advocate General shall act upon the petition.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 63; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(33), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), (2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5336, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2937.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
873	50:660.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 73), 64 Stat. 132.

The words "the ground" are substituted for the word "grounds". The words "as the case may be" are substituted for the word "respectively", since the prescribed action is alternative, not distributive.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "three years after the date of the entry of judgment under section 860c of this title (article 60c)" for "two years after approval by the convening authority of a court-martial sentence".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Criminal Appeals" for "Court of Military Review" and "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

1968—Pub. L. 90–632 extended time during which accused may petition Judge Advocate General for a new trial from 1 to 2 years and struck out provisions which limited right to petition for a new trial to cases of death, dismissal, a punitive discharge, or a year or more in confinement.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 to apply in the case of all court-martial sentences approved by the convening authority on or after, or not more than two years before Oct. 24, 1968, see section 4(c) of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§874. Art. 74. Remission and suspension

(a) The Secretary concerned and, when designated by him, any Under Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Judge Advocate General, or commanding officer may remit or suspend any part or amount of the unexecuted part of any sentence, including all uncollected forfeitures other than a sentence approved by the President. However, in the case of a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole that is adjudged for an offense committed after October 29, 2000, after the sentence is ordered executed, the authority of the Secretary concerned under the preceding sentence (1) may not be delegated, and (2) may be exercised only after the service of a period of confinement of not less than 20 years.

(b) The Secretary concerned may, for good cause, substitute an administrative form of discharge for a discharge or dismissal executed in accordance with the sentence of a court-martial.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 63; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §553(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-125; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(8), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1223.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
874(a) 874(b)	50:661(a). 50:661(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 1 (Art. 74), 64 Stat. 132.

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107 inserted "that is adjudged for an offense committed after October 29, 2000" after "a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole".

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398 inserted at end "However, in the case of a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole, after the sentence is ordered executed, the authority of the Secretary concerned under the preceding sentence (1) may not be delegated, and (2) may be exercised only after the service of a period of confinement of not less than 20 years."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §553(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-125, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole that is adjudged for an offense committed before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000]."

§875. Art. 75. Restoration

(a) Under such regulations as the President may prescribe, all rights, privileges, and property affected by an executed part of a court-martial sentence which has been set aside or disapproved, except an executed dismissal or discharge, shall be restored unless a new trial or rehearing is ordered and such executed part is included in a sentence imposed upon the new trial or rehearing.

(b) If a previously executed sentence of dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge is not imposed on a new trial, the Secretary concerned shall substitute therefor a form of discharge authorized for administrative issuance unless the accused is to serve out the remainder of his enlistment.

(c) If a previously executed sentence of dismissal is not imposed on a new trial, the Secretary concerned shall substitute therefor a form of discharge authorized for administrative issue, and the commissioned officer dismissed by that sentence may be reappointed by the President alone to such commissioned grade and with such rank as in the opinion of the President that former officer would have attained had he not been dismissed. The reappointment of such a former officer shall be without regard to the existence of a vacancy and shall affect the promotion status of other officers only insofar as the President may direct. All time between the dismissal and the reappointment shall be considered as actual service for all purposes, including the right to pay and allowances.

(d) The President shall prescribe regulations, with such limitations as the President considers appropriate, governing eligibility for pay and allowances for the period after the date on which an executed part of a court-martial sentence is set aside.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 63; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5337, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2937.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
875(a) 875(b)	50:662(a). 50:662(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 75), 64 Stat. 132.
875(c)	50:662(c).

In subsections (b) and (c), the word "If" is substituted for the word "Where". The word "imposed" is substituted for the word "sustained". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".

In subsection (c), the word "issue" is substituted for the word "issuance". The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity. The words "grade and with such rank" are substituted for the words "rank and precedence", since a person is appointed to a grade, not a position of precedence, and the word "rank" is the accepted military word denoting the general idea of precedence. The words "the existence of a" are substituted for the word "position". The word "receive" is omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation to Secretary of Homeland Security of certain authority vested in President by this section, see section 2(b) of Ex. Ord. No. 10637, Sept. 16, 1955, 20 F.R. 7025, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§876. Art. 76. Finality of proceedings, findings, and sentences

The appellate review of records of trial provided by this chapter, the proceedings, findings, and sentences of courts-martial as approved, reviewed, or affirmed as required by this chapter, and all dismissals and discharges carried into execution under sentences by courts-martial following approval, review, or affirmation as required by this chapter, are final and conclusive. Orders publishing the proceedings of courts-martial and all action taken pursuant to those proceedings are binding upon all departments, courts, agencies, and officers of the United States, subject only to action upon a petition for a new trial as provided in section 873 of this title (article 73) and to action by the Secretary concerned as provided in section 874 of this title (article 74) and the authority of the President.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 64.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
876	50:663.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 76), 64 Stat. 132.

The word "under" is substituted for the words "pursuant to". The word "are" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

§876a. Art. 76a. Leave required to be taken pending review of certain court-martial convictions

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, an accused who has been sentenced by a court-martial may be required to take leave pending completion of action under this subchapter if the sentence includes an unsuspended dismissal or an unsuspended dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge. The accused may be required to begin such leave on the date of the entry of judgment under section 860c of this title (article 60c) or at any time after such date, and such leave may be continued until the date on which action under this subchapter is completed or may be terminated at any earlier time.

(Added Pub. L. 97–81, §2(c)(1), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1087; amended Pub. L. 98–209, §5(g), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LIX, §5338, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2937.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 struck out ", as approved under section 860 of this title (article 60)," after "if the sentence" and substituted "of the entry of judgment under section 860c of this title (article 60c)" for "on which the sentence is approved under section 860 of this title (article 60)".

1983—Pub. L. 98–209 substituted "under section 860 of this title (article 60)" for "under section 864 or 865 of this title (article 64 or 65) by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction" and "by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction", respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, to apply to each member whose sentence by court-martial is approved on or after Jan. 20, 1982, under section 864 or 865 of this title by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction under the provisions of such section as it existed on the day before the effective date of the Military Justice Act of 1983 (Pub. L. 98–209), or under section 860 of this title by the officer empowered to act on the sentence on or after that effective date, see section 7(a), (b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as a note under section 706 of this title.

§876b. Art. 76b. Lack of mental capacity or mental responsibility: commitment of accused for examination and treatment

(a) Persons Incompetent To Stand Trial.—(1) In the case of a person determined under this chapter to be presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering the person mentally incompetent to the extent that the person is unable to understand the nature of the proceedings against that person or to conduct or cooperate intelligently in the defense of the case, the general court-martial convening authority for that person shall commit the person to the custody of the Attorney General.

(2) The Attorney General shall take action in accordance with section 4241(d) of title 18.

(3) If at the end of the period for hospitalization provided for in section 4241(d) of title 18, it is determined that the committed person's mental condition has not so improved as to permit the trial to proceed, action shall be taken in accordance with section 4246 of such title.

(4)(A) When the director of a facility in which a person is hospitalized pursuant to paragraph (2) determines that the person has recovered to such an extent that the person is able to understand the nature of the proceedings against the person and to conduct or cooperate intelligently in the defense of the case, the director shall promptly transmit a notification of that determination to the Attorney General and to the general court-martial convening authority for the person. The director shall send a copy of the notification to the person's counsel.

(B) Upon receipt of a notification, the general court-martial convening authority shall promptly take custody of the person unless the person covered by the notification is no longer subject to this chapter. If the person is no longer subject to this chapter, the Attorney General shall take any action within the authority of the Attorney General that the Attorney General considers appropriate regarding the person.

(C) The director of the facility may retain custody of the person for not more than 30 days after transmitting the notifications required by subparagraph (A).

(5) In the application of section 4246 of title 18 to a case under this subsection, references to the court that ordered the commitment of a person, and to the clerk of such court, shall be deemed to refer to the general court-martial convening authority for that person. However, if the person is no longer subject to this chapter at a time relevant to the application of such section to the person, the United States district court for the district where the person is hospitalized or otherwise may be found shall be considered as the court that ordered the commitment of the person.

(b) Persons Found Not Guilty by Reason of Lack of Mental Responsibility.—(1) If a person is found by a court-martial not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility, the person shall be committed to a suitable facility until the person is eligible for release in accordance with this section.

(2) The court-martial shall conduct a hearing on the mental condition in accordance with subsection (c) of section 4243 of title 18. Subsections (b) and (d) of that section shall apply with respect to the hearing.

(3) A report of the results of the hearing shall be made to the general court-martial convening authority for the person.

(4) If the court-martial fails to find by the standard specified in subsection (d) of section 4243 of title 18 that the person's release would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage of property of another due to a present mental disease or defect—

(A) the general court-martial convening authority may commit the person to the custody of the Attorney General; and

(B) the Attorney General shall take action in accordance with subsection (e) of section 4243 of title 18.

(5) Subsections (f), (g), and (h) of section 4243 of title 18 shall apply in the case of a person hospitalized pursuant to paragraph (4)(B), except that the United States district court for the district where the person is hospitalized shall be considered as the court that ordered the person's commitment.

(c) General Provisions.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and subsection (d)(1), the provisions of section 4247 of title 18 apply in the administration of this section.

(2) In the application of section 4247(d) of title 18 to hearings conducted by a court-martial under this section or by (or by order of) a general court-martial convening authority under this section, the reference in that section to section 3006A of such title does not apply.

(d) Applicability.—(1) The provisions of chapter 313 of title 18 referred to in this section apply according to the provisions of this section notwithstanding section 4247(j) of title 18.

(2) If the status of a person as described in section 802 of this title (article 2) terminates while the person is, pursuant to this section, in the custody of the Attorney General, hospitalized, or on conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, the provisions of this section establishing requirements and procedures regarding a person no longer subject to this chapter shall continue to apply to that person notwithstanding the change of status.

(Added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1133(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 464.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1133(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 466, provided that: "Section 876b of title 10, United States Code (article 76b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a), shall take effect at the end of the six-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996] and shall apply with respect to charges referred to courts-martial after the end of that period."

SUBCHAPTER X—PUNITIVE ARTICLES

Sec.	Art.
877.	77.	Principals.
878.	78.	Accessory after the fact.
879.	79.	Conviction of offense charged, lesser included offenses, and attempts.
880.	80.	Attempts.
881.	81.	Conspiracy.
882.	82.	Soliciting commission of offenses.
883.	83.	Malingering.
884.	84.	Breach of medical quarantine.
885.	85.	Desertion.
886.	86.	Absence without leave.
887.	87.	Missing movement; jumping from vessel.
887a.	87a.	Resistance, flight, breach of arrest, and escape.
887b.	87b.	Offenses against correctional custody and restriction.
888.	88.	Contempt toward officials.
889.	89.	Disrespect toward superior commissioned officer; assault of superior commissioned officer.
890.	90.	Willfully disobeying superior commissioned officer.
891.	91.	Insubordinate conduct toward warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer.
892.	92.	Failure to obey order or regulation.
893.	93.	Cruelty and maltreatment.
893a.	93a.	Prohibited activities with military recruit or trainee by person in position of special trust.
894.	94.	Mutiny or sedition.
895.	95.	Offenses by sentinel or lookout.
895a.	95a.	Disrespect toward sentinel or lookout.
896.	96.	Release of prisoner without authority; drinking with prisoner.
897.	97.	Unlawful detention.
898.	98.	Misconduct as prisoner.
899.	99.	Misbehavior before the enemy.
900.	100.	Subordinate compelling surrender.
901.	101.	Improper use of countersign.
902.	102.	Forcing a safeguard.
903.	103.	Spies.
903a.	103a.	Espionage.
903b.	103b.	Aiding the enemy.
904.	104.	Public records offenses.
904a.	104a.	Fraudulent enlistment, appointment, or separation.
904b.	104b.	Unlawful enlistment, appointment, or separation.
905.	105.	Forgery.
905a.	105a.	False or unauthorized pass offenses.
906.	106.	Impersonation of officer, noncommissioned or petty officer, or agent or official.
906a.	106a.	Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device, or lapel button.
907.	107.	False official statements; false swearing.
907a.	107a.	Parole violation.
908.	108.	Military property of United States–Loss, damage, destruction, or wrongful disposition.
908a.	108a.	Captured or abandoned property.
909.	109.	Property other than military property of United States—Waste, spoilage, or destruction.
909a.	109a.	Mail matter: wrongful taking, opening, etc.
910.	110.	Improper hazarding of vessel or aircraft.
911.	111.	Leaving scene of vehicle accident.
912.	112.	Drunkenness and other incapacitation offenses.
912a.	112a.	Wrongful use, possession, etc., of controlled substances.
913.	113.	Drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel.
914.	114.	Endangerment offenses.
915.	115.	Communicating threats.
916.	116.	Riot or breach of peace.
917.	117.	Provoking speeches or gestures.
917a.	117a.	Wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images.1
918.	118.	Murder.
919.	119.	Manslaughter.
919a.	119a.	Death or injury of an unborn child.
919b.	119b.	Child endangerment.
920.	120.	Rape and sexual assault generally.
920a.	120a.	Mails: deposit of obscene matter.
920b.	120b.	Rape and sexual assault of a child.
920c.	120c.	Other sexual misconduct.
921.	121.	Larceny and wrongful appropriation.
921a.	121a.	Fraudulent use of credit cards, debit cards, and other access devices.
921b.	121b.	False pretenses to obtain services.
922.	122.	Robbery.
922a.	122a.	Receiving stolen property.
923.	123.	Offenses concerning Government computers.
923a.	123a.	Making, drawing, or uttering check, draft, or order without sufficient funds.
924.	124.	Frauds against the United States.
924a.	124a.	Bribery.
924b.	124b.	Graft.
925.	125.	Kidnapping.
926.	126.	Arson; burning property with intent to defraud.
927.	127.	Extortion.
928.	128.	Assault.
928a.	128a.	Maiming.
928b.	128b.	Domestic violence.
929.	129.	Burglary; unlawful entry.
[929a.	129a.	Omitted.]
930.	130.	Stalking.
931.	131.	Perjury.
931a.	131a.	Subornation of perjury.
931b.	131b.	Obstructing justice.
931c.	131c.	Misprision of serious offense.
931d.	131d.	Wrongful refusal to testify.
931e.	131e.	Prevention of authorized seizure of property.
931f.	131f.	Noncompliance with procedural rules.
931g.	131g.	Wrongful interference with adverse administrative proceeding.
932.	132.	Retaliation.
933.	133.	Conduct unbecoming an officer.
934.	134.	General article.

¹ Editorially added, see second 2017 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §542(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1709, substituted "Conduct unbecoming an officer" for "Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman" in item 933.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §532(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1759, added item 928b.

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(18), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1600, amended Pub. L. 114–328, §5452. See 2016 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §533(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1390, added item 917a. As amended generally by section 5452 of Pub. L. 114–328, which was enacted Dec. 23, 2016, but effective Jan. 1, 2019 (see 2016 Amendment note below), analysis no longer included item 917a, but item was added back editorially, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5452, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2958, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(18), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1600, amended analysis generally, substituting items 877 to 934 for former items 877 to 934.

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1707(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 961, substituted "Forcible sodomy; bestiality" for "Sodomy" in item 925.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(e), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1410, substituted "Rape and sexual assault generally" for "Rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct" in item 920 and added items 920b and 920c.

2006—Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3262, substituted "Rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct" for "Rape and carnal knowledge" in item 920.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §551(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3256, added item 920a.

2004—Pub. L. 108–212, §3(b), Apr. 1, 2004, 118 Stat. 570, added item 919a.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(10), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900, struck out "Art." before "95" in item 895.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1112(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 461, inserted "flight," after "Resistance," in item 895.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506, substituted "operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel" for "driving" in item 911.

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §534(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 635, added item 906a.

1983—Pub. L. 98–209, §8(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1404, added item 912a.

1961—Pub. L. 87–385, §1(2), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 814, added item 923a.

§877. Art. 77. Principals

Any person punishable under this chapter who—

(1) commits an offense punishable by this chapter, or aids, abets, counsels, commands, or procures its commission; or

(2) causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him would be punishable by this chapter;

is a principal.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 65.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
877	50:671.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 77), 64 Stat. 134.

§878. Art. 78. Accessory after the fact

Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that an offense punishable by this chapter has been committed, receives, comforts, or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial, or punishment shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 65.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
878	50:672.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 78), 64 Stat. 134.

§879. Art. 79. Conviction of offense charged, lesser included offenses, and attempts

(a) In General.—An accused may be found guilty of any of the following:

(1) The offense charged.

(2) A lesser included offense.

(3) An attempt to commit the offense charged.

(4) An attempt to commit a lesser included offense, if the attempt is an offense in its own right.

(b) Lesser Included Offense Defined.—In this section (article), the term "lesser included offense" means—

(1) an offense that is necessarily included in the offense charged; and

(2) any lesser included offense so designated by regulation prescribed by the President.

(c) Regulatory Authority.—Any designation of a lesser included offense in a regulation referred to in subsection (b) shall be reasonably included in the greater offense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 65; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5402, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
879	50:673.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 79), 64 Stat. 134.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "An accused may be found guilty of an offense necessarily included in the offense charged or of an attempt to commit either the offense charged or an offense necessarily included therein."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§880. Art. 80. Attempts

(a) An act, done with specific intent to commit an offense under this chapter, amounting to more than mere preparation and tending, even though failing, to effect its commission, is an attempt to commit that offense.

(b) Any person subject to this chapter who attempts to commit any offense punishable by this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, unless otherwise specifically prescribed.

(c) Any person subject to this chapter may be convicted of an attempt to commit an offense although it appears on the trial that the offense was consummated.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 65.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
880(a) 880(b)	50:674(a). 50:674(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 80), 64 Stat. 134.
880(c)	50:674(c).

In subsection (a), the words "even though" are substituted for the word "but" for clarity.

§881. Art. 81. Conspiracy

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who conspires with any other person to commit an offense under this chapter shall, if one or more of the conspirators does an act to effect the object of the conspiracy, be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Any person subject to this chapter who conspires with any other person to commit an offense under the law of war, and who knowingly does an overt act to effect the object of the conspiracy, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial or military commission may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial or military commission may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 66; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
881	50:675.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 81), 64 Stat. 134.

The words "or persons" are omitted as surplusage, since under section 1 of title 1 words importing the singular may apply to several persons.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–366 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

§882. Art. 82. Soliciting commission of offenses

(a) Soliciting Commission of Offenses Generally.—Any person subject to this chapter who solicits or advises another to commit an offense under this chapter (other than an offense specified in subsection (b)) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Soliciting Desertion, Mutiny, Sedition, or Misbehavior Before the Enemy.—Any person subject to this chapter who solicits or advises another to violate section 885 of this title (article 85), section 894 of this title (article 94), or section 899 of this title (article 99)—

(1) if the offense solicited or advised is attempted or is committed, shall be punished with the punishment provided for the commission of the offense; and

(2) if the offense solicited or advised is not attempted or committed, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 66; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5403, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(M), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
882(a) 882(b)	50:676(a). 50:676(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1, (Art. 82), 64 Stat. 134.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 899" for "section 99" in introductory provisions.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to solicitation of desertion, mutiny, misbehavior before the enemy, or sedition.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§883. Art. 83. Malingering

Any person subject to this chapter who, with the intent to avoid work, duty, or service—

(1) feigns illness, physical disablement, mental lapse, or mental derangement; or

(2) intentionally inflicts self-injury;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5404, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2940.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 883 was renumbered section 904a of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§884. Art. 84. Breach of medical quarantine

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is ordered into medical quarantine by a person authorized to issue such order; and

(2) who, with knowledge of the quarantine and the limits of the quarantine, goes beyond those limits before being released from the quarantine by proper authority;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5405, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2940.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 884 was renumbered section 904b of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§885. Art. 85. Desertion

(a) Any member of the armed forces who—

(1) without authority goes or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to remain away therefrom permanently;

(2) quits his unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to avoid hazardous duty or to shirk important service; or

(3) without being regularly separated from one of the armed forces enlists or accepts an appointment in the same or another one of the armed forces without fully disclosing the fact that he has not been regularly separated, or enters any foreign armed service except when authorized by the United States;

is guilty of desertion.

(b) Any commissioned officer of the armed forces who, after tender of his resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits his post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom permanently is guilty of desertion.

(c) Any person found guilty of desertion or attempt to desert shall be punished, if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct, but if the desertion or attempt to desert occurs at any other time, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 67.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
885(a) 885(b)	50:679(a). 50:679(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 85), 64 Stat. 135.
885(c)	50:679(c).

In subsection (a), the word "unit" is substituted for the words "place of service" to conform to clause (2) of this section and section 886(3) of this title. The word "proper" is omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity. The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to". The words "its acceptance" are substituted for the words "the acceptance of the same". The words "after tender of" are substituted for the words "having tendered" for clarity. The word "due" is omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (c), the words "attempt to desert" are substituted for the words "attempted desertion".

§886. Art. 86. Absence without leave

Any member of the armed forces who, without authority—

(1) fails to go to his appointed place of duty at the time prescribed;

(2) goes from that place; or

(3) absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 67.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
886	50:680.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 86), 64 Stat. 135.

The words "proper" and "other" are omitted as surplusage.

§887. Art. 87. Missing movement; jumping from vessel

(a) Missing Movement.—Any person subject to this chapter who, through neglect or design, misses the movement of a ship, aircraft, or unit with which the person is required in the course of duty to move shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Jumping From Vessel Into the Water.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully and intentionally jumps into the water from a vessel in use by the armed forces shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 67; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5406, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2940.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
887	50:681.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 87), 64 Stat. 135.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who through neglect or design misses the movement of a ship, aircraft, or unit with which he is required in the course of duty to move shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§887a. Art. 87a. Resistance, flight, breach of arrest, and escape

Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) resists apprehension;

(2) flees from apprehension;

(3) breaks arrest; or

(4) escapes from custody or confinement;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 69, §895; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1112(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 461; renumbered §887a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
895	50:689.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 95), 64 Stat. 136.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 895 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§887b. Art. 87b. Offenses against correctional custody and restriction

(a) Escape From Correctional Custody.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is placed in correctional custody by a person authorized to do so;

(2) who, while in correctional custody, is under physical restraint; and

(3) who escapes from the physical restraint before being released from the physical restraint by proper authority;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Breach of Correctional Custody.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is placed in correctional custody by a person authorized to do so;

(2) who, while in correctional custody, is under restraint other than physical restraint; and

(3) who goes beyond the limits of the restraint before being released from the correctional custody or relieved of the restraint by proper authority;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Breach of Restriction.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is ordered to be restricted to certain limits by a person authorized to do so; and

(2) who, with knowledge of the limits of the restriction, goes beyond those limits before being released by proper authority;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5407, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2941.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§888. Art. 88. Contempt toward officials

Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 67; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(25), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(3), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
888	50:682.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 88), 64 Stat. 135.

The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity. The words "the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession" are substituted for the words "Vice President, Congress, Secretary of Defense, or a Secretary of a Department, a Governor or a legislature of any State, Territory, or other possession of the United States".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 struck out "Territory," after "State,".

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Secretary of Transportation".

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§889. Art. 89. Disrespect toward superior commissioned officer; assault of superior commissioned officer

(a) Disrespect.—Any person subject to this chapter who behaves with disrespect toward that person's superior commissioned officer shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Assault.—Any person subject to this chapter who strikes that person's superior commissioned officer or draws or lifts up any weapon or offers any violence against that officer while the officer is in the execution of the officer's office shall be punished—

(1) if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct; and

(2) if the offense is committed at any other time, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 67; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5408, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2941.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
889	50:683.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 89), 64 Stat. 135.

The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (b) of this section were contained in section 890 of this title, prior to amendment by Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5409, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2942.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who behaves with disrespect toward his superior commissioned officer shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§890. Art. 90. Willfully disobeying superior commissioned officer

Any person subject to this chapter who willfully disobeys a lawful command of that person's superior commissioned officer shall be punished—

(1) if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct; and

(2) if the offense is committed at any other time, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5409, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2942.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
890	50:684.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 90), 64 Stat. 135.

The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to the offense of assaulting or willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer. See section 889(b) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§891. Art. 91. Insubordinate conduct toward warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer

Any warrant officer or enlisted member who—

(1) strikes or assaults a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer, while that officer is in the execution of his office;

(2) willfully disobeys the lawful order of a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer; or

(3) treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment toward a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer, while that officer is in the execution of his office;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
891	50:685.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 91), 64 Stat. 136.

The word "member" is substituted for the word "person".

§892. Art. 92. Failure to obey order or regulation

Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation;

(2) having knowledge of any other lawful order issued by a member of the armed forces, which it is his duty to obey, fails to obey the order; or

(3) is derelict in the performance of his duties;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
892	50:686.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 92), 64 Stat. 136.

The word "order" is substituted for the word "same".

§893. Art. 93. Cruelty and maltreatment

Any person subject to this chapter who is guilty of cruelty toward, or oppression or maltreatment of, any person subject to his orders shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
893	50:687.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 93), 64 Stat. 136.

§893a. Art. 93a. Prohibited activities with military recruit or trainee by person in position of special trust

(a) Abuse of Training Leadership Position.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is an officer, a noncommissioned officer, or a petty officer;

(2) who is in a training leadership position with respect to a specially protected junior member of the armed forces; and

(3) who engages in prohibited sexual activity with such specially protected junior member of the armed forces;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Abuse of Position as Military Recruiter.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is a military recruiter and engages in prohibited sexual activity with an applicant for military service; or

(2) who is a military recruiter and engages in prohibited sexual activity with a specially protected junior member of the armed forces who is enlisted under a delayed entry program;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Consent.—Consent is not a defense for any conduct at issue in a prosecution under this section (article).

(d) Definitions.—In this section (article):

(1) Specially protected junior member of the armed forces.—The term "specially protected junior member of the armed forces" means—

(A) a member of the armed forces who is assigned to, or is awaiting assignment to, basic training or other initial active duty for training, including a member who is enlisted under a delayed entry program;

(B) a member of the armed forces who is a cadet, a midshipman, an officer candidate, or a student in any other officer qualification program; and

(C) a member of the armed forces in any program that, by regulation prescribed by the Secretary concerned, is identified as a training program for initial career qualification.

(2) Training leadership position.—The term "training leadership position" means, with respect to a specially protected junior member of the armed forces, any of the following:

(A) Any drill instructor position or other leadership position in a basic training program, an officer candidate school, a reserve officers' training corps unit, a training program for entry into the armed forces, or any program that, by regulation prescribed by the Secretary concerned, is identified as a training program for initial career qualification.

(B) Faculty and staff of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

(3) Applicant for military service.—The term "applicant for military service" means a person who, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, is an applicant for original enlistment or appointment in the armed forces.

(4) Military recruiter.—The term "military recruiter" means a person who, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, has the primary duty to recruit persons for military service.

(5) Prohibited sexual activity.—The term "prohibited sexual activity" means, as specified in regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, inappropriate physical intimacy under circumstances described in such regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5410, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2942.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§894. Art. 94. Mutiny or sedition

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) with intent to usurp or override lawful military authority, refuses, in concert with any other person, to obey orders or otherwise do his duty or creates any violence or disturbance is guilty of mutiny;

(2) with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of lawful civil authority, creates, in concert with any other person, revolt, violence, or other disturbance against that authority is guilty of sedition;

(3) fails to do his utmost to prevent and suppress a mutiny or sedition being committed in his presence, or fails to take all reasonable means to inform his superior commissioned officer or commanding officer of a mutiny or sedition which he knows or has reason to believe is taking place, is guilty of a failure to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition.

(b) A person who is found guilty of attempted mutiny, mutiny, sedition, or failure to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
894(a) 894(b)	50:688(a). 50:688(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 94), 64 Stat. 136.

In subsection (a)(1) and (2), the words "or persons" are omitted, since, under section 1 of title 1, words importing the singular may apply to several persons.

In subsection (a)(3), the word "a" is substituted for the words "an offense of". The words "commissioned officer" are inserted after the word "superior", for clarity.

§895. Art. 95. Offenses by sentinel or lookout

(a) Drunk or Sleeping on Post, or Leaving Post Before Being Relieved.—Any sentinel or lookout who is drunk on post, who sleeps on post, or who leaves post before being regularly relieved, shall be punished—

(1) if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct; and

(2) if the offense is committed other than in time of war, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Loitering or Wrongfully Sitting on Post.—Any sentinel or lookout who loiters or wrongfully sits down on post shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72, §913; renumbered §895 and amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §§5401(8), 5411, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938, 2943.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
913	50:707.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 113), 64 Stat. 139.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 895 was renumbered section 887a of this title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5411, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any sentinel or look-out who is found drunk or sleeping upon his post, or leaves it before he is regularly relieved, shall be punished, if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct, but if the offense is committed at any other time, by such punishment other than death as a court-martial may direct."

Pub. L. 114–328, §5401(8), renumbered section 913 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§895a. Art. 95a. Disrespect toward sentinel or lookout

(a) Disrespectful Language Toward Sentinel or Lookout.—Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that another person is a sentinel or lookout, uses wrongful and disrespectful language that is directed toward and within the hearing of the sentinel or lookout, who is in the execution of duties as a sentinel or lookout, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Disrespectful Behavior Toward Sentinel or Lookout.—Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that another person is a sentinel or lookout, behaves in a wrongful and disrespectful manner that is directed toward and within the sight of the sentinel or lookout, who is in the execution of duties as a sentinel or lookout, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5412, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2943.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§896. Art. 96. Release of prisoner without authority; drinking with prisoner

(a) Release of Prisoner Without Authority.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who, without authority to do so, releases a prisoner; or

(2) who, through neglect or design, allows a prisoner to escape;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, whether or not the prisoner was committed in strict compliance with the law.

(b) Drinking With Prisoner.—Any person subject to this chapter who unlawfully drinks any alcoholic beverage with a prisoner shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 69; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5413, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2944.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
896	50:690.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 96), 64 Stat. 136.

The words "whether or not the prisoner was committed in strict compliance with law" are substituted for the word "duly", to reflect the long standing construction expressed in the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 1951, par. 175a.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who, without proper authority, releases any prisoner committed to his charge, or who through neglect or design suffers any such prisoner to escape, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, whether or not the prisoner was committed in strict compliance with law."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§897. Art. 97. Unlawful detention

Any person subject to this chapter who, except as provided by law, apprehends, arrests, or confines any person shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 69.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
897	50:691.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 97), 64 Stat. 137.

§898. Art. 98. Misconduct as prisoner

Any person subject to this chapter who, while in the hands of the enemy in time of war—

(1) for the purpose of securing favorable treatment by his captors acts without proper authority in a manner contrary to law, custom, or regulation, to the detriment of others of whatever nationality held by the enemy as civilian or military prisoners; or

(2) while in a position of authority over such persons maltreats them without justifiable cause;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71, §905; renumbered §898, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(6), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
905	50:699.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 105), 64 Stat. 138.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 898 was renumbered section 931f of this title.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 905 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§899. Art. 99. Misbehavior before the enemy

Any member of the armed forces who before or in the presence of the enemy—

(1) runs away;

(2) shamefully abandons, surrenders, or delivers up any command, unit, place, or military property which it is his duty to defend;

(3) through disobedience, neglect, or intentional misconduct endangers the safety of any such command, unit, place, or military property;

(4) casts away his arms or ammunition;

(5) is guilty of cowardly conduct;

(6) quits his place of duty to plunder or pillage;

(7) causes false alarms in any command, unit, or place under control of the armed forces;

(8) willfully fails to do his utmost to encounter, engage, capture, or destroy any enemy troops, combatants, vessels, aircraft, or any other thing, which it is his duty so to encounter, engage, capture, or destroy; or

(9) does not afford all practicable relief and assistance to any troops, combatants, vessels, or aircraft of the armed forces belonging to the United States or their allies when engaged in battle;

shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 69.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
899	50:693.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 99), 64 Stat. 137.

§900. Art. 100. Subordinate compelling surrender

Any person subject to this chapter who compels or attempts to compel the commander of any place, vessel, aircraft, or other military property, or of any body of members of the armed forces, to give it up to an enemy or to abandon it, or who strikes the colors or flag to an enemy without proper authority, shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 70.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
900	50:694.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 100), 64 Stat. 137.

§901. Art. 101. Improper use of countersign

Any person subject to this chapter who in time of war discloses the parole or countersign to any person not entitled to receive it or who gives to another who is entitled to receive and use the parole or countersign a different parole or countersign from that which, to his knowledge, he was authorized and required to give, shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 70.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
901	50:695.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 101), 64 Stat. 137.

§902. Art. 102. Forcing a safeguard

Any person subject to this chapter who forces a safeguard shall suffer death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 70.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
902	50:696.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 102), 64 Stat. 137.

§903. Art. 103. Spies

Any person who in time of war is found lurking as a spy or acting as a spy in or about any place, vessel, or aircraft, within the control or jurisdiction of any of the armed forces, or in or about any shipyard, any manufacturing or industrial plant, or any other place or institution engaged in work in aid of the prosecution of the war by the United States, or elsewhere, shall be tried by a general court-martial or by a military commission and on conviction shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial or a military commission may direct. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71, §906; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; renumbered §903 and amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §§5401(7), 5414, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938, 2944.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
906	50:700.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 106), 64 Stat. 138.

The words "of the United States" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 903 was renumbered section 908a of this title.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5414, inserted "or such other punishment as a court-martial or a military commission may direct" after "punished by death".

Pub. L. 114–328, §5401(7), renumbered section 906 of this title as this section.

2006—Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Executive Documents

Proclamation No. 2561. Enemies Denied Access to United States Courts

Proc. No. 2561, July 2, 1942, 7 F.R. 5101, 56 Stat. 1964, provided:

Whereas the safety of the United States demands that all enemies who have entered upon the territory of the United States as part of an invasion or predatory incursion, or who have entered in order to commit sabotage, espionage or other hostile or warlike acts, should be promptly tried in accordance with the law of war;

Now, therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the United States, do hereby proclaim that all persons who are subjects, citizens or residents of any nation at war with the United States or who give obedience to or act under the direction of any such nation, and who during time of war enter or attempt to enter the United States or any territory or possession thereof, through coastal or boundary defenses, and are charged with committing or attempting or preparing to commit sabotage, espionage, hostile or warlike acts, or violations of the law of war, shall be subject to the law of war and to the jurisdiction of military tribunals; and that such persons shall not be privileged to seek any remedy or maintain any proceeding directly or indirectly, or to have any such remedy or proceeding sought on their behalf, in the courts of the United States, or of its States, territories, and possessions, except under such regulations as the Attorney General, with the approval of the Secretary of War, may from time to time prescribe.

§903a. Art. 103a. Espionage

(a)(1) Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent or reason to believe that it is to be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation, communicates, delivers, or transmits, or attempts to communicate, deliver, or transmit, to any entity described in paragraph (2), either directly or indirectly, anything described in paragraph (3) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, except that if the accused is found guilty of an offense that directly concerns (A) nuclear weaponry, military spacecraft or satellites, early warning systems, or other means of defense or retaliation against large scale attack, (B) war plans, (C) communications intelligence or cryptographic information, or (D) any other major weapons system or major element of defense strategy, the accused shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(2) An entity referred to in paragraph (1) is—

(A) a foreign government;

(B) a faction or party or military or naval force within a foreign country, whether recognized or unrecognized by the United States; or

(C) a representative, officer, agent, employee, subject, or citizen of such a government, faction, party, or force.

(3) A thing referred to in paragraph (1) is a document, writing, code book, signal book, sketch, photograph, photographic negative, blueprint, plan, map, model, note, instrument, appliance, or information relating to the national defense.

(b)(1) No person may be sentenced by court-martial to suffer death for an offense under this section (article) unless—

(A) the members of the court-martial unanimously find at least one of the aggravating factors set out in subsection (c); and

(B) the members unanimously determine that any extenuating or mitigating circumstances are substantially outweighed by any aggravating circumstances, including the aggravating factors set out in subsection (c).

(2) Findings under this subsection may be based on—

(A) evidence introduced on the issue of guilt or innocence;

(B) evidence introduced during the sentencing proceeding; or

(C) all such evidence.

(3) The accused shall be given broad latitude to present matters in extenuation and mitigation.

(c) A sentence of death may be adjudged by a court-martial for an offense under this section (article) only if the members unanimously find, beyond a reasonable doubt, one or more of the following aggravating factors:

(1) The accused has been convicted of another offense involving espionage or treason for which either a sentence of death or imprisonment for life was authorized by statute.

(2) In the commission of the offense, the accused knowingly created a grave risk of substantial damage to the national security.

(3) In the commission of the offense, the accused knowingly created a grave risk of death to another person.

(4) Any other factor that may be prescribed by the President by regulations under section 836 of this title (article 36).

(Added Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §534(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 634, §906a; renumbered §903a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(7), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 906a of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§903b. Art. 103b. Aiding the enemy

Any person who—

(1) aids, or attempts to aid, the enemy with arms, ammunition, supplies, money, or other things; or

(2) without proper authority, knowingly harbors or protects or gives intelligence to, provides military education, military training, or tactical advice to, or communicates or corresponds with or holds any intercourse with the enemy, either directly or indirectly;

shall suffer death or such other punishment as a court-martial or military commission may direct. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 70, §904; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; renumbered §903b, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(5), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §564, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1904.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
904	50:698.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 104), 64 Stat. 138.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Par. (2). Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "provides military education, military training, or tactical advice to," after "gives intelligence to,".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 904 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§904. Art. 104. Public records offenses

Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully and unlawfully—

(1) alters, conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, or destroys a public record; or

(2) takes a public record with the intent to alter, conceal, remove, mutilate, obliterate, or destroy the public record;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5415, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2944.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 904 was renumbered section 903b of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§904a. Art. 104a. Fraudulent enlistment, appointment, or separation

Any person who—

(1) procures his own enlistment or appointment in the armed forces by knowingly false representation or deliberate concealment as to his qualifications for that enlistment or appointment and receives pay or allowances thereunder; or

(2) procures his own separation from the armed forces by knowingly false representation or deliberate concealment as to his eligibility for that separation;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 66, §883; renumbered §904a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
883	50:677.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 83), 64 Stat. 134.

In clauses (1) and (2), the words "means of" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 883 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§904b. Art. 104b. Unlawful enlistment, appointment, or separation

Any person subject to this chapter who effects an enlistment or appointment in or a separation from the armed forces of any person who is known to him to be ineligible for that enlistment, appointment, or separation because it is prohibited by law, regulation, or order shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 66, §884; renumbered §904b, Pub. L. 114–328, title LX, §5401(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
884	50:678.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 84), 64 Stat. 135.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 884 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§905. Art. 105. Forgery

Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to defraud—

(1) falsely makes or alters any signature to, or any part of, any writing which would, if genuine, apparently impose a legal liability on another or change his legal right or liability to his prejudice; or

(2) utters, offers, issues, or transfers such a writing, known by him to be so made or altered;

is guilty of forgery and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 74, §923; renumbered §905, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(12), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
923	50:717.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 123), 64 Stat. 141.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 905 was renumbered section 898 of this title.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 923 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§905a. Art. 105a. False or unauthorized pass offenses

(a) Wrongful Making, Altering, etc.—Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully and falsely, makes, alters, counterfeits, or tampers with a military or official pass, permit, discharge certificate, or identification card shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Wrongful Sale, etc.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully sells, gives, lends, or disposes of a false or unauthorized military or official pass, permit, discharge certificate, or identification card, knowing that the pass, permit, discharge certificate, or identification card is false or unauthorized, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Wrongful Use or Possession.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully uses or possesses a false or unauthorized military or official pass, permit, discharge certificate, or identification card, knowing that the pass, permit, discharge certificate, or identification card is false or unauthorized, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5416, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2944.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§906. Art. 106. Impersonation of officer, noncommissioned or petty officer, or agent or official

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully and willfully, impersonates—

(1) an officer, a noncommissioned officer, or a petty officer;

(2) an agent of superior authority of one of the armed forces; or

(3) an official of a government;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Impersonation With Intent to Defraud.—Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully, willfully, and with intent to defraud, impersonates any person referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Impersonation of Government Official Without Intent to Defraud.—Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully, willfully, and without intent to defraud, impersonates an official of a government by committing an act that exercises or asserts the authority of the office that the person claims to have shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, title LX, §5417, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2945.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 906 was renumbered section 903 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§906a. Art. 106a. Wearing unauthorized insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device, or lapel button

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is not authorized to wear an insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device, or lapel button; and

(2) who wrongfully wears such insignia, decoration, badge, ribbon, device, or lapel button upon the person's uniform or civilian clothing;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5418, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2945.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 906a was renumbered section 903a of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§907. Art. 107. False official statements; false swearing

(a) False Official Statements.—Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to deceive—

(1) signs any false record, return, regulation, order, or other official document, knowing it to be false; or

(2) makes any other false official statement knowing it to be false;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) False Swearing.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who takes an oath that—

(A) is administered in a matter in which such oath is required or authorized by law; and

(B) is administered by a person with authority to do so; and

(2) who, upon such oath, makes or subscribes to a statement;

if the statement is false and at the time of taking the oath, the person does not believe the statement to be true, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5419, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2946.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
907	50:701.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 107), 64 Stat. 138.

The word "it" is substituted for the words "the same".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to deceive, signs any false record, return, regulation, order, or other official document, knowing it to be false, or makes any other false official statement knowing it to be false, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§907a. Art. 107a. Parole violation

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who, having been a prisoner as the result of a court-martial conviction or other criminal proceeding, is on parole with conditions; and

(2) who violates the conditions of parole;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5420, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2946.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§908. Art. 108. Military property of United States—Loss, damage, destruction, or wrongful disposition

Any person subject to this chapter who, without proper authority—

(1) sells or otherwise disposes of;

(2) willfully or through neglect damages, destroys, or loses; or

(3) willfully or through neglect suffers to be lost, damaged, destroyed, sold, or wrongfully disposed of;

any military property of the United States, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
908	50:702.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 108), 64 Stat. 138.

§908a. Art. 108a. Captured or abandoned property

(a) All persons subject to this chapter shall secure all public property taken from the enemy for the service of the United States, and shall give notice and turn over to the proper authority without delay all captured or abandoned property in their possession, custody, or control.

(b) Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) fails to carry out the duties prescribed in subsection (a);

(2) buys, sells, trades, or in any way deals in or disposes of captured or abandoned property, whereby he receives or expects any profit, benefit, or advantage to himself or another directly or indirectly connected with himself; or

(3) engages in looting or pillaging;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 70, §903; renumbered §908a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(4), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
903(a) 903(b)	50:697(a). 50:697(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 103), 64 Stat. 138.

In subsection (b)(1), the words "of this section" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 903 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§909. Art. 109. Property other than military property of United States—Waste, spoilage, or destruction

Any person subject to this chapter who willfully or recklessly wastes, spoils, or otherwise willfully and wrongfully destroys or damages any property other than military property of the United States shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
909	50:703.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 109), 64 Stat. 139.

§909a. Art. 109a. Mail matter: wrongful taking, opening, etc.

(a) Taking.—Any person subject to this chapter who, with the intent to obstruct the correspondence of, or to pry into the business or secrets of, any person or organization, wrongfully takes mail matter before the mail matter is delivered to or received by the addressee shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Opening, Secreting, Destroying, Stealing.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully opens, secretes, destroys, or steals mail matter before the mail matter is delivered to or received by the addressee shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5421, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2946.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§910. Art. 110. Improper hazarding of vessel or aircraft

(a) Willful and Wrongful Hazarding.—Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully and wrongfully, hazards or suffers to be hazarded any vessel or aircraft of the armed forces shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Negligent Hazarding.—Any person subject to this chapter who negligently hazards or suffers to be hazarded any vessel or aircraft of the armed forces shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 71; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5422, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2947.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
910(a) 910(b)	50:704(a). 50:704(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 110), 64 Stat. 139.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Any person subject to this chapter who willfully and wrongfully hazards or suffers to be hazarded any vessel of the armed forces shall suffer death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

"(b) Any person subject to this chapter who negligently hazards or suffers to be hazarded any vessel of the armed forces shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§911. Art. 111. Leaving scene of vehicle accident

(a) Driver.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is the driver of a vehicle that is involved in an accident that results in personal injury or property damage; and

(2) who wrongfully leaves the scene of the accident—

(A) without providing assistance to an injured person; or

(B) without providing personal identification to others involved in the accident or to appropriate authorities;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Senior Passenger.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who is a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in an accident that results in personal injury or property damage;

(2) who is the superior commissioned or noncommissioned officer of the driver of the vehicle or is the commander of the vehicle; and

(3) who wrongfully and unlawfully orders, causes, or permits the driver to leave the scene of the accident—

(A) without providing assistance to an injured person; or

(B) without providing personal identification to others involved in the accident or to appropriate authorities;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5423, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2947.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 911 was renumbered section 913 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§912. Art. 112. Drunkenness and other incapacitation offenses

(a) Drunk on Duty.—Any person subject to this chapter who is drunk on duty shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Incapacitation for Duty From Drunkenness or Drug Use.—Any person subject to this chapter who, as a result of indulgence in any alcoholic beverage or any drug, is incapacitated for the proper performance of duty shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Drunk Prisoner.—Any person subject to this chapter who is a prisoner and, while in such status, is drunk shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5424, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2947.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
912	50:706.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 112), 64 Stat. 139.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter other than a sentinel or look-out, who is found drunk on duty, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§912a. Art. 112a. Wrongful use, possession, etc., of controlled substances

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully uses, possesses, manufactures, distributes, imports into the customs territory of the United States, exports from the United States, or introduces into an installation, vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used by or under the control of the armed forces a substance described in subsection (b) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) The substances referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

(1) Opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid, and marijuana and any compound or derivative of any such substance.

(2) Any substance not specified in clause (1) that is listed on a schedule of controlled substances prescribed by the President for the purposes of this article.

(3) Any other substance not specified in clause (1) or contained on a list prescribed by the President under clause (2) that is listed in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).

(Added Pub. L. 98–209, §8(a), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1403.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not applicable to any offense committed before that date and not to be construed to invalidate the prosecution of any offense committed before that date, see section 12(a)(1), (5) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as an Effective Date of 1983 Amendment note under section 801 of this title.

Procedures for Forensic Examination of Certain Physiological Evidence

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XII, §1248, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1166, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish procedures to ensure that whenever, in connection with a criminal investigation conducted by or for a military department, a physiological specimen is obtained from a person for the purpose of determining whether that person has used a controlled substance—

"(1) the specimen is in a condition that is suitable for forensic examination when delivered to a forensic laboratory; and

"(2) the investigative agency that submits the specimen to the laboratory receives a written statement of the results of the forensic examination from the laboratory within such period as is necessary to use such results in a court-martial or other criminal proceeding resulting from the investigation.

"(b) Transportation of Specimens.—The procedures prescribed under subsection (a)—

"(1) shall ensure that physiological specimens are preserved and transported in accordance with valid medical and forensic practices; and

"(2) insofar as practicable, shall require transportation of the specimen to an appropriate laboratory by the most expeditious means necessary to carry out the requirement in subsection (a)(1).

"(c) Tests for Use of LSD.—Procedures established under subsection (a) shall ensure that whenever the controlled substance with respect to which a physiological specimen is to be examined is lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), the specimen is submitted to a forensic laboratory that is capable of determining with a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, on the basis of the examination of that specimen, whether the person providing the specimen has used lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

"(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as providing a basis, that is not otherwise available in law, for a defense to a charge or a motion for exclusion of evidence or other appropriate relief in any criminal or administrative proceeding.

"(e) Controlled Substances Covered.—For purposes of this section, a controlled substance is a substance described in section 912a(b) of title 10, United States Code.

"(f) Report.—Not later than March 1, 1988, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a report describing the procedures established under this section."

§913. Art. 113. Drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) operates or physically controls any vehicle, aircraft, or vessel in a reckless or wanton manner or while impaired by a substance described in section 912a(b) of this title (article 112a(b)), or

(2) operates or is in actual physical control of any vehicle, aircraft, or vessel while drunk or when the alcohol concentration in the person's blood or breath is equal to or exceeds the applicable limit under subsection (b),

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b)(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the applicable limit on the alcohol concentration in a person's blood or breath is as follows:

(A) In the case of the operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel in the United States, such limit is the lesser of—

(i) the blood alcohol content limit under the law of the State in which the conduct occurred, except as may be provided under paragraph (2) for conduct on a military installation that is in more than one State; or

(ii) the blood alcohol content limit specified in paragraph (3).

(B) In the case of the operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel outside the United States, the applicable blood alcohol content limit is the blood alcohol content limit specified in paragraph (3) or such lower limit as the Secretary of Defense may by regulation prescribe.

(2) In the case of a military installation that is in more than one State, if those States have different blood alcohol content limits under their respective State laws, the Secretary may select one such blood alcohol content limit to apply uniformly on that installation.

(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the blood alcohol content limit with respect to alcohol concentration in a person's blood is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood and with respect to alcohol concentration in a person's breath is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, as shown by chemical analysis. The Secretary may by regulation prescribe limits that are lower than the limits specified in the preceding sentence, if such lower limits are based on scientific developments, as reflected in Federal law of general applicability.

(4) In this subsection:

(A) The term "blood alcohol content limit" means the amount of alcohol concentration in a person's blood or breath at which operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel is prohibited.

(B) The term "United States" includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa and the term "State" includes each of those jurisdictions.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72, §911; Pub. L. 99–570, title III, §3055, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–76; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §576(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1677; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §581, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1123; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §552, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1481; renumbered §913 and amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §§5401(9), 5425, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939, 2948.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
911	50:705.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 111), 64 Stat. 139.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 913 was renumbered section 895 of this title.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5401(9), renumbered section 911 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5425, substituted "0.08 grams" for "0.10 grams" in two places and inserted at end "The Secretary may by regulation prescribe limits that are lower than the limits specified in the preceding sentence, if such lower limits are based on scientific developments, as reflected in Federal law of general applicability."

2003—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–136, §552(1), substituted "is equal to or exceeds" for "is in excess of".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 108–136, §552(2)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "In the case of the operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel in the United States, such limit is the blood alcohol content limit under the law of the State in which the conduct occurred, except as may be provided under paragraph (2) for conduct on a military installation that is in more than one State and subject to the maximum blood alcohol content limit specified in paragraph (3)."

Subsec. (b)(1)(B), (3). Pub. L. 108–136, §552(2)(B), struck out "maximum" before "blood alcohol content specified" in par. (1)(B) and before "blood alcohol content" in par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 108–136, §552(2)(C), substituted "amount of alcohol concentration in a person's blood or breath at which operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel is prohibited." for "maximum permissible alcohol concentration in a person's blood or breath for purposes of operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel."

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "in excess of the applicable limit under subsection (b)" for "0.10 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 0.10 grams or more of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, as shown by chemical analysis" in par. (2), and added subsec. (b).

1993—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–160 inserted "or more" after "0.10 grams" in two places.

1992—Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel" for "driving" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who operates any vehicle while drunk, or in a reckless or wanton manner, or while impaired by a substance described in section 912a(b) of this title (article 112a(b)), shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

1986—Pub. L. 99–570 inserted "or while impaired by a substance described in section 912a(b) of this title (article 112a(b)),".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §576(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1677, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendment to section 911 of title 10, United States Code, made by section 1066(a)(1) of Public Law 102–484 on October 23, 1992."

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–484 effective Oct. 23, 1992, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after that date, see section 1067 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 803 of this title.

§914. Art. 114. Endangerment offenses

(a) Reckless Endangerment.—Any person subject to this chapter who engages in conduct that—

(1) is wrongful and reckless or is wanton; and

(2) is likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm to another person;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Dueling.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who fights or promotes, or is concerned in or connives at fighting, a duel; or

(2) who, having knowledge of a challenge sent or about to be sent, fails to report the facts promptly to the proper authority;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Firearm Discharge, Endangering Human Life.—Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully and wrongly, discharges a firearm, under circumstances such as to endanger human life shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(d) Carrying Concealed Weapon.—Any person subject to this chapter who unlawfully carries a dangerous weapon concealed on or about his person shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5426, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2948.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
914	50:708.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 114), 64 Stat. 139.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who fights or promotes, or is concerned in or connives at fighting a duel, or who, having knowledge of a challenge sent or about to be sent, fails to report the facts promptly to the proper authority, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§915. Art. 115. Communicating threats

(a) Communicating Threats Generally.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully communicates a threat to injure the person, property, or reputation of another shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Communicating Threat to Use Explosive, etc.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully communicates a threat to injure the person or property of another by use of (1) an explosive, (2) a weapon of mass destruction, (3) a biological or chemical agent, substance, or weapon, or (4) a hazardous material, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Communicating False Threat Concerning Use of Explosive, etc.—Any person subject to this chapter who maliciously communicates a false threat concerning injury to the person or property of another by use of (1) an explosive, (2) a weapon of mass destruction, (3) a biological or chemical agent, substance, or weapon, or (4) a hazardous material, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. As used in the preceding sentence, the term "false threat" means a threat that, at the time the threat is communicated, is known to be false by the person communicating the threat.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5427, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2948.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
915	50:709.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 115), 64 Stat. 139.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to the offense of malingering. See section 883 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§916. Art. 116. Riot or breach of peace

Any person subject to this chapter who causes or participates in any riot or breach of the peace shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
916	50:710.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 116), 64 Stat. 139.

§917. Art. 117. Provoking speeches or gestures

Any person subject to this chapter who uses provoking or reproachful words or gestures towards any other person subject to this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
917	50:711.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 117), 64 Stat. 139.

§917a. Art. 117a. Wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images

(a) Prohibition.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts or distributes an intimate visual image of another person or a visual image of sexually explicit conduct involving a person who—

(A) is at least 18 years of age at the time the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct was created;

(B) is identifiable from the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct itself, or from information displayed in connection with the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct; and

(C) does not explicitly consent to the broadcast or distribution of the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct;

(2) who knows or reasonably should have known that the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct was made under circumstances in which the person depicted in the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct retained a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any broadcast or distribution of the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct;

(3) who knows or reasonably should have known that the broadcast or distribution of the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct is likely—

(A) to cause harm, harassment, intimidation, emotional distress, or financial loss for the person depicted in the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct; or

(B) to harm substantially the depicted person with respect to that person's health, safety, business, calling, career, financial condition, reputation, or personal relationships; and

(4) whose conduct, under the circumstances, had a reasonably direct and palpable connection to a military mission or military environment,

is guilty of wrongful distribution of intimate visual images or visual images of sexually explicit conduct and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Broadcast.—The term "broadcast" means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.

(2) Distribute.—The term "distribute" means to deliver to the actual or constructive possession of another person, including transmission by mail or electronic means.

(3) Intimate visual image.—The term "intimate visual image" means a visual image that depicts a private area of a person.

(4) Private area.—The term "private area" means the naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple.

(5) Reasonable expectation of privacy.—The term "reasonable expectation of privacy" means circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person, or sexually explicit conduct involving the person, would not be visible to the public.

(6) Sexually explicit conduct.—The term "sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated genital-genital contact, oral-genital contact, anal-genital contact, or oral-anal contact, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex, bestiality, masturbation, or sadistic or masochistic abuse.

(7) Visual image.—The term "visual image" means the following:

(A) Any developed or undeveloped photograph, picture, film, or video.

(B) Any digital or computer image, picture, film, or video made by any means, including those transmitted by any means, including streaming media, even if not stored in a permanent format.

(C) Any digital or electronic data capable of conversion into a visual image.

(Added Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §533(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1389.)

§918. Art. 118. Murder

Any person subject to this chapter who, without justification or excuse, unlawfully kills a human being, when such person—

(1) has a premeditated design to kill;

(2) intends to kill or inflict great bodily harm;

(3) is engaged in an act which is inherently dangerous to another and evinces a wanton disregard of human life; or

(4) is engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of burglary, rape, rape of a child, sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual contact, sexual abuse of a child, robbery, or aggravated arson;

is guilty of murder, and shall suffer such punishment as a court-martial may direct, except that if found guilty under clause (1) or (4), such person shall suffer death or imprisonment for life as a court-martial may direct, unless such person is otherwise sentenced in accordance with a plea agreement entered into between the parties under section 853a of this title (article 53a).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 72; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1066(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(d), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(d)(2), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(d)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5428, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2949; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 257.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
918	50:712.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 118), 64 Stat. 140.

The words "of this section" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "such person" for "he" in introductory and concluding provisions and substituted "direct, unless such person is otherwise sentenced in accordance with a plea agreement entered into between the parties under section 853a of this title (article 53a)." for " direct." in concluding provisions.

2016—Par. (4). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out "forcible sodomy," after "burglary,".

2014—Par. (4). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "forcible sodomy" for "sodomy".

2011—Par. (4). Pub. L. 112–81 substituted "sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual contact, sexual abuse of a child," for "aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual contact, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual contact with a child,".

2006—Par. (4). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "rape, rape of a child, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual contact, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual contact with a child," for "rape,".

1992—Par. (3). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted "another" for "others".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–81 effective 180 days after Dec. 31, 2011, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date, see section 541(f) of Pub. L. 112–81, set out as a note under section 843 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–163 effective on Oct. 1, 2007, see section 552(f) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 843 of this title.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–484 effective Oct. 23, 1992, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after that date, see section 1067 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 803 of this title.

§919. Art. 119. Manslaughter

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who, with an intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, unlawfully kills a human being in the heat of sudden passion caused by adequate provocation is guilty of voluntary manslaughter and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Any person subject to this chapter who, without an intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, unlawfully kills a human being—

(1) by culpable negligence; or

(2) while perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate an offense, other than those named in clause (4) of section 918 of this title (article 118), directly affecting the person;

is guilty of involuntary manslaughter and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 73.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
919(a) 919(b)	50:713(a). 50:713(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 119), 64 Stat. 140.

The word "named" is substituted for the word "specified".

§919a. Art. 119a. Death or injury of an unborn child

(a)(1) Any person subject to this chapter who engages in conduct that violates any of the provisions of law listed in subsection (b) and thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of title 18) to, a child, who is in utero at the time the conduct takes place, is guilty of a separate offense under this section and shall, upon conviction, be punished by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct, which shall be consistent with the punishments prescribed by the President for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother.

(2) An offense under this section does not require proof that—

(i) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying offense was pregnant; or

(ii) the accused intended to cause the death of, or bodily injury to, the unborn child.

(3) If the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall, instead of being punished under paragraph (1), be punished as provided under sections 880, 918, and 919(a) of this title (articles 80, 118, and 119(a)) for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the death penalty shall not be imposed for an offense under this section.

(b) The provisions referred to in subsection (a) are sections 918, 919(a), 919(b)(2), 920(a), 922, 926, 928, and 928a of this title (articles 118, 119(a), 119(b)(2), 120(a), 122, 126, 128, and 128a).

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the prosecution—

(1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law;

(2) of any person for any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or

(3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.

(d) In this section, the term "unborn child" means a child in utero, and the term "child in utero" or "child, who is in utero" means a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb.

(Added Pub. L. 108–212, §3(a), Apr. 1, 2004, 118 Stat. 569; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(13)(B), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(N), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "926, 928, and 928a" for "928a, 926, and 928" and "126, 128, and 128a" for "128a 126, and 128".

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "928a," for "924," and "128a" for "124,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§919b. Art. 119b. Child endangerment

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who has a duty for the care of a child under the age of 16 years; and

(2) who, through design or culpable negligence, endangers the child's mental or physical health, safety, or welfare;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5429, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2949.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§920. Art. 120. Rape and sexual assault generally

(a) Rape.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon another person by—

(1) using unlawful force against that other person;

(2) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person;

(3) threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping;

(4) first rendering that other person unconscious; or

(5) administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct;

is guilty of rape and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Sexual Assault.—Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) commits a sexual act upon another person by—

(A) threatening or placing that other person in fear;

(B) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act serves a professional purpose; or

(C) inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the person is another person;

(2) commits a sexual act upon another person—

(A) without the consent of the other person; or

(B) when the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring; or

(3) commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to—

(A) impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or

(B) a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person;

is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Aggravated Sexual Contact.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (a) (rape) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of aggravated sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(d) Abusive Sexual Contact.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (b) (sexual assault) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of abusive sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(e) Proof of Threat.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.

(f) Defenses.—An accused may raise any applicable defenses available under this chapter or the Rules for Court-Martial. Marriage is not a defense for any conduct in issue in any prosecution under this section.

(g) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Sexual act.—The term "sexual act" means—

(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;

(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or

(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

(2) Sexual contact.—The term "sexual contact" means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.

(3) Grievous bodily harm.—The term "grievous bodily harm" means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.

(4) Force.—The term "force" means—

(A) the use of a weapon;

(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or

(C) inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.

(5) Unlawful force.—The term "unlawful force" means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.

(6) Threatening or placing that other person in fear.—The term "threatening or placing that other person in fear" means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.

(7) Consent.—

(A) The term "consent" means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.

(B) A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent. A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm or to being rendered unconscious. A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear or under the circumstances described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (b)(1).

(C) All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.

(8) Incapable of consenting.—The term "incapable of consenting" means the person is—

(A) incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue; or

(B) physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingess to engage in, the sexual act at issue.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 73; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1066(c), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1113, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 462; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3256; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1404; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5430(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2949; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(O), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
920(a) 920(b) 920(c)	50:714(a). 50:714(b). 50:714(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 120), 64 Stat. 140.

In subsection (c), the words "either of" are inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "breast" for "brest".

2016—Subsec. (b)(1)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(a)(1), redesignated subpars. (C) and (D) as (B) and (C), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "causing bodily harm to that other person;".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(a)(2), inserted dash after "another person", added subpar. (A), and inserted subpar. (B) designation before "when the person".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) defined "sexual act".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(2), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) defined "sexual contact".

Subsec. (g)(3) to (6). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(3), redesignated pars. (4) to (7) as (3) to (6), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which defined "bodily harm".

Subsec. (g)(7). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(3)(B), redesignated par. (8) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (g)(7)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(4)(A)(iii), substituted "does not" for "shall not" in last sentence.

Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(4)(A)(i), (ii), which directed amendment of subpar. (A) by striking out "or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another in fear" in the second sentence and by inserting "Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent." after the second sentence, was executed by striking out "or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear" after "physical resistance" in the third sentence and by making the insertion after the third sentence, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (g)(7)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(4)(B), which directed substitution of "subparagraph (B) or (C)" for "subparagraph (B) or (D)", was executed by making the substitution for "subparagraph (C) or (D)", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (g)(7)(C). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(4)(C), struck out "Lack of consent may be inferred based on the circumstances of the offense." at beginning and ", or whether a person did not resist or ceased to resist only because of another person's actions" before period at end.

Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 114–328, §5430(b)(5), added par. (8). Former par. (8) redesignated (7).

2013—Subsec. (g)(7). Pub. L. 112–239 struck out second period at end.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(11), substituted "Art. 120. Rape and sexual assault generally" for "Art. 120. Rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) related to rape.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(3), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and amended it generally. Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), struck out subsec. (b) which related to rape of a child.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c) and substituted "commits" for "engages in" and "upon" for "with". Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(5), redesignated subsec. (h) as (d) and substituted "commits" for "engages in", "upon" for "with", and "subsection (b) (sexual assault)" for "subsection (c) (aggravated sexual assault)".

Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), struck out subsec. (d) which related to aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(7), redesignated subsec. (p) as (e) and substituted "a person made" for "the accused made" and "the person actually" for "the accused actually" and inserted "or had the ability to carry out the threat" before period at end. Former subsec. (e) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(8), redesignated subsec. (q) as (f) and amended it generally.

Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), struck out subsec. (f) which related to aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), (10), redesignated subsec. (t) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which related to aggravated sexual contact with a child.

Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(A)(i), inserted "or anus or mouth" after "vulva".

Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(A)(ii), substituted "vulva or anus or mouth," for "genital opening" and "any part of the body" for "a hand or finger".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(B), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) defined "sexual contact".

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(D), redesignated par. (8) as (3) and inserted ", including any nonconsensual sexual act or nonconsensual sexual contact" before period at end. Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(E), struck out at end "It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose. It is the same level of injury as in section 928 (article 128) of this chapter, and a lesser degree of injury than in section 2246(4) of title 18."

Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (4) and struck out former par. (4) which defined "dangerous weapon or object".

Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(F), (H), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which defined "force".

Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(H), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (g)(7). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(G), (I), redesignated par. (6) as (7), struck out "under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) (rape), or under subsection (e) (aggravated sexual contact)," after "person in fear' ", and substituted "the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action." for "death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping".

Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(F), struck out par. (7) which defined "threatening or placing that other person in fear".

Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(K), redesignated par. (14) as (8), designated introductory provisions as subpar. (A), in first sentence, struck out "words or overt acts indicating" before "a freely given" and "sexual" before "conduct", in third sentence, struck out "accused's" before "use of force", in fourth sentence, inserted "or social or sexual" before "relationship" and struck out "sexual" before "conduct" and last sentence, including subpars. (A) and (B), which related to a person who cannot consent to sexual activity, and added subpars. (B) and (C). Former par. (8) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (g)(9) to (13). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(J), struck out pars. (9) to (13) which defined "child", "lewd act", "indecent liberty", "indecent conduct", and "act of prostitution", respectively.

Subsec. (g)(14). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(K), redesignated par. (14) as (8).

Subsec. (g)(15), (16). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10)(L), struck out pars. (15) and (16) which defined "mistake of fact as to consent" and "affirmative defense", respectively.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(5), redesignated subsec. (h) as (d).

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), struck out subsecs. (i) and (j) which related to abusive sexual contact with a child and indecent liberty with a child, respectively.

Subsecs. (k) to (n). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(6), struck out subsecs. (k) to (n) which related to indecent act, forcible pandering, wrongful sexual contact, and indecent exposure, respectively.

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(2), struck out subsec. (o) which related to age of child.

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(7), redesignated subsec. (p) as (e).

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(8), redesignated subsec. (q) as (f).

Subsecs. (r), (s). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(9), struck out subsecs. (r) and (s) which related to consent and mistake of fact as to consent and other affirmative defenses not precluded, respectively.

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(a)(10), redesignated subsec. (t) as (g).

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 amended section generally, substituting subsecs. (a) to (t) relating to rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct for subsecs. (a) to (d) relating to rape and carnal knowledge.

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106, §1113(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who, under circumstances not amounting to rape, commits an act of sexual intercourse with a female not his wife who has not attained the age of sixteen years, is guilty of carnal knowledge and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106, §1113(b), added subsec. (d).

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 struck out "with a female not his wife" after "intercourse" and "her" after "without".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–81 effective 180 days after Dec. 31, 2011, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date, see section 541(f) of Pub. L. 112–81, set out as a note under section 843 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, provided that: "Section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to offenses committed on or after the effective date specified in subsection (f) [see note below]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–163 effective on Oct. 1, 2007, see section 552(f) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 843 of this title.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–484 effective Oct. 23, 1992, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after that date, see section 1067 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 803 of this title.

Interim Maximum Punishments

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, provided that: "Until the President otherwise provides pursuant to section 856 of title 10, United States Code (article 56 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), the punishment which a court-martial may direct for an offense under section 920 of such title (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection (a), may not exceed the following limits:

"(1) Subsections (a) and (b).—For an offense under subsection (a) (rape) or subsection (b) (rape of a child), death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.

"(2) Subsection (c).—For an offense under subsection (c) (aggravated sexual assault), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years.

"(3) Subsections (d) and (e).—For an offense under subsection (d) (aggravated sexual assault of a child) or subsection (e) (aggravated sexual contact), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.

"(4) Subsections (f) and (g).—For an offense under subsection (f) (aggravated sexual abuse of a child) or subsection (g) (aggravated sexual contact with a child), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years.

"(5) Subsections (h) through (j).—For an offense under subsection (h) (abusive sexual contact), subsection (i) (abusive sexual contact with a child), or subsection (j) (indecent liberty with a child), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.

"(6) Subsections (k) and (l).—For an offense under subsection (k) (indecent act) or subsection (l) (forcible pandering), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 5 years.

"(7) Subsections (m) and (n).—For an offense under subsection (m) (wrongful sexual contact) or subsection (n) (indecent exposure), dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for one year."

[See 2011 Amendment notes above for extensive amendment of section 920 of title 10 by Pub. L. 112–81, effective 180 days after Dec. 31, 2011, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date.]

§920a. Art. 120a. Mails: deposit of obscene matter

Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully and knowingly, deposits obscene matter for mailing and delivery shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5431, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2951.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 920a was renumbered section 930 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§920b. Art. 120b. Rape and sexual assault of a child

(a) Rape of a Child.—Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) commits a sexual act upon a child who has not attained the age of 12 years; or

(2) commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years by—

(A) using force against any person;

(B) threatening or placing that child in fear;

(C) rendering that child unconscious; or

(D) administering to that child a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance;

is guilty of rape of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Sexual Assault of a Child.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years is guilty of sexual assault of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Sexual Abuse of a Child.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a lewd act upon a child is guilty of sexual abuse of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(d) Age of Child.—

(1) Under 12 years.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act. It is not a defense that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 12 years.

(2) Under 16 years.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew that the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act had not attained the age of 16 years, but it is a defense in a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 16 years, if the child had in fact attained at least the age of 12 years.

(e) Proof of Threat.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.

(f) Consent.—Lack of consent is not an element and need not be proven in any prosecution under this section. A child cannot consent to any sexual act, lewd act, or use of force.

(g) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Sexual act and sexual contact.—The terms "sexual act" and "sexual contact" have the meanings given those terms in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g)), except that the term "sexual act" also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

(2) Force.—The term "force" means—

(A) the use of a weapon;

(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a child; or

(C) inflicting physical harm.

In the case of a parent-child or similar relationship, the use or abuse of parental or similar authority is sufficient to constitute the use of force.

(3) Threatening or placing that child in fear.—The term "threatening or placing that child in fear" means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause the child to fear that non-compliance will result in the child or another person being subjected to the action contemplated by the communication or action.

(4) Child.—The term "child" means any person who has not attained the age of 16 years.

(5) Lewd act.—The term "lewd act" means—

(A) any sexual contact with a child;

(B) intentionally exposing one's genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;

(C) intentionally communicating indecent language to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or

(D) any indecent conduct, intentionally done with or in the presence of a child, including via any communication technology, that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1407; amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(3), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5430(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2950; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §565, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1904.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–159 redesignated subsec. (g) as (f), struck out "not legally married to the person committing the sexual act, lewd act, or use of force" before "cannot consent to any sexual act" and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (f) read as follows: "In a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), it is a defense, which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the persons engaging in the sexual act or lewd act were at that time married to each other, except where the accused commits a sexual act upon the person when the accused knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring or when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition was known or reasonably should have been known by the accused."

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 118–159, §565(2), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

2016—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted before period at end ", except that the term 'sexual act' also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 112–81, which enacted this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(3) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.

Effective Date

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–81 effective 180 days after Dec. 31, 2011, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date, see section 541(f) of Pub. L. 112–81, set out as an Effective Date of 2011 Amendment note under section 843 of this title.

§920c. Art. 120c. Other sexual misconduct

(a) Indecent Viewing, Visual Recording, or Broadcasting.—Any person subject to this chapter who, without legal justification or lawful authorization—

(1) knowingly and wrongfully views the private area of another person, without that other person's consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;

(2) knowingly photographs, videotapes, films, or records by any means the private area of another person, without that other person's consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or

(3) knowingly broadcasts or distributes any such recording that the person knew or reasonably should have known was made under the circumstances proscribed in paragraphs (1) and (2);

is guilty of an offense under this section and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Forcible Pandering.—Any person subject to this chapter who compels another person to engage in an act of prostitution with any person is guilty of forcible pandering and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Indecent Exposure.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally exposes, in an indecent manner, the genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple is guilty of indecent exposure and shall by punished as a court-martial may direct.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Act of prostitution.—The term "act of prostitution" means a sexual act or sexual contact (as defined in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g))) on account of which anything of value is given to, or received by, any person.

(2) Private area.—The term "private area" means the naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple.

(3) Reasonable expectation of privacy.—The term "under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy" means—

(A) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that he or she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that an image of a private area of the person was being captured; or

(B) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person would not be visible to the public.

(4) Broadcast.—The term "broadcast" means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.

(5) Distribute.—The term "distribute" means delivering to the actual or constructive possession of another, including transmission by electronic means.

(6) Indecent manner.—The term "indecent manner" means conduct that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1409.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–81 effective 180 days after Dec. 31, 2011, and applicable with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date, see section 541(f) of Pub. L. 112–81, set out as an Effective Date of 2011 Amendment note under section 843 of this title.

§921. Art. 121. Larceny and wrongful appropriation

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds, by any means, from the possession of the owner or of any other person any money, personal property, or article of value of any kind—

(1) with intent permanently to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, steals that property and is guilty of larceny; or

(2) with intent temporarily to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, is guilty of wrongful appropriation.

(b) Any person found guilty of larceny or wrongful appropriation shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 73.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
921(a) 921(b)	50:715(a). 50:715(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 121), 64 Stat. 140.

In subsection (a), the words "whatever" and "true" are omitted as surplusage. The word "it" is substituted for the words "the same" in clauses (1) and (2).

§921a. Art. 121a. Fraudulent use of credit cards, debit cards, and other access devices

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter who, knowingly and with intent to defraud, uses—

(1) a stolen credit card, debit card, or other access device;

(2) a revoked, cancelled, or otherwise invalid credit card, debit card, or other access device; or

(3) a credit card, debit card, or other access device without the authorization of a person whose authorization is required for such use;

to obtain money, property, services, or anything else of value shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Access Device Defined.—In this section (article), the term "access device" has the meaning given that term in section 1029 of title 18.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5432, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2951.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§921b. Art. 121b. False pretenses to obtain services

Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to defraud, knowingly uses false pretenses to obtain services shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5433, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2951.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§922. Art. 122. Robbery

Any person subject to this chapter who takes anything of value from the person or in the presence of another, against his will, by means of force or violence or fear of immediate or future injury to his person or property or to the person or property of a relative or member of his family or of anyone in his company at the time of the robbery, is guilty of robbery and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 73; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5434, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2951.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
922	50:716.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 122), 64 Stat. 140.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who with intent to steal takes anything of value from the person or in the presence of another, against his will, by means of force or violence or fear of immediate or future injury to his person or property or to the person or property of a relative or member of his family or of anyone in his company at the time of the robbery, is guilty of robbery and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§922a. Art. 122a. Receiving stolen property

Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully receives, buys, or conceals stolen property, knowing the property to be stolen property, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5435, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2952.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§923. Art. 123. Offenses concerning Government computers

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) knowingly accesses a Government computer, with an unauthorized purpose, and by doing so obtains classified information, with reason to believe such information could be used to the injury of the United States, or to the advantage of any foreign nation, and intentionally communicates, delivers, transmits, or causes to be communicated, delivered, or transmitted such information to any person not entitled to receive it;

(2) intentionally accesses a Government computer, with an unauthorized purpose, and thereby obtains classified or other protected information from any Government computer; or

(3) knowingly causes the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes damage without authorization to a Government computer;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "computer" has the meaning given that term in section 1030 of title 18.

(2) The term "Government computer" means a computer owned or operated by or on behalf of the United States Government.

(3) The term "damage" has the meaning given that term in section 1030 of title 18.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5436, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2952.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 923 was renumbered section 905 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§923a. Art. 123a. Making, drawing, or uttering check, draft, or order without sufficient funds

Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) for the procurement of any article or thing of value, with intent to defraud; or

(2) for the payment of any past due obligation, or for any other purpose, with intent to deceive;

makes, draws, utters, or delivers any check, draft, or order for the payment of money upon any bank or other depository, knowing at the time that the maker or drawer has not or will not have sufficient funds in, or credit with, the bank or other depository for the payment of that check, draft, or order in full upon its presentment, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. The making, drawing, uttering, or delivering by a maker or drawer of a check, draft, or order, payment of which is refused by the drawee because of insufficient funds of the maker or drawer in the drawee's possession or control, is prima facie evidence of his intent to defraud or deceive and of his knowledge of insufficient funds in, or credit with, that bank or other depository, unless the maker or drawer pays the holder the amount due within five days after receiving notice, orally or in writing, that the check, draft, or order was not paid on presentment. In this section, the word "credit" means an arrangement or understanding, express or implied, with the bank or other depository for the payment of that check, draft, or order.

(Added Pub. L. 87–385, §1(1), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 814.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 87–385, §2, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 814, provided that: "This Act [enacting this section] becomes effective on the first day of the fifth month following the month in which it is enacted [October 1961]."

§924. Art. 124. Frauds against the United States

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who, knowing it to be false or fraudulent—

(A) makes any claim against the United States or any officer thereof; or

(B) presents to any person in the civil or military service thereof, for approval or payment, any claim against the United States or any officer thereof;

(2) who, for the purpose of obtaining the approval, allowance, or payment of any claim against the United States or any officer thereof—

(A) makes or uses any writing or other paper knowing it to contain any false or fraudulent statements;

(B) makes any oath to any fact or to any writing or other paper knowing the oath to be false; or

(C) forges or counterfeits any signature upon any writing or other paper, or uses any such signature knowing it to be forged or counterfeited;

(3) who, having charge, possession, custody or control of any money, or other property of the United States, furnished or intended for the armed forces thereof, knowingly delivers to any person having authority to receive it, any amount thereof less than that for which he receives a certificate or receipt; or

(4) who, being authorized to make or deliver any paper certifying the receipt of any property of the United States furnished or intended for the armed forces thereof, makes or delivers to any person such writing without having full knowledge of the truth of the statements therein contained and with intent to defraud the United States;

shall, upon conviction, be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 75, §932; renumbered §924, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(14), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
932	50:726.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 132), 64 Stat. 142.

The word "it" is substituted for the words "the same" throughout the revised section.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 924 was renumbered section 928a of this title.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 932 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§924a. Art. 124a. Bribery

(a) Asking, Accepting, or Receiving Thing of Value.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who occupies an official position or who has official duties; and

(2) who wrongfully asks, accepts, or receives a thing of value with the intent to have the person's decision or action influenced with respect to an official matter in which the United States is interested;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Promising, Offering, or Giving Thing of Value.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully promises, offers, or gives a thing of value to another person, who occupies an official position or who has official duties, with the intent to influence the decision or action of the other person with respect to an official matter in which the United States is interested, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5437, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2952.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§924b. Art. 124b. Graft

(a) Asking, Accepting, or Receiving Thing of Value.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who occupies an official position or who has official duties; and

(2) who wrongfully asks, accepts, or receives a thing of value as compensation for or in recognition of services rendered or to be rendered by the person with respect to an official matter in which the United States is interested;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Promising, Offering, or Giving Thing of Value.—Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully promises, offers, or gives a thing of value to another person, who occupies an official position or who has official duties, as compensation for or in recognition of services rendered or to be rendered by the other person with respect to an official matter in which the United States is interested, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5438, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2953.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§925. Art. 125. Kidnapping

Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully—

(1) seizes, confines, inveigles, decoys, or carries away another person; and

(2) holds the other person against that person's will;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 74; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1707(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 961; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(d)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5439, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2953.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
925(a) 925(b)	50:719(a). 50:719(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 125), 64 Stat. 141.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to the offenses of forcible sodomy and bestiality.

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "unlawful force" for "force".

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Any person subject to this chapter who engages in unnatural carnal copulation with another person of the same or opposite sex or with an animal is guilty of sodomy. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the offense.

"(b) Any person found guilty of sodomy shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Executive Documents

Granting Pardon for Certain Violations of Article 125 Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Proc. No. 10780, June 26, 2024, 89 F.R. 54329, provided:

Our Nation has made tremendous progress in advancing the cause of equality for LGBTQI+ Americans, including in the military. Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many of these patriotic Americans were subject to a court-martial. While my Administration has taken meaningful action to remedy these problems, the impact of that historical injustice remains. As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world. That means making sure that every member of our military feels safe and respected.

Accordingly, acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to persons convicted of unaggravated offenses based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older under former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), as previously codified at 10 U.S.C. 925, as well as attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations to commit such acts under Articles 80, 81, and 82, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. 880, 881, 882. This proclamation applies to convictions during the period from Article 125's effective date of May 31, 1951, through the December 26, 2013, enactment of section 1707 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66) [amending this section, see 2013 Amendment note above].

The purpose of this proclamation is to pardon only offenses based on consensual, private conduct between individuals 18 and older that do not involve any aggravating factor, including:

(1) conduct that would violate 10 U.S.C. 893a, prohibiting activities with military recruits or trainees by a person in a position of special trust;

(2) conduct that was committed with an individual who was coerced or, because of status, might not have felt able to refuse consent;

(3) conduct on the part of the applicant constituting fraternization under Article 134 of the UCMJ [10 U.S.C. 934];

(4) conduct committed with the spouse of another military member; or

(5) any factors other than those listed above that were identified by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in United States v. Marcum as being outside the scope of Lawrence v. Texas as applied in the military context, 60 M.J. 198, 207-08 (2004).

The Military Departments (Army, Navy, or Air Force), or in the case of the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, shall provide information about and publicize application procedures for certificates of pardon. An applicant for a certificate of pardon under this proclamation is to submit an application to the Military Department (Army, Navy, or Air Force) that conducted the court-martial or, in the case of a Coast Guard court-martial, to the Department of Homeland Security. If the relevant Department determines that the applicant satisfies the criteria under this proclamation, following a review of relevant military justice records, the Department shall submit that determination to the Attorney General, acting through the Pardon Attorney, who shall then issue a certificate of pardon along with information on the process to apply for an upgrade of military discharge. My Administration strongly encourages veterans who receive a certificate of pardon to apply for an upgrade of military discharge.

Although the pardon under this proclamation applies only to the convictions described above, there are other LGBTQI+ individuals who served our Nation and were convicted of other crimes because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is the policy of my Administration to expeditiously consider and to make final pardon determinations with respect to such individuals.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

§926. Art. 126. Arson; burning property with intent to defraud

(a) Aggravated Arson.—Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully and maliciously, burns or sets on fire an inhabited dwelling, or any other structure, movable or immovable, wherein, to the knowledge of that person, there is at the time a human being, is guilty of aggravated arson and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Simple Arson.—Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully and maliciously, burns or sets fire to the property of another is guilty of simple arson and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Burning Property With Intent to Defraud.—Any person subject to this chapter who, willfully, maliciously, and with intent to defraud, burns or sets fire to any property shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 74; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5440, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2953.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
926(a) 926(b)	50:720(a). 50:720(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 126), 64 Stat. 141.

In subsection (b), the words "of this section" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to the offenses of aggravated arson and simple arson.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§927. Art. 127. Extortion

Any person subject to this chapter who communicates threats to another person with the intention thereby to obtain anything of value or any acquittance, advantage, or immunity is guilty of extortion and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 74.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
927	50:721.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 127), 64 Stat. 141.

The words "of any description" are omitted as surplusage.

§928. Art. 128. Assault

(a) Assault.—Any person subject to this chapter who, unlawfully and with force or violence—

(1) attempts to do bodily harm to another person;

(2) offers to do bodily harm to another person; or

(3) does bodily harm to another person;

is guilty of assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Aggravated Assault.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who, with the intent to do bodily harm, offers to do bodily harm with a dangerous weapon;

(2) who, in committing an assault, inflicts substantial bodily harm or grievous bodily harm on another person; or

(3) who commits an assault by strangulation or suffocation;

is guilty of aggravated assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(c) Assault With Intent to Commit Specified Offenses.—

(1) In general.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits assault with intent to commit an offense specified in paragraph (2) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(2) Offenses specified.—The offenses referred to in paragraph (1) are murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, rape of a child, sexual assault of a child, robbery, arson, burglary, and kidnapping.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 75; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5441, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2954; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(P), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §531(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1759.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
928(a) 928(b)	50:722(a). 50:722(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 128), 64 Stat. 141.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–232 added par. (3).

2017—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out comma after "substantial bodily harm".

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to the offenses of assault and aggravated assault.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §531(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1759, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2019, immediately after the coming into effect of the amendment made by section 5441 of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2954) [which amended this section] as provided in section 5542 of that Act (130 Stat. 2967; 10 U.S.C. 801 note)."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§928a. Art. 128a. Maiming

Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to injure, disfigure, or disable, inflicts upon the person of another an injury which—

(1) seriously disfigures his person by any mutilation thereof;

(2) destroys or disables any member or organ of his body; or

(3) seriously diminishes his physical vigor by the injury of any member or organ;

is guilty of maiming and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 74, §924; renumbered §928a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(13)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
924	50:718.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 124), 64 Stat. 141.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 924 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§928b. Art. 128b. Domestic violence

(a) In General.—Any person who—

(1) commits a violent offense against a spouse, an intimate partner, a dating partner, or an immediate family member of that person;

(2) with intent to threaten or intimidate a spouse, an intimate partner, a dating partner, or an immediate family member of that person—

(A) commits an offense under this chapter against any person; or

(B) commits an offense under this chapter against any property, including an animal;

(3) with intent to threaten or intimidate a spouse, an intimate partner, a dating partner, or an immediate family member of that person, violates a protection order;

(4) with intent to commit a violent offense against a spouse, an intimate partner, a dating partner, or an immediate family member of that person, violates a protection order; or

(5) assaults a spouse, an intimate partner, a dating partner, or an immediate family member of that person by strangling or suffocating;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Definitions.—In this section, the terms "dating partner", "immediate family", and "intimate partner" have the meanings given such terms in section 930 of this title (article 130).

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §532(a)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1759; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(20), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(d)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 259.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, inserted "a dating partner," after "an intimate partner," wherever appearing, and added subsec. (b).

2019—Pub. L. 116–92 inserted section catchline. Identical section catchline had been editorially supplied.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §532(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1760, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2019, immediately after the coming into effect of the amendments made by the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328) [see Tables for classification] as provided in section 5542 of that Act (130 Stat. 2967; 10 U.S.C. 801 note)."

§929. Art. 129. Burglary; unlawful entry

(a) Burglary.—Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to commit an offense under this chapter, breaks and enters the building or structure of another shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Unlawful Entry.—Any person subject to this chapter who unlawfully enters—

(1) the real property of another; or

(2) the personal property of another which amounts to a structure usually used for habitation or storage;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 75; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5442, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2954.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
929	50:723.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 129), 64 Stat. 142.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any person subject to this chapter who, with intent to commit an offense punishable under sections 918–928 of this title (articles 118–128), breaks and enters, in the nighttime, the dwelling house of another, is guilty of burglary and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

[§929a. Art. 129a. Omitted]

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 75, §930; renumbered §929a, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(10), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939, which related to the offense of housebreaking, was omitted in the general amendment of sections 929 and 929a of this title by Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5442, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2954. See section 929(b) of this title.

§930. Art. 130. Stalking

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who wrongfully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear death or bodily harm, including sexual assault, to himself or herself, to a member of his or her immediate family, to his or her intimate partner, or to his or her dating partner;

(2) who has knowledge, or should have knowledge, that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of death or bodily harm, including sexual assault, to himself or herself, to a member of his or her immediate family, to his or her intimate partner, or to his or her dating partner; and

(3) whose conduct induces reasonable fear in the specific person of death or bodily harm, including sexual assault, to himself or herself, to a member of his or her immediate family, to his or her intimate partner, or to his or her dating partner;

is guilty of stalking and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "conduct" means conduct of any kind, including use of surveillance, the mails, an interactive computer service, an electronic communication service, or an electronic communication system.

(2) The term "course of conduct" means—

(A) a repeated maintenance of visual or physical proximity to a specific person;

(B) a repeated conveyance of verbal threat, written threats, or threats implied by conduct, or a combination of such threats, directed at or toward a specific person; or

(C) a pattern of conduct composed of repeated acts evidencing a continuity of purpose.

(3) The term "dating partner", in the case of a specific person, means a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with such specific person based on a consideration of—

(A) the length of the relationship;

(B) the type of relationship;

(C) the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship; and

(D) the extent of physical intimacy or sexual contact between the persons involved in the relationship.

(4) The term "repeated", with respect to conduct, means two or more occasions of such conduct.

(5) The term "immediate family", in the case of a specific person, means—

(A) that person's spouse, parent, brother or sister, child, or other person to whom he or she stands in loco parentis; or

(B) any other person living in his or her household and related to him or her by blood or marriage.

(6) The term "intimate partner", in the case of a specific person, means—

(A) a former spouse of the specific person, a person who shares a child in common with the specific person, or a person who cohabits with or has cohabited as a spouse with the specific person; or

(B) a person who has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the specific person, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

(Added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §551(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3256, §920a; renumbered §930 and amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §§5401(11), 5443, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2939, 2955; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §531(d)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 259.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 930 was renumbered section 929a of this title and subsequently omitted from the Code.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(d)(2)(A), substituted "to his or her intimate partner, or to his or her dating partner" for "or to his or her intimate partner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(3) to (6). Pub. L. 118–31, §531(d)(2)(B), added par. (3) and redesignated former pars. (3) to (5) as (4) to (6), respectively.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section set out elements of stalking and defined terms.

Pub. L. 114–328, §5401(11), renumbered section 920a of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §551(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3256, provided that: "Section 920a of title 10, United States Code (article 120a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a), applies to offenses committed after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006]."

§931. Art. 131. Perjury

Any person subject to this chapter who in a judicial proceeding or in a course of justice willfully and corruptly—

(1) upon a lawful oath or in any form allowed by law to be substituted for an oath, gives any false testimony material to the issue or matter of inquiry; or

(2) in any declaration, certificate, verification, or statement under penalty of perjury as permitted under section 1746 of title 28, subscribes any false statement material to the issue or matter of inquiry;

is guilty of perjury and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 75; Pub. L. 94–550, §3, Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2535; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(13), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
931	50:725.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 131), 64 Stat. 142.

The words "in a" are inserted before the words "course of justice".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1982—Par. (2). Pub. L. 97–295 struck out "United States Code," after "title 28,".

1976—Pub. L. 94–550 divided existing provisions into an introductory phrase, par. (1), and a closing phrase, and added par. (2).

§931a. Art. 131a. Subornation of perjury

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter who induces and procures another person—

(1) to take an oath; and

(2) to falsely testify, depose, or state upon such oath;

shall, if the conditions specified in subsection (b) are satisfied, be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Conditions.—The conditions referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

(1) The oath is administered with respect to a matter for which such oath is required or authorized by law.

(2) The oath is administered by a person having authority to do so.

(3) Upon the oath, the other person willfully makes or subscribes a statement.

(4) The statement is material.

(5) The statement is false.

(6) When the statement is made or subscribed, the person subject to this chapter and the other person do not believe that the statement is true.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5444, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2956.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931b. Art. 131b. Obstructing justice

Any person subject to this chapter who engages in conduct in the case of a certain person against whom the accused had reason to believe there were or would be criminal or disciplinary proceedings pending, with intent to influence, impede, or otherwise obstruct the due administration of justice shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5445, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2956.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931c. Art. 131c. Misprision of serious offense

Any person subject to this chapter—

(1) who knows that another person has committed a serious offense; and

(2) wrongfully conceals the commission of the offense and fails to make the commission of the offense known to civilian or military authorities as soon as possible;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5446, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2956.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931d. Art. 131d. Wrongful refusal to testify

Any person subject to this chapter who, in the presence of a court-martial, a board of officers, a military commission, a court of inquiry, a preliminary hearing, or an officer taking a deposition, of or for the United States, wrongfully refuses to qualify as a witness or to answer a question after having been directed to do so by the person presiding shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5447, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2957.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931e. Art. 131e. Prevention of authorized seizure of property

Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that one or more persons authorized to make searches and seizures are seizing, are about to seize, or are endeavoring to seize property, destroys, removes, or otherwise disposes of the property with intent to prevent the seizure thereof shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5448, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2957.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931f. Art. 131f. Noncompliance with procedural rules

Any person subject to this chapter who—

(1) is responsible for unnecessary delay in the disposition of any case of a person accused of an offense under this chapter; or

(2) knowingly and intentionally fails to enforce or comply with any provision of this chapter regulating the proceedings before, during, or after trial of an accused;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 69, §898; renumbered §931f, Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5401(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2938.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
898	50:692.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 98), 64 Stat. 137.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 898 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§931g. Art. 131g. Wrongful interference with adverse administrative proceeding

Any person subject to this chapter who, having reason to believe that an adverse administrative proceeding is pending against any person subject to this chapter, wrongfully acts with the intent—

(1) to influence, impede, or obstruct the conduct of the proceeding; or

(2) otherwise to obstruct the due administration of justice;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5449, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2957.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§932. Art. 132. Retaliation

(a) In General.—Any person subject to this chapter who, with the intent to retaliate against any person for reporting or planning to report a criminal offense, or making or planning to make a protected communication, or with the intent to discourage any person from reporting a criminal offense or making or planning to make a protected communication—

(1) wrongfully takes or threatens to take an adverse personnel action against any person; or

(2) wrongfully withholds or threatens to withhold a favorable personnel action with respect to any person;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(b) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "protected communication" means the following:

(A) A lawful communication to a Member of Congress or an Inspector General.

(B) A communication to a covered individual or organization in which a member of the armed forces complains of, or discloses information that the member reasonably believes constitutes evidence of, any of the following:

(i) A violation of law or regulation, including a law or regulation prohibiting sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination.

(ii) Gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

(2) The term "Inspector General" has the meaning given that term in section 1034(j) of this title.

(3) The term "covered individual or organization" means any recipient of a communication specified in clauses (i) through (v) of section 1034(b)(1)(B) of this title.

(4) The term "unlawful discrimination" means discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5450, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2957; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(Q), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 932 was renumbered section 924 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 1034(j)" for "section 1034(h)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§933. Art. 133. Conduct unbecoming an officer

Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 76; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §542(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1709.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
933	50:727.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 133), 64 Stat. 142.

The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81 struck out "and a gentleman" after "an officer" in section catchline and text.

§934. Art. 134. General article

Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special, or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court. As used in the preceding sentence, the term "crimes and offenses not capital" includes any conduct engaged in outside the United States, as defined in section 5 of title 18, that would constitute a crime or offense not capital if the conduct had been engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in section 7 of title 18.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 76; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LX, §5451, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2958.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
934	50:728.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 134), 64 Stat. 142.

The words "shall be" are inserted before the word "punished".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 inserted at end "As used in the preceding sentence, the term 'crimes and offenses not capital' includes any conduct engaged in outside the United States, as defined in section 5 of title 18, that would constitute a crime or offense not capital if the conduct had been engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in section 7 of title 18."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Inclusion of Sexual Harassment as General Punitive Article

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539D, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1699, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the President shall—

"(1) prescribe regulations establishing sexual harassment, as described in this section, as an offense punishable under section 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and

"(2) revise the Manual for Courts-Martial to include such offense.

"(b) Elements of Offense.—The regulations and the revisions to the Manual for Courts-Martial required under subsection (a) shall provide that the required elements constituting the offense of sexual harassment are—

"(1) that the accused knowingly made sexual advances, demands or requests for sexual favors, or knowingly engaged in other conduct of a sexual nature;

"(2) that such conduct was unwelcome;

"(3) that, under the circumstances, such conduct—

"(A) would cause a reasonable person to believe, and a certain person did believe, that submission to such conduct would be made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of that person's job, pay, career, benefits, or entitlements;

"(B) would cause a reasonable person to believe, and a certain person did believe, that submission to, or rejection of, such conduct would be used as a basis for decisions affecting that person's job, pay, career, benefits, or entitlements; or

"(C) was so severe, repetitive, or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and a certain person did perceive, an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment; and

"(4) that, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was—

"(A) to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces;

"(B) of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces; or

"(C) to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces and of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces."

SUBCHAPTER XI—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec.	Art.
935.	135.	Courts of inquiry.
936.	136.	Authority to administer oaths.
937.	137.	Articles to be explained.
938.	138.	Complaints of wrongs.
939.	139.	Redress of injuries to property.
940.	140.	Delegation by the President.
940a.	140a.	Case management; data collection and accessibility.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(7). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(7), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2967, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added item 940a and substituted "Authority to administer oaths" for "Authority to administer oaths and to act as notary" in item 936.

§935. Art. 135. Courts of inquiry

(a) Courts of inquiry to investigate any matter may be convened by any person authorized to convene a general court-martial or by any other person designated by the Secretary concerned for that purpose, whether or not the persons involved have requested such an inquiry.

(b) A court of inquiry consists of three or more commissioned officers. For each court of inquiry the convening authority shall also appoint counsel for the court.

(c)(1) Any person subject to this chapter whose conduct is subject to inquiry shall be designated as a party.

(2) Any person who is (A) subject to this chapter, (B) employed by the Department of Defense, or (C) with respect to the Coast Guard, employed by the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, and who has a direct interest in the subject of inquiry has the right to be designated as a party upon request to the court.

(3) Any person designated as a party shall be given due notice and has the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce evidence.

(d) Members of a court of inquiry may be challenged by a party, but only for cause stated to the court.

(e) The members, counsel, the reporter, and interpreters of courts of inquiry shall take an oath to faithfully perform their duties.

(f) Witnesses may be summoned to appear and testify and be examined before courts of inquiry, as provided for courts-martial.

(g) Courts of inquiry shall make findings of fact but may not express opinions or make recommendations unless required to do so by the convening authority.

(h) Each court of inquiry shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be authenticated by the signatures of the president and counsel for the court and forwarded to the convening authority. If the record cannot be authenticated by the president, it shall be signed by a member in lieu of the president. If the record cannot be authenticated by the counsel for the court, it shall be signed by a member in lieu of the counsel.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 76; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXI, §5501, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2960.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
935(a) 935(b) 935(c)	50:731(a). 50:731(b). 50:731(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 135), 64 Stat. 143.
935(d)	50:731(d).
935(e)	50:731(e).
935(f)	50:731(f).
935(g)	50:731(g).
935(h)	50:731(h).

In subsection (a), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of a Department".

In subsection (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity. The word "consists" is substituted for the words "shall consist".

In subsection (c), the word "has" is substituted for the words "shall have".

In subsection (e), the words "or affirmation" are omitted as covered by the definition of the word "oath" in section 1 of title 1.

In subsection (g), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (h), the word "If" is substituted for the words "In case".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328 designated first through third sentences as pars. (1) to (3), respectively, and, in par. (2), substituted "who is (A) subject to this chapter, (B) employed by the Department of Defense, or (C) with respect to the Coast Guard, employed by the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, and" for "subject to this chapter or employed by the Department of Defense".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

§936. Art. 136. Authority to administer oaths

(a) The following persons on active duty or performing inactive-duty training may administer oaths for the purposes of military administration, including military justice:

(1) All judge advocates.

(2) All summary courts-martial.

(3) All adjutants, assistant adjutants, acting adjutants, and personnel adjutants.

(4) All commanding officers of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

(5) All staff judge advocates and legal officers, and acting or assistant staff judge advocates and legal officers.

(6) All other persons designated by regulations of the armed forces or by statute.

(b) The following persons on active duty or performing inactive-duty training may administer oaths necessary in the performance of their duties:

(1) The president, military judge, trial counsel, and assistant trial counsel for all general and special courts-martial.

(2) The president and the counsel for the court of any court of inquiry.

(3) All officers designated to take a deposition.

(4) All persons detailed to conduct an investigation.

(5) All recruiting officers.

(6) All other persons designated by regulations of the armed forces or by statute.

(c) Each judge and senior judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall have the powers relating to oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments provided to justices and judges of the United States by section 459 of title 28.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 77; Pub. L. 86–589, July 5, 1960, 74 Stat. 329; Pub. L. 90–179, §1(7), Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 546; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(34), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343; Pub. L. 98–209, §2(f), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §804(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3907; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title XII, §1234(a)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2059; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §551(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1566; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §542, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §541(a), div. E, title LXI, §5502, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2124, 2960.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
936(a) 936(b) 936(c)	50:732(a). 50:732(b). 50:732(c).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 136), 64 Stat. 143.
936(d)	50:732(d).

In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the words "shall have authority to". The word "shall" before the words "have the general powers" is omitted as surplusage. The words "the continental limits" are omitted, since section 101(1) of this title defines the United States to include the States and the District of Columbia.

In subsections (a) and (b), the words "in the armed forces" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the word "may" is substituted for the words "shall have authority to".

In subsection (c), the words "of any character" are omitted as surplusage. The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".

In subsection (d), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5502, struck out "and to act as notary" after "oaths" in section catchline.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(a), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "The judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may administer the oaths authorized by subsections (a) and (b)."

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (c).

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510, §551(b)(1), struck out ", and have the general powers of a notary public and of a consul of the United States, in the performance of all notarial acts to be executed by members of any of the armed forces, wherever they may be, by persons serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States and outside Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and by other persons subject to this chapter outside of the United States" after "including military justice" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 101–510, §551(b)(2), struck out subsecs. (c) and (d) which read as follows:

"(c) No fee may be paid to or received by any person for the performance of any notarial act herein authorized.

"(d) The signature without seal of any such person acting as notary, together with the title of his office, is prima facie evidence of his authority."

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456 struck out "the Canal Zone," before "Puerto Rico,".

1986—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 99–661 inserted "or performing inactive-duty training" after "active duty".

1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(f)(1), struck out "of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps" after "All judge advocates".

Subsec. (a)(2) to (7). Pub. L. 98–209, §2(f)(2), struck out par. (2) which included law specialists among those persons authorized to administer oaths and to act as notaries under this section, and redesignated pars. (3) to (7) as (2) to (6), respectively.

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge" for "law officer" in par. (1).

1967—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 90–179 inserted references to judge advocates of the Navy and the Marine Corps.

1960—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–589 permitted the administration of oaths and the performance of notarial acts for persons serving, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States and outside the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by section 5502 of Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–661 effective the earlier of (1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986; or (2) the date specified in an Executive order for such amendment to take effect, see section 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§937. Art. 137. Articles to be explained

(a) Enlisted Members.—(1) The sections (articles) of this chapter specified in paragraph (3) shall be carefully explained to each enlisted member at the time of (or within fourteen days after)—

(A) the member's initial entrance on active duty;

(B) the member's initial entrance into a duty status with a reserve component; or

(C) the member's initial entrance on active duty or into a space force active status.

(2) Such sections (articles) shall be explained again—

(A) after the member has completed six months of active duty or, in the case of a member of a reserve component, after the member has completed basic or recruit training;

(B) after a member of the Space Force has completed six months of sustained duty or in the case of a member not on sustained duty, after the member has completed basic or recruit training; and

(C) at the time when the member reenlists.

(3) This subsection applies with respect to sections 802, 803, 807–815, 825, 827, 831, 837, 838, 855, 877–934, and 937–939 of this title (articles 2, 3, 7–15, 25, 27, 31, 37, 38, 55, 77–134, and 137–139).

(b) Officers.—(1) The sections (articles) of this chapter specified in paragraph (2) shall be carefully explained to each officer at the time of (or within six months after)—

(A) the initial entrance of the officer on active duty as an officer; or

(B) the initial commissioning of the officer in a reserve component or the Space Force.

(2) This subsection applies with respect to the sections (articles) specified in subsection (a)(3) and such other sections (articles) as the Secretary concerned may prescribe by regulation.

(c) Training for Certain Officers.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, officers with the authority to convene courts-martial or to impose non-judicial punishment shall receive periodic training regarding the purposes and administration of this chapter. Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, officers assigned to duty in a joint command or a combatant command, who have such authority, shall receive additional specialized training regarding the purposes and administration of this chapter with respect to joint commands and the combatant commands.

(d) Availability and Maintenance of Text.—The text of this chapter and the text of the regulations prescribed by the President under this chapter shall be—

(1) made available to a member on active duty, to a member of a reserve component, or to a member of the Space Force, upon request by the member, for the member's personal examination; and

(2) maintained by the Secretary of Defense in electronic formats that are updated periodically and made available on the Internet.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 78; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §804(d), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3907; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1152, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXI, §5503, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2960; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(R), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(f)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 671; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(17), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2204.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
937	50:733.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 137), 64 Stat. 144.

The word "each" is substituted for the word "every". The word "member" is substituted for the word "person". The words "in [any of] the armed forces of the United States" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1722(f) of Pub. L. 118–31 amended section 973 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "the" before "Space Force".

2023—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(3)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(3)(B), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(3)(C), inserted "or the Space Force" after "in a reserve component".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1722(f)(3)(D), substituted ", to a member of a reserve component, or to a member of the Space Force," for "or to a member of a reserve component,".

2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(R)(i), struck out "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "this chapter" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(R)(ii), which directed amendment of subsec. (b) by striking out "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "this chapter" in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), was executed by making the amendment in introductory provisions of par. (1) of subsec. (b), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(R)(iii), struck out "(the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" after "this chapter" in introductory provisions.

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5503(1), inserted heading.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5503(1), substituted "The sections (articles) of this chapter (the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" for "The sections of this title (articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5503(2), (3), added subsecs. (b) to (d) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The text of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and of the regulations prescribed by the President under such Code shall be made available to a member on active duty or to a member of a reserve component, upon request by the member, for the member's personal examination."

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "within fourteen days" for "within six days".

1986—Pub. L. 99–661 amended section generally, inserting provisions relating to reserve components.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–661 effective the earlier of (1) the last day of the 120-day period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986; or (2) the date specified in an Executive order for such amendment to take effect, see section 808 of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

§938. Art. 138. Complaints of wrongs

Any member of the armed forces who believes himself wronged by his commanding officer, and who, upon due application to that commanding officer, is refused redress, may complain to any superior commissioned officer, who shall forward the complaint to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the officer against whom it is made. The officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction shall examine into the complaint and take proper measures for redressing the wrong complained of; and he shall, as soon as possible, send to the Secretary concerned a true statement of that complaint, with the proceedings had thereon.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 78.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
938	50:734.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 138), 64 Stat. 144.

The words "commanding officer" are substituted for the word "commander". The word "who" is inserted after the word "and". The word "commissioned" is inserted after the word "superior" for clarity. The words "The officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction" are substituted for the words "That officer" for clarity. The word "send" is substituted for the word "transmit". The word "Secretary" is substituted for the word "Department" for accuracy, since the "Department", as an entity, could not act upon the complaint.

§939. Art. 139. Redress of injuries to property

(a) Whenever complaint is made to any commanding officer that willful damage has been done to the property of any person or that his property has been wrongfully taken by members of the armed forces, he may, under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, convene a board to investigate the complaint. The board shall consist of from one to three commissioned officers and, for the purpose of that investigation, it has power to summon witnesses and examine them upon oath, to receive depositions or other documentary evidence, and to assess the damages sustained against the responsible parties. The assessment of damages made by the board is subject to the approval of the commanding officer, and in the amount approved by him shall be charged against the pay of the offenders. The order of the commanding officer directing charges herein authorized is conclusive on any disbursing officer for the payment by him to the injured parties of the damages so assessed and approved.

(b) If the offenders cannot be ascertained, but the organization or detachment to which they belong is known, charges totaling the amount of damages assessed and approved may be made in such proportion as may be considered just upon the individual members thereof who are shown to have been present at the scene at the time the damages complained of were inflicted, as determined by the approved findings of the board.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 78.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
939(a) 939(b)	50:735(a). 50:735(b).	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 139), 64 Stat. 144.

In subsection (a), the words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department". The word "under" is substituted for the words "subject to". The words "or affirmation" are omitted as covered by the definition of the word "oath" in section 1 of title 1. The words "it has" are substituted for the words "shall have" in the second sentence. The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" before the words "subject" and "conclusive". The word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.

In subsection (b), the word "If" is substituted for the word "Where". The word "considered" is substituted for the word "deemed".

§940. Art. 140. Delegation by the President

The President may delegate any authority vested in him under this chapter, and provide for the subdelegation of any such authority.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 78.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
940	50:736.	May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 140), 64 Stat. 145.

The word "may" is substituted for the words "is authorized to * * * to".

§940a. Art. 140a. Case management; data collection and accessibility

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall prescribe uniform standards and criteria for conduct of each of the following functions at all stages of the military justice system (including with respect to the Coast Guard), including pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate processes, using, insofar as practicable, the best practices of Federal and State courts:

(1) Collection and analysis of data concerning substantive offenses and procedural matters in a manner that facilitates case management and decision making within the military justice system, and that enhances the quality of periodic reviews under section 946 of this title (article 146).

(2) Case processing and management.

(3) Timely, efficient, and accurate production and distribution of records of trial within the military justice system.

(4) Facilitation of public access to docket information, filings, and records, taking into consideration restrictions appropriate to judicial proceedings and military records.

(b) Protection of Certain Personally Identifiable Information.—Records of trial, docket information, filings, and other records made publicly accessible in accordance with the uniform standards and criteria for conduct established by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall restrict access to personally identifiable information of minors and victims of crime (including victims of sexual assault and domestic violence), as practicable to the extent such information is restricted in electronic filing systems of Federal and State courts.

(c) Inapplicability to Certain Dockets and Records.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide public access to docket information, filings, or records that are classified, subject to a judicial protective order, or ordered sealed.

(d) Preservation of Court-Martial Records Without Regard to Outcome.—The standards and criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) shall provide for the preservation of general and special court-martial records, without regard to the outcome of the proceeding concerned, for not fewer than 15 years.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXI, §5504(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2961; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §534(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §543, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3613.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (d).

2019—Pub. L. 116–92 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, in introductory provisions substituted "The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security," for "The Secretary of Defense" and inserted "(including with respect to the Coast Guard)" after "military justice system", in par. (4) inserted "public" before "access to docket information", and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXI, §5504(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2961, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall carry out section 940a of title 10, United States Code (article 140a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a).

"(2) Standards and criteria.—Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the standards and criteria under section 940a of title 10, United States Code (article 140a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by subsection (a), shall take effect."

Except as otherwise provided, section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Application of Existing Standards and Criteria to Coast Guard

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §534(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1362, provided that: "The Secretary of Homeland Security shall apply to the Coast Guard the standards and criteria for conduct established by the Secretary of Defense under section 940a of title 10, United States Code (article 140a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], until such time as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, prescribes revised standards and criteria for conduct under such section that implement the amendments made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section]."

SUBCHAPTER XII—UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED FORCES

Sec.	Art.
941.	141.	Status.
942.	142.	Judges.
943.	143.	Organization and employees.
944.	144.	Procedure.
945.	145.	Annuities for judges and survivors.
946.	146.	Military Justice Review Panel.
946a.	146a.	Annual reports.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(8). See 2016 Amendment note below.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(8), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2967, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added item 946a and substituted "Military Justice Review Panel" for "Code committee" in item 946.

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(3)(A), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831, substituted "UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED FORCES" for "COURT OF MILITARY APPEALS" as subchapter heading.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(i)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1718, redesignated subchapter XI as XII.

§941. Art. 141. Status

There is a court of record known as the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. The court is established under article I of the Constitution. The court is located for administrative purposes only in the Department of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1570; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831, provided that: "The United States Court of Military Appeals shall hereafter be known and designated as the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces."

§942. Art. 142. Judges

(a) Number.—The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces consists of five judges.

(b) Appointment; Qualification.—(1) Each judge of the court shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a specified term determined under paragraph (2). A judge may serve as a senior judge as provided in subsection (e).

(2)(A) The term of a judge shall expire as follows:

(i) In the case of a judge who is appointed after January 31 and before July 31 of any year, the term shall expire on July 31 of the year in which the fifteenth anniversary of the appointment occurs.

(ii) In the case of a judge who is appointed after July 31 of any year and before February 1 of the following year, the term shall expire fifteen years after such July 31.

(B) If at the time of the appointment of a judge the date that is otherwise applicable under subparagraph (A) for the expiration of the term of service of the judge is the same as the date for the expiration of the term of service of a judge already on the court, then the term of the judge being appointed shall expire on the first July 31 after such date on which no term of service of a judge already on the court will expire.

(3) No person may be appointed to be a judge of the court unless the person is a member of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State.

(4) A person may not be appointed as a judge of the court within seven years after retirement from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.

(c) Removal.—Judges of the court may be removed from office by the President, upon notice and hearing, for—

(1) neglect of duty;

(2) misconduct; or

(3) mental or physical disability.

A judge may not be removed by the President for any other cause.

(d) Pay and Allowances.—Each judge of the court is entitled to the same salary and travel allowances as are, and from time to time may be, provided for judges of the United States Courts of Appeals.

(e) Senior Judges.—(1)(A) A former judge of the court who is receiving retired pay or an annuity under section 945 of this title (article 145) or under subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 shall be a senior judge. The chief judge of the court may call upon an individual who is a senior judge of the court under this subparagraph, with the consent of the senior judge, to perform judicial duties with the court—

(i) during a period a judge of the court is unable to perform his duties because of illness or other disability;

(ii) during a period in which a position of judge of the court is vacant; or

(iii) in any case in which a judge of the court recuses himself.

(B) If, at the time the term of a judge expires, no successor to that judge has been appointed, the chief judge of the court may call upon that judge (with that judge's consent) to continue to perform judicial duties with the court until the vacancy is filled. A judge who, upon the expiration of the judge's term, continues to perform judicial duties with the court without a break in service under this subparagraph shall be a senior judge while such service continues.

(2) A senior judge shall be paid for each day on which he performs judicial duties with the court an amount equal to the difference between—

(A) the daily equivalent of the annual rate of pay provided for a judge of the court; and

(B) the daily equivalent of the annuity of the judge under section 945 of this title (article 145), the applicable provisions of title 5, or any other retirement system for employees of the Federal Government under which the senior judge receives an annuity.

(3) A senior judge, while performing duties referred to in paragraph (1), shall be provided with such office space and staff assistance as the chief judge considers appropriate and shall be entitled to the per diem, travel allowances, and other allowances provided for judges of the court.

(4) A senior judge shall be considered to be an officer or employee of the United States with respect to his status as a senior judge, but only during periods the senior judge is performing duties referred to in paragraph (1). For the purposes of section 205 of title 18, a senior judge shall be considered to be a special government employee during such periods. Any provision of law that prohibits or limits the political or business activities of an employee of the United States shall apply to a senior judge only during such periods.

(5) The court shall prescribe rules for the use and conduct of senior judges of the court. The chief judge of the court shall transmit such rules, and any amendments to such rules, to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives not later than 15 days after the issuance of such rules or amendments, as the case may be.

(6) For purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 (relating to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System) and chapter 84 of such title (relating to the Federal Employees' Retirement System) and for purposes of any other Federal Government retirement system for employees of the Federal Government—

(A) a period during which a senior judge performs duties referred to in paragraph (1) shall not be considered creditable service;

(B) no amount shall be withheld from the pay of a senior judge as a retirement contribution under section 8334, 8343, 8422, or 8432 of title 5 or under any other such retirement system for any period during which the senior judge performs duties referred to in paragraph (1);

(C) no contribution shall be made by the Federal Government to any retirement system with respect to a senior judge for any period during which the senior judge performs duties referred to in paragraph (1); and

(D) a senior judge shall not be considered to be a reemployed annuitant for any period during which the senior judge performs duties referred to in paragraph (1).

(f) Service of Article III Judges.—(1) The Chief Justice of the United States, upon the request of the chief judge of the court, may designate a judge of a United States court of appeals or of a United States district court to perform the duties of judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces—

(A) during a period a judge of the court is unable to perform his duties because of illness or other disability;

(B) in any case in which a judge of the court recuses himself; or

(C) during a period when there is a vacancy on the court and in the opinion of the chief judge of the court such a designation is necessary for the proper dispatch of the business of the court.

(2) The chief judge of the court may not request that a designation be made under paragraph (1) unless the chief judge has determined that no person is available to perform judicial duties with the court as a senior judge under subsection (e).

(3) A designation under paragraph (1) may be made only with the consent of the designated judge and the concurrence of the chief judge of the court of appeals or district court concerned.

(4) Per diem, travel allowances, and other allowances paid to the designated judge in connection with the performance of duties for the court shall be paid from funds available for the payment of per diem and such allowances for judges of the court.

(g) Effect of Vacancy on Court.—A vacancy on the court does not impair the right of the remaining judges to exercise the powers of the court.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1570; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(f), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(b)(1)(A), (B), (2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1474; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §531(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 759; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §540(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3371; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §541(b)(2), (c), (d), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2125.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(b)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of subpar. (A), realigned margins, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(c), substituted "No" for "Not more than three of the judges of the court may be appointed from the same political party, and no".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(d), substituted "equal to the difference between—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of pay provided for a judge of the court. Such pay shall be in lieu of retired pay and in lieu of an annuity under section 945 of this title (article 145), subchapter III of chapter 83 or subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5, or any other retirement system for employees of the Federal Government."

2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–291, §540(a)(1), substituted "January 31" for "March 31", "July 31 of any year" for "October 1 of any year", and "July 31 of the year" for "September 30 of the year".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–291, §540(a)(2), substituted "July 31" for "September 30" in two places and "February 1" for "April 1".

2013—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–66 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "For purposes of appointment of judges to the court, a person retired from the armed forces after 20 or more years of active service (whether or not such person is on the retired list) shall not be considered to be in civilian life."

1999—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".

1996—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives".

1994—Subsecs. (a), (f)(1). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

1991—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(b)(1)(A)(i)–(iv), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out "(2)(A)" before "The chief judge", moved sentence beginning "The chief judge of the court" to end of par. (1)(A), substituted "an individual who is a senior judge of the court under this subparagraph" for "a senior judge of the court", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(b)(1)(A)(ii), (v), redesignated par. (2)(B) as (2) and incorporated former par. (2)(A) into par. (1)(A).

Subsec. (e)(3), (4), (6). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(b)(1)(B), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "paragraph (2)" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(b)(2)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (f)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 102–190, §1061(b)(2)(B), (C), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(f)(1), substituted "civilian life" for "civil life".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(f)(2), added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §541(b)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2125, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (2) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to appointments to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces that are made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016]."

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 759, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], and shall apply with respect to appointments to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces that occur on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(b)(1)(D), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1474, provided that: "The amendments made by this paragraph [amending this section and section 945 of this title] shall take effect as of November 29, 1989."

Effective Date for Repeal of Termination of Authority for Chief Justice of United States To Designate Article III Judges for Temporary Service on Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1074(c)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2660, provided that: "The authority provided under section 942(f) of title 10, United States Code, shall be effective as if section 1142 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104–106; 110 Stat. 467) [repealing section 1301(i) of Pub. L. 101–189, set out below] had been enacted on September 29, 1995."

Saving Provision

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §540(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3371, provided that: "No person who is serving as a judge of the court on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014], and no survivor of any such person, shall be deprived of any annuity provided by section 945 of title 10, United States Code, by the operation of the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]."

Early Retirement Authorized for One Current Judge

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §541(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2125, provided that: "If the judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces who is the junior in seniority of the two judges of the court whose terms of office under section 942(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 142(b)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), expire on July 31, 2021, chooses to retire one year early, that judge—

"(A) may retire from service on the court effective August 1, 2020; and

"(B) shall be treated, upon such retirement, for all purposes as having completed a term of service for which the judge was appointed as a judge of the court."

Transitional Provisions

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(d)–(i), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1574–1576, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1142, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 467; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1068(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2655, provided that:

"(d) Transition From Three-Judge Court to Five-Judge Court.—(1) Effective during the period before October 1, 1990—

"(A) the number of members of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] shall (notwithstanding subsection (a) of section 942 of title 10, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (c)) be three; and

"(B) the maximum number of members of the court who may be appointed from the same political party shall (notwithstanding subsection (b)(3) of section 942) be two.

"(2) In the application of paragraph (2) of section 942(b) of title 10, United States Code (as enacted by subsection (c)) to the judge who is first appointed to one of the two new positions of the court created as of October 1, 1990, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, the anniversary referred to in subparagraph (A) of that paragraph shall be treated as being the seventh anniversary and the number of years referred to in subparagraph (B) of that paragraph shall be treated as being seven.

"(e) Transition Rules Relating to Retirement of New Judges.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), a judge to whom subsection (d)(2) applies shall be eligible for an annuity as provided in section 945 of title 10, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (c).

"(2) The annuity of a judge referred to in paragraph (1) is computed under subsection (b) of such section 945 only if the judge—

"(A) completes the term of service for which he is first appointed;

"(B) is reappointed as a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] at any time after the completion of such term of service;

"(C) is separated from civilian service in the Federal Government after completing a total of 15 years as a judge of such court; and

"(D) elects to receive an annuity under such section in accordance with subsection (a)(2) of such section.

"(3) In the case of a judge referred to in paragraph (1) who is separated from civilian service after completing the term of service for which he is first appointed as a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] and before completing a total of 15 years as a judge of such court, the annuity of such judge (if elected in accordance with section 945(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code) shall be 1/15 of the amount computed under subsection (b) of such section times the number of years (including any fraction thereof) of such judge's service as a judge of the court.

"(f) Applicability of Amended Retirement Provisions.—Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d), section 945 of title 10, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (c), applies with respect to judges of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] whose terms of service on such court end after September 28, 1988, and to the survivors of such judges.

"(g) Terms of Current Judges.—Section 942(b) of title 10, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (c), shall not apply to the term of office of a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] serving on such court on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]. The term of office of such a judge shall expire on the later of (A) the date the term of such judge would have expired under section 867(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before such date of enactment, or (B) September 30 of the year in which the term of such judge would have expired under such section 867(a)(1).

"(h) Civil Service Status of Current Employees.—Section 943(c) of title 10, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (c), shall not be applied to change the civil service status of any attorney who is an employee of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]."

§943. Art. 143. Organization and employees

(a) Chief Judge.—(1) The chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall be the judge of the court in regular active service who is senior in commission among the judges of the court who—

(A) have served for one or more years as judges of the court; and

(B) have not previously served as chief judge.

(2) In any case in which there is no judge of the court in regular active service who has served as a judge of the court for at least one year, the judge of the court in regular active service who is senior in commission and has not served previously as chief judge shall act as the chief judge.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), a judge of the court shall serve as the chief judge under paragraph (1) for a term of five years. If no other judge is eligible under paragraph (1) to serve as chief judge upon the expiration of that term, the chief judge shall continue to serve as chief judge until another judge becomes eligible under that paragraph to serve as chief judge.

(4)(A) The term of a chief judge shall be terminated before the end of five years if—

(i) the chief judge leaves regular active service as a judge of the court; or

(ii) the chief judge notifies the other judges of the court in writing that such judge desires to be relieved of his duties as chief judge.

(B) The effective date of a termination of the term under subparagraph (A) shall be the date on which the chief judge leaves regular active service or the date of the notification under subparagraph (A)(ii), as the case may be.

(5) If a chief judge is temporarily unable to perform his duties as a chief judge, the duties shall be performed by the judge of the court in active service who is present, able and qualified to act, and is next in precedence.

(b) Precedence of Judges.—The chief judge of the court shall have precedence and preside at any session that he attends. The other judges shall have precedence and preside according to the seniority of their original commissions. Judges whose commissions bear the same date shall have precedence according to seniority in age.

(c) Status of Certain Positions.—(1) Attorney positions of employment under the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces are excepted from the competitive service. A position of employment under the court that is provided primarily for the service of one judge of the court, reports directly to the judge, and is a position of a confidential character is excepted from the competitive service. Appointments to positions referred to in the preceding sentences shall be made by the court, without the concurrence of any other officer or employee of the executive branch, in the same manner as appointments are made to other executive branch positions of a confidential or policy-determining character for which it is not practicable to examine or to hold a competitive examination. Such positions shall not be counted as positions of that character for purposes of any limitation on the number of positions of that character provided in law.

(2) In making appointments to the positions described in paragraph (1), preference shall be given, among equally qualified persons, to persons who are preference eligibles (as defined in section 2108(3) of title 5).

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1572; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1061(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2503; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1068(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2655; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(11), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85 made technical amendment to heading and substituted "under the court" for "under the Court" in second sentence and "positions referred to in the preceding sentences" for "such positions" in third sentence.

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "Certain" for "Attorney" in heading and inserted "A position of employment under the Court that is provided primarily for the service of one judge of the court, reports directly to the judge, and is a position of a confidential character is excepted from the competitive service." after first sentence in par. (1).

1994—Subsecs. (a)(1), (c). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Chief Judge.—The President shall designate from time to time one of the judges of the United States Court of Military Appeals to be chief judge of the court."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transition Provision

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1061(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2504, provided that: "For purposes of section 943(a) (article 943(a)) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)—

"(1) the person serving as the chief judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992] shall be deemed to have been designated as the chief judge under such section; and

"(2) the five-year term provided in paragraph (3) of such section shall be deemed to have begun on the date on which such judge was originally designated as the chief judge under section 867(a) or 943 of title 10, United States Code, as the case may be, as that provision of law was in effect on the date of the designation."

Inapplicability of Subsection (c)

Subsec. (c) of this section not to be applied to change civil service status of any attorney who is an employee of United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] on Nov. 28, 1989, see section 1301(h) of Pub. L. 101–189, set out as a Transitional Provisions note under section 942 of this title.

§944. Art. 144. Procedure

The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may prescribe its rules of procedure and may determine the number of judges required to constitute a quorum.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1572; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

§945. Art. 145. Annuities for judges and survivors

(a) Retirement Annuities for Judges.—(1) A person who has completed a term of service for which he was appointed as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is eligible for an annuity under this section upon separation from civilian service in the Federal Government. A person who continues service with the court as a senior judge under section 942(e)(1)(B) of this title (article 142(e)(1)(B)) upon the expiration of the judge's term shall be considered to have been separated from civilian service in the Federal Government only upon the termination of that continuous service.

(2) A person who is eligible for an annuity under this section shall be paid that annuity if, at the time he becomes eligible to receive that annuity, he elects to receive that annuity in lieu of any other annuity for which he may be eligible at the time of such election (whether an immediate or a deferred annuity) under subchapter III of chapter 83 or subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5 or any other retirement system for civilian employees of the Federal Government. Such an election may not be revoked.

(3)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Director of the Office of Personnel Management whenever an election under paragraph (2) is made affecting any right or interest under subchapter III of chapter 83 or subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5 based on service as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(B) Upon receiving any notification under subparagraph (A) in the case of a person making an election under paragraph (2), the Director shall determine the amount of the person's lump-sum credit under subchapter III of chapter 83 or subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5, as applicable, and shall request the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer such amount from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund. The Secretary of the Treasury shall make any transfer so requested.

(C) In determining the amount of a lump-sum credit under section 8331(8) of title 5 for purposes of this paragraph—

(i) interest shall be computed using the rates under section 8334(e)(3) of such title; and

(ii) the completion of 5 years of civilian service (or longer) shall not be a basis for excluding interest.

(b) Amount of Annuity.—The annuity payable under this section to a person who makes an election under subsection (a)(2) is 80 percent of the rate of pay for a judge in active service on the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces as of the date on which the person is separated from civilian service.

(c) Relation to Thrift Savings Plan.—Nothing in this section affects any right of any person to participate in the thrift savings plan under section 8351 of title 5 or subchapter III of chapter 84 of such title.

(d) Survivor Annuities.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe by regulation a program to provide annuities for survivors and former spouses of persons receiving annuities under this section by reason of elections made by such persons under subsection (a)(2). That program shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide benefits and establish terms and conditions that are similar to those provided under survivor and former spouse annuity programs under other retirement systems for civilian employees of the Federal Government. The program may include provisions for the reduction in the annuity paid the person as a condition for the survivor annuity. An election by a judge (including a senior judge) or former judge to receive an annuity under this section terminates any right or interest which any other individual may have to a survivor annuity under any other retirement system for civilian employees of the Federal Government based on the service of that judge or former judge as a civilian officer or employee of the Federal Government (except with respect to an election under subsection (f)(1)(B)).

(e) Cost-of-Living Increases.—The Secretary of Defense shall periodically increase annuities and survivor annuities paid under this section in order to take account of changes in the cost of living. The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation procedures for increases in annuities under this section. Such system shall, to the maximum extent appropriate, provide cost-of-living adjustments that are similar to those that are provided under other retirement systems for civilian employees of the Federal Government.

(f) Election of Judicial Retirement Benefits.—(1) A person who is receiving an annuity under this section by reason of service as a judge of the court and who later is appointed as a justice or judge of the United States to hold office during good behavior and who retires from that office, or from regular active service in that office, shall be paid either (A) the annuity under this section, or (B) the annuity or salary to which he is entitled by reason of his service as such a justice or judge of the United States, as determined by an election by that person at the time of his retirement from the office, or from regular active service in the office, of justice or judge of the United States. Such an election may not be revoked.

(2) An election by a person to be paid an annuity or salary pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) terminates (A) any election previously made by such person to provide a survivor annuity pursuant to subsection (d), and (B) any right of any other individual to receive a survivor annuity pursuant to subsection (d) on the basis of the service of that person.

(g) Source of Payment of Annuities.—Annuities and survivor annuities paid under this section shall be paid out of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund.

(h) Eligibility to Elect Between Retirement Systems.—(1) This subsection applies with respect to any person who—

(A) prior to being appointed as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, performed civilian service of a type making such person subject to the Civil Service Retirement System; and

(B) would be eligible to make an election under section 301(a)(2) of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986, by virtue of being appointed as such a judge, but for the fact that such person has not had a break in service of sufficient duration to be considered someone who is being reemployed by the Federal Government.

(2) Any person with respect to whom this subsection applies shall be eligible to make an election under section 301(a)(2) of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 to the same extent and in the same manner (including subject to the condition set forth in section 301(d) of such Act) as if such person's appointment constituted reemployment with the Federal Government.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1572; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1061(b)(1)(C), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1474; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §§1052(11), 1062(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2499, 2504; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §541(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2125.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 301(a)(2) and (d) of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986, referred to in subsec. (h), is section 301(a)(2) and (d) of Pub. L. 99–335, which is set out in a note under section 8331 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(e)(1), substituted "subsection (f)(1)(B)" for "subsection (g)(1)(B)".

Subsecs. (f) to (i). Pub. L. 114–328, §541(e)(2), (3), redesignated subsecs. (g) to (i) as (f) to (h), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (f) read as follows: "A person who is receiving an annuity under this section by reason of service as a judge of the court and who is appointed to a position in the Federal Government shall, during the period of such person's service in such position, be entitled to receive only the annuity under this section or the pay for that position, whichever is higher."

1994—Subsecs. (a)(1), (3)(A), (b), (i)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(11), substituted "section 942(e)(1)(B) of this title (article 142(e)(1)(B))" for "section 943(e)(1)(B) of this title (art. 143(e)(1)(B))".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–484, §1062(a)(1), added subsec. (i).

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–190 inserted at end "A person who continues service with the court as a senior judge under section 943(e)(1)(B) of this title (art. 143(e)(1)(B)) upon the expiration of the judge's term shall be considered to have been separated from civilian service in the Federal Government only upon the termination of that continuous service."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2505, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any appointment which takes effect on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992]."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Nov. 29, 1989, see section 1061(b)(1)(D) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 942 of this title.

Effective Date

Except as otherwise provided, section applicable with respect to judges of United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] whose terms of service on such court end after Sept. 28, 1988, and to survivors of such judges, see section 1301(f) of Pub. L. 101–189, set out as a Transitional Provisions note under section 942 of this title.

Additional Elections

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title X, §1062(b), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2505, provided that:

"(1) Any individual who is a judge in active service on the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] shall be eligible to make an election under section 301(a)(2) of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–335, 5 U.S.C. 8331 note] if—

"(A) such individual is such a judge on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992]; and

"(B) as of the date of the election, such individual is—

"(i) subject to the Civil Service Retirement System; or

"(ii) covered by Social Security but not subject to the Federal Employees' Retirement System.

"(2) An election under this subsection—

"(A) shall not be effective unless it is—

"(i) made within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

"(ii) in compliance with the condition set forth in section 301(d) of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–335, 5 U.S.C. 8331 note]; and

"(B) may not be revoked.

"(3) For the purpose of this subsection, a judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals [now United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces] shall be considered to be 'covered by Social Security' if such judge's service is employment for the purposes of title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] and chapter 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.]."

§946. Art. 146. Military Justice Review Panel

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a panel to conduct independent periodic reviews and assessments of the operation of this chapter. The panel shall be known as the "Military Justice Review Panel" (in this section referred to as the "Panel").

(b) Members.—

(1) Number of members.—The Panel shall be composed of thirteen members.

(2) Appointment of certain members.—Each of the following shall appoint one member of the Panel:

(A) The Secretary of Defense (in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy).

(B) The Attorney General.

(C) The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

(3) Appointment of remaining members by secretary of defense.—The Secretary of Defense shall appoint the remaining members of the Panel, taking into consideration recommendations made by each of the following:

(A) The chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(B) The Chief Justice of the United States.

(C) The Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(4) Establishment of staggered terms.—Notwithstanding subsection (e), members of the Panel appointed to serve on the Panel to fill vacancies that exist due to terms of appointment expiring during the period beginning on August 1, 2030, and ending on November 30, 2030, shall be appointed to terms as follows:

(A) Three members designated by the Secretary of Defense shall serve a term of two years.

(B) Three members designated by the Secretary of Defense shall serve a term of four years.

(C) Three members designated by the Secretary of Defense shall serve a term of six years.

(D) Four members designated by the Secretary of Defense shall serve a term of eight years.

(c) Qualifications of Members.—The members of the Panel shall be appointed from among private United States citizens with expertise in criminal law, as well as appropriate and diverse experience in investigation, prosecution, defense, victim representation, or adjudication with respect to courts-martial, Federal civilian courts, or State courts.

(d) Chair.—The Secretary of Defense shall select the chair of the Panel from among the members.

(e) Term; Vacancies.—

(1) Term.—Subject to subsection (b)(4) and paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each member shall be appointed for a term of eight years, and no member may serve more than one term.

(2) Vacancy.—Any vacancy in the Panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A member appointed to fill a vacancy in the Panel that occurs before the expiration of the term of appointment of the predecessor of such member shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of such predecessor.

(3) Availability of reappointment for certain members.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a member of the Panel may be appointed to a single additional term if—

(A) the appointment of the member is to fill a vacancy described in subsection (b)(4); or

(B) the member was initially appointed—

(i) to a term of four years or less in accordance with subsection (b)(4); or

(ii) to fill a vacancy that occurs before the expiration of the term of the predecessor of such member and for which the remainder of the term of such predecessor is four years or less.

(f) Reviews and Reports.—

(1) Initial review of recent amendments to ucmj.—During fiscal year 2021, the Panel shall conduct an initial review and assessment of the implementation of the amendments made to this chapter during the preceding five years. In conducting the initial review and assessment, the Panel may review such other aspects of the operation of this chapter as the Panel considers appropriate.

(2) Sentencing data collection and report.—During fiscal year 2020, the Panel shall gather and analyze sentencing data collected from each of the armed forces from general and special courts-martial applying offense-based sentencing under section 856 of this title (article 56). The sentencing data shall include the number of accused who request member sentencing and the number who request sentencing by military judge alone, the offenses which the accused were convicted of, and the resulting sentence for each offense in each case. The Judge Advocates General and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps shall provide the sentencing data in the format and for the duration established by the chair of the Panel. The analysis under this paragraph shall be included in the assessment required by paragraph (1).

(3) Periodic comprehensive reviews.—During fiscal year 2024 and every eight years thereafter, the Panel shall conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the operation of this chapter.

(4) Periodic interim reviews.—During fiscal year 2028 and every eight years thereafter, the Panel shall conduct an interim review and assessment of such other aspects of the operation of this chapter as the Panel considers appropriate. In addition, at the request of the Secretary of Defense, the Panel may, at any time, review and assess other specific matters relating to the operation of this chapter.

(5) Reports.—With respect to each review and assessment under this subsection, the Panel shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each report—

(A) shall set forth the results of the review and assessment concerned, including the findings and recommendations of the Panel; and

(B) shall be submitted not later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the review and assessment is concluded.

(g) Hearings.—The Panel may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Panel considers appropriate to carry out its duties under this section.

(h) Information From Federal Agencies.—Upon request of the chair of the Panel, a department or agency of the Federal Government shall provide information that the Panel considers necessary to carry out its duties under this section.

(i) Administrative Matters.—

(1) Members to serve without pay.—Members of the Panel shall serve without pay, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Panel.

(2) Staffing and resources.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide staffing and resources to support the Panel.

(j) Chapter 10 of Title 5.—Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the Panel.

(Added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIII, §1301(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1574; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §924(c)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §532, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXII, §5521, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2962; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(k), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1386; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(46), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4310; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 260.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 118–31, §532(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31, §532(b), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each member shall be appointed for a term of eight years, and no member may serve more than one term. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment."

2022—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Chapter 10 of Title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

2017—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(k)(1), substituted "fiscal year 2021" for "fiscal year 2020".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(k)(2), substituted "The analysis under this paragraph shall be included in the assessment required by paragraph (1)." for "Not later than October 31, 2020, the Panel shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives through the Secretary of Defense a report setting forth the Panel's findings and recommendations on the need for sentencing reform."

Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(k)(3), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not later than December 31 of each year during which the Panel conducts a review and assessment under this subsection, the Panel shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report setting forth the results of such review and assessment, including the Panel's findings and recommendations."

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to establishment, membership, and duties of Code committee.

2013—Subsec. (c)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 112–239 added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).

2002—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".

1996—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".

1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces" for "Court of Military Appeals".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section requiring submittal of annual report to Congress, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.

Full Functionality of Military Justice Review Panel

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §549E, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1726, provided that: "Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall establish or reconstitute, maintain, and ensure the full functionality of the Military Justice Review Panel established pursuant to section 946 of title 10, United States Code (article 146 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)) [sic]."

§946a. Art. 146a. Annual reports

(a) Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.—Not later than December 31 each year, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces shall submit a report that, with respect to the previous fiscal year, provides information on the number and status of completed and pending cases before the Court, and such other matters as the Court considers appropriate regarding the operation of this chapter.

(b) Service Reports.—Not later than December 31 each year, the Judge Advocates General and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps shall each submit a report, with respect to the preceding fiscal year, containing the following:

(1) Data on the number and status of pending cases.

(2) Data on the number and status of completed cases, including—

(A) information on race, ethnicity, rank, and sex demographic for the victim and the accused;

(B) the enumerated offenses preferred and referred;

(C) the types of court-martial; and

(D) the results for each case, including cases that resulted in nonjudicial punishment or administrative separation.

(3) Information on the appellate review process, including—

(A) information on compliance with processing time goals;

(B) descriptions of the circumstances surrounding cases in which general or special court-martial convictions were (i) reversed because of command influence or denial of the right to speedy review or (ii) otherwise remitted because of loss of records of trial or other administrative deficiencies;

(C) an analysis of each case in which a provision of this chapter was held unconstitutional; and

(D) an analysis of each case in which a Court of Criminal Appeals made a final determination that a finding of a court-martial was clearly against the weight of the evidence, including an explanation of the standard of appellate review applied in such case.

(4)(A) An explanation of measures implemented by the armed force concerned to ensure the ability of judge advocates—

(i) to participate competently as trial counsel and defense counsel in cases under this chapter;

(ii) to preside as military judges in cases under this chapter; and

(iii) to perform the duties of Special Victims' Counsel, when so designated under section 1044e of this title.

(B) The explanation under subparagraph (A) shall specifically identify the measures that focus on capital cases, national security cases, sexual assault cases, and proceedings of military commissions.

(5) The independent views of each Judge Advocate General and of the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps as to the sufficiency of resources available within the respective armed forces, including total workforce, funding, training, and officer and enlisted grade structure, to capably perform military justice functions.

(6) Such other matters regarding the operation of this chapter as may be appropriate.

(c) Submission.—Each report under this section shall be submitted—

(1) to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and

(2) to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXII, §5522, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2964; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §542(d), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3612; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §566(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1904.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 118–159, §566(a), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (5) as (3) to (6), respectively.

2021—Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 116–283 added subpar. (D).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.

CHAPTER 47A—MILITARY COMMISSIONS

        

        

Editorial Notes

Codification

This chapter was originally added by Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2600, and amended by Pub. L. 110–181, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 3. This chapter is shown here, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2574, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(10), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983, substituted "VII. Post-Trial Procedure and Review of Military Commissions" for "VII. Post-Trial Procedures and Review of Military Commissions ... 950a." in item relating to subchapter VII.

¹ Starting section number editorially supplied.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

§948a. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) Alien.—The term "alien" means an individual who is not a citizen of the United States.

(2) Classified information.—The term "classified information" means the following:

(A) Any information or material that has been determined by the United States Government pursuant to statute, Executive order, or regulation to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security.

(B) Any restricted data, as that term is defined in section 11 y. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(y)).

(3) Coalition partner.—The term "coalition partner", with respect to hostilities engaged in by the United States, means any State or armed force directly engaged along with the United States in such hostilities or providing direct operational support to the United States in connection with such hostilities.

(4) Geneva convention relative to the treatment of prisoners of war.—The term "Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War" means the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, done at Geneva August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3316).

(5) Geneva conventions.—The term "Geneva Conventions" means the international conventions signed at Geneva on August 12, 1949.

(6) Privileged belligerent.—The term "privileged belligerent" means an individual belonging to one of the eight categories enumerated in Article 4 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

(7) Unprivileged enemy belligerent.—The term "unprivileged enemy belligerent" means an individual (other than a privileged belligerent) who—

(A) has engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners;

(B) has purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners; or

(C) was a part of al Qaeda at the time of the alleged offense under this chapter.

(8) National security.—The term "national security" means the national defense and foreign relations of the United States.

(9) Hostilities.—The term "hostilities" means any conflict subject to the laws of war.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2574.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948a, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2601, related to definitions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1801, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2574, provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter, amending sections 802 and 839 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 801 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Commissions Act of 2009'."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–366, §1(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2600, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Military Commissions Act of 2006'."

Prohibition on Enforcement of Military Commission Rulings Preventing Members of the Armed Forces From Carrying Out Otherwise Lawful Duties Based on Member Sex

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title X, §1056, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2400, provided that:

"(a) Prohibition.—No order, ruling, finding, or other determination of a military commission may be construed or implemented to prohibit or restrict a member of the Armed Forces from carrying out duties otherwise lawfully assigned to such member to the extent that the basis for such prohibition or restriction is the sex of such member.

"(b) Applicability to Prior Orders, etc..—The prohibition or restriction described in subsection (a) shall, upon motion, apply to any order, ruling, finding, or other determination described in that subsection that was issued before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016] in a military commission and is still effective as of the date of such motion.

"(c) Military Commission Defined.—In this section, the term 'military commission' means a military commission established under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, and any military commission otherwise established or convened by law."

Proceedings Under Prior Statute

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1804, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612, provided that:

"(a) Prior Convictions.—The amendment made by section 1802 [generally amending this chapter] shall have no effect on the validity of any conviction pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as such chapter was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009]).

"(b) Composition of Military Commissions.—Notwithstanding the amendment made by section 1802—

"(1) any commission convened pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as such chapter was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been convened pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1802);

"(2) any member of the Armed Forces detailed to serve on a commission pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been detailed pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended);

"(3) any military judge detailed to a commission pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been detailed pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended);

"(4) any trial counsel or defense counsel detailed for a commission pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been detailed pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended);

"(5) any court reporters detailed to or employed by a commission pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been detailed or employed pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended); and

"(6) any appellate military judge or other duly appointed appellate judge on the Court of Military Commission Review pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been detailed or appointed to the United States Court of Military Commission Review pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended).

"(c) Charges and Specifications.—Notwithstanding the amendment made by section 1802—

"(1) any charges or specifications sworn or referred pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as such chapter was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be deemed to have been sworn or referred pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1802); and

"(2) any charges or specifications described in paragraph (1) may be amended, without prejudice, as needed to properly allege jurisdiction under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended), and crimes triable under such chapter.

"(d) Procedures and Requirements.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in subsections (a) through (c) and subject to paragraph (2), any commission convened pursuant to chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as such chapter was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), shall be conducted after the date of the enactment of this Act in accordance with the procedures and requirements of chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1802).

"(2) Temporary continuation of prior procedures and requirements.—Any military commission described in paragraph (1) may be conducted in accordance with any procedures and requirements of chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act), that are not inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, (as so amended), until the earlier of—

"(A) the date of the submittal to Congress under section 1805 of the revised rules for military commissions under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as so amended); or

"(B) the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Submittal to Congress of Revised Rules for Military Commissions

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1805, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2614, provided that:

"(a) Deadline for Submittal.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the revised rules for military commissions prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1802).

"(b) Treatment of Revised Rules Under Requirement for Notice and Wait Regarding Modification of Rules.—The revised rules submitted to Congress under subsection (a) shall not be treated as a modification of the rules in effect for military commissions for purposes of section 949a(d) of title 10, United States Code (as so amended)."

Annual Reports to Congress on Trials by Military Commission

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1806, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2614, provided that:

"(a) Annual Reports Required.—Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on any trials conducted by military commissions under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 1802), during the preceding year.

"(b) Form.—Each report under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex."

[For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of annual reporting provisions in section 1806 of Pub. L. 111–84, set out above, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.]

Construction of Presidential Authority To Establish Military Commissions

Pub. L. 109–366, §2, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2600, provided that: "The authority to establish military commissions under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 3(a), may not be construed to alter or limit the authority of the President under the Constitution of the United States and laws of the United States to establish military commissions for areas declared to be under martial law or in occupied territories should circumstances so require."

§948b. Military commissions generally

(a) Purpose.—This chapter establishes procedures governing the use of military commissions to try alien unprivileged enemy belligerents for violations of the law of war and other offenses triable by military commission.

(b) Authority for Military Commissions Under This Chapter.—The President is authorized to establish military commissions under this chapter for offenses triable by military commission as provided in this chapter.

(c) Construction of Provisions.—The procedures for military commissions set forth in this chapter are based upon the procedures for trial by general courts-martial under chapter 47 of this title (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). Chapter 47 of this title does not, by its terms, apply to trial by military commission except as specifically provided therein or in this chapter, and many of the provisions of chapter 47 of this title are by their terms inapplicable to military commissions. The judicial construction and application of chapter 47 of this title, while instructive, is therefore not of its own force binding on military commissions established under this chapter.

(d) Inapplicability of Certain Provisions.—(1) The following provisions of this title shall not apply to trial by military commission under this chapter:

(A) Section 810 (article 10 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to speedy trial, including any rule of courts-martial relating to speedy trial.

(B) Sections 831(a), (b), and (d) (articles 31(a), (b), and (d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to compulsory self-incrimination.

(C) Section 832 (article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to preliminary hearing.

(2) Other provisions of chapter 47 of this title shall apply to trial by military commission under this chapter only to the extent provided by the terms of such provisions or by this chapter.

(e) Geneva Conventions Not Establishing Private Right of Action.—No alien unprivileged enemy belligerent subject to trial by military commission under this chapter may invoke the Geneva Conventions as a basis for a private right of action.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2575; amended Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(E), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948b, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2602, related to military commissions generally, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "preliminary hearing" for "pretrial investigation".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13425. Trial of Alien Unlawful Enemy Combatants by Military Commission

Ex. Ord. No. 13425, Feb. 14, 2007, 72 F.R. 7737, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–366), the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40), and section 948b(b) of title 10, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of Military Commissions. There are hereby established military commissions to try alien unlawful enemy combatants for offenses triable by military commission as provided in chapter 47A of title 10.

Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this order:

(a) "unlawful enemy combatant" has the meaning provided for that term in section 948a(1) of title 10; and

(b) "alien" means a person who is not a citizen of the United States.

Sec. 3. Supersedure. This order supersedes any provision of the President's Military Order of November 13, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 57,833), that relates to trial by military commission, specifically including:

(a) section 4 of the Military Order; and

(b) any requirement in section 2 of the Military Order, as it relates to trial by military commission, for a determination of:

(i) reason to believe specified matters; or

(ii) the interest of the United States.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall provide such information and assistance to the Secretary of Defense as may be necessary to implement this order and chapter 47A of title 10.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

George W. Bush.      

§948c. Persons subject to military commissions

Any alien unprivileged enemy belligerent is subject to trial by military commission as set forth in this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2576.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948c, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2602, related to persons subject to military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948d. Jurisdiction of military commissions

A military commission under this chapter shall have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any offense made punishable by this chapter, sections 904 and 906 of this title (articles 104 and 106 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or the law of war, whether such offense was committed before, on, or after September 11, 2001, and may, under such limitations as the President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this chapter, including the penalty of death when specifically authorized under this chapter. A military commission is a competent tribunal to make a finding sufficient for jurisdiction.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2576.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948d, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2603, related to jurisdiction of military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

A prior section 948e, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2603, which required the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to congressional committees, was omitted in the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84. See section 1806 of Pub. L. 111–84, set out as a note under section 948a of this title.

SUBCHAPTER II—COMPOSITION OF MILITARY COMMISSIONS

        

§948h. Who may convene military commissions

Military commissions under this chapter may be convened by the Secretary of Defense or by any officer or official of the United States designated by the Secretary for that purpose.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2576.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948h, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2603, related to who may convene military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948i. Who may serve on military commissions

(a) In General.—Any commissioned officer of the armed forces on active duty is eligible to serve on a military commission under this chapter, including commissioned officers of the reserve components of the armed forces on active duty, commissioned officers of the National Guard on active duty in Federal service, or retired commissioned officers recalled to active duty.

(b) Detail of Members.—When convening a military commission under this chapter, the convening authority shall detail as members thereof such members of the armed forces eligible under subsection (a) who, in the opinion of the convening authority, are best qualified for the duty by reason of age, education, training, experience, length of service, and judicial temperament. No member of an armed force is eligible to serve as a member of a military commission when such member is the accuser or a witness for the prosecution or has acted as an investigator or counsel in the same case.

(c) Excuse of Members.—Before a military commission under this chapter is assembled for the trial of a case, the convening authority may excuse a member from participating in the case.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2576.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948i, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2603, related to who may serve on military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948j. Military judge of a military commission

(a) Detail of Military Judge.—A military judge shall be detailed to each military commission under this chapter. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which military judges are so detailed to military commissions. The military judge shall preside over each military commission to which such military judge has been detailed.

(b) Eligibility.—A military judge shall be a commissioned officer of the armed forces who is a member of the bar of a Federal court, or a member of the bar of the highest court of a State, and who is certified to be qualified for duty under section 826 of this title (article 26 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) as a military judge of general courts-martial by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which such military judge is a member.

(c) Ineligibility of Certain Individuals.—No person is eligible to act as military judge in a case of a military commission under this chapter if such person is the accuser or a witness or has acted as investigator or a counsel in the same case.

(d) Consultation With Members; Ineligibility to Vote.—A military judge detailed to a military commission under this chapter may not consult with the members except in the presence of the accused (except as otherwise provided in section 949d of this title), trial counsel, and defense counsel, nor may such military judge vote with the members.

(e) Other Duties.—A commissioned officer who is certified to be qualified for duty as a military judge of a military commission under this chapter may perform such other duties as are assigned to such officer by or with the approval of the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which such officer is a member or the designee of such Judge Advocate General.

(f) Prohibition on Evaluation of Fitness by Convening Authority.—The convening authority of a military commission under this chapter may not prepare or review any report concerning the effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency of a military judge detailed to the military commission which relates to such judge's performance of duty as a military judge on the military commission.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2577.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948j, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2604, related to military judges of military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948k. Detail of trial counsel and defense counsel

(a) Detail of Counsel Generally.—(1) Trial counsel and military defense counsel shall be detailed for each military commission under this chapter.

(2) Assistant trial counsel and assistant and associate defense counsel may be detailed for a military commission under this chapter.

(3) Military defense counsel for a military commission under this chapter shall be detailed as soon as practicable.

(4) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations providing for the manner in which trial counsel and military defense counsel are detailed for military commissions under this chapter and for the persons who are authorized to detail such counsel for such military commissions.

(b) Trial Counsel.—Subject to subsection (e), a trial counsel detailed for a military commission under this chapter shall be—

(1) a judge advocate (as that term is defined in section 801 of this title (article 1 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)) who is—

(A) a graduate of an accredited law school or a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(B) certified as competent to perform duties as trial counsel before general courts-martial by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which such judge advocate is a member; or

(2) a civilian who is—

(A) a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(B) otherwise qualified to practice before the military commission pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(c) Defense Counsel.—(1) Subject to subsection (e), a military defense counsel detailed for a military commission under this chapter shall be a judge advocate (as so defined) who is—

(A) a graduate of an accredited law school or a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(B) certified as competent to perform duties as defense counsel before general courts-martial by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which such judge advocate is a member.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the appointment and performance of defense counsel in capital cases under this chapter.

(d) Chief Prosecutor; Chief Defense Counsel.—(1) The Chief Prosecutor in a military commission under this chapter shall meet the requirements set forth in subsection (b)(1).

(2) The Chief Defense Counsel in a military commission under this chapter shall meet the requirements set forth in subsection (c)(1).

(e) Ineligibility of Certain Individuals.—No person who has acted as an investigator, military judge, or member of a military commission under this chapter in any case may act later as trial counsel or military defense counsel in the same case. No person who has acted for the prosecution before a military commission under this chapter may act later in the same case for the defense, nor may any person who has acted for the defense before a military commission under this chapter act later in the same case for the prosecution.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2577.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948k, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2604, related to detail of trial counsel and defense counsel, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Grade of Chief Prosecutor and Chief Defense Counsel in Military Commissions Established To Try Individuals Detained at Guantanamo

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1037, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 854, provided that:

"(a) In General.—For purposes of any military commission established under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, to try an alien unprivileged enemy belligerent (as such terms are defined in section 948a of such title) who is detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the chief defense counsel and the chief prosecutor shall have the same grade (as that term is defined in section 101(b)(7) of such title).

"(b) Waiver.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may temporarily waive the requirement specified in subsection (a), if the Secretary determines that compliance with such subsection would—

"(A) be infeasible due to a non-availability of qualified officers of the same grade to fill the billets of chief defense counsel and chief prosecutor; or

"(B) cause a significant disruption to proceedings established under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) Reports.—Not later than 30 days after the Secretary issues a waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the following:

"(A) A copy of the waiver and the determination of the Secretary to issue the waiver.

"(B) A statement of the basis for the determination, including an explanation of the non-availability of qualified officers or the significant disruption concerned.

"(C) Notice of the time period during which the waiver is in effect.

"(c) Guidance.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to ensure that the office of the chief defense counsel and the office of the chief prosecutor receive equitable resources, personnel support, and logistical support for conducting their respective duties in connection with any military commission established under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, to try an alien unprivileged enemy belligerent (as such terms are defined in section 948a of such title) who is detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."

§948l. Detail or employment of reporters and interpreters

(a) Court Reporters.—Under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, the convening authority of a military commission under this chapter shall detail to or employ for the military commission qualified court reporters, who shall prepare a verbatim record of the proceedings of and testimony taken before the military commission.

(b) Interpreters.—Under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, the convening authority of a military commission under this chapter may detail to or employ for the military commission interpreters who shall interpret for the military commission, and, as necessary, for trial counsel and defense counsel for the military commission, and for the accused.

(c) Transcript; Record.—The transcript of a military commission under this chapter shall be under the control of the convening authority of the military commission, who shall also be responsible for preparing the record of the proceedings of the military commission.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2578.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948l, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2605, related to detail or employment of reporters and interpreters, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948m. Number of members; excuse of members; absent and additional members

(a) Number of Members.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a military commission under this chapter shall have at least five primary members and as many alternate members as the convening authority shall detail. Alternate members shall be designated in the order in which they will replace an excused primary member.

(2) In a case in which the accused before a military commission under this chapter may be sentenced to a penalty of death, the military commission shall have the number of primary members prescribed by section 949m(c) of this title.

(b) Primary Members.—Primary members of a military commission under this chapter are voting members.

(c) Alternate Members.—(1) A military commission may include alternate members to replace primary members who are excused from service on the commission.

(2) Whenever a primary member is excused from service on the commission, an alternate member, if available, shall replace the excused primary member and the trial may proceed.

(d) Excuse of Members.—No primary or alternate member of a military commission under this chapter may be absent or excused after the military commission has been assembled for the trial of a case unless excused—

(1) as a result of challenge;

(2) by the military judge for physical disability or other good cause;

(3) by order of the convening authority for good cause; or

(4) in the case of an alternate member, in order to reduce the number of alternate members required for service on the commission, as determined by the convening authority.

(e) Absent and Additional Members.—Whenever the number of primary members of a military commission under this chapter is reduced below the number of primary members required by subsection (a) and there are no remaining alternate members to replace the excused primary members, the trial may not proceed unless the convening authority details new members sufficient to provide not less than such number. The trial may proceed with the new members present after the recorded evidence previously introduced before the members has been read to the military commission in the presence of the military judge, the accused (except as provided in section 949d of this title), and counsel for both sides. An alternate member who was present for the introduction of all evidence shall not be considered to be a new or additional member.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2579; amended Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1031(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 849.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948m, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2606, related to number of members, excuse of members, and absent and additional members of a military commission, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(a)(1)(A), substituted "at least five primary members and as many alternate members as the convening authority shall detail" for "at least five members" and inserted at end "Alternate members shall be designated in the order in which they will replace an excused primary member."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(a)(1)(B), inserted "primary" before "members".

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(a)(2)(B), added subsecs. (b) and (c). Former subsecs. (b) and (c) redesignated (d) and (e), respectively.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(a)(2)(A), (3), redesignated subsec. (b) as (d), inserted "primary or alternate" before "member" in introductory provisions, and added par. (4).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(a)(2)(A), (4), redesignated subsec. (c) as (e), substituted "Whenever the number of primary members of a military commission under this chapter is reduced below the number of primary members required by subsection (a) and there are no remaining alternate members to replace the excused primary members" for "Whenever a military commission under this chapter is reduced below the number of members required by subsection (a)", and inserted at end "An alternate member who was present for the introduction of all evidence shall not be considered to be a new or additional member."

SUBCHAPTER III—PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE

        

§948q. Charges and specifications

(a) Charges and Specifications.—Charges and specifications against an accused in a military commission under this chapter shall be signed by a person subject to chapter 47 of this title under oath before a commissioned officer of the armed forces authorized to administer oaths and shall state—

(1) that the signer has personal knowledge of, or reason to believe, the matters set forth therein; and

(2) that such matters are true in fact to the best of the signer's knowledge and belief.

(b) Notice to Accused.—Upon the swearing of the charges and specifications in accordance with subsection (a), the accused shall be informed of the charges and specifications against the accused as soon as practicable.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2579.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948q, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2606, related to charges and specifications, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948r. Exclusion of statements obtained by torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; prohibition of self-incrimination; admission of other statements of the accused

(a) Exclusion of Statements Obtain by Torture or Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment.—No statement obtained by the use of torture or by cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (as defined by section 1003 of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 2000dd)), whether or not under color of law, shall be admissible in a military commission under this chapter, except against a person accused of torture or such treatment as evidence that the statement was made.

(b) Self-incrimination Prohibited.—No person shall be required to testify against himself or herself at a proceeding of a military commission under this chapter.

(c) Other Statements of the Accused.—A statement of the accused may be admitted in evidence in a military commission under this chapter only if the military judge finds—

(1) that the totality of the circumstances renders the statement reliable and possessing sufficient probative value; and

(2) that—

(A) the statement was made incident to lawful conduct during military operations at the point of capture or during closely related active combat engagement, and the interests of justice would best be served by admission of the statement into evidence; or

(B) the statement was voluntarily given.

(d) Determination of Voluntariness.—In determining for purposes of subsection (c)(2)(B) whether a statement was voluntarily given, the military judge shall consider the totality of the circumstances, including, as appropriate, the following:

(1) The details of the taking of the statement, accounting for the circumstances of the conduct of military and intelligence operations during hostilities.

(2) The characteristics of the accused, such as military training, age, and education level.

(3) The lapse of time, change of place, or change in identity of the questioners between the statement sought to be admitted and any prior questioning of the accused.

(Added by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2580.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948r, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2607; amended Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(4), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 321, related to prohibition of compulsory self-incrimination and treatment of statements obtained by torture and other statements, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§948s. Service of charges

The trial counsel assigned to a case before a military commission under this chapter shall cause to be served upon the accused and military defense counsel a copy of the charges upon which trial is to be had in English and, if appropriate, in another language that the accused understands, sufficiently in advance of trial to prepare a defense.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2580.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 948s, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2607, related to service of charges, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

SUBCHAPTER IV—TRIAL PROCEDURE

        

§949a. Rules

(a) Procedures and Rules of Evidence.—Pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures, including elements and modes of proof, for cases triable by military commission under this chapter may be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Such procedures may not be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 47 of this title, the procedures and rules of evidence applicable in trials by general courts-martial of the United States shall apply in trials by military commission under this chapter.

(b) Exceptions.—(1) In trials by military commission under this chapter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Attorney General, may make such exceptions in the applicability of the procedures and rules of evidence otherwise applicable in general courts-martial as may be required by the unique circumstances of the conduct of military and intelligence operations during hostilities or by other practical need consistent with this chapter.

(2) Notwithstanding any exceptions authorized by paragraph (1), the procedures and rules of evidence in trials by military commission under this chapter shall include, at a minimum, the following rights of the accused:

(A) To present evidence in the accused's defense, to cross-examine the witnesses who testify against the accused, and to examine and respond to all evidence admitted against the accused on the issue of guilt or innocence and for sentencing, as provided for by this chapter.

(B) To be present at all sessions of the military commission (other than those for deliberations or voting), except when excluded under section 949d of this title.

(C)(i) When none of the charges sworn against the accused are capital, to be represented before a military commission by civilian counsel if provided at no expense to the Government, and by either the defense counsel detailed or the military counsel of the accused's own selection, if reasonably available.

(ii) When any of the charges sworn against the accused are capital, to be represented before a military commission in accordance with clause (i) and, to the greatest extent practicable, by at least one additional counsel who is learned in applicable law relating to capital cases and who, if necessary, may be a civilian and compensated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(D) To self-representation, if the accused knowingly and competently waives the assistance of counsel, subject to the provisions of paragraph (4).

(E) To the suppression of evidence that is not reliable or probative.

(F) To the suppression of evidence the probative value of which is substantially outweighed by—

(i) the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the members; or

(ii) considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.

(3) In making exceptions in the applicability in trials by military commission under this chapter from the procedures and rules otherwise applicable in general courts-martial, the Secretary of Defense may provide the following:

(A) Evidence seized outside the United States shall not be excluded from trial by military commission on the grounds that the evidence was not seized pursuant to a search warrant or authorization.

(B) A statement of the accused that is otherwise admissible shall not be excluded from trial by military commission on grounds of alleged coercion or compulsory self-incrimination so long as the evidence complies with the provisions of section 948r of this title.

(C) Evidence shall be admitted as authentic so long as—

(i) the military judge of the military commission determines that there is sufficient evidence that the evidence is what it is claimed to be; and

(ii) the military judge instructs the members that they may consider any issue as to authentication or identification of evidence in determining the weight, if any, to be given to the evidence.

(D) Hearsay evidence not otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence applicable in trial by general courts-martial may be admitted in a trial by military commission only if—

(i) the proponent of the evidence makes known to the adverse party, sufficiently in advance to provide the adverse party with a fair opportunity to meet the evidence, the proponent's intention to offer the evidence, and the particulars of the evidence (including information on the circumstances under which the evidence was obtained); and

(ii) the military judge, after taking into account all of the circumstances surrounding the taking of the statement, including the degree to which the statement is corroborated, the indicia of reliability within the statement itself, and whether the will of the declarant was overborne, determines that—

(I) the statement is offered as evidence of a material fact;

(II) the statement is probative on the point for which it is offered;

(III) direct testimony from the witness is not available as a practical matter, taking into consideration the physical location of the witness, the unique circumstances of military and intelligence operations during hostilities, and the adverse impacts on military or intelligence operations that would likely result from the production of the witness; and

(IV) the general purposes of the rules of evidence and the interests of justice will best be served by admission of the statement into evidence.

(4)(A) The accused in a military commission under this chapter who exercises the right to self-representation under paragraph (2)(D) shall conform the accused's deportment and the conduct of the defense to the rules of evidence, procedure, and decorum applicable to trials by military commission.

(B) Failure of the accused to conform to the rules described in subparagraph (A) may result in a partial or total revocation by the military judge of the right of self-representation under paragraph (2)(D). In such case, the military counsel of the accused or an appropriately authorized civilian counsel shall perform the functions necessary for the defense.

(c) Delegation of Authority To Prescribe Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense may delegate the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations under this chapter.

(d) Notice to Congress of Modification of Rules.—Not later than 60 days before the date on which any proposed modification of the rules in effect for military commissions under this chapter goes into effect, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report describing the proposed modification.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2581; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1034(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1572.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949a, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2608, related to rules, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 112–81 substituted "sworn" for "preferred".

§949b. Unlawfully influencing action of military commission and United States Court of Military Commission Review

(a) Military Commissions.—(1) No authority convening a military commission under this chapter may censure, reprimand, or admonish the military commission, or any member, military judge, or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the military commission, or with respect to any other exercises of its or their functions in the conduct of the proceedings.

(2) No person may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence—

(A) the action of a military commission under this chapter, or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case;

(B) the action of any convening, approving, or reviewing authority with respect to their judicial acts; or

(C) the exercise of professional judgment by trial counsel or defense counsel.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply with respect to—

(A) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command in the substantive and procedural aspects of military commissions; or

(B) statements and instructions given in open proceedings by a military judge or counsel.

(b) United States Court of Military Commission Review.—(1) No person may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence—

(A) the action of a judge on the United States Court of Military Commissions Review in reaching a decision on the findings or sentence on appeal in any case; or

(B) the exercise of professional judgment by trial counsel or defense counsel appearing before the United States Court of Military Commission Review.

(2) No person may censure, reprimand, or admonish a judge on the United States Court of Military Commission Review, or counsel thereof, with respect to any exercise of their functions in the conduct of proceedings under this chapter.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply with respect to—

(A) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command in the substantive and procedural aspects of military commissions; or

(B) statements and instructions given in open proceedings by a judge on the United States Court of Military Commission Review, or counsel.

(4) No appellate military judge on the United States Court of Military Commission Review may be reassigned to other duties, except under circumstances as follows:

(A) The appellate military judge voluntarily requests to be reassigned to other duties and the Secretary of Defense, or the designee of the Secretary, in consultation with the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the appellate military judge is a member, approves such reassignment.

(B) The appellate military judge retires or otherwise separates from the armed forces.

(C) The appellate military judge is reassigned to other duties by the Secretary of Defense, or the designee of the Secretary, in consultation with the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the appellate military judge is a member, based on military necessity and such reassignment is consistent with service rotation regulations (to the extent such regulations are applicable).

(D) The appellate military judge is withdrawn by the Secretary of Defense, or the designee of the Secretary, in consultation with the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which the appellate military judge is a member, for good cause consistent with applicable procedures under chapter 47 of this title (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

(c) Prohibition on Consideration of Actions on Commission in Evaluation of Fitness.—In the preparation of an effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency report or any other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of determining whether a commissioned officer of the armed forces is qualified to be advanced in grade, or in determining the assignment or transfer of any such officer or whether any such officer should be retained on active duty, no person may—

(1) consider or evaluate the performance of duty of any member of a military commission under this chapter; or

(2) give a less favorable rating or evaluation to any commissioned officer because of the zeal with which such officer, in acting as counsel, represented any accused before a military commission under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2583; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1034(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1573.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949b, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2609, related to unlawfully influencing action of military commission, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(b)(1), substituted "a judge on" for "a military appellate judge or other duly appointed judge under this chapter on".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(b)(2), substituted "a judge on" for "a military appellate judge on".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(b)(3), substituted "a judge on" for "an appellate military judge or a duly appointed appellate judge on".

§949c. Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel

(a) Trial Counsel.—The trial counsel of a military commission under this chapter shall prosecute in the name of the United States.

(b) Defense Counsel.—(1) The accused shall be represented in the accused's defense before a military commission under this chapter as provided in this subsection.

(2) The accused may be represented by military counsel detailed under section 948k of this title or by military counsel of the accused's own selection, if reasonably available.

(3) The accused may be represented by civilian counsel if retained by the accused, provided that such civilian counsel—

(A) is a United States citizen;

(B) is admitted to the practice of law in a State, district, or possession of the United States, or before a Federal court;

(C) has not been the subject of any sanction of disciplinary action by any court, bar, or other competent governmental authority for relevant misconduct;

(D) has been determined to be eligible for access to information classified at the level Secret or higher; and

(E) has signed a written agreement to comply with all applicable regulations or instructions for counsel, including any rules of court for conduct during the proceedings.

(4) If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel shall act as associate counsel.

(5) The accused is not entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel. However, the person authorized under regulations prescribed under section 948k of this title to detail counsel, in such person's sole discretion, may detail additional military counsel to represent the accused.

(6) Defense counsel may cross-examine each witness for the prosecution who testifies before a military commission under this chapter.

(7) Civilian defense counsel shall protect any classified information received during the course of representation of the accused in accordance with all applicable law governing the protection of classified information, and may not divulge such information to any person not authorized to receive it.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2585.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949c, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2610, related to duties of trial counsel and defense counsel, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949d. Sessions

(a) Sessions Without Presence of Members.—(1) At any time after the service of charges which have been referred for trial by military commission under this chapter, the military judge may call the military commission into session without the presence of the members for the purpose of—

(A) hearing and determining motions raising defenses or objections which are capable of determination without trial of the issues raised by a plea of not guilty;

(B) hearing and ruling upon any matter which may be ruled upon by the military judge under this chapter, whether or not the matter is appropriate for later consideration or decision by the members;

(C) if permitted by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, receiving the pleas of the accused; and

(D) performing any other procedural function which may be performed by the military judge under this chapter or under rules prescribed pursuant to section 949a of this title and which does not require the presence of the members.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), any proceedings under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in the presence of the accused, defense counsel, and trial counsel, and shall be made part of the record.

(b) Deliberation or Vote of Members.—When the members of a military commission under this chapter deliberate or vote, only the members may be present.

(c) Closure of Proceedings.—(1) The military judge may close to the public all or part of the proceedings of a military commission under this chapter.

(2) The military judge may close to the public all or a portion of the proceedings under paragraph (1) only upon making a specific finding that such closure is necessary to—

(A) protect information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security, including intelligence or law enforcement sources, methods, or activities; or

(B) ensure the physical safety of individuals.

(3) A finding under paragraph (2) may be based upon a presentation, including a presentation ex parte or in camera, by either trial counsel or defense counsel.

(d) Exclusion of Accused From Certain Proceedings.—The military judge may exclude the accused from any portion of a proceeding upon a determination that, after being warned by the military judge, the accused persists in conduct that justifies exclusion from the courtroom—

(1) to ensure the physical safety of individuals; or

(2) to prevent disruption of the proceedings by the accused.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2585.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949d, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2611, related to sessions of military commissions, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949e. Continuances

The military judge in a military commission under this chapter may, for reasonable cause, grant a continuance to any party for such time, and as often, as may appear to be just.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2586.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949e, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2613, related to continuances, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949f. Challenges

(a) Challenges Authorized.—The military judge and primary or alternate members of a military commission under this chapter may be challenged by the accused or trial counsel for cause stated to the military commission. The military judge shall determine the relevance and validity of challenges for cause, and may not receive a challenge to more than one person at a time. Challenges by trial counsel shall ordinarily be presented and decided before those by the accused are offered.

(b) Peremptory Challenges.—The accused and trial counsel are each entitled to one peremptory challenge, but the military judge may not be challenged except for cause. Nothing in this section prohibits the military judge from awarding to each party such additional peremptory challenges as may be required in the interests of justice.

(c) Challenges Against Additional Members.—Whenever additional members are detailed to a military commission under this chapter, and after any challenges for cause against such additional members are presented and decided, the accused and trial counsel are each entitled to one peremptory challenge against members not previously subject to peremptory challenge.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2586; amended Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1031(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 850.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949f, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2613, related to challenges, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(b)(1), inserted "primary or alternate" before "members".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(b)(2), inserted at end "Nothing in this section prohibits the military judge from awarding to each party such additional peremptory challenges as may be required in the interests of justice."

§949g. Oaths

(a) In General.—(1) Before performing their respective duties in a military commission under this chapter, military judges, members, trial counsel, defense counsel, reporters, and interpreters shall take an oath to perform their duties faithfully.

(2) The form of the oath required by paragraph (1), the time and place of the taking thereof, the manner of recording thereof, and whether the oath shall be taken for all cases in which duties are to be performed or for a particular case, shall be as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The regulations may provide that—

(A) an oath to perform faithfully duties as a military judge, trial counsel, or defense counsel may be taken at any time by any judge advocate or other person certified to be qualified or competent for the duty; and

(B) if such an oath is taken, such oath need not again be taken at the time the judge advocate or other person is detailed to that duty.

(b) Witnesses.—Each witness before a military commission under this chapter shall be examined on oath.

(c) Oath Defined.—In this section, the term "oath" includes an affirmation.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2587.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949g, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2613, related to oaths, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949h. Former jeopardy

(a) In General.—No person may, without the person's consent, be tried by a military commission under this chapter a second time for the same offense.

(b) Scope of Trial.—No proceeding in which the accused has been found guilty by military commission under this chapter upon any charge or specification is a trial in the sense of this section until the finding of guilty has become final after review of the case has been fully completed.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2587.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949h, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2614, related to former jeopardy, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949i. Pleas of the accused

(a) Plea of Not Guilty.—If an accused in a military commission under this chapter after a plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it appears that the accused has entered the plea of guilty through lack of understanding of its meaning and effect, or if the accused fails or refuses to plead, a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the military commission shall proceed as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.

(b) Finding of Guilt After Guilty Plea.—With respect to any charge or specification to which a plea of guilty has been made by the accused in a military commission under this chapter and accepted by the military judge, including a charge or specification that has been referred capital, a finding of guilty of the charge or specification may be entered by the military judge immediately without a vote by the members. The finding shall constitute the finding of the military commission unless the plea of guilty is withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.

(c) Pre-Trial Agreements.—(1) A plea of guilty made by the accused that is accepted by a military judge under subsection (b) and not withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence may form the basis for an agreement reducing the maximum sentence approved by the convening authority, including the reduction of a sentence of death to a lesser punishment, or that the case will be referred to a military commission under this chapter without seeking the penalty of death. Such an agreement may provide for terms and conditions in addition to a guilty plea by the accused in order to be effective.

(2) A plea agreement under this subsection may not provide for a sentence of death imposed by a military judge alone. A sentence of death may only be imposed by the unanimous vote of all members of a military commission concurring in the sentence of death as provided in section 949m(b)(2)(D) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2587; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1030(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1570; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(f)(9), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3510.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949i, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2614, related to pleas of the accused, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted a comma for ",," after "referred capital".

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–81, §1030(b)(1), in the first sentence, inserted ", including a charge or specification that has been referred capital," after "military judge", "by the military judge" after "may be entered", and "by the members" after "vote".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §1030(b)(2), added subsec. (c).

§949j. Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence

(a) In General.—(1) Defense counsel in a military commission under this chapter shall have a reasonable opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The opportunity to obtain witnesses and evidence shall be comparable to the opportunity available to a criminal defendant in a court of the United States under article III of the Constitution.

(2) Process issued in military commissions under this chapter to compel witnesses to appear and testify and to compel the production of other evidence—

(A) shall be similar to that which courts of the United States having criminal jurisdiction may lawfully issue; and

(B) shall run to any place where the United States shall have jurisdiction thereof.

(b) Disclosure of Exculpatory Evidence.—(1) As soon as practicable, trial counsel in a military commission under this chapter shall disclose to the defense the existence of any evidence that reasonably tends to—

(A) negate the guilt of the accused of an offense charged; or

(B) reduce the degree of guilt of the accused with respect to an offense charged.

(2) The trial counsel shall, as soon as practicable, disclose to the defense the existence of evidence that reasonably tends to impeach the credibility of a witness whom the government intends to call at trial.

(3) The trial counsel shall, as soon as practicable upon a finding of guilt, disclose to the defense the existence of evidence that is not subject to paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) but that reasonably may be viewed as mitigation evidence at sentencing.

(4) The disclosure obligations under this subsection encompass evidence that is known or reasonably should be known to any government officials who participated in the investigation and prosecution of the case against the defendant.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2587.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949j, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2614, related to the opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949k. Defense of lack of mental responsibility

(a) Affirmative Defense.—It is an affirmative defense in a trial by military commission under this chapter that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the accused, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of the acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense.

(b) Burden of Proof.—The accused in a military commission under this chapter has the burden of proving the defense of lack of mental responsibility by clear and convincing evidence.

(c) Findings Following Assertion of Defense.—Whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue in a military commission under this chapter, the military judge shall instruct the members as to the defense of lack of mental responsibility under this section and shall charge the members to find the accused—

(1) guilty;

(2) not guilty; or

(3) subject to subsection (d), not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility.

(d) Majority Vote Required for Finding.—The accused shall be found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility under subsection (c)(3) only if a majority of the members present at the time the vote is taken determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2588.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949k, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2615, related to the defense of lack of mental responsibility, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949l. Voting and rulings

(a) Vote by Secret Written Ballot.—Voting by members of a military commission under this chapter on the findings and on the sentence shall be by secret written ballot.

(b) Rulings.—(1) The military judge in a military commission under this chapter shall rule upon all questions of law, including the admissibility of evidence and all interlocutory questions arising during the proceedings.

(2) Any ruling made by the military judge upon a question of law or an interlocutory question (other than the factual issue of mental responsibility of the accused) is conclusive and constitutes the ruling of the military commission. However, a military judge may change such a ruling at any time during the trial.

(c) Instructions Prior to Vote.—Before a vote is taken of the findings of a military commission under this chapter, the military judge shall, in the presence of the accused and counsel, instruct the members as to the elements of the offense and charge the members—

(1) that the accused must be presumed to be innocent until the accused's guilt is established by legal and competent evidence beyond a reasonable doubt;

(2) that in the case being considered, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused, the doubt must be resolved in favor of the accused and the accused must be acquitted;

(3) that, if there is reasonable doubt as to the degree of guilt, the finding must be in a lower degree as to which there is no reasonable doubt; and

(4) that the burden of proof to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt is upon the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2589.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949l, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2615, related to voting and rulings, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949m. Number of votes required

(a) Conviction.—No person may be convicted by a military commission under this chapter of any offense, except as provided in section 949i(b) of this title or by concurrence of two-thirds of the primary members present at the time the vote is taken.

(b) Sentences.—(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), sentences shall be determined by a military commission by the concurrence of two-thirds of the primary members present at the time the vote is taken.

(2) No person may be sentenced to death by a military commission, except insofar as—

(A) the penalty of death has been expressly authorized under this chapter, chapter 47 of this title, or the law of war for an offense of which the accused has been found guilty;

(B) trial counsel expressly sought the penalty of death by filing an appropriate notice in advance of trial;

(C) the accused was convicted of the offense by the concurrence of all the primary members present at the time the vote is taken, or a guilty plea was accepted and not withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence in accordance with section 949i(b) of this title; and

(D) all primary members present at the time the vote was taken on the sentence concurred in the sentence of death.

(3) No person may be sentenced to life imprisonment, or to confinement for more than 10 years, by a military commission under this chapter except by the concurrence of three-fourths of the primary members present at the time the vote is taken.

(4) The primary members present for a vote on a sentence need not be the same primary members who voted on the conviction if the requirements of section 948m(d) of this title are met.

(c) Number of Members Required for Penalty of Death.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in a case in which the penalty of death is sought, the number of primary members of the military commission under this chapter shall be not less than 12 primary members.

(2) In any case described in paragraph (1) in which 12 primary members are not reasonably available for a military commission because of physical conditions or military exigencies, the convening authority shall specify a lesser number of primary members for the military commission (but not fewer than 9 primary members), and the military commission may be assembled, and the trial held, with not less than the number of primary members so specified. In any such case, the convening authority shall make a detailed written statement, to be appended to the record, stating why a greater number of primary members were not reasonably available.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2589; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1030(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1570; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1031(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 850.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949m, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2616, related to number of votes required for conviction and sentences and number of members required on military commission for penalty of death, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(c)(1), inserted "primary" before "members" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–66, §1031(c)(2), added par. (4).

2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–81, §1030(a)(1), inserted before semicolon ", or a guilty plea was accepted and not withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence in accordance with section 949i(b) of this title".

Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 112–81, §1030(a)(2), inserted "on the sentence" after "vote was taken".

§949n. Military commission to announce action

A military commission under this chapter shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon as determined.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2590.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949n, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2617, required a military commission to announce its findings and sentence as soon as determined, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949o. Record of trial

(a) Record; Authentication.—Each military commission under this chapter shall keep a separate, verbatim, record of the proceedings in each case brought before it, and the record shall be authenticated by the signature of the military judge. If the record cannot be authenticated by the military judge by reason of death, disability, or absence, it shall be authenticated by the signature of the trial counsel or by a member of the commission if the trial counsel is unable to authenticate it by reason of death, disability, or absence. Where appropriate, and as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the record of a military commission under this chapter may contain a classified annex.

(b) Complete Record Required.—A complete record of the proceedings and testimony shall be prepared in every military commission under this chapter.

(c) Provision of Copy to Accused.—A copy of the record of the proceedings of the military commission under this chapter shall be given the accused as soon as it is authenticated. If the record contains classified information, or a classified annex, the accused shall receive a redacted version of the record consistent with the requirements of subchapter V of this chapter. Defense counsel shall have access to the unredacted record, as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2590.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949o, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2617, related to record of trial, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

SUBCHAPTER V—CLASSIFIED INFORMATION PROCEDURES

        

§949p–1. Protection of classified information: applicability of subchapter

(a) Protection of Classified Information.—Classified information shall be protected and is privileged from disclosure if disclosure would be detrimental to the national security. Under no circumstances may a military judge order the release of classified information to any person not authorized to receive such information.

(b) Access to Evidence.—Any information admitted into evidence pursuant to any rule, procedure, or order by the military judge shall be provided to the accused.

(c) Declassification.—Trial counsel shall work with the original classification authorities for evidence that may be used at trial to ensure that such evidence is declassified to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the requirements of national security. A decision not to declassify evidence under this section shall not be subject to review by a military commission or upon appeal.

(d) Construction of Provisions.—The judicial construction of the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.) shall be authoritative in the interpretation of this subchapter, except to the extent that such construction is inconsistent with the specific requirements of this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2590.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Classified Information Procedures Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 96–456, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2025, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

§949p–2. Pretrial conference

(a) Motion.—At any time after service of charges, any party may move for a pretrial conference to consider matters relating to classified information that may arise in connection with the prosecution.

(b) Conference.—Following a motion under subsection (a), or sua sponte, the military judge shall promptly hold a pretrial conference. Upon request by either party, the court shall hold such conference ex parte to the extent necessary to protect classified information from disclosure, in accordance with the practice of the Federal courts under the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.).

(c) Matters To Be Established at Pretrial Conference.—

(1) Timing of subsequent actions.—At the pretrial conference, the military judge shall establish the timing of—

(A) requests for discovery;

(B) the provision of notice required by section 949p–5 of this title; and

(C) the initiation of the procedure established by section 949p–6 of this title.

(2) Other matters.—At the pretrial conference, the military judge may also consider any matter—

(A) which relates to classified information; or

(B) which may promote a fair and expeditious trial.

(d) Effect of Admissions by Accused at Pretrial Conference.—No admission made by the accused or by any counsel for the accused at a pretrial conference under this section may be used against the accused unless the admission is in writing and is signed by the accused and by the counsel for the accused.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2591.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Classified Information Procedures Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 96–456, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2025, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

§949p–3. Protective orders

Upon motion of the trial counsel, the military judge shall issue an order to protect against the disclosure of any classified information that has been disclosed by the United States to any accused in any military commission under this chapter or that has otherwise been provided to, or obtained by, any such accused in any such military commission.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2591.)

§949p–4. Discovery of, and access to, classified information by the accused

(a) Limitations on Discovery or Access by the Accused.—

(1) Declarations by the united states of damage to national security.—In any case before a military commission in which the United States seeks to delete, withhold, or otherwise obtain other relief with respect to the discovery of or access to any classified information, the trial counsel shall submit a declaration invoking the United States' classified information privilege and setting forth the damage to the national security that the discovery of or access to such information reasonably could be expected to cause. The declaration shall be signed by a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information.

(2) Standard for authorization of discovery or access.—Upon the submission of a declaration under paragraph (1), the military judge may not authorize the discovery of or access to such classified information unless the military judge determines that such classified information would be noncumulative, relevant, and helpful to a legally cognizable defense, rebuttal of the prosecution's case, or to sentencing, in accordance with standards generally applicable to discovery of or access to classified information in Federal criminal cases. If the discovery of or access to such classified information is authorized, it shall be addressed in accordance with the requirements of subsection (b).

(b) Discovery of Classified Information.—

(1) Substitutions and other relief.—The military judge, in assessing the accused's discovery of or access to classified information under this section, may authorize the United States—

(A) to delete or withhold specified items of classified information;

(B) to substitute a summary for classified information; or

(C) to substitute a statement admitting relevant facts that the classified information or material would tend to prove.

(2) Ex parte presentations.—The military judge shall permit the trial counsel to make a request for an authorization under paragraph (1) in the form of an ex parte presentation to the extent necessary to protect classified information, in accordance with the practice of the Federal courts under the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.). If the military judge enters an order granting relief following such an ex parte showing, the entire presentation (including the text of any written submission, verbatim transcript of the ex parte oral conference or hearing, and any exhibits received by the court as part of the ex parte presentation) shall be sealed and preserved in the records of the military commission to be made available to the appellate court in the event of an appeal.

(3) Action by military judge.—The military judge shall grant the request of the trial counsel to substitute a summary or to substitute a statement admitting relevant facts, or to provide other relief in accordance with paragraph (1), if the military judge finds that the summary, statement, or other relief would provide the accused with substantially the same ability to make a defense as would discovery of or access to the specific classified information.

(c) Reconsideration.—An order of a military judge authorizing a request of the trial counsel to substitute, summarize, withhold, or prevent access to classified information under this section is not subject to a motion for reconsideration by the accused, if such order was entered pursuant to an ex parte showing under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2592.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Classified Information Procedures Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 96–456, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2025, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

§949p–5. Notice by accused of intention to disclose classified information

(a) Notice by Accused.—

(1) Notification of trial counsel and military judge.—If an accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, classified information in any manner in connection with any trial or pretrial proceeding involving the prosecution of such accused, the accused shall, within the time specified by the military judge or, where no time is specified, within 30 days before trial, notify the trial counsel and the military judge in writing. Such notice shall include a brief description of the classified information. Whenever the accused learns of additional classified information the accused reasonably expects to disclose, or to cause the disclosure of, at any such proceeding, the accused shall notify trial counsel and the military judge in writing as soon as possible thereafter and shall include a brief description of the classified information.

(2) Limitation on disclosure by accused.—No accused shall disclose, or cause the disclosure of, any information known or believed to be classified in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding until—

(A) notice has been given under paragraph (1); and

(B) the United States has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to seek a determination pursuant to the procedure set forth in section 949p–6 of this title and the time for the United States to appeal such determination under section 950d of this title has expired or any appeal under that section by the United States is decided.

(b) Failure To Comply.—If the accused fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (a), the military judge—

(1) may preclude disclosure of any classified information not made the subject of notification; and

(2) may prohibit the examination by the accused of any witness with respect to any such information.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2593.)

§949p–6. Procedure for cases involving classified information

(a) Motion for Hearing.—

(1) Request for hearing.—Within the time specified by the military judge for the filing of a motion under this section, either party may request the military judge to conduct a hearing to make all determinations concerning the use, relevance, or admissibility of classified information that would otherwise be made during the trial or pretrial proceeding.

(2) Conduct of hearing.—Upon a request by either party under paragraph (1), the military judge shall conduct such a hearing and shall rule prior to conducting any further proceedings.

(3) In camera hearing upon declaration to court by appropriate official of risk of disclosure of classified information.—Any hearing held pursuant to this subsection (or any portion of such hearing specified in the request of a knowledgeable United States official) shall be held in camera if a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information submits to the military judge a declaration that a public proceeding may result in the disclosure of classified information. Classified information is not subject to disclosure under this section unless the information is relevant and necessary to an element of the offense or a legally cognizable defense and is otherwise admissible in evidence.

(4) Military judge to make determinations in writing.—As to each item of classified information, the military judge shall set forth in writing the basis for the determination.

(b) Notice and Use of Classified Information by the Government.—

(1) Notice to accused.—Before any hearing is conducted pursuant to a request by the trial counsel under subsection (a), trial counsel shall provide the accused with notice of the classified information that is at issue. Such notice shall identify the specific classified information at issue whenever that information previously has been made available to the accused by the United States. When the United States has not previously made the information available to the accused in connection with the case the information may be described by generic category, in such forms as the military judge may approve, rather than by identification of the specific information of concern to the United States.

(2) Order by military judge upon request of accused.—Whenever the trial counsel requests a hearing under subsection (a), the military judge, upon request of the accused, may order the trial counsel to provide the accused, prior to trial, such details as to the portion of the charge or specification at issue in the hearing as are needed to give the accused fair notice to prepare for the hearing.

(c) Substitutions.—

(1) In camera pretrial hearing.—Upon request of the trial counsel pursuant to the Military Commission Rules of Evidence, and in accordance with the security procedures established by the military judge, the military judge shall conduct a classified in camera pretrial hearing concerning the admissibility of classified information.

(2) Protection of sources, methods, and activities by which evidence acquired.—When trial counsel seeks to introduce evidence before a military commission under this chapter and the Executive branch has classified the sources, methods, or activities by which the United States acquired the evidence, the military judge shall permit trial counsel to introduce the evidence, including a substituted evidentiary foundation pursuant to the procedures described in subsection (d), while protecting from disclosure information identifying those sources, methods, or activities, if—

(A) the evidence is otherwise admissible; and

(B) the military judge finds that—

(i) the evidence is reliable; and

(ii) the redaction is consistent with affording the accused a fair trial.

(d) Alternative Procedure for Disclosure of Classified Information.—

(1) Motion by the united states.—Upon any determination by the military judge authorizing the disclosure of specific classified information under the procedures established by this section, the trial counsel may move that, in lieu of the disclosure of such specific classified information, the military judge order—

(A) the substitution for such classified information of a statement admitting relevant facts that the specific classified information would tend to prove;

(B) the substitution for such classified information of a summary of the specific classified information; or

(C) any other procedure or redaction limiting the disclosure of specific classified information.

(2) Action on motion.—The military judge shall grant such a motion of the trial counsel if the military judge finds that the statement, summary, or other procedure or redaction will provide the defendant with substantially the same ability to make his defense as would disclosure of the specific classified information.

(3) Hearing on motion.—The military judge shall hold a hearing on any motion under this subsection. Any such hearing shall be held in camera at the request of a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information.

(4) Submission of statement of damage to national security if disclosure ordered.—The trial counsel may, in connection with a motion under paragraph (1), submit to the military judge a declaration signed by a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information certifying that disclosure of classified information would cause identifiable damage to the national security of the United States and explaining the basis for the classification of such information. If so requested by the trial counsel, the military judge shall examine such declaration during an ex parte presentation.

(e) Sealing of Records of in Camera Hearings.—If at the close of an in camera hearing under this section (or any portion of a hearing under this section that is held in camera), the military judge determines that the classified information at issue may not be disclosed or elicited at the trial or pretrial proceeding, the record of such in camera hearing shall be sealed and preserved for use in the event of an appeal. The accused may seek reconsideration of the military judge's determination prior to or during trial.

(f) Prohibition on Disclosure of Classified Information by the Accused; Relief for Accused When the United States Opposes Disclosure.—

(1) Order to prevent disclosure by accused.—Whenever the military judge denies a motion by the trial counsel that the judge issue an order under subsection (a), (c), or (d) and the trial counsel files with the military judge a declaration signed by a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information objecting to disclosure of the classified information at issue, the military judge shall order that the accused not disclose or cause the disclosure of such information.

(2) Result of order under paragraph (1).—Whenever an accused is prevented by an order under paragraph (1) from disclosing or causing the disclosure of classified information, the military judge shall dismiss the case, except that, when the military judge determines that the interests of justice would not be served by dismissal of the case, the military judge shall order such other action, in lieu of dismissing the charge or specification, as the military judge determines is appropriate. Such action may include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(A) Dismissing specified charges or specifications.

(B) Finding against the United States on any issue as to which the excluded classified information relates.

(C) Striking or precluding all or part of the testimony of a witness.

(3) Time for the united states to seek interlocutory appeal.—An order under paragraph (2) shall not take effect until the military judge has afforded the United States—

(A) an opportunity to appeal such order under section 950d of this title; and

(B) an opportunity thereafter to withdraw its objection to the disclosure of the classified information at issue.

(g) Reciprocity.—

(1) Disclosure of rebuttal information.—Whenever the military judge determines that classified information may be disclosed in connection with a trial or pretrial proceeding, the military judge shall, unless the interests of fairness do not so require, order the United States to provide the accused with the information it expects to use to rebut the classified information. The military judge may place the United States under a continuing duty to disclose such rebuttal information.

(2) Sanction for failure to comply.—If the United States fails to comply with its obligation under this subsection, the military judge—

(A) may exclude any evidence not made the subject of a required disclosure; and

(B) may prohibit the examination by the United States of any witness with respect to such information.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2593.)

§949p–7. Introduction of classified information into evidence

(a) Preservation of Classification Status.—Writings, recordings, and photographs containing classified information may be admitted into evidence in proceedings of military commissions under this chapter without change in their classification status.

(b) Precautions by Military Judges.—

(1) Precautions in admitting classified information into evidence.—The military judge in a trial by military commission, in order to prevent unnecessary disclosure of classified information, may order admission into evidence of only part of a writing, recording, or photograph, or may order admission into evidence of the whole writing, recording, or photograph with excision of some or all of the classified information contained therein, unless the whole ought in fairness be considered.

(2) Classified information kept under seal.—The military judge shall allow classified information offered or accepted into evidence to remain under seal during the trial, even if such evidence is disclosed in the military commission, and may, upon motion by the United States, seal exhibits containing classified information for any period after trial as necessary to prevent a disclosure of classified information when a knowledgeable United States official possessing authority to classify information submits to the military judge a declaration setting forth the damage to the national security that the disclosure of such information reasonably could be expected to cause.

(c) Taking of Testimony.—

(1) Objection by trial counsel.—During the examination of a witness, trial counsel may object to any question or line of inquiry that may require the witness to disclose classified information not previously found to be admissible.

(2) Action by military judge.—Following an objection under paragraph (1), the military judge shall take such suitable action to determine whether the response is admissible as will safeguard against the compromise of any classified information. Such action may include requiring trial counsel to provide the military judge with a proffer of the witness' response to the question or line of inquiry and requiring the accused to provide the military judge with a proffer of the nature of the information sought to be elicited by the accused. Upon request, the military judge may accept an ex parte proffer by trial counsel to the extent necessary to protect classified information from disclosure, in accordance with the practice of the Federal courts under the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.).

(d) Disclosure at Trial of Certain Statements Previously Made by a Witness.—

(1) Motion for production of statements in possession of the united states.—After a witness called by the trial counsel has testified on direct examination, the military judge, on motion of the accused, may order production of statements of the witness in the possession of the United States which relate to the subject matter as to which the witness has testified. This paragraph does not preclude discovery or assertion of a privilege otherwise authorized.

(2) Invocation of privilege by the united states.—If the United States invokes a privilege, the trial counsel may provide the prior statements of the witness to the military judge during an ex parte presentation to the extent necessary to protect classified information from disclosure, in accordance with the practice of the Federal courts under the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.).

(3) Action by military judge on motion.—If the military judge finds that disclosure of any portion of the statement identified by the United States as classified would be detrimental to the national security in the degree to warrant classification under the applicable Executive Order, statute, or regulation, that such portion of the statement is consistent with the testimony of the witness, and that the disclosure of such portion is not necessary to afford the accused a fair trial, the military judge shall excise that portion from the statement. If the military judge finds that such portion of the statement is inconsistent with the testimony of the witness or that its disclosure is necessary to afford the accused a fair trial, the military judge, shall, upon the request of the trial counsel, review alternatives to disclosure in accordance with section 949p–6(d) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2596.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Classified Information Procedures Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2) and (d)(2), is Pub. L. 96–456, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2025, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

SUBCHAPTER VI—SENTENCES

        

§949s. Cruel or unusual punishments prohibited

Punishment by flogging, or by branding, marking, or tattooing on the body, or any other cruel or unusual punishment, may not be adjudged by a military commission under this chapter or inflicted under this chapter upon any person subject to this chapter. The use of irons, single or double, except for the purpose of safe custody, is prohibited under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2598.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949s, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2617, prohibited cruel or unusual punishments, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949t. Maximum limits

The punishment which a military commission under this chapter may direct for an offense may not exceed such limits as the President or Secretary of Defense may prescribe for that offense.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2598.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949t, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2617, related to maximum limits of punishment, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§949u. Execution of confinement

(a) In General.—Under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, a sentence of confinement adjudged by a military commission under this chapter may be carried into execution by confinement—

(1) in any place of confinement under the control of any of the armed forces; or

(2) in any penal or correctional institution under the control of the United States or its allies, or which the United States may be allowed to use.

(b) Treatment During Confinement by Other Than the Armed Forces.—Persons confined under subsection (a)(2) in a penal or correctional institution not under the control of an armed force are subject to the same discipline and treatment as persons confined or committed by the courts of the United States or of the State, District of Columbia, or place in which the institution is situated.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2598.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 949u, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2617, related to execution of a sentence of confinement, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

SUBCHAPTER VII—POST-TRIAL PROCEDURE AND REVIEW OF MILITARY COMMISSIONS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(11), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983, substituted "United States Court of Appeals" for "United States Court of Court of Appeals" in item 950g.

§950a. Error of law; lesser included offense

(a) Error of Law.—A finding or sentence of a military commission under this chapter may not be held incorrect on the ground of an error of law unless the error materially prejudices the substantial rights of the accused.

(b) Lesser Included Offense.—Any reviewing authority with the power to approve or affirm a finding of guilty by a military commission under this chapter may approve or affirm, instead, so much of the finding as includes a lesser included offense.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2599.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950a, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2618, related to error of law and lesser included offense, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950b. Review by the convening authority

(a) Notice to Convening Authority of Findings and Sentence.—The findings and sentence of a military commission under this chapter shall be reported in writing promptly to the convening authority after the announcement of the sentence.

(b) Submittal of Matters by Accused to Convening Authority.—(1) The accused may submit to the convening authority matters for consideration by the convening authority with respect to the findings and the sentence of the military commission under this chapter.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a submittal under paragraph (1) shall be made in writing within 20 days after the accused has been given an authenticated record of trial under section 949o(c) of this title.

(B) If the accused shows that additional time is required for the accused to make a submittal under paragraph (1), the convening authority may, for good cause, extend the applicable period under subparagraph (A) for not more than an additional 20 days.

(3) The accused may waive the accused's right to make a submittal to the convening authority under paragraph (1). Such a waiver shall be made in writing, and may not be revoked. For the purposes of subsection (c)(2), the time within which the accused may make a submittal under this subsection shall be deemed to have expired upon the submittal of a waiver under this paragraph to the convening authority.

(c) Action by Convening Authority.—(1) The authority under this subsection to modify the findings and sentence of a military commission under this chapter is a matter of the sole discretion and prerogative of the convening authority.

(2) The convening authority is not required to take action on the findings of a military commission under this chapter. If the convening authority takes action on the findings, the convening authority may, in the sole discretion of the convening authority, only—

(A) dismiss any charge or specification by setting aside a finding of guilty thereto; or

(B) change a finding of guilty to a charge to a finding of guilty to an offense that is a lesser included offense of the offense stated in the charge.

(3)(A) The convening authority shall take action on the sentence of a military commission under this chapter.

(B) Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, action under this paragraph may be taken only after consideration of any matters submitted by the accused under subsection (b) or after the time for submitting such matters expires, whichever is earlier.

(C) In taking action under this paragraph, the convening authority may, in the sole discretion of the convening authority, approve, disapprove, commute, or suspend the sentence in whole or in part. The convening authority may not increase a sentence beyond that which is found by the military commission.

(4) The convening authority shall serve on the accused or on defense counsel notice of any action taken by the convening authority under this subsection.

(d) Order of Revision or Rehearing.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the convening authority of a military commission under this chapter may, in the sole discretion of the convening authority, order a proceeding in revision or a rehearing.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a proceeding in revision may be ordered by the convening authority if—

(i) there is an apparent error or omission in the record; or

(ii) the record shows improper or inconsistent action by the military commission with respect to the findings or sentence that can be rectified without material prejudice to the substantial rights of the accused.

(B) In no case may a proceeding in revision—

(i) reconsider a finding of not guilty of a specification or a ruling which amounts to a finding of not guilty;

(ii) reconsider a finding of not guilty of any charge, unless there has been a finding of guilty under a specification laid under that charge, which sufficiently alleges a violation; or

(iii) increase the severity of the sentence unless the sentence prescribed for the offense is mandatory.

(3) A rehearing may be ordered by the convening authority if the convening authority disapproves the findings and sentence and states the reasons for disapproval of the findings. If the convening authority disapproves the finding and sentence and does not order a rehearing, the convening authority shall dismiss the charges. A rehearing as to the findings may not be ordered by the convening authority when there is a lack of sufficient evidence in the record to support the findings. A rehearing as to the sentence may be ordered by the convening authority if the convening authority disapproves the sentence.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2599; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(f)(10), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3510.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950b, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2618, related to review by the convening authority, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "given" for "give".

§950c. Appellate referral; waiver or withdrawal of appeal

(a) Automatic Referral for Appellate Review.—Except as provided in subsection (b), in each case in which the final decision of a military commission under this chapter (as approved by the convening authority) includes a finding of guilty, the convening authority shall refer the case to the United States Court of Military Commission Review. Any such referral shall be made in accordance with procedures prescribed under regulations of the Secretary.

(b) Waiver of Right of Review.—(1) Except in a case in which the sentence as approved under section 950b of this title extends to death, an accused may file with the convening authority a statement expressly waiving the right of the accused to appellate review by the United States Court of Military Commission Review under section 950f of this title of the final decision of the military commission under this chapter.

(2) A waiver under paragraph (1) shall be signed by both the accused and a defense counsel.

(3) A waiver under paragraph (1) must be filed, if at all, within 10 days after notice of the action is served on the accused or on defense counsel under section 950b(c)(4) of this title. The convening authority, for good cause, may extend the period for such filing by not more than 30 days.

(c) Withdrawal of Appeal.—Except in a case in which the sentence as approved under section 950b of this title extends to death, the accused may withdraw an appeal at any time.

(d) Effect of Waiver or Withdrawal.—A waiver of the right to appellate review or the withdrawal of an appeal under this section bars review under section 950f of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2600.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950c, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2620, related to appellate referral and waiver or withdrawal of appeal, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950d. Interlocutory appeals by the United States

(a) Interlocutory Appeal.—Except as provided in subsection (b), in a trial by military commission under this chapter, the United States may take an interlocutory appeal to the United States Court of Military Commission Review of any order or ruling of the military judge—

(1) that terminates proceedings of the military commission with respect to a charge or specification;

(2) that excludes evidence that is substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding;

(3) that relates to a matter under subsection (c) or (d) of section 949d of this title; or

(4) that, with respect to classified information—

(A) authorizes the disclosure of such information;

(B) imposes sanctions for nondisclosure of such information; or

(C) refuses a protective order sought by the United States to prevent the disclosure of such information.

(b) Limitation.—The United States may not appeal under subsection (a) an order or ruling that is, or amounts to, a finding of not guilty by the military commission with respect to a charge or specification.

(c) Scope of Appeal Right With Respect to Classified Information.—The United States has the right to appeal under paragraph (4) of subsection (a) whenever the military judge enters an order or ruling that would require the disclosure of classified information, without regard to whether the order or ruling appealed from was entered under this chapter, another provision of law, a rule, or otherwise. Any such appeal may embrace any preceding order, ruling, or reasoning constituting the basis of the order or ruling that would authorize such disclosure.

(d) Timing and Action on Interlocutory Appeals Relating to Classified Information.—

(1) Appeal to be expedited.—An appeal taken pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection (a) shall be expedited by the United States Court of Military Commission Review.

(2) Appeals before trial.—If such an appeal is taken before trial, the appeal shall be taken within 10 days after the order or ruling from which the appeal is made and the trial shall not commence until the appeal is decided.

(3) Appeals during trial.—If such an appeal is taken during trial, the military judge shall adjourn the trial until the appeal is decided, and the court of appeals—

(A) shall hear argument on such appeal within 4 days of the adjournment of the trial (excluding weekends and holidays);

(B) may dispense with written briefs other than the supporting materials previously submitted to the military judge;

(C) shall render its decision within four days of argument on appeal (excluding weekends and holidays); and

(D) may dispense with the issuance of a written opinion in rendering its decision.

(e) Notice and Timing of Other Appeals.—The United States shall take an appeal of an order or ruling under subsection (a), other than an appeal under paragraph (4) of that subsection, by filing a notice of appeal with the military judge within 5 days after the date of the order or ruling.

(f) Method of Appeal.—An appeal under this section shall be forwarded, by means specified in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, directly to the United States Court of Military Commission Review.

(g) Appeals Court To Act Only With Respect to Matter of Law.—In ruling on an appeal under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a), the appeals court may act only with respect to matters of law.

(h) Subsequent Appeal Rights of Accused Not Affected.—An appeal under paragraph (4) of subsection (a), and a decision on such appeal, shall not affect the right of the accused, in a subsequent appeal from a judgment of conviction, to claim as error reversal by the military judge on remand of a ruling appealed from during trial.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2601.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950d, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2620, related to appeal by the United States, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950e. Rehearings

(a) Composition of Military Commission for Rehearing.—Each rehearing under this chapter shall take place before a military commission under this chapter composed of members who were not members of the military commission which first heard the case.

(b) Scope of Rehearing.—(1) Upon a rehearing—

(A) the accused may not be tried for any offense of which the accused was found not guilty by the first military commission; and

(B) no sentence in excess of or more than the original sentence may be imposed unless—

(i) the sentence is based upon a finding of guilty of an offense not considered upon the merits in the original proceedings; or

(ii) the sentence prescribed for the offense is mandatory.

(2) Upon a rehearing, if the sentence approved after the first military commission was in accordance with a pretrial agreement and the accused at the rehearing changes his plea with respect to the charges or specifications upon which the pretrial agreement was based, or otherwise does not comply with pretrial agreement, the sentence as to those charges or specifications may include any punishment not in excess of that lawfully adjudged at the first military commission.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2602.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950e, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2621, related to rehearings, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950f. Review by United States Court of Military Commission Review

(a) Establishment.—There is a court of record to be known as the "United States Court of Military Commission Review" (in this section referred to as the "Court"). The Court shall consist of one or more panels, each composed of not less than three judges on the Court. For the purpose of reviewing decisions of military commissions under this chapter, the Court may sit in panels or as a whole, in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(b) Judges.—(1) Judges on the Court shall be assigned or appointed in a manner consistent with the provisions of this subsection.

(2) The Secretary of Defense may assign persons who are appellate military judges to be judges on the Court. Any judge so assigned shall be a commissioned officer of the armed forces, and shall meet the qualifications for military judges prescribed by section 948j(b) of this title.

(3) The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, additional judges to the United States Court of Military Commission Review.

(4) No person may serve as a judge on the Court in any case in which that person acted as a military judge, counsel, or reviewing official.

(5)(A) For purposes of sections 203, 205, 207, 208, and 209 of title 18, the term "special Government employee" shall include a judge of the Court appointed under paragraph (3).

(B) A person appointed as a judge of the Court under paragraph (3) shall be considered to be an officer or employee of the United States with respect to such person's status as a judge, but only during periods in which such person is performing the duties of such a judge. Any provision of law that prohibits or limits the political or business activities of an employee of the United States shall only apply to such a judge during such periods.

(6) The term of an appellate military judge assigned to the Court under paragraph (2) or appointed to the Court under paragraph (3) shall expire on the earlier of the date on which—

(A) the judge leaves active duty; or

(B) the judge is reassigned to other duties in accordance with section 949b(b)(4) of this title.

(c) Cases To Be Reviewed.—The Court shall, in accordance with procedures prescribed under regulations of the Secretary, review the record in each case that is referred to the Court by the convening authority under section 950c of this title with respect to any matter properly raised by the accused.

(d) Standard and Scope of Review.—In a case reviewed by the Court under this section, the Court may act only with respect to the findings and sentence as approved by the convening authority. The Court may affirm only such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such part or amount of the sentence, as the Court finds correct in law and fact and determines, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. In considering the record, the Court may weigh the evidence, judge the credibility of witnesses, and determine controverted questions of fact, recognizing that the military commission saw and heard the witnesses.

(e) Rehearings.—If the Court sets aside the findings or sentence, the Court may, except where the setting aside is based on lack of sufficient evidence in the record to support the findings, order a rehearing. If the Court sets aside the findings or sentence and does not order a rehearing, the Court shall order that the charges be dismissed.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2603; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1034(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1573; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1082, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §541(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1761; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §567(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1905.)

Amendment of Subsection (b)

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §567, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1905, provided that, effective 180 days after Dec. 23, 2024, and applicable with respect to any civilian judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review who will have served as such a judge for a period of 10 or more years as of 180 days after Dec. 23, 2024, subsection (b) of this section is amended as follows:

(1) in paragraph (6)—

(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;

(B) by striking "The term of an appellate military judge assigned to the Court under paragraph (2) or appointed to the Court under paragraph (3)" and inserting the following: "(A) The term of an appellate military judge assigned or appointed to the Court under this subsection"; and

(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

"(B) The term of a civilian judge of the Court appointed under paragraph (3) shall expire on the date that is 10 years after the date on which the judge was appointed."; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

"(7) Judges of the Court may be removed from office by the President (in the case of a judge appointed under paragraph (3)) or the Secretary of Defense (in the case of an appellate military judge assigned under paragraph (2)) upon notice and hearing, for—

"(A) neglect of duty;

"(B) misconduct; or

"(C) mental or physical disability."

See 2024 Amendment notes below.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950f, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2621; amended Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(6), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 322, related to review by Court of Military Commission Review, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 118–159, §567(a)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of subpar. (A), and realigned margins; substituted "The term of an appellate military judge assigned or appointed to the Court under this subsection" for "The term of an appellate military judge assigned to the Court under paragraph (2) or appointed to the Court under paragraph (3)"; and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 118–159, §567(a)(2), added par. (7).

2018—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 115–232 added par. (6).

2017—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 115–91 added par. (5).

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81 substituted "judges on the Court" for "appellate military judges" in second sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2024 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §567(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1905, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024].

"(2) Applicability to existing civilian judges.—The term of any civilian judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review who will have served as such a judge for a period of 10 or more years as of the effective date described in paragraph (1) shall expire on such effective date."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §541(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1762, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to each judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review serving on that court on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018] and each judge assigned or appointed to that court on or after such date."

§950g. Review by United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; writ of certiorari to Supreme Court

(a) Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the validity of a final judgment rendered by a military commission (as approved by the convening authority and, where applicable, as affirmed or set aside as incorrect in law by the United States Court of Military Commission Review) under this chapter.

(b) Exhaustion of Other Appeals.—The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit may not review a final judgment described in subsection (a) until all other appeals under this chapter have been waived or exhausted.

(c) Time for Seeking Review.—A petition for review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit must be filed in the Court of Appeals—

(1) not later than 20 days after the date on which written notice of the final decision of the United States Court of Military Commission Review is served on the parties; or

(2) if the accused submits, in the form prescribed by section 950c of this title, a written notice waiving the right of the accused to review by the United States Court of Military Commission Review, not later than 20 days after the date on which such notice is submitted.

(d) Scope and Nature of Review.—The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit may act under this section only with respect to the findings and sentence as approved by the convening authority and as affirmed or set aside as incorrect in law by the United States Court of Military Commission Review, and shall take action only with respect to matters of law, including the sufficiency of the evidence to support the verdict.

(e) Review by Supreme Court.—The Supreme Court may review by writ of certiorari pursuant to section 1254 of title 28 the final judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2603; amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1034(d), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1573.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950g, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2622, related to review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Supreme Court, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(d)(1), inserted "as affirmed or set aside as incorrect in law by" after "where applicable,".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(d)(2)(A), substituted "in the Court of Appeals—" for "by the accused in the Court of Appeals not later than 20 days after the date on which—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(d)(2)(B), inserted "not later than 20 days after the date on which" before "written notice" and substituted "on the parties" for "on the accused or on defense counsel".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §1034(d)(2)(C), inserted "if" before "the accused submits" and inserted before period at end ", not later than 20 days after the date on which such notice is submitted".

§950h. Appellate counsel

(a) Appointment.—The Secretary of Defense shall, by regulation, establish procedures for the appointment of appellate counsel for the United States and for the accused in military commissions under this chapter. Appellate counsel shall meet the qualifications of counsel for appearing before military commissions under this chapter.

(b) Representation of United States.—Appellate counsel appointed under subsection (a)—

(1) shall represent the United States in any appeal or review proceeding under this chapter before the United States Court of Military Commission Review; and

(2) may, when requested to do so by the Attorney General in a case arising under this chapter, represent the United States before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or the Supreme Court.

(c) Representation of Accused.—The accused shall be represented by appellate counsel appointed under subsection (a) before the United States Court of Military Commission Review, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and the Supreme Court, and by civilian counsel if retained by the accused. Any such civilian counsel shall meet the qualifications under paragraph (3) of section 949c(b) of this title for civilian counsel appearing before military commissions under this chapter and shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (7) of that section.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2604.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950h, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2622, related to appellate counsel, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950i. Execution of sentence; suspension of sentence

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense is authorized to carry out a sentence imposed by a military commission under this chapter in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary may prescribe.

(b) Execution of Sentence of Death Only Upon Approval by the President.—If the sentence of a military commission under this chapter extends to death, that part of the sentence providing for death may not be executed until approved by the President. In such a case, the President may commute, remit, or suspend the sentence, or any part thereof, as he sees fit.

(c) Execution of Sentence of Death Only Upon Final Judgment of Legality of Proceedings.—(1) If the sentence of a military commission under this chapter extends to death, the sentence may not be executed until there is a final judgment as to the legality of the proceedings (and with respect to death, approval under subsection (b)).

(2) A judgment as to legality of proceedings is final for purposes of paragraph (1) when review is completed in accordance with the judgment of the United States Court of Military Commission Review and—

(A) the time for the accused to file a petition for review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has expired, the accused has not filed a timely petition for such review, and the case is not otherwise under review by the Court of Appeals; or

(B) review is completed in accordance with the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and—

(i) a petition for a writ of certiorari is not timely filed;

(ii) such a petition is denied by the Supreme Court; or

(iii) review is otherwise completed in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court.

(d) Suspension of Sentence.—The Secretary of the Defense, or the convening authority acting on the case (if other than the Secretary), may suspend the execution of any sentence or part thereof in the case, except a sentence of death.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2605.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950i, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2623, related to execution of sentence, procedures for execution of sentence of death, and suspension of sentence prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950j. Finality of proceedings, findings, and sentences

The appellate review of records of trial provided by this chapter, and the proceedings, findings, and sentences of military commissions as approved, reviewed, or affirmed as required by this chapter, are final and conclusive. Orders publishing the proceedings of military commissions under this chapter are binding upon all departments, courts, agencies, and officers of the United States, subject only to action by the Secretary or the convening authority as provided in section 950i(c) of this title and the authority of the President.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2605.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950j, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2623; amended Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(7), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 322, related to finality of proceedings, findings, and sentences, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

SUBCHAPTER VIII—PUNITIVE MATTERS

        

§950p. Definitions; construction of certain offenses; common circumstances

(a) Definitions.—In this subchapter:

(1) The term "military objective" means combatants and those objects during hostilities which, by their nature, location, purpose, or use, effectively contribute to the war-fighting or war-sustaining capability of an opposing force and whose total or partial destruction, capture, or neutralization would constitute a definite military advantage to the attacker under the circumstances at the time of an attack.

(2) The term "protected person" means any person entitled to protection under one or more of the Geneva Conventions, including civilians not taking an active part in hostilities, military personnel placed out of combat by sickness, wounds, or detention, and military medical or religious personnel.

(3) The term "protected property" means any property specifically protected by the law of war, including buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science, or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals, and places where the sick and wounded are collected, but only if and to the extent such property is not being used for military purposes or is not otherwise a military objective. The term includes objects properly identified by one of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions, but does not include civilian property that is a military objective.

(b) Construction of Certain Offenses.—The intent required for offenses under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (12) of section 950t of this title precludes the applicability of such offenses with regard to collateral damage or to death, damage, or injury incident to a lawful attack.

(c) Common Circumstances.—An offense specified in this subchapter is triable by military commission under this chapter only if the offense is committed in the context of and associated with hostilities.

(d) Effect.—The provisions of this subchapter codify offenses that have traditionally been triable by military commission. This chapter does not establish new crimes that did not exist before the date of the enactment of this subchapter, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, but rather codifies those crimes for trial by military commission. Because the provisions of this subchapter codify offenses that have traditionally been triable under the law of war or otherwise triable by military commission, this subchapter does not preclude trial for offenses that occurred before the date of the enactment of this subchapter, as so amended.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2606.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this subchapter, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, referred to in subsec. (d), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–84, which was approved Oct. 28, 2009.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950p, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2624, related to statement of substantive offenses, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950q. Principals

Any person punishable under this chapter who—

(1) commits an offense punishable by this chapter, or aids, abets, counsels, commands, or procures its commission;

(2) causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him would be punishable by this chapter; or

(3) is a superior commander who, with regard to acts punishable by this chapter, knew, had reason to know, or should have known, that a subordinate was about to commit such acts or had done so and who failed to take the necessary and reasonable measures to prevent such acts or to punish the perpetrators thereof,

is a principal.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2606.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950q, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2624, related to principals, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950r. Accessory after the fact

Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that an offense punishable by this chapter has been committed, receives, comforts, or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial, or punishment shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2607.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950r, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2624, related to accessory after the fact, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950s. Conviction of lesser offenses

An accused may be found guilty of an offense necessarily included in the offense charged or of an attempt to commit either the offense charged or an attempt to commit either the offense charged or an offense necessarily included therein.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2607.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 950s, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2624, related to conviction of lesser included offense, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

§950t. Crimes triable by military commission

The following offenses shall be triable by military commission under this chapter at any time without limitation:

(1) Murder of protected persons.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally kills one or more protected persons shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(2) Attacking civilians.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally engages in an attack upon a civilian population as such, or individual civilians not taking active part in hostilities, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(3) Attacking civilian objects.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally engages in an attack upon a civilian object that is not a military objective shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(4) Attacking protected property.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally engages in an attack upon protected property shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(5) Pillaging.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally and in the absence of military necessity appropriates or seizes property for private or personal use, without the consent of a person with authority to permit such appropriation or seizure, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(6) Denying quarter.—Any person subject to this chapter who, with effective command or control over subordinate groups, declares, orders, or otherwise indicates to those groups that there shall be no survivors or surrender accepted, with the intent to threaten an adversary or to conduct hostilities such that there would be no survivors or surrender accepted, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(7) Taking hostages.—Any person subject to this chapter who, having knowingly seized or detained one or more persons, threatens to kill, injure, or continue to detain such person or persons with the intent of compelling any nation, person other than the hostage, or group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for the safety or release of such person or persons, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(8) Employing poison or similar weapons.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally, as a method of warfare, employs a substance or weapon that releases a substance that causes death or serious and lasting damage to health in the ordinary course of events, through its asphyxiating, bacteriological, or toxic properties, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(9) Using protected persons as a shield.—Any person subject to this chapter who positions, or otherwise takes advantage of, a protected person with the intent to shield a military objective from attack, or to shield, favor, or impede military operations, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(10) Using protected property as a shield.—Any person subject to this chapter who positions, or otherwise takes advantage of the location of, protected property with the intent to shield a military objective from attack, or to shield, favor, or impede military operations, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(11) Torture.—

(A) Offense.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits an act specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control for the purpose of obtaining information or a confession, punishment, intimidation, coercion, or any reason based on discrimination of any kind, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(B) Severe mental pain or suffering defined.—In this paragraph, the term "severe mental pain or suffering" has the meaning given that term in section 2340(2) of title 18.

(12) Cruel or inhuman treatment.—Any person subject to this chapter who subjects another person in their custody or under their physical control, regardless of nationality or physical location, to cruel or inhuman treatment that constitutes a grave breach of common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions shall be punished, if death results to the victim, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to the victim, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(13) Intentionally causing serious bodily injury.—

(A) Offense.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally causes serious bodily injury to one or more persons, including privileged belligerents, in violation of the law of war shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(B) Serious bodily injury defined.—In this paragraph, the term "serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves—

(i) a substantial risk of death;

(ii) extreme physical pain;

(iii) protracted and obvious disfigurement; or

(iv) protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.

(14) Mutilating or maiming.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally injures one or more protected persons by disfiguring the person or persons by any mutilation of the person or persons, or by permanently disabling any member, limb, or organ of the body of the person or persons, without any legitimate medical or dental purpose, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(15) Murder in violation of the law of war.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally kills one or more persons, including privileged belligerents, in violation of the law of war shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(16) Destruction of property in violation of the law of war.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally destroys property belonging to another person in violation of the law of war shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(17) Using treachery or perfidy.—Any person subject to this chapter who, after inviting the confidence or belief of one or more persons that they were entitled to, or obliged to accord, protection under the law of war, intentionally makes use of that confidence or belief in killing, injuring, or capturing such person or persons shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(18) Improperly using a flag of truce.—Any person subject to this chapter who uses a flag of truce to feign an intention to negotiate, surrender, or otherwise suspend hostilities when there is no such intention shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(19) Improperly using a distinctive emblem.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally uses a distinctive emblem recognized by the law of war for combatant purposes in a manner prohibited by the law of war shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(20) Intentionally mistreating a dead body.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally mistreats the body of a dead person, without justification by legitimate military necessary, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(21) Rape.—Any person subject to this chapter who forcibly or with coercion or threat of force wrongfully invades the body of a person by penetrating, however slightly, the anal or genital opening of the victim with any part of the body of the accused, or with any foreign object, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(22) Sexual assault or abuse.—Any person subject to this chapter who forcibly or with coercion or threat of force engages in sexual contact with one or more persons, or causes one or more persons to engage in sexual contact, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(23) Hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally seizes, exercises unauthorized control over, or endangers the safe navigation of a vessel or aircraft that is not a legitimate military objective shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(24) Terrorism.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally kills or inflicts great bodily harm on one or more protected persons, or intentionally engages in an act that evinces a wanton disregard for human life, in a manner calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government or civilian population by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(25) Providing material support for terrorism.—

(A) Offense.—Any person subject to this chapter who provides material support or resources, knowing or intending that they are to be used in preparation for, or in carrying out, an act of terrorism (as set forth in paragraph (24) of this section), or who intentionally provides material support or resources to an international terrorist organization engaged in hostilities against the United States, knowing that such organization has engaged or engages in terrorism (as so set forth), shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(B) Material support or resources defined.—In this paragraph, the term "material support or resources" has the meaning given that term in section 2339A(b) of title 18.

(26) Wrongfully aiding the enemy.—Any person subject to this chapter who, in breach of an allegiance or duty to the United States, knowingly and intentionally aids an enemy of the United States, or one of the co-belligerents of the enemy, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(27) Spying.—Any person subject to this chapter who, in violation of the law of war and with intent or reason to believe that it is to be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign power, collects or attempts to collect information by clandestine means or while acting under false pretenses, for the purpose of conveying such information to an enemy of the United States, or one of the co-belligerents of the enemy, shall be punished by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(28) Attempts.—

(A) In general.—Any person subject to this chapter who attempts to commit any offense punishable by this chapter shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(B) Scope of offense.—An act, done with specific intent to commit an offense under this chapter, amounting to more than mere preparation and tending, even though failing, to effect its commission, is an attempt to commit that offense.

(C) Effect of consummation.—Any person subject to this chapter may be convicted of an attempt to commit an offense although it appears on the trial that the offense was consummated.

(29) Conspiracy.—Any person subject to this chapter who conspires to commit one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission under this subchapter, and who knowingly does any overt act to effect the object of the conspiracy, shall be punished, if death results to one or more of the victims, by death or such other punishment as a military commission under this chapter may direct, and, if death does not result to any of the victims, by such punishment, other than death, as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(30) Solicitation.—Any person subject to this chapter who solicits or advises another or others to commit one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission under this chapter shall, if the offense solicited or advised is attempted or committed, be punished with the punishment provided for the commission of the offense, but, if the offense solicited or advised is not committed or attempted, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(31) Contempt.—A military commission under this chapter may punish for contempt any person who uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in its presence, or who disturbs its proceedings by any riot or disorder.

(32) Perjury and obstruction of justice.—A military commission under this chapter may try offenses and impose such punishment as the military commission may direct for perjury, false testimony, or obstruction of justice related to the military commission.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1802, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2607; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(12), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 950t to 950w were omitted in the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 111–84.

Section 950t, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2625, related to attempts to commit any offense punishable by this chapter.

Section 950u, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2625, related to solicitation.

Section 950v, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2625, related to definitions, construction, and crimes triable by military commissions.

Section 950w, added Pub. L. 109–366, §3(a)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2630, related to perjury, obstruction of justice, and contempt.

Amendments

2018—Par. (9). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(a)(12)(A), substituted "attack, or" for "attack. or".

Par. (16). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(a)(12)(B), substituted "shall be punished" for "shall punished".

Par. (22). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(a)(12)(C), inserted period at end.

CHAPTER 48—MILITARY CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(b)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2615, added item 956.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(26), Dec. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922, added item 955.

§951. Establishment; organization; administration

(a) The Secretaries concerned may provide for the establishment of such military correctional facilities as are necessary for the confinement of offenders against chapter 47 of this title.

(b) The Secretary concerned shall—

(1) designate an officer for each armed force under his jurisdiction to administer military correctional facilities established under this chapter;

(2) provide for the education, training, rehabilitation, and welfare of offenders confined in a military correctional facility of his department; and

(3) provide for the organization and equipping of offenders selected for training with a view to their honorable restoration to duty or possible reenlistment.

(c) There shall be an officer in command of each major military correctional facility. Under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the officer in command shall have custody and control of offenders confined within the facility which he commands, and shall usefully employ those offenders as he considers best for their health and reformation, with a view to their restoration to duty, enlistment for future service, or return to civilian life as useful citizens.

(d) There may be made or repaired at each military correctional facility such supplies for the armed forces or other agencies of the United States as can properly and economically be made or repaired at such facilities.

(Added Pub. L. 90–377, §1, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 287; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(27), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "at such facilities" for "as such facilities".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Offenses Against Minors

Pub. L. 105–119, title I, §115(a)(8)(C), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2466, as amended by Pub. L. 109–248, title I, §141(i), July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 604, provided that:

"(i) The Secretary of Defense shall specify categories of conduct punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice which are sex offenses as that term is defined in the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act [34 U.S.C. 20901 et seq.], and such other conduct as the Secretary deems appropriate for inclusion for purposes of this subparagraph.

"(ii) In relation to persons sentenced by a court martial for conduct in the categories specified under clause (i), the Secretary shall prescribe procedures and implement a system to—

"(I) provide notice concerning the release from confinement or sentencing of such persons;

"(II) inform such persons concerning registration obligations; and

"(III) track and ensure compliance with registration requirements by such persons during any period of parole, probation, or other conditional release or supervision related to the offense.

"(iii) The procedures and requirements established by the Secretary under this subparagraph shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with those specified for Federal offenders under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

"(iv) If a person within the scope of this subparagraph is confined in a facility under the control of the Bureau of Prisons at the time of release, the Bureau of Prisons shall provide notice of release and inform the person concerning registration obligations under the procedures specified in section 4042(c) of title 18, United States Code."

Notification of Victims and Witnesses of Status of Prisoners in Military Correctional Facilities

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §552, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1662, directed the Secretary of Defense to prescribe procedures, not later than six months after Nov. 30, 1993, for notice of the status of offenders confined in military correctional facilities to be provided to victims and witnesses, to implement a centralized system for the provision of such notice not later than six months after such procedures had been prescribed, to notify Congress upon implementation of the centralized system of notice, and to submit to Congress a report after such system had been in operation for one year, and directed that the requirement to establish procedures and implement a centralized system of notice would expire 90 days after receipt of the report.

§952. Parole

(a) The Secretary concerned may provide a system of parole for offenders who are confined in military correctional facilities and who were at the time of commission of their offenses subject to the authority of that Secretary.

(b) In a case in which parole for an offender serving a sentence of confinement for life is denied, only the President or the Secretary concerned may grant the offender parole on appeal of that denial. The authority to grant parole on appeal in such a case may not be delegated.

(Added Pub. L. 90–377, §1, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 287; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §582(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1760.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–85 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §582(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1760, provided that: "Subsection (b) of section 952 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall apply only with respect to any decision to deny parole made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997]."

§953. Remission or suspension of sentence; restoration to duty; reenlistment

For offenders who were at the time of commission of their offenses subject to his authority and who merit such action, the Secretary concerned shall establish—

(1) a system for the remission or suspension of the unexecuted part of the sentences of selected offenders;

(2) a system for the restoration to duty of such offenders who have had the unexecuted part of their sentences remitted or suspended and who have not been discharged; and

(3) a system for the enlistment of such offenders who have had the unexecuted part of their sentences remitted and who have been discharged.

(Added Pub. L. 90–377, §1, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 287.)

§954. Voluntary extension; probation

The Secretary concerned may provide for persons who were subject to his authority at the time of commission of their offenses a system for retention of selected offenders beyond expiration of normal service obligation in order to voluntarily serve a period of probation with a view to honorable restoration to duty.

(Added Pub. L. 90–377, §1, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 288; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(12), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "his authority" for "this authority".

§955. Prisoners transferred to or from foreign countries

(a) When a treaty is in effect between the United States and a foreign country providing for the transfer of convicted offenders, the Secretary concerned may, with the concurrence of the Attorney General, transfer to such foreign country any offender against chapter 47 of this title. Such transfer shall be effected subject to the terms of such treaty and chapter 306 of title 18.

(b) Whenever the United States is party to an agreement on the status of forces under which the United States may request that it take custody of a prisoner belonging to its armed forces who is confined by order of a foreign court, the Secretary concerned may provide for the carrying out of the terms of such confinement in a military correctional facility of his department or in any penal or correctional institution under the control of the United States or which the United States may be allowed to use. Except as otherwise specified in such agreement, such person shall be treated as if he were an offender against chapter 47 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 95–144, §4, Oct. 28, 1977, 91 Stat. 1221; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(28), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "such" for "said" in two places, "Such" for "Said", and struck out ", United States Code" after "18".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§956. Deserters, prisoners, members absent without leave: expenses and rewards

Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense may be used for the following purposes:

(1) Expenses for the apprehension and delivery of deserters, prisoners, and members absent without leave, including the payment of rewards, in an amount not to exceed $75, for the apprehension of any such person.

(2) Expenses of prisoners confined in nonmilitary facilities.

(3) Payment of a gratuity of not to exceed $25 to each prisoner upon release from confinement in a military or contract prison facility.

(4) The issue of authorized articles to prisoners and other persons in military custody.

(5) Under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, expenses incident to the maintenance, pay, and allowances of prisoners of war, other persons in the custody of the Army, Navy, or Air Force whose status is determined by the Secretary concerned to be similar to prisoners of war, and persons detained in the custody of the Army, Navy, or Air Force pursuant to Presidential proclamation.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(b)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2614.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in pars. (1) to (5) of this section were contained in the following appropriation acts, with the exception of the provisions similar to par. (2) which first appeared in the act of July 1, 1943:

Oct. 12, 1984, Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8006], 98 Stat. 1904, 1923.

Dec. 8, 1983, Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §§706, 709, 97 Stat. 1437, 1439.

Dec. 21, 1982, Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §§706, 709], 96 Stat. 1833, 1850, 1851.

Dec. 29, 1981, Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §§706, 709, 95 Stat. 1578, 1579.

Dec. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §§706, 709, 94 Stat. 3081.

Dec. 21, 1979, Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §§706, 709, 93 Stat. 1152, 1153.

Oct. 13, 1978, Pub. L. 95–457, title VIII, §§806, 809, 92 Stat. 1243, 1244.

Sept. 21, 1977, Pub. L. 95–111, title VIII, §§805, 808, 91 Stat. 899, 900.

Sept. 22, 1976, Pub. L. 94–419, title VII, §§705, 708, 90 Stat. 1291, 1292.

Feb. 9, 1976, Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, §§705, 708, 90 Stat. 168, 169.

Oct. 8, 1974, Pub. L. 93–437, title VIII, §§805, 808, 88 Stat. 1224, 1225.

Jan. 2, 1974, Pub. L. 93–238, title VII, §§705, 708, 87 Stat. 1038, 1039.

Oct. 26, 1972, Pub. L. 92–570, title VII, §§705, 708, 86 Stat. 1196, 1197.

Dec. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–204, title VII, §§705, 708, 85 Stat. 727, 728.

Jan. 11, 1971, Pub. L. 91–668, title VIII, §§805, 808, 84 Stat. 2030, 2031.

Dec. 29, 1969, Pub. L. 91–171, title VI, §§605, 608, 83 Stat. 480.

Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90–580, title V, §§504, 507, 82 Stat. 1129, 1130.

Sept. 29, 1967, Pub. L. 90–96, title VI, §§604, 607, 81 Stat. 242.

Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–687, title VI, §§604, 607, 80 Stat. 991.

Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–213, title VI, §§604, 607, 79 Stat. 873, 874.

Aug. 19, 1964, Pub. L. 88–446, title V, §§504, 507, 78 Stat. 474, 475.

Oct. 17, 1963, Pub. L. 88–149, title V, §§504, 507, 77 Stat. 264.

Aug. 9, 1962, Pub. L. 87–577, title I, §101, title V, §§504, 507, 76 Stat. 318, 328.

Aug. 17, 1961, Pub. L. 87–144, title I, §101, title II, §201, title VI, §§604, 607, 75 Stat. 365–369, 375, 376.

July 7, 1960, Pub. L. 86–601, title I, §101, title II, §201, title V, §§504, 507, 74 Stat. 338–340, 342, 350.

Aug. 18, 1959, Pub. L. 86–166, title I, §101, title II, §201, title V, §§604, 607, 73 Stat. 366–368, 370, 378, 379.

Aug. 22, 1958, Pub. L. 85–724, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §604, 72 Stat. 713, 714, 721, 722, 723.

Aug. 2, 1957, Pub. L. 85–117, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §604, 71 Stat. 313, 314, 321, 323.

July 2, 1956, ch. 488, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §604, 70 Stat. 456, 457, 464, 465, 467.

July 13, 1955, ch. 358, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §606, 69 Stat. 303, 304, 312, 313, 315.

June 30, 1954, ch. 432, title IV, §401, title VI, §601, title VII, §706, 68 Stat. 338, 339, 347, 348, 350.

Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 305, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §610, 67 Stat. 338, 339, 348, 350.

July 10, 1952, ch. 630, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §612, 66 Stat. 519, 520, 530, 532.

Oct. 18, 1951, ch. 512, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §612, 65 Stat. 426, 429, 443, 446.

Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. X, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §614, 64 Stat. 732, 735, 750, 753.

Oct. 29, 1949, ch. 787, title III, §301, title V, §501, title VI, §616, 63 Stat. 990–992, 1015, 1020.

June 24, 1948, ch. 632, §§1, 11, 62 Stat. 653, 655, 669.

July 30, 1947, ch. 357, title I, §§1, 12, 61 Stat. 555, 557, 572.

July 16, 1946, ch. 583, §§1, 13, 60 Stat. 546–548, 565.

July 3, 1945, ch. 265, §§1, 15, 59 Stat. 388–390, 406.

June 28, 1944, ch. 303, §§1, 15, 58 Stat. 578, 580, 595.

July 1, 1943, ch. 185, §§1, 15, 57 Stat. 352, 354, 369.

July 2, 1942, ch. 477, §§1, 14, 56 Stat. 615, 617, 633.

Dec. 17, 1941, ch. 591, title I, §103, 55 Stat. 813.

June 30, 1941, ch. 262, §1, 55 Stat. 371, 373.

June 13, 1940, ch. 343, §1, 54 Stat. 357–359.

Apr. 26, 1939, ch. 88, §1, 53 Stat. 598, 600.

June 11, 1938, ch. 37, §1, 52 Stat. 648, 649.

July 1, 1937, ch. 423, §1, 50 Stat. 448, 450.

May 15, 1936, ch. 404, §1, title I, 49 Stat. 1284, 1286.

Apr. 9, 1935, ch. 54, §1, title I, 49 Stat. 127, 128.

Apr. 26, 1934, ch. 165, title I, 48 Stat. 619, 621.

Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 281, title I, 47 Stat. 1575, 1577.

July 14, 1932, ch. 482, title I, 47 Stat. 668, 670, 671.

Feb. 23, 1931, ch. 279, title I, 46 Stat. 1281–1284.

May 28, 1930, ch. 348, title I, 46 Stat. 436, 438.

Feb. 28, 1929, ch. 366, title I, 45 Stat. 1354, 1356.

Mar. 23, 1928, ch. 232, title I, 45 Stat. 330, 332.

Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 167, title I, 44 Stat. 1110, 1113.

Apr. 15, 1926, ch. 146, title I, 44 Stat. 259, 262.

Feb. 12, 1925, ch. 225, title I, 43 Stat. 900.

Provisions similar to those in par. (5) of this section were contained in Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §706, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1437, which was set out as a note under section 138 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–525, §§1403(a)(1), eff. Oct. 1, 1985.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a note under section 520b of this title.

CHAPTER 49—MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §§522, 523(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 249, 252, added items 986 and 989. Addition of item 986 was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §921(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1561, added item 988.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §721(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2228, added item 977.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §591(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2337, substituted "Military musical units and musicians: performance policies; restriction on performance in competition with local civilian musicians" for "Uniform performance policies for military bands and other musical units" in item 974.

2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §590(a)(2), title X, §1072(b)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 138, 330, added item 974 and struck out item 986 "Security clearances: limitations".

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(c)(6), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 323, amended directory language of Pub. L. 109–364, §670(b). See 2006 Amendment note below.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §670(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2269, as amended by Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(c)(6), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 323, added item 987.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §662(c)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3315, substituted "Persons convicted of capital crimes; certain other persons: denial of specified burial-related benefits" for "Persons convicted of capital crimes: denial of certain burial-related benefits" in item 985.

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §651(f)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1972, struck out item 977 "Operation of commissary stores: assignment of active duty members generally prohibited".

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(g)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1228, amended directory language of Pub. L. 106–65. See 1999 Amendment note below.

2000—Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1071(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-276, added item 986.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §549(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 611, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(g)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1228, substituted "Institutions of higher education that prevent ROTC access or military recruiting on campus: denial of grants and contracts from Department of Defense, Department of Education, and certain other departments and agencies" for "Institutions of higher education that prohibit Senior ROTC units: denial of Department of Defense grants and contracts" in item 983.

1998—Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §569(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2032, struck out item 974 "Civilian employment: enlisted members".

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1077(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1915, added item 985.

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §581(c)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2538, struck out "enlisted" after "count" in item 971.

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §§541(b), 561(c)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 316, 322, substituted "Members: effect of time lost" for "Enlisted members: required to make up time lost" in item 972 and added item 983.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title III, §351(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1627, added item 977.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XVI, §1622(b)(3), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1604, struck out item 975 "Prohibition on the sale of certain defense articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense".

1988—Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §521(a)(2), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1973, substituted "Drug and alcohol abuse and dependency: testing of new entrants" for "Mandatory testing for drug, chemical, and alcohol abuse" in item 978.

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §513(a)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1091, substituted "Mandatory testing for drug, chemical, and alcohol abuse" for "Denial of entrance into the armed forces of persons dependent on drugs or alcohol" in item 978.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §502(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3864, added item 982.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(c)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2615, added items 979 to 981.

1982—Pub. L. 97–306, title IV, §408(c)(2), Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1446, struck out item 977 "Denial of certain benefits to persons who fail to complete at least two years of an original enlistment".

Pub. L. 97–295, §1(14)(B), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1290, added item 978.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §501(12), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908, substituted "officers on active duty" for "Regular officers" in item 973.

Pub. L. 96–342, title X, §1002(b), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1119, added item 977.

1979—Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §821(b), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 820, redesignated item 975 relating to membership in military unions as 976.

1978—Pub. L. 95–610, §2(b), Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3088, added item 975 relating to military unions.

Pub. L. 95–485, title VIII, §815(b), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1626, added item 975 relating to sale of certain defense articles.

1968—Pub. L. 90–235, §§4(a)(5)(B), 6(a)(6)(B), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 759, 762, added items 973 and 974.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(20), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1442, added items 971 and 972.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Enhancement of Recusal for Conflicts of Personal Interest Requirements for Department of Defense Officers and Employees

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XI, §1117, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1955, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), in addition to the prohibition set forth in section 208 of title 18, United States Code, an officer or employee of the Department of Defense may not knowingly participate personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties where any of the following organizations is a party or represents a party to the matter:

"(1) Any organization, including a trade organization, for which the officer or employee has served as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner in the past 2 years.

"(2) Any organization with which the officer or employee is seeking employment.

"(b) Authorization.—An agency designee may authorize the officer or employee to participate in a matter described in paragraph (a) based on a determination, made in light of all relevant circumstances, that the interest of the Government in the officer or employee's participation outweighs the concern that a reasonable person may question the integrity of the agency's programs and operations.

"(c) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to terminate, alter, or make inapplicable any other prohibition or limitation in law or regulation on the participation of officers or employees of the Department of Defense in particular matters having an effect on their or related financial or other personal interests."

Prohibition on Lobbying Activities With Respect to the Department of Defense by Certain Officers of the Armed Forces and Civilian Employees of the Department Following Separation From Military Service or Employment With the Department

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1045, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1555, provided that:

"(a) Two-year Prohibition.—

"(1) Prohibition.—An individual described in paragraph (2) may not engage in lobbying activities with respect to the Department of Defense during the two-year period beginning on the date of retirement or separation from service in the Armed Forces or the date of retirement or separation from service with the Department, as applicable.

"(2) Covered individuals.—An individual described in this paragraph is the following:

"(A) An officer of the Armed Forces in grade O–9 or higher at the time of retirement or separation from the Armed Forces.

"(B) A civilian employee of the Department of Defense who had a civilian grade equivalent to a military grade specified in subparagraph (A) at the time of the employee's retirement or separation from service with the Department.

"(b) One-year Prohibition.—

"(1) Prohibition.—An individual described in paragraph (2) may not engage in lobbying activities with respect to the Department of Defense during the one-year period beginning on the date of retirement or separation from service in the Armed Forces or the date of retirement or separation from service with the Department, as applicable.

"(2) Covered individuals.—An individual described in this paragraph is the following:

"(A) An officer of the Armed Forces in grade O–7 or O–8 at the time of retirement or separation from the Armed Forces.

"(B) A civilian employee of the Department of Defense who had a civilian grade equivalent to a military grade specified in subparagraph (A) at the time of the employee's retirement or separation from service with the Department.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'lobbying activities with respect to the Department of Defense' means the following:

"(A) Lobbying contacts and other lobbying activities with covered executive branch officials with respect to the Department of Defense.

"(B) Lobbying contacts with covered executive branch officials described in subparagraphs (C) through (F) of section 3(3) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602(3)) in the Department of Defense.

"(2) The terms 'lobbying activities' and 'lobbying contacts' have the meaning given such terms in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602).

"(3) The term 'covered executive branch official' has the meaning given that term in section 3(3) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602(3))."

§971. Service credit: officers may not count service performed while serving as cadet or midshipman

(a) Prohibition on Counting Enlisted Service Performed While at Service Academy or in Navy Reserve.—The period of service under an enlistment or period of obligated service while also performing service as a cadet or midshipman or serving as a midshipman in the Navy Reserve may not be counted in computing, for any purpose, the length of service of an officer of an armed force or an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

(b) Prohibition on Counting Service as a Cadet or Midshipman.—In computing length of service for any purpose, service as a cadet or midshipman may not be credited to any of the following officers:

(1) An officer of the Navy or Marine Corps.

(2) A commissioned officer of the Army, Air Force, or Space Force.

(3) An officer of the Coast Guard.

(4) An officer in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

(c) Service as a Cadet or Midshipman Defined.—In this section, the term "service as a cadet or midshipman" means—

(1) service as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or United States Coast Guard Academy; or

(2) service as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(20), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1442; amended Pub. L. 90–235, §6(a) (1), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 98–557, §17(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2867; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §652(a)(1)(A), (2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1461; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title V, §581, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2537; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(13), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(b)(1)(D), (2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3233, 3234; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(22), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3824.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
971	50:1414.	June 25, 1956, ch. 439, §4, 70 Stat. 333.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted ", Air Force, or Space Force" for "or Air Force".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve" in heading and "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve" in text.

1997—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "Commissioned Corps" for "commissioned corps".

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, §581(c)(3), struck out "enlisted" after "count" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201, §581(a), (c)(2), inserted heading, substituted "while also performing service as a cadet or midshipman or serving as a midshipman" for "while also serving as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy, or as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy or", and inserted before period at end "or an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–201, §581(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "In computing length of service for any purpose—

"(1) no officer of the Navy or Marine Corps may be credited with service as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy or as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or United States Coast Guard Academy;

"(2) no commissioned officer of the Army or Air Force may be credited with service as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy or as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or United States Coast Guard Academy; and

"(3) no officer of the Coast Guard may be credited with service as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy or as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or United States Coast Guard Academy."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–201, §581(c)(1), added subsec. (c).

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, §652(a)(1)(A), struck out ", under an appointment accepted after June 25, 1956," after "Naval Reserve".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §652(a)(2)(A), struck out ", if he was appointed as a midshipman or cadet after March 4, 1913" after "United States Coast Guard Academy".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–189, §652(a)(2)(B), struck out ", if he was appointed as a midshipman or cadet after August 24, 1912" after "United States Coast Guard Academy".

1984—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–557 added par. (3).

1968—Pub. L. 90–235 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Application of Subsection (a) to Service Under Appointment Accepted Before June 26, 1956

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §652(a)(1)(B), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1461, provided that the computing limitation in subsection (a) of this section did not apply to service under an appointment as a cadet or midshipman accepted before June 26, 1956.

§972. Members: effect of time lost

(a) Enlisted Members Required To Make Up Time Lost.—An enlisted member of an armed force who—

(1) deserts;

(2) is absent from his organization, station, or duty for more than one day without proper authority, as determined by competent authority;

(3) is confined by military or civilian authorities for more than one day in connection with a trial, whether before, during, or after the trial; or

(4) is unable for more than one day, as determined by competent authority, to perform his duties because of intemperate use of drugs or alcoholic liquor, or because of disease or injury resulting from his misconduct;

is liable, after his return to full duty, to serve for a period that, when added to the period that he served before his absence from duty, amounts to the term for which he was enlisted or inducted.

(b) Officers Not Allowed Service Credit for Time Lost.—In the case of an officer of an armed force who after February 10, 1996—

(1) deserts;

(2) is absent from his organization, station, or duty for more than one day without proper authority, as determined by competent authority;

(3) is confined by military or civilian authorities for more than one day in connection with a trial, whether before, during, or after the trial; or

(4) is unable for more than one day, as determined by competent authority, to perform his duties because of intemperate use of drugs or alcoholic liquor, or because of disease or injury resulting from his misconduct;

the period of such desertion, absence, confinement, or inability to perform duties may not be counted in computing, for any purpose other than basic pay under section 205 of title 37, the officer's length of service.

(c) Waiver of Recoupment of Time Lost for Confinement.—The Secretary concerned shall waive liability for a period of confinement in connection with a trial under subsection (a)(3), or exclusion of a period of confinement in connection with a trial under subsection (b)(3), in a case upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(1) For each charge—

(A) the charge is dismissed before or during trial in a final disposition of the charge; or

(B) the trial results in an acquittal of the charge.

(2) For each charge resulting in a conviction in such trial—

(A) the conviction is set aside in a final disposition of such charge, other than in a grant of clemency; or

(B) a judgment of acquittal or a dismissal is entered upon a reversal of the conviction on appeal.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(20), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1443; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §561(a)–(c)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 321, 322; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(14), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §572, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1921.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
972	10 App.:629a. 34 App.:183b.	July 24, 1956, ch. 692, §1, 70 Stat. 631.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375 added subsec. (c).

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "February 10, 1996" for "the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996" in introductory provisions.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, §561(c)(1), substituted "Members: effect of time lost" for "Enlisted members: required to make up time lost" as section catchline.

Pub. L. 104–106, §561(a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, added par. (3), redesignated par. (5) as (4), struck out former pars. (3) and (4), and added subsec. (b). Prior to amendment, subsec. (a)(3) and (4) read as follows:

"(3) is confined for more than one day while awaiting trial and disposition of his case, and whose conviction has become final;

"(4) is confined for more than one day under a sentence that has become final; or".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §561(e), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 323, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 6328 of this title and amending this section and sections 1405, 3925, 3926, 8925, and 8926 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996] and shall apply to any period of time covered by section 972 of title 10, United States Code, that occurs after that date."

§973. Duties: officers on active duty; performance of civil functions restricted

(a) No officer of an armed force on active duty may accept employment if that employment requires him to be separated from his organization, branch, or unit, or interferes with the performance of his military duties.

(b)(1) This subsection applies—

(A) to a regular officer of an armed force on the active-duty list (and a regular officer of the Coast Guard on the active duty promotion list);

(B) to a retired regular officer of an armed force serving on active duty under a call or order to active duty for a period in excess of 270 days;

(C) to a reserve officer of an armed force serving on active duty under a call or order to active duty for a period in excess of 270 days; and

(D) to an officer on the Space Force officer list serving on active duty under section 20105(b) of this title or under a call or order to active duty for a period in excess of 270 days.

(2)(A) Except as otherwise authorized by law, an officer to whom this subsection applies may not hold, or exercise the functions of, a civil office in the Government of the United States—

(i) that is an elective office;

(ii) that requires an appointment by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; or

(iii) that is a position in the Executive Schedule under sections 5312 through 5317 of title 5.

(B) An officer to whom this subsection applies may hold or exercise the functions of a civil office in the Government of the United States that is not described in subparagraph (A) when assigned or detailed to that office or to perform those functions.

(3) Except as otherwise authorized by law, an officer to whom this subsection applies by reason of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) may not hold or exercise, by election or appointment, the functions of a civil office in the government of a State (or of any political subdivision of a State).

(4)(A) An officer to whom this subsection applies by reason of subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) may not hold, by election or appointment, a civil office in the government of a State (or of any political subdivision of a State) if the holding of such office while this subsection so applies to the officer—

(i) is prohibited under the laws of that State; or

(ii) as determined by the Secretary of Defense or by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, interferes with the performance of the officer's duties as an officer of the armed forces.

(B) Except as otherwise authorized by law, while an officer referred to in subparagraph (A) is serving on active duty, the officer may not exercise the functions of a civil office held by the officer as described in that subparagraph.

(5) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to invalidate any action undertaken by an officer in furtherance of assigned official duties.

(6) In this subsection, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia and a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States.

(c) An officer to whom subsection (b) applies may seek and hold nonpartisan civil office on an independent school board that is located exclusively on a military reservation.

(d) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating in the Navy, shall prescribe regulations to implement this section.

(Added Pub. L. 90–235, §4(a)(5)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 759; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §116, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2878; Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1002(a), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 655; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §556, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1570; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §506, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §545, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1479; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1722(f), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 672.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1722(f) of Pub. L. 118–31 amended sections 802, 803, and 937 of this title.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 118–31 added subpar. (D).

2003—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 108–136, §545(2), inserted "by reason of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1)" after "applies" and substituted "(or of any political subdivision of a State)" for ", the District of Columbia, or a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States (or of any political subdivision of any such government)".

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 108–136, §545(1), (3), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 108–136, §545(4), added par. (6).

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Subsec. (b)(1)(B), (C). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "270 days" for "180 days".

1990—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 101–510 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–94 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment subsec. (b) provided that, except as otherwise provided by law, no regular officer of an armed force on active duty could hold a civil office by election or appointment, whether under the United States, a Territory or possession, or a State, and that acceptance of such a civil office or the exercise of its functions by such an officer terminated his military appointment.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–94 added subsec. (c).

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, §116(c), substituted "officers on active duty" for "regular officers" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §116(a), substituted "of an armed force on active duty" for "on the active list of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513, §116(b), substituted "regular officer of an armed force on active duty" for "on the active list of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Coast Guard".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under the amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Construction and Applicability of Section 973(b)

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1002(b), (c), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 655, 656, provided that:

"(b) Nothing in section 973(b) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983], shall be construed—

"(1) to invalidate any action undertaken by an officer of an Armed Force in furtherance of assigned official duties; or

"(2) to have terminated the military appointment of an officer of an Armed Force by reason of the acceptance of a civil office, or the exercise of its functions, by that officer in furtherance of assigned official duties.

"(c) Nothing in section 973(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall preclude a Reserve office to whom such section applies from holding or exercising the functions of an office described in such section for the term to which the Reserve officer was elected or appointed if, before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983], the Reserve officer accepted appointment or election to that office in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect at the time of such appointment or election."

§974. Military musical units and musicians: performance policies; restriction on performance in competition with local civilian musicians

(a) Military Musicians Performing in an Official Capacity.—(1) A military musical unit, and a member of the armed forces who is a member of such a unit performing in an official capacity, may not engage in the performance of music in competition with local civilian musicians.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the following shall, except as provided in paragraph (3), be included among the performances that are considered to be a performance of music in competition with local civilian musicians:

(A) A performance that is more than incidental to an event that—

(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United States Government funds; and

(ii) is not free to the public.

(B) A performance of background, dinner, dance, or other social music at an event that—

(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United States Government funds; and

(ii) is held at a location not on a military installation.

(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the following shall not be considered to be a performance of music in competition with local civilian musicians:

(A) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, or other social music) at an official United States Government event that is supported, in whole or in part, by United States Government funds.

(B) A performance at a concert, parade, or other event, that—

(i) is a patriotic event or a celebration of a national holiday; and

(ii) is free to the public.

(C) A performance that is incidental to an event that—

(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United States Government funds; or

(ii) is not free to the public.

(D) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, or other social music) at—

(i) an event that is sponsored by a military welfare society, as defined in section 2566 of this title;

(ii) an event that is a traditional military event intended to foster the morale and welfare of members of the armed forces and their families; or

(iii) an event that is specifically for the benefit or recognition of members of the armed forces, their family members, veterans, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, or former civilian employees of the Department of Defense, to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(E) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, or other social music)—

(i) to uphold the standing and prestige of the United States with dignitaries and distinguished or prominent persons or groups of the United States or another nation; or

(ii) in support of fostering and sustaining a cooperative relationship with another nation.

(b) Prohibition of Military Musicians Accepting Additional Remuneration for Official Performances.—A military musical unit, and a member of the armed forces who is a member of such a unit performing in an official capacity, may not receive remuneration for an official performance, other than applicable military pay and allowances.

(c) Recordings.—(1) When authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this section, a military musical unit may produce recordings for distribution to the public, at a cost not to exceed expenses of production and distribution.

(2) Amounts received in payment for a recording distributed to the public under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation or account providing the funds for the production of the recording. Any amount so credited shall be merged with amounts in the appropriation or account to which credited, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such appropriation or account.

(d) Private Donations.—(1) The Secretary concerned may accept contributions of money, personal property, or services on the condition that such money, property, or services be used for the benefit of a military musical unit under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

(2) Any contribution of money under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the appropriation or account providing the funds for such military musical unit. Any amount so credited shall be merged with amounts in the appropriation or account to which credited, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such appropriation or account.

(e) Performances at Foreign Locations.—Subsection (a) does not apply to a performance outside the United States, its commonwealths, or its possessions.

(f) Military Musical Unit Defined.—In this section, the term "military musical unit" means a band, ensemble, chorus, or similar musical unit of the armed forces.

(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §590(a)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 136; amended Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §591(a), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2335; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title III, §351, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 741; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1051(a)(4), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1560.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 974, added Pub. L. 90–235, §6(a)(6)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 762; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title III, §327(e), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1532, related to civilian employment by enlisted members, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §569(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2032.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "Not later than January 30 of each year, the Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report on any contributions of money, personal property, and services accepted under paragraph (1) during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which the report is submitted."

2013—Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 113–66 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to uniform performance policies for military bands and other musical units.

[§975. Renumbered §2390]

§976. Membership in military unions, organizing of military unions, and recognition of military unions prohibited

(a) In this section:

(1) The term "member of the armed forces" means (A) a member of the armed forces who is serving on active duty, (B) a member of the National Guard who is serving on full-time National Guard duty, or (C) a member of a Reserve component or the Space Force while performing inactive-duty training.

(2) The term "military labor organization" means any organization that engages in or attempts to engage in—

(A) negotiating or bargaining with any civilian officer or employee, or with any member of the armed forces, on behalf of members of the armed forces, concerning the terms or conditions of military service of such members in the armed forces;

(B) representing individual members of the armed forces before any civilian officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, in connection with any grievance or complaint of any such member arising out of the terms or conditions of military service of such member in the armed forces; or

(C) striking, picketing, marching, demonstrating, or any other similar form of concerted action which is directed against the Government of the United States and which is intended to induce any civilian officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, to—

(i) negotiate or bargain with any person concerning the terms or conditions of military service of any member of the armed forces,

(ii) recognize any organization as a representative of individual members of the armed forces in connection with complaints and grievances of such members arising out of the terms or conditions of military service of such members in the armed forces, or

(iii) make any change with respect to the terms or conditions of military service of individual members of the armed forces.

(3) The term "civilian officer or employee" means an employee, as such term is defined in section 2105 of title 5.

(b) It shall be unlawful for a member of the armed forces, knowing of the activities or objectives of a particular military labor organization—

(1) to join or maintain membership in such organization; or

(2) to attempt to enroll any other member of the armed forces as a member of such organization.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person—

(1) to enroll in a military labor organization any member of the armed forces or to solicit or accept dues or fees for such an organization from any member of the armed forces; or

(2) to negotiate or bargain, or attempt through any coercive act to negotiate or bargain, with any civilian officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, on behalf of members of the armed forces, concerning the terms or conditions of service of such members;

(3) to organize or attempt to organize, or participate in, any strike, picketing, march, demonstration, or other similar form of concerted action involving members of the armed forces that is directed against the Government of the United States and that is intended to induce any civilian officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, to—

(A) negotiate or bargain with any person concerning the terms or conditions of service of any member of the armed forces,

(B) recognize any military labor organization as a representative of individual members of the armed forces in connection with any complaint or grievance of any such member arising out of the terms or conditions of service of such member in the armed forces, or

(C) make any change with respect to the terms or conditions of service in the armed forces of individual members of the armed forces; or

(4) to use any military installation, facility, reservation, vessel, or other property of the United States for any meeting, march, picketing, demonstration, or other similar activity for the purpose of engaging in any activity prohibited by this subsection or by subsection (b) or (d).

(d) It shall be unlawful for any military labor organization to represent, or attempt to represent, any member of the armed forces before any civilian officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, in connection with any grievance or complaint of any such member arising out of the terms or conditions of service of such member in the armed forces.

(e) No member of the armed forces, and no civilian officer or employee, may—

(1) negotiate or bargain on behalf of the United States concerning the terms or conditions of military service of members of the armed forces with any person who represents or purports to represent members of the armed forces, or

(2) permit or authorize the use of any military installation, facility, reservation, vessel, or other property of the United States for any meeting, march, picketing, demonstration, or other similar activity which is for the purpose of engaging in any activity prohibited by subsection (b), (c), or (d).

Nothing in this subsection shall prevent commanders or supervisors from giving consideration to the views of any member of the armed forces presented individually or as a result of participation on command-sponsored or authorized advisory councils, committees, or organizations.

(f) Whoever violates subsection (b), (c), or (d) shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, except that, in the case of an organization (as defined in section 18 of such title), the fine shall not be less than $25,000.

(g) Nothing in this section shall limit the right of any member of the armed forces—

(1) to join or maintain membership in any organization or association not constituting a "military labor organization" as defined in subsection (a)(2) of this section;

(2) to present complaints or grievances concerning the terms or conditions of the service of such member in the armed forces in accordance with established military procedures;

(3) to seek or receive information or counseling from any source;

(4) to be represented by counsel in any legal or quasi-legal proceeding, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;

(5) to petition the Congress for redress of grievances; or

(6) to take such other administrative action to seek such administrative or judicial relief, as is authorized by applicable laws and regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 95–610, §2(a), Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3085, §975; renumbered §976, Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §821(a), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 820; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, §414(a)(6), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(a)(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3992; Pub. L. 100–26, §7(k)(2), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 284; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(15), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1900; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(b)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 680.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted "or the Space Force" after "member of a Reserve component".

1997—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, except that, in the case of an organization (as defined in section 18 of such title), the fine shall not be less than $25,000." for "shall, in the case of an individual, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, and in the case of an organization or association, be fined not less than $25,000 and not more than $250,000."

1987—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 100–26 inserted "The term" after each par. designation and struck out uppercase letter of first word after first quotation marks in each paragraph and substituted lowercase letter.

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–661 struck out the second of two commas before "(B)".

1984—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–525 added cl. (B) and redesignated existing cl. (B) as (C).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Findings; Purpose

Pub. L. 95–610, §1, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3085, provided that:

"(a) The Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) Members of the armed forces of the United States must be prepared to fight and, if necessary, to die to protect the welfare, security, and liberty of the United States and of their fellow citizens.

"(2) Discipline and prompt obedience to lawful orders of superior officers are essential and time-honored elements of the American military tradition and have been reinforced from the earliest articles of war by laws and regulations prohibiting conduct detrimental to the military chain of command and lawful military authority.

"(3) The processes of conventional collective bargaining and labor-management negotiation cannot and should not be applied to the relationships between members of the armed forces and their military and civilian superiors.

"(4) Strikes, slowdowns, picketing, and other traditional forms of job action have no place in the armed forces.

"(5) Unionization of the armed forces would be incompatible with the military chain of command, would undermine the role, authority, and position of the commander, and would impair the morale and readiness of the armed forces.

"(6) The circumstances which could constitute a threat to the ability of the armed forces to perform their mission are not comparable to the circumstances which could constitute a threat to the ability of Federal civilian agencies to perform their functions and should be viewed in light of the need for effective performance of duty by each member of the armed forces.

"(b) The purpose of this Act [enacting this section] is to promote the readiness of the armed forces to defend the United States."

§977. Conversion of military medical and dental positions to civilian medical and dental positions: limitation

(a) Process.—The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish a process to define the military medical and dental personnel requirements necessary to meet operational medical force readiness requirements.

(b) Requirements Relating to Conversion.—A military medical or dental position within the Department of Defense may be converted to a civilian medical or dental position if the Secretary determines that the position is not necessary to meet operational medical force readiness requirements, as determined pursuant to subsection (a).

(c) Grade or Level Converted.—In carrying out a conversion under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense—

(1) shall convert the applicable military position to a civilian position with a level of compensation commensurate with the skills and experience necessary to carry out the duties of such civilian position; and

(2) may not place any limitation on the grade or level to which the military position is so converted.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "military medical or dental position" means a position for the performance of health care functions within the armed forces held by a member of the armed forces.

(2) The term "civilian medical or dental position" means a position for the performance of health care functions within the Department of Defense held by an employee of the Department or of a contractor of the Department.

(3) The term "conversion", with respect to a military medical or dental position, means a change of the position to a civilian medical or dental position, effective as of the date of the manning authorization document of the military department making the change (through a change in designation from military to civilian in the document, the elimination of the listing of the position as a military position in the document, or through any other means indicating the change in the document or otherwise).

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §721(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2227.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 977, added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title III, §351(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1626; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(16), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(6), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 770, related to prohibition of assignment of active duty members to operation of commissary stores, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §651(e)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1972.

Another prior section 977, added Pub. L. 96–342, title X, §1002(a), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1119; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(1), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137, provided that no one who originally enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, in a regular armed services component and failed to serve at least 24 months of such enlistment would be eligible for Federal benefits otherwise receivable because of active service under such enlistment, except that such exclusion was not applicable to one discharged under section 1173 of chapter 61 of this title or to one later proved to be suffering from a disability resulting from an injury or disease incurred during enlistment, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–306, title IV, §408(c)(1), Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1446. See section 5303A of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and provisions set out as notes under that section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §721(a)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2228, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense may not carry out section 977(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), until the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the report under subsection (b)."

§978. Drug and alcohol abuse and dependency: testing of new entrants

(a)(1) The Secretary concerned shall require that, except as provided under paragraph (2), each person applying for an original enlistment or appointment in the armed forces shall be required, before becoming a member of the armed forces, to—

(A) undergo testing (by practicable, scientifically supported means) for drug and alcohol use; and

(B) be evaluated for drug and alcohol dependency.

(2) The Secretary concerned may provide that, in lieu of undergoing the testing and evaluation described in paragraph (1) before becoming a member of the armed forces, a member of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction may be administered that testing and evaluation after the member's initial entry on active duty. In any such case, the testing and evaluation shall be carried out within 72 hours of the member's initial entry on active duty.

(3) The Secretary concerned shall require an applicant for appointment as a cadet or midshipman to undergo the testing and evaluation described in paragraph (1) within 72 hours of such appointment. The Secretary concerned shall require a person to whom a commission is offered under section 2106 of this title following completion of the program of advanced training under the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program to undergo such testing and evaluation before such an appointment is executed.

(b) A person who refuses to consent to testing and evaluation required by subsection (a) may not (unless that person subsequently consents to such testing and evaluation)—

(1) be accepted for an original enlistment in the armed forces or given an original appointment as an officer in the armed forces; or

(2) if such person is already a member of the armed forces, be retained in the armed forces.

An original appointment of any such person as an officer shall be terminated.

(c)(1) A person determined, as the result of testing conducted under subsection (a)(1), to be dependent on drugs or alcohol shall be denied entrance into the armed forces.

(2) The enlistment or appointment of a person who is determined, as a result of an evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(2), to be dependent on drugs or alcohol at the time of such enlistment or appointment shall be void.

(3) A person who is denied entrance into the armed forces under paragraph (1), or whose enlistment or appointment is voided under paragraph (2), shall be referred to a civilian treatment facility.

(4) The Secretary concerned may place on excess leave any member of the armed forces whose test results under subsection (a)(2) are positive for drug or alcohol use. The Secretary may continue such member's status on excess leave pending disposition of the member's case and processing for administrative separation.

(d) The testing and evaluation required by subsection (a) shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Those regulations shall apply uniformly throughout the armed forces.

(e) In time of war, or time of emergency declared by Congress or the President, the President may suspend the provisions of subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 97–295, §1(14)(A), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §513(a)(1), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §521(a)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1972; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §513(a)–(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1440; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(k)(4), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §572, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1673; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
978	10:1071 (note).	Sept. 28, 1971, Pub. L. 92–129, §501(a)(2), (b), 85 Stat. 361.

The word "regulations" is added for consistency. The word "persons" is omitted as surplus. The word "person" is substituted for "individuals" for consistency. The text of subsection (b) is omitted as executed.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1993—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "within 72 hours of such appointment" for "during the physical examination given the applicant before such appointment" and "before such an appointment is executed" for "during the precommissioning physical examination given such person".

1990—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–510 struck out "a" before "whose enlistment".

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(a)(2), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned shall require each member of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction, within 72 hours after the member's initial entry on active duty after enlistment or appointment, to—

"(A) undergo testing (by practicable, scientifically supported means) for drug and alcohol use; and

"(B) be evaluated for drug and alcohol dependency."

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(a), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(b)(1), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "A person who refuses to consent to testing and evaluation required by subsection (a) may not be retained in the armed forces, and any original appointment of such person as an officer shall be terminated, unless that person consents to such testing and evaluation."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(b)(2)(B), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(b)(2)(A), (C), redesignated par. (1) as (2) and substituted "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection (a)(1)(B)". Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(b)(2)(A), (D), redesignated par. (2) as (3), inserted "who is denied entrance into the armed forces under paragraph (1), or a" after "A person", and substituted "paragraph (2)," for "paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 101–189, §513(c), added par. (4).

1988—Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "Drug and alcohol abuse and dependency: testing of new entrants" for "Mandatory testing for drug, chemical, and alcohol abuse" in section catchline, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Before a person becomes a member of the armed forces, such person shall be required to undergo testing for drug, chemical, and alcohol use and dependency.

"(b) A person who refuses to consent to testing required by subsection (a) may not be accepted for an original enlistment in the armed forces or given an original appointment as an officer in the armed forces unless that person consents to such testing.

"(c) A person determined, as the result of testing conducted under subsection (a), to be dependent on drugs, chemicals, or alcohol shall be—

"(1) denied entrance into the armed forces; and

"(2) referred to a civilian treatment facility.

"(d) The testing required by subsection (a) shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation. Those regulations shall apply uniformly throughout the armed forces."

1987—Pub. L. 100–180 substituted "Mandatory testing for drug, chemical, and alcohol abuse" for "Denial of entrance into the armed forces of persons dependent on drugs or alcohol" in section catchline, and amended text generally, revising and restating as subsecs. (a) to (d) provisions formerly contained in subsecs. (a) and (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title V, §513(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1441, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall take effect as of October 1, 1989."

Regulations; Implementation of Program

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §521(b), (c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1973, provided that:

"(b) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the implementation of section 978 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 29, 1988].

"(c) Effective Date.—The testing and evaluation program prescribed by that section shall be implemented not later than October 1, 1989."

Implementation

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title V, §513(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1091, as amended by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §521(d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1973, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the implementation of section 978 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 1987].

"(2) [Repealed. Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §521(d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1973]."

§979. Prohibition on loan and grant assistance to persons convicted of certain crimes

Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense may not be used to provide a loan, a guarantee of a loan, or a grant to any person who has been convicted by a court of general jurisdiction of any crime which involves the use of (or assisting others in the use of) force, trespass, or the seizure of property under the control of an institution of higher education to prevent officials or students of the institution from engaging in their duties or pursuing their studies.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(c)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2615.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8027], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1928.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §732, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1444.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §735], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833, 1856.

Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §736, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1585.

Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §737, Dec. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 3087.

Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §739, Dec. 21, 1979, 93 Stat. 1159.

Pub. L. 95–457, title VIII, §839, Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1250.

Pub. L. 95–111, title VIII, §838, Sept. 21, 1977, 91 Stat. 906.

Pub. L. 94–419, title VII, §737, Sept. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 1297.

Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, §737, Feb. 9, 1976, 90 Stat. 175.

Pub. L. 93–437, title VIII, §838, Oct. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 1231.

Pub. L. 93–238, title VII, §740, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1045.

Pub. L. 92–570, title VII, §740, Oct. 26, 1972, 86 Stat. 1203.

Pub. L. 92–204, title VII, §741, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 734.

Pub. L. 91–668, title VIII, §841, Jan. 11, 1971, 84 Stat. 2037.

Pub. L. 91–171, title VI, §641, Dec. 29, 1969, 83 Stat. 486.

Pub. L. 90–580, title V, §540, Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1136.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a note under section 520b of this title.

§980. Limitation on use of humans as experimental subjects

(a) Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense may not be used for research involving a human being as an experimental subject unless—

(1) the informed consent of the subject is obtained in advance; or

(2) in the case of research intended to be beneficial to the subject, the informed consent of the subject or a legal representative of the subject is obtained in advance.

(b)(1) The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition in this section with respect to a specific research project to advance the development of a medical product necessary to the armed forces if the research project may directly benefit the subject and is carried out in accordance with all other applicable laws.

(2) The Secretary may delegate the authority provided by paragraph (1) to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(c)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2615; amended Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §733, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1170; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title II, §212, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 183.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8029], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1929.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §734, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1444.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §737], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833, 1857.

Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §738, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1585.

Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §739, Dec. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 3088.

Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §741, Dec. 21, 1979, 93 Stat. 1159.

Pub. L. 95–457, title VIII, §841, Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1251.

Pub. L. 95–111, title VIII, §840, Sept. 21, 1977, 91 Stat. 906.

Pub. L. 94–419, title VII, §739, Sept. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 1297.

Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, §740, Feb. 9, 1976, 90 Stat. 175.

Pub. L. 93–437, title VIII, §841, Oct. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 1231.

Pub. L. 93–238, title VII, §743, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1045.

Pub. L. 92–570, title VII, §745, Oct. 26, 1972, 86 Stat. 1203.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a note under section 520b of this title.

§981. Limitation on number of enlisted aides

(a) Subject to subsection (b), the total number of enlisted members that may be assigned or otherwise detailed to duty as enlisted aides on the personal staffs of officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard (when operating as a service of the Navy) during a fiscal year is the number equal to the sum of (1) four times the number of officers serving on active duty at the end of the preceding fiscal year in the grade of general or admiral, and (2) two times the number of officers serving on active duty at the end of the preceding fiscal year in the grade of lieutenant general or vice admiral.

(b) Not more than 300 enlisted members may be assigned to duty at any time as enlisted aides for officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(c) Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report—

(1) specifying the number of enlisted aides authorized and allocated for general officers and flag officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and joint pool as of September 30 of the previous year; and

(2) justifying, on a billet-by-billet basis, the authorization and assignment of each enlisted aide to each general officer and flag officer position.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(c)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2615; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §504(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3355; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(b)(4), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 680.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (a) of this section were contained in Pub. L. 94–106, title VIII, §820(a), Oct. 7, 1975, 89 Stat. 544, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–525, §§1403(c), 1404, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (b) of this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8034], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1930.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §742, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1446.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §745], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833,