Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 169)
Seniority of officers is established through a seniority list approved by the President, where regular officers take precedence over reserve officers of like grade. Officers promoted to a new grade are placed at the bottom of that grade, with seniority based on the total length of service; loss of seniority can result from approved court-martial sentences.
Promotions are regulated by law, limited to the number of officers legally authorized in each grade. Promotions occur only when vacancies exist, and officers must be on the promotion eligibility list to be considered.
Third lieutenants shall be promoted to second lieutenant after two years of commissioned service. Second lieutenants shall be promoted to first lieutenant after five years of commissioned service.
The Efficiency Board determines eligibility for promotion, considers the suitability of officers for retention in the service, and may recommend separation for officers with unsatisfactory qualifications. It prepares promotion eligibility lists and reviews appeals regarding promotion passes.
An officer passed over for promotion and declared ineligible by two consecutive Efficiency Boards shall be discharged from service.
They consider professional efficiency, experience, accomplishments, attitude, ability, character, and general value to the Government. Political, social, financial, or other non-military factors are not considered.
The officer's case is referred through the Adjutant General to a Board of Medical Officers for determination of physical fitness.
Yes, an officer may appeal in writing to the President within sixty days through the Chief of Staff, including supporting documentary evidence. The officer will not be separated from service pending the decision, which is final.
The President appoints the Efficiency Board annually, consisting of three to five officers not below the grade of colonel, including one detailed to the Constabulary and one possibly retired officer. Neither the Chief of Staff nor Deputy Chief of Staff may serve.
Officers separated for reasons other than misconduct or similar faults are entitled to authorized gratuity and may request transfer to the Reserve Force with their same rank and branch, becoming eligible for promotion under reserve regulations.