Determination of Seniority
- Seniority for officers appointed on or before May 6, 1942, as established under a prior Executive Order, remains unchanged.
- For other officers, seniority is determined by:
- Longer active service in the permanent grade.
- If equal, longer total active commissioned service.
- If still equal, seniority by original appointment date.
- If unresolved, seniority by age.
- For officers appointed or promoted on or after this Order's promulgation:
- Seniority among those appointed/promoted on the same date is as per appointment/promotion orders.
- Those promoted under third-vacancy selection retain their seniority and are placed accordingly.
Promotion and Appointment
- Active List:
- Officers on active duty are promoted according to laws applicable to Regular Officers.
- Both active and inactive service count for length of service requirements.
- Promotion consideration respects the relative seniority order strictly.
- Inactive List:
- Eligibility for promotion based on vacancies above Major.
- Specific time-in-grade requirements ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on rank.
- Completion of active service, annual training, or schooling relevant to grade is mandatory.
- Seniority considerations apply similarly as for active officers.
- Academic qualifications and private or government sector experience are considered for promotion to field/general grades.
- Age considerations:
- Officers exceeding third reserve age remain in the inactive list until compulsory retirement.
- Those beyond third reserve age are not called to active duty except in war or national emergency.
- Reappointment in Higher Grade:
- Inactive officers may resign and accept commissions in higher grades respecting seniority rules.
- Must demonstrate competence and meet physical and mental requirements.
- Cannot be placed on extended active tour within one year except in emergencies.
- Officers leaving Regular Force may be appointed in the Reserve Force in the last active grade with eligibility governed accordingly.
- Temporary Grades:
- Officers called to active duty from inactive status do not assume grades higher than contemporaries.
- Temporary grades revert automatically to permanent grades upon reversion to inactive status or promotions of subordinates.
- Retired enlisted personnel with reserve commissions stay in the inactive list until compulsory retirement and can only be called to active duty in emergencies.
Separation from Reserve Service
- Termination by death, resignation, or administrative/court-martial action.
- Death reporting: active duty deaths reported as Regular Officers; inactive status deaths reported officially with details.
- Resignations must be unconditional, in writing, and forwarded through channels.
- Resignation during wartime/grave emergencies deferred until 6 months after official termination.
- Separation for physical unfitness or misconduct, final conviction, inability to be located, foreign military service, loss of citizenship, or other reasons determined by the Secretary of National Defense.
- Such separation includes forfeiture of appointment.
Repeal
- Executive Order No. 260 (1957) and inconsistent regulations repealed except as needed to effect seniority provisions.
Administrative Authority
- The Chief of Staff and Secretary of National Defense hold responsibilities to implement these rules, including publication, promotions, appointments, and separations.