The Secretary, under such regulations as he may prescribe, may revoke the commission of any regular officer on active duty who, at the date of such revocation, has had less than five years of continuous service as a commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 183; amended Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121.)

**2002**—Pub. L. 107–295 substituted “five” for “three” in section catchline and text.

Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 211 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant for the second time, shall:

(1) be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or

(2) if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or

(3) if, on the date specified for his discharge in this section, he is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 184; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(21), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520.)

**1976**—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year” in cl. (1).

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 211 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant commander for the second time shall:

(1) be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or

(2) if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or

(3) if, on the date specified for his discharge in this section, he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date; or

(4) if, on the date specified for his discharge in clause (1), he has completed at least eighteen years of active service, be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law.

(b)(1) When the needs of the service require, the Secretary may direct a selection board, which has been convened under section 251 of this title, to recommend for continuation on active duty for terms of not less than two nor more than four years a designated number of officers of the grade of lieutenant who would otherwise be discharged or retired under this section. When so directed, the board shall recommend for continuation on active duty those officers under consideration who are, in the opinion of the board, best qualified for continuation. Each officer so recommended may, with the approval of the Secretary, and notwithstanding subsection (a), be continued on active duty for the term recommended.

(2) Upon the completion of a term under paragraph (1), an officer shall, unless selected for further continuation—

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), be honorably discharged with separation pay computed under section 286 of this title;

(B) in the case of an officer who has completed at least 18 years of active service on the date of discharge under subparagraph (A), be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which the officer completes 20 years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law; or

(C) if, on the date specified for the officer's discharge under this section, the officer has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date.

(c) Each officer who has been continued on active duty under subsection (b) shall, unless earlier removed from active duty, be retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 184; amended Pub. L. 93–283, §1(6), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 140; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(22), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(9), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §205, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3907; Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(2), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121.)

**2002**—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–295 substituted “separation” for “severance”.

**1996**—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–324 designated existing provisions as par. (1), struck out “Upon the completion of such a term he shall, unless selected for further continuation, be honorably discharged with severance pay computed under section 286 of this title, or, if eligible for retirement under any law, be retired.” at end of par. (1), and added par. (2).

**1982**—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted “of this title” for “of this chapter” after “section 251”.

**1976**—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year”.

**1974**—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 93–283 substituted “he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible” for “he is eligible”.

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–295 effective 4 years after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 416(c) of Pub. L. 107–295, set out as a note under section 286 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 214 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant or lieutenant commander, respectively, for the second time shall:

(1) be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or

(2) if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or

(3) if on the date specified for his discharge in this section he is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired under that law on that date.

(b) Each officer subject to discharge or retirement under subsection (a) may elect to revert to his permanent grade.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 184; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(23), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520.)

**1976**—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year”.

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard serving in the grade of lieutenant commander or commander, who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of commander or captain, respectively, for the second time shall:

(1) if he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs, be retired on that date; or

(2) if ineligible for retirement on the date specified in clause (1) be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law.

(b) A lieutenant commander or commander of the Regular Coast Guard subject to discharge or retirement under subsection (a) may be continued on active duty when the Secretary directs a selection board convened under section 251 of this title to continue up to a specified number of lieutenant commanders or commanders on active duty. When so directed, the selection board shall recommend those officers who in the opinion of the board are best qualified to advance the needs and efficiency of the Coast Guard. When the recommendations of the board are approved by the Secretary, the officers recommended for continuation shall be notified that they have been recommended for continuation and offered an additional term of service that fulfills the needs of the Coast Guard.

(c)(1) An officer who holds the grade of lieutenant commander of the Regular Coast Guard may not be continued on active duty under subsection (b) for a period that extends beyond 24 years of active commissioned service unless promoted to the grade of commander of the Regular Coast Guard. An officer who holds the grade of commander of the Regular Coast Guard may not be continued on active duty under subsection (b) for a period that extends beyond 26 years of active commissioned service unless promoted to the grade of captain of the Regular Coast Guard.

(2) Unless retired or discharged under another provision of law, each officer who is continued on active duty under subsection (b) but 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 grade, shall, if 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 the period of continued service is completed.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 185; amended Pub. L. 93–283, §1(7), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 140; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(24), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §412, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2118.)

**2002**—Pub. L. 107–295 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

**1976**—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year” in cl. (1).

**1974**—Pub. L. 93–283 substituted “if he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible” for “if eligible” in cl. (1).

Section 3 of Pub. L. 88–130 authorized the Secretary, until July 1, 1966, to convene boards to recommend for continuation on active duty officers of the Coast Guard on the active duty promotion list in specified categories.

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) Each officer who is retained on active duty under section 283(a)(4), 283(b), or 285 of this title may, if he so requests, with the approval of the Secretary, be honorably discharged at any time prior to the date otherwise specified for his retirement or discharge.

(b) An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who is discharged under this section or section 282, 283, or 284 of this title and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge or release is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of section 1174 of title 10.

(c) An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who is discharged under section 327 of this title and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge or release is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2) of section 1174 of title 10 as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), an officer discharged under chapter 11 of this title for twice failing of selection for promotion to the next higher grade is not entitled to separation pay under this section if the officer requested in writing or otherwise sought not to be selected for promotion, or requested removal from the list of selectees.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 185; amended Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(3), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121.)

**2002**—Pub. L. 107–295 substituted “separation” for “severance” in section catchline, added subsecs. (b) to (d), and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: “Each officer discharged under this section or under section 282, 283, or 284 of this title is entitled to a lump-sum payment computed by multiplying his years of active commissioned service, but not more than twelve, by two months’ basic pay of the grade in which he is serving on the date of his discharge. In determining the total number of years of active service to be used as a multiplier in computing this payment, a part of a year that is six months or more is counted as a whole year and a part of a year that is less than six months is disregarded. The acceptance of a lump-sum payment under this section does not deprive a person of any retirement benefits from the United States. However, there shall be deducted from each of his retirement payments so much thereof as is based on the service for which he has received payment under this section until the total amount deducted equals the amount of the lump-sum payment.”

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(c), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2122, provided that: “The amendments made by paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 283, 286a, and 327 of this title] shall take effect 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2002], except that subsection (d) of section 286 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this section, shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to conduct on or after that date. The amendments made to the table of sections of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, by paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b) [amending the table of sections for this chapter] of this section shall take effect 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”

Section 3(p) of Pub. L. 88–130 authorized officers who failed of selection for continuation to request their discharge with severance pay computed in accordance with this section.

(a) A regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is discharged under section 580 of title 10, and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of section 1174 of title 10.

(b) A regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is discharged under section 1165 or 1166 of title 10, and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2) of section 1174 of title 10, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(c) In determining a member's years of active service for the purpose of computing separation pay under this section, each full month of service that is in addition to the number of full years of service creditable to the member is counted as one-twelfth of a year and any remaining fractional part of a month is disregarded.

(d) The acceptance of severance pay under this section does not deprive a person of any retirement benefits from the United States. However, there shall be deducted from each of his retirement payments so much thereof as is based on the service for which he has received severance pay under this section, until the total deductions equal the amount of such severance pay.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §505(a)(1), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2918; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, §1125(b)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1505; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(f)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2766; Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §201(a), (b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3414; Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(4), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121.)

**2002**—Pub. L. 107–295 substituted “separation” for “severance” in section catchline, added subsecs. (a) to (c), and struck out former subsecs. (a) to (c) which related to, in subsec. (a), severance pay of a regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is separated under section 580(a)(4)(A) of title 10, in subsec. (b), severance pay of a regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is separated under section 1166 of title 10, and, in subsec. (c), the calculation of part of the year of service for the purposes of this section.

**1998**—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–383, §201(b), inserted before period at end “, unless the Secretary determines that the conditions under which the officer is discharged or separated do not warrant payment of that amount of severance pay”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–383, §201(a), struck out at end “However, no person is entitled to severance pay under this section in an amount that is more than $15,000.”

**1994**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted “section 580(a)(4)(A) of title 10” for “section 564(a)(3) of title 10 (as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Warrant Officer Management Act)”.

**1991**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–190 inserted “(as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Warrant Officer Management Act)” after “section 564(a)(3) of title 10”.

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–295 effective 4 years after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 416(c) of Pub. L. 107–295, set out as a note under section 286 of this title.

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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

If, under section 282, 283, 284, 285, 289, or 290 of this title, the discharge or retirement of any officer would be required less than six months following approval of the report of the board which considered but did not select him for promotion or continuation, the discharge or retirement of such officer shall be deferred until the last day of the sixth calendar month after such approval.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 185; amended Pub. L. 92–451, §1(6), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755.)

**1972**—Pub. L. 92–451 inserted reference to section 290.

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–451 effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as a note under section 290 of this title.

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard serving in the grade of captain whose name is not carried on an approved list of officers selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on June 30 of the promotion year in which he, or any captain junior to him on the active duty promotion list who has not lost numbers or precedence, completes thirty years of active commissioned service in the Coast Guard. An officer advanced in precedence on the active duty promotion list because of his promotion resulting from selection for promotion from below the zone is not subject to involuntary retirement under this section earlier than if he had not been selected from below the zone.

(b) Retired pay computed under section 423(a) of this title of an officer retired under this section shall not be less than 50 percent of the basic pay upon which the computation of his retired pay is based.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 185; amended Pub. L. 93–283, §1(8), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 140; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(25), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 96–342, title VIII, §813(f)(1), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1109; Pub. L. 97–417, §2(7), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2085; Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(4), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3995.)

**1986**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–661 substituted “rear admiral (lower half)” for “commodore”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–348 substituted “Retired pay computed under section 423(a) of this title” for “Except as provided in section 423(b) of this title, the retired pay”.

**1983**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–417 substituted “commodore” for “rear admiral”.

**1980**—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–342 substituted “Except as provided in section 423(b)” for “Notwithstanding section 423”.

**1976**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year”.

**1974**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–283 prohibited an involuntary retirement under this section of an officer advanced in precedence on the active duty promotion list because of his promotion resulting from selection for promotion from below the zone earlier than if he had not been selected from below the zone.

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–283 effective Sept. 24, 1963, see section 2 of Pub. L. 93–283, set out as a note under section 214 of this title.

Savings provisions in section 5(f)–(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 relating to retirement, retirement pay, and election, change or revocation of election of an annuity, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Section 3(a) of Pub. L. 88–130 excluded officers subject to retirement under this section during the fiscal year the selection board convened from being continued on active duty.

(a) The Secretary may, whenever the needs of the service require, but not more often than annually, convene a board consisting of not less than six officers of the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral to recommend for continuation on active duty officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of captain, who during the promotion year in which the board meets will complete at least three years’ service in that grade and who have not been selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Officers who are subject to retirement under section 288 of this title during the promotion year in which the board meets shall not be considered by this board.

(b) Whenever he convenes a board under this section, the Secretary shall establish a continuation zone. The zone shall consist of the most senior captains eligible for consideration for continuation on active duty who have not previously been placed in a continuation zone under this section. The Secretary shall, based upon the needs of the service, prescribe the number of captains to be included in the zone.

(c) Based on the needs of the service the Secretary shall furnish the board with the number of officers that may be recommended for continuation on active duty. This number shall be no less than 50 percent of the number considered. The board shall select from the designated continuation zone, in the number directed by the Secretary, those officers who are, in the opinion of the board, best qualified for continuation on active duty.

(d) The provisions of sections 253, 254, 258, and 260 of this title relating to selection for promotion shall, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, apply to boards convened under this section.

(e) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the detailed procedures whereby officers in a continuation zone will be selected for continuation on active duty.

(f) A board convened under this section shall submit its report to the Secretary. If the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary may return the report for proceedings in revision and resubmission to the Secretary. After his final review the Secretary shall submit the report of the board to the President for his approval. Except as required by the procedures of this section, the proceedings of the board shall not be disclosed to any person not a member of the board.

(g) Each officer who is considered but not recommended for continuation on active duty under the provisions of this section shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on June 30 of the promotion year in which the report of the continuation board convened under this section is approved, or the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, whichever is later.

(h) Notwithstanding subsection (g) and section 288 of this title, the Commandant may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under subsection (g) or section 288 of this title. An officer so retained, unless retired under some other provision of law, shall be retired on June 30 of that promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain the officer under this subsection.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 186; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(26), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 97–417, §2(8), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2085; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(c)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 629; Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §203(3), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1911; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §203, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3907; Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §414, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2120.)

**2002**—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–295 added subsec. (h).

**1996**—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–324 struck out “Upon approval by the President, the names of the officers selected for continuation on active duty by the board shall be promptly disseminated to the service at large.” after “for his approval.”

**1989**—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–225 substituted “50 percent” for “75 percent”.

**1985**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted “rear admiral (lower half)” for “commodore” in two places.

**1983**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–417 substituted “commodore or rear admiral” for “rear admiral” after “six officers of the grade of”, and “commodore” for “rear admiral” after “promotion to the grade of”.

**1976**—Subsecs. (a), (g). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year” wherever appearing.

Section 6 of Pub. L. 88–130 provided that: “Section 289 of title 14, United States Code, as enacted by section 1(10)(C) of this Act [see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 88–130, set out as a note under section 211 of this title], becomes effective three years after the effective date of this Act [Sept. 24, 1963], or on July 1, 1966, whichever is later.”

Section 2(c) of Pub. L. 88–130 provided that: “Officers who, prior to the effective date of this Act [Sept. 24, 1963], were considered but not selected for retention on active duty under the provisions of section 248, title 14, United States Code, shall remain subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of that section.”

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) The Secretary shall from time to time convene boards to recommend for continuation on active duty the most senior officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral who have not previously been considered for continuation in that grade. Officers, other than the Commandant, serving for the time being or who have served in the grade of vice admiral are not subject to consideration for continuation under this subsection, and as to all other provisions of this section shall be considered as having been continued at the grade of rear admiral. A board shall consist of at least five officers serving in the grade of vice admiral or as rear admirals previously continued. Boards shall be convened frequently enough to assure that each officer serving in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral is subject to consideration for continuation during a promotion year in which that officer completes not less than four or more than five years combined service in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral.

(b) The Secretary shall, based upon the needs of the service, furnish each board convened under this section with the number of officers to be considered for continuation on active duty. The number that may be recommended for continuation shall be not less than 50 per centum or more than 75 per centum of the number of officers being considered for continuation.

(c) The provisions of sections 253, 254, 258, and 260 of this title relating to selection and continuation boards shall to the extent they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, apply to boards convened under this section.

(d) A board convened under this section shall submit its report to the Secretary. If the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary may return the report for proceedings in revision and resubmission to the Secretary. After final review the Secretary shall submit the report of the board to the President for approval.

(e) Each officer who is considered but not continued on active duty under the provisions of this section shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which the report of the continuation board convened under this section is approved.

(f)(1) Unless retired under another provision of law, each officer who is continued on active duty under this section shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which that officer completes seven years of combined service in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral, unless that officer is selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral or the position of Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.

(2) The Commandant, with the approval of the Secretary, may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under paragraph (1). Unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral or the position of Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, or retired under another provision of law, an officer so retained shall be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain that officer under this paragraph.

(g)(1) Unless retired under another provision of law, an officer subject to this section shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which that officer completes a total of thirty-six years of active commissioned service unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral.

(2) The Commandant, with the approval of the Secretary, may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under paragraph (1). Unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or retired under another provision of law, an officer so retained shall be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain that officer under this paragraph.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187; amended Pub. L. 92–451, §1(7), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 756; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(27), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 97–136, §6(b), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 97–417, §2(9)(A), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2086; Pub. L. 98–557, §25(a)(2), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2872; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(c)(1), (2)(A), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 629; Pub. L. 102–241, §5, Dec. 19, 1991, 105 Stat. 2210; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §205(d), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2422; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(e), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2952.)

**2010**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–281 substituted “Officers, other than the Commandant, serving for the time being or who have served in the grade of vice admiral are not subject to consideration for continuation under this subsection, and as to all other provisions of this section shall be considered as having been continued at the grade of rear admiral.” for “Officers serving for the time being or who have served in the grade of vice admiral are not subject to consideration for continuation under this subsection, and as to all other provisions of this section shall be considered as having been continued in the grade of rear admiral.”

**1993**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–206, §205(d)(1), struck out “or in the position of Chief of Staff” before “are not subject to” in second sentence.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–206, §205(d)(2), (3), struck out “Chief of Staff or” before “Superintendent” in pars. (1) and (2).

**1991**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–241, §5(b)(1), substituted “that officer” for “he”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–241, §5(b)(2), struck out “his” before “final review” and “approval”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–241, §5(a)(1), substituted “July 1 of the promotion year immediately following” for “June 30 of”.

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102–241, §5(a)(2), added subsecs. (f) and (g) and struck out former subsecs. (f) and (g), which read as follows:

“(f) Each officer who is continued on active duty under the provisions of this section shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on June 30 of the promotion year in which he completes a total of thirty-six years of active commissioned service, including service creditable for retirement purposes under sections 432, 433, 434 of this title.

“(g) Notwithstanding subsection (f) of this section, the Commandant, with the approval of the Secretary, may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under subsection (f). An officer so retained, unless retired under some other provision of law, shall be retired on June 30 of that promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain him under this subsection.”

**1985**—Pub. L. 99–145, §514(c)(2)(A), substituted “rear admirals (lower half)” for “commodores” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145, §514(c)(1), substituted “rear admiral (lower half)” for “commodore” in three places.

**1984**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted “Boards” for “Board”.

**1983**—Pub. L. 97–417, §2(9)(A)(i), inserted “and commodores” after “Rear admirals” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–417, §2(9)(A)(ii), substituted “commodore or rear admiral” for “rear admiral” after “promotion list serving in the grade of” and after “each officer serving in the grade of”, and “five years combined service in the grades of commodore and rear admiral” for “five years service in that grade”.

**1981**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–136 inserted “or in the position of Chief of Staff” after “vice admiral”.

**1976**—Subsecs. (a), (e) to (g). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted “promotion year” for “fiscal year” wherever appearing.

**1972**—Pub. L. 92–451 substituted “continuation on active duty” for “retention on the active list” in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 92–451 added subsecs. (a) and (b). Former subsecs. (a) and (b) redesignated (f) and (g), respectively.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 92–451 added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) provided that provisions of former subsecs. (a) and (b) were inapplicable to officers serving as Commandants.

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 92–451 added subsecs. (d) and (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 92–451 incorporated provisions of former subsec. (a) in provisions designated as subsec. (f), and among other changes extended the minimum service for retirement from 35 years to 36 years of active commissioned service and deleted the alternative seven year permanent grade service.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 92–451 incorporated provisions of former subsec. (b) in provisions designated as subsec. (g), and among other changes, substituted officer for rear admiral.

Section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451 provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 50 and 51 of this title, and amending this section, sections 41, 42, 44, 47, and 287 of this title, and section 202 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] is effective upon enactment [Oct. 2, 1972] except that continuation boards, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 290 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act [subsec. (a) of this section], may not be held until one year following enactment hereof [Oct. 2, 1972]. During the period of one year following enactment hereof the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall convene a board consisting of not less than three Coast Guard officers serving in the grade of vice admiral to recommend for continuation on active duty Coast Guard officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of rear admiral, who during the fiscal year in which the board meets will complete not less than five years’ service in that grade. Subsections (b) through (g) of section 290 and other sections of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act [sections 41, 42, 44, 47, 50, 51, and 287 of this title], apply to continuation board action taken pursuant to this section. No officer who is entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half may have his basic pay reduced because of the reduction which results from this Act in the number of officers entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half.”

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Any regular commissioned officer who has completed twenty years’ active service in the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps, or the Reserve components thereof, including active duty for training, at least ten years of which shall have been active commissioned service, may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the President, be retired from active service.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700.)

**1986**—Pub. L. 99–348 struck out “, with retired pay of the grade with which retired” after “from active service”.

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

Any regular commissioned officer who has completed thirty years’ service may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the Secretary, be retired from active service.1

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700.)

**1986**—Pub. L. 99–348 which directed that “, with retired pay of the grade with which retired” be struck out was executed by striking out that phrase after “from active service” as the probable intent of Congress even though there was no comma, before “with retired”.

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130, providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

1 See 1986 Amendment note below.

(a)

(b)

(2) The retirement of an officer under paragraph (1) may be deferred—

(A) by the President, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 68 years of age; or

(B) by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 66 years of age.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §215(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2916.)

A prior section 293, added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700, mandated retirement of any regular commissioned officer, except a commissioned warrant officer, at age 62, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §215(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2916.

An officer whose name appears on an approved list of officers selected for promotion to the next higher grade and who is retired for physical disability under the provisions of chapter 61 of title 10 prior to being promoted shall be retired in the grade to which he was selected for promotion.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187.)

Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 211 of this title.

(a) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of a commissioned officer, other than a commissioned warrant 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, medical observation, or other physical disability processing that cannot be completed before the date on which the officer would otherwise be retired or separated.

(b) A deferment under subsection (a)—

(1) may only be made with the consent of the officer involved; and

(2) if the Secretary receives written notice from the officer withdrawing that consent, shall end not later than the end of the sixty-day period beginning on the date the Secretary receives that notice.

(Added Pub. L. 98–557, §17(b)(2)(A), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2867.)

Section 301, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, related to permanent appointment of warrant officers. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 302, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, related to temporary appointments of warrant officers.

Section 303, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, required compulsory retirement of warrant officers reaching age of sixty-two years, with retired pay of grade with which retired.

Section 304, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, provided for voluntary retirement of warrant officers after thirty years’ service, with retired pay of grade with which retired.

Section 305, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, provided for voluntary retirement after twenty years’ service, with retired pay of grade with which retired.

Sections were also repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, related to retirement for disabilities incident to service. See sections 1204 and 1376 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section was also repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section 307, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, provided for compulsory retirement of warrant officers after thirty years’ service, upon recommendation of a personnel board.

Section 308, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, provided for retired pay of warrant officers involuntarily retired under section 307.

Sections were also repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §11, 64 Stat. 407, authorized retirement of warrant officers with grade of commissioned warrant officer in case of special commendation.

Repeal of section effective November 1, 1959, see section 10(b) of Pub. L. 86–155, set out as a note under section 239 of this title.

Section was also repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section 310, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §12, 64 Stat. 407, related to recall to active duty during war or national emergency of warrant officers. See section 331 of this title.

Section 311, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §13, 64 Stat. 407, related to recall of warrant officers to active duty with consent of the officer. See section 332 of this title.

Section 312, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §14, 64 Stat. 407, related to relief of retired warrant officer promoted while on active duty. See section 333 of this title.

Section, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §15, 64 Stat. 407, provided that any warrant officer who was retired under sections 303 to 305 or 307 of this title should be retired from active service with the highest grade held by him in which his performance of duty was satisfactory, but not lower than his permanent grade, with retired pay of the grade with which retired. It implemented such sections 303 to 305 and 307 which were also repealed by act May 29, 1954. See notes under those former sections.

Section was also repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section, added Pub. L. 85–144, §2(a), Aug. 14, 1957, 71 Stat. 367, related to retirement of warrant officers in cases where higher grade has been held. See section 334 of this title.

Section 314, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520, related to retiring or dropping for disabilities not incident to service. See section 1207 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 315, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520, related to dropping for disabilities due to vicious habits. See section 1207 of Title 10.