(a) An aviation cadet who fulfills the eligibility requirements of section 2003 of title 10 for designation as a naval aviator may be appointed an ensign in the Coast Guard Reserve and designated a Coast Guard aviator.

(b) Aviation cadets who complete their training at approximately the same time are considered for all purposes to have begun their commissioned service on the same date, and the decision of the Secretary in this regard is conclusive.

(Added Pub. L. 89–444, §1(20), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 197; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(28), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521.)

**1976**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted reference to section 2003 of title 10 for reference to section 6023(b) of title 10.