14 USC SUBTITLE II, CHAPTER 21, SUBCHAPTER II: DISCHARGES; RETIREMENTS; REVOCATION OF COMMISSIONS; SEPARATION FOR CAUSE

From Title 14—COAST GUARDSUBTITLE II—PERSONNELCHAPTER 21—PERSONNEL; OFFICERS

SUBCHAPTER II—DISCHARGES; RETIREMENTS; REVOCATION OF COMMISSIONS; SEPARATION FOR CAUSE

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior subchapter B of chapter 21 designation and accompanying heading "COMMISSIONED OFFICERS" were repealed by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(c)(1), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4220.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(c)(4), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4221, inserted subchapter II designation and heading.

§2141. Revocation of commissions during first five years of commissioned service

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, §281; amended Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121; renumbered §2141, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 281 of this title as this section.

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

§2142. Regular lieutenants (junior grade); separation for failure of selection for promotion

Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2101 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, §282; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(21), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520; renumbered §2142 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2101" for "section 211" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 282 of this title as this section.

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

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 2101 of this title.

Effectiveness of Election, Change, or Revocation of Election of Annuity

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 2101 of this title.

§2143. Regular lieutenants; separation for failure of selection for promotion; continuation

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2101 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 2106 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 2146 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, §283; 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; renumbered §2143 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 283 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2101" for "section 211" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2106" for "section 251".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2146" for "section 286".

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".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

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 2146 of this title.

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

Effectiveness of Election, Change, or Revocation of Election of Annuity

§2144. Regular Coast Guard; officers serving under temporary appointments

(a) Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2104 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, §284; amended Pub. L. 94–546, §1(23), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520; renumbered §2144 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 284 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2104" for "section 214" in introductory provisions.

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

Effectiveness of Election, Change, or Revocation of Election of Annuity

§2145. Regular lieutenant commanders and commanders; retirement for failure of selection for promotion

(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 2106 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, §285; 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; renumbered §2145 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 285 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2106" for "section 251".

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).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

Effectiveness of Election, Change, or Revocation of Election of Annuity

§2146. Discharge in lieu of retirement; separation pay

(a) Each officer who is retained on active duty under section 2143(a)(4), 2143(b), or 2145 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 2142, 2143, or 2144 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 2164 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 this chapter 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, §286; amended Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(3), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2121; renumbered §2146 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), (c)(2)(A), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 286 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2143(a)(4), 2143(b), or 2145" for "section 283(a)(4), 283(b), or 285".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2142, 2143, or 2144" for "section 282, 283, or 284".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2164" for "section 327".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(c)(2)(A), substituted "this chapter" for "chapter 11 of this title".

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."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

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 [now 2146] 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 [former] chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, by paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b) of this section shall take effect 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act."

§2147. Regular warrant officers: separation pay

(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 separation pay under this section does not deprive an individual 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 separation pay under this section, until the total deductions equal the amount of such separation pay.

(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §505(a)(1), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2918, §286a; 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; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(4), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1557; renumbered §2147, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(17), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "an individual" for "a person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 286a of this title as this section.

2012—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–213 substituted "separation pay" for "severance pay" wherever appearing.

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".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

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 2146 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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date

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.

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 Title 10, Armed Forces.

§2148. Separation for failure of selection for promotion or continuation; time of

If, under section 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2150, or 2151 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, §287; amended Pub. L. 92–451, §1(6), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755; renumbered §2148 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2150, or 2151" for "section 282, 283, 284, 285, 289, or 290".

Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 287 of this title as this section.

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

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 2151 of this title.

§2149. Regular captains; retirement

(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, or from being placed at the top of the list of selectees promulgated by the Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title, is not subject to involuntary retirement under this section earlier than if he had not been selected from below the zone or placed at the top of the list of selectees, as applicable.

(b) Retired pay computed under section 2504(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, §288; 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; renumbered §2149 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), title III, §309, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240, 4248.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 288 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §309, substituted "zone, or from being placed at the top of the list of selectees promulgated by the Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title, is" for "zone is" and inserted "or placed at the top of the list of selectees, as applicable" before period at end.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2504(a)" for "section 423(a)".

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.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

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 2104 of this title.

Retirement, Retired Pay, and Election of Annuity as Affected by Pub. L. 88–130

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 2101 of this title.

§2150. Captains; continuation on active duty; involuntary retirement

(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 2149 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 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117 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 individual who is 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 2149 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 2149 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, §289; 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; renumbered §2150 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(18), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individual who is" for "person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 289 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2149" for "section 288".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "sections 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117" for "sections 253, 254, 258, and 260".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2149" for "section 288" in two places.

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.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 88–130, §6, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 193, provided that: "Section 289 [now 2150] 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 2101 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."

Consideration for Retention on Active Duty Under Former Section 248 of This Title

Pub. L. 88–130, §2(c), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 191, 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 [former] section 248, title 14, United States Code, shall remain subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of that section."

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

§2151. Rear admirals and rear admirals (lower half); continuation on active duty; involuntary retirement

(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 serving for the time being or who have served in or above 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 5 officers (other than the Commandant) serving in the grade of admiral or 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 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117 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, §290; 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; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(5), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3522, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2793; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3537, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2322; renumbered §2151 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 290 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "Officers serving" for "Officers, other than the Commandant, serving".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "sections 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117" for "sections 253, 254, 258, and 260".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "5 officers (other than the Commandant) serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral" for "five officers serving in the grade of vice admiral".

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–213 substituted "in or above the grade of vice admiral" for "in the grade of vice admiral" in second sentence.

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.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–451, §3, Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 757, 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 [now 2151] 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 [now 2151] 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."

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

§2152. Voluntary retirement after twenty years' service

Any regular commissioned officer who has completed twenty years' active service in the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, 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, §291; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; renumbered §2152, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §927(b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3831.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

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

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 291 of this title as this section.

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

§2153. Voluntary retirement after thirty years' service

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, §292; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; renumbered §2153, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 292 of this title as this section.

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".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

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 2101 of this title.

¹ See 1986 Amendment note below.

§2154. Compulsory retirement

(a) Regular Commissioned Officers.—Any regular commissioned officer, except a commissioned warrant officer, serving in a grade below rear admiral (lower half) shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.

(b) Flag-Officer Grades.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any regular commissioned officer serving in a grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age.

(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, §293; renumbered §2154, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 293 of this title as this section.

§2155. Retirement for physical disability after selection for promotion; grade in which retired

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, §294; renumbered §2155, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 294 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Retired Pay on or Prior to September 24, 1963

§2156. Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons

(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, §295; renumbered §2156, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 295 of this title as this section.

§2157. Flag officers

During any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 10 does not apply with respect to flag officers of the Coast Guard.

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §212(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3029, §296; renumbered §2157, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 296 of this title as this section.

§2158. Review of records of officers

The Secretary may at any time convene a board of officers to review the record of any officer of the Regular Coast Guard to determine whether he shall be required to show cause for his retention on active duty—

(1) because his performance of duty has fallen below the standards prescribed by the Secretary, or

(2) because of moral dereliction, professional dereliction, or because his retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187, §321; renumbered §2158, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 321 of this title as this section.

§2159. Boards of inquiry

(a) Boards of inquiry shall be convened at such places as the Secretary may prescribe to receive evidence and make findings and recommendations whether an officer who is required to show cause for retention under section 2158 of this title should be retained on active duty.

(b) A fair and impartial hearing before a board of inquiry shall be given to each officer so required to show cause for retention.

(c) If a board of inquiry determines that the officer has failed to establish that he should be retained, it shall send the record of its proceedings to a board of review.

(d) If a board of inquiry determines that the officer has established that he should be retained, his case is closed. However, at any time after one year from the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (1) of section 2158 of this title, and at any time after the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (2) of that section, an officer may again be required to show cause for retention.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 188, §322; amended Pub. L. 97–295, §2(10), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302; renumbered §2159 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 322 of this title as this section.

Subsecs. (a), (d). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2158" for "section 321".

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–295 inserted "of this title" after "section 321".

§2160. Boards of review

(a) Boards of review shall be convened at such times as the Secretary may prescribe, to review the records of cases of officers recommended by boards of inquiry for removal.

(b) If, after reviewing the record of the case, a board of review determines that the officer has failed to establish that he should be retained, it shall send its recommendation to the Secretary for his action.

(c) If, after reviewing the record of the case, a board of review determines that the officer has established that he should be retained on active duty, his case is closed. However, at any time after one year from the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (1) of section 2158 of this title and at any time after the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (2) of that section, an officer may again be required to show cause for retention.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 188, §323; amended Pub. L. 97–295, §2(10), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302; renumbered §2160 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 323 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2158" for "section 321".

1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–295 inserted "of this title" after "section 321".

§2161. Composition of boards

(a) A board convened under section 2158, 2159, or 2160 of this title shall consist of at least three officers of the grade of commander or above, all of whom are serving in a grade senior to the grade of any officer considered by the board.

(b) No individual may be a member of more than one board convened under section 2158, 2159, or 2160 of this title to consider the same officer.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 188, §324; renumbered §2161 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(19), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individual" for "person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2158, 2159, or 2160" for "section 321, 322, or 323" in subsecs. (a) and (b).

Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 324 of this title as this section.

§2162. Rights and procedures

Each officer under consideration for removal under section 2159 of this title shall be—

(1) notified in writing at least thirty days before the hearing of the case by a board of inquiry of the reasons for which the officer is being required to show cause for retention;

(2) allowed reasonable time, as determined by the board of inquiry under regulations of the Secretary, to prepare his defense;

(3) allowed to appear in person and by counsel at proceedings before a board of inquiry; and

(4) allowed full access to, and furnished copies of, records relevant to the case at all stages of the proceeding, except that a board shall withhold any records that the Secretary determines should be withheld in the interests of national security. In any case where any records are withheld under this clause, the officer whose case is under consideration shall, to the extent that the national security permits, be furnished a summary of the records so withheld.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 188, §325; renumbered §2162 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2159" for "section 322" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 325 of this title as this section.

§2163. Removal of officer from active duty; action by Secretary

The Secretary may remove an officer from active duty if his removal is recommended by a board of review under section 2160 of this title. The Secretary's action in such as case is final and conclusive.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 189, §326; renumbered §2163 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2160" for "section 323".

Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 326 of this title as this section.

§2164. Officers considered for removal; retirement or discharge; separation benefits

(a) At any time during proceedings under section 2159 or 2160 of this title, and before the removal of an officer, the Secretary may grant a request—

(1) for voluntary retirement, if the officer is otherwise qualified therefor; or

(2) for discharge with separation benefits under section 2146(c) of this title.

(b) Each officer removed from active duty under section 2163 of this title shall—

(1) if on the date of removal the officer is eligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be retired in the grade for which he would be eligible if retired at his request; or

(2) if on that date the officer is ineligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be honorably discharged with separation benefits under section 2146(c) of this title, unless under regulations promulgated by the Secretary the condition under which the officer is discharged does not warrant an honorable discharge.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 189, §327; amended Pub. L. 97–295, §2(10), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(6), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §201(c), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3414; Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §416(a)(5), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2122; renumbered §2164 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§112(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §112(b), renumbered section 327 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2159 or 2160" for "section 322 or 323" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2146(c)" for "section 286(c)".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2163" for "section 326" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2146(c)" for "section 286(c)".

2002—Pub. L. 107–295, §416(a)(5)(A), substituted "separation" for "severance" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–295, §416(a)(5)(B), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "for honorable discharge with severance benefits under subsection (b) in those cases arising under clause (1) of section 321 of this title; or".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–295, §416(a)(5)(C), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "for discharge with severance benefits under subsection (b) in those cases arising under clause (2) of section 321 of this title."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–295, §416(a)(5)(D), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "if on that date the officer is ineligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be honorably discharged in the grade then held with severance pay computed by multiplying his years of active commissioned service, but not more than twelve, by one month's basic pay of that grade, in those cases arising under clause (1) of section 321 of this title; or".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–295, §416(a)(5)(E), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "if on that date the officer is ineligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be discharged in the grade then held with severance pay computed by multiplying his years of active commissioned service, but not more than twelve, by one month's basic pay of that grade, in those cases arising under clause (2) of section 321 of this title, 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."

1998—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–383 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".

1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–348 struck out ", and with the pay" after "in the grade".

1982—Pub. L. 97–295 inserted "of this title" after "section 322 or 323" and "section 321" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

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 2146 of this title.

§2165. Relief of retired officer promoted while on active duty

Any regular officer on the retired list recalled to active duty who during such active duty is advanced to a higher grade under an appointment shall, upon relief from active duty, if his performance of duty under such appointment has been satisfactory, be advanced on the retired list to the highest grade held while on such active duty.

(Added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 189, §333; renumbered §2165, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §112(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4216.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 333 of this title as this section.

§2166. Continuation on active duty; Coast Guard officers with certain critical skills

(a) In General.—The Commandant may authorize an officer in a grade above grade O–2 to remain on active duty after the date otherwise provided for the retirement of such officer in section 2154 of this title, if the officer possesses a critical skill, or specialty, or is in a career field designated pursuant to subsection (b).

(b) Critical Skills, Specialty, or Career Field.—The Commandant shall designate any critical skill, specialty, or career field 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) Policy.—The Commandant shall carry out this section by prescribing policy which shall specify the criteria to be used in designating any critical skill, specialty, or career field for purposes of subsection (b).

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11235(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4035.)