---
kind: "section"
citation: "10 U.S.C. § 14308"
title: "10"
title_heading: "Armed Forces"
number: "14308"
heading: "Promotions: how made"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/10/14308"
units:
  - "Subtitle E — Reserve Components"
  - "Part III — Promotion and Retention of Officers on the Reserve Active-Status List"
  - "Chapter 1405 — Promotions"
---

# §14308. Promotions: how made

- (a) **Promotion List.—** When the report of a selection board convened under section [14101(a)](/usc/10/14101.md?p=a) or [14502](/usc/10/14502.md) of this title is approved by the President, the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned shall place the names of all [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) selected for promotion within a competitive category on a single list for that competitive category, to be known as a promotion list, in the order of seniority of those [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) on the [reserve active-status list](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-7) or based on particular merit, as determined by the promotion board. A promotion list is considered to be established under this section as of the date of the approval of the report of the selection board under the preceding sentence.
- (b) **Promotion; How Made; Order.—**
  - (1) [Officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) on a promotion list for a competitive category shall be promoted in the manner specified in [section 12203 of this title](/usc/10/12203.md).
  - (2) [Officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) on a promotion list for a competitive category shall be promoted to the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned. Except as provided in section [14311](/usc/10/14311.md), [14312](/usc/10/14312.md), or [14502(e)](/usc/10/14502.md?p=e) of this title or in subsection [(d)](#d) or [(e)](#e), promotions shall be made in the order in which the names of [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) appear on the promotion list and after [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) previously selected for promotion in that competitive category have been promoted.
  - (3) [Officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to be promoted to the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7)) shall be promoted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned.
  - (4)
    - (A) [Officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) in the permanent [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of first lieutenant or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant (junior [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7)) who are on an approved all-fully-qualified-[officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) list shall be promoted to the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9). Such promotions shall be in the manner specified in [section 12203 of this title](/usc/10/12203.md).
    - (B) An all-fully-qualified-[officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) list shall be considered to be approved for purposes of [subparagraph (A)](#b-4-A) when the list is approved by the President. When so approved, such a list shall be treated in the same manner as a promotion list under this chapter and [chapter 1403](/usc/10/chstE/ptIII/ch1403.md) of this title.
    - (C) The [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of a military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) may make a recommendation to the President for approval of an all-fully-qualified-[officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) list only when the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) determines that all [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) on the list are needed in the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) to accomplish mission objectives.
    - (D) For purposes of this paragraph, an all-fully-qualified-[officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) list is a list of all [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) on the [reserve active-status list](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-7) in a [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) who the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned determines—
      - (i) are fully qualified for promotion to the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7); and
      - (ii) would be eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) by a selection board convened under [section 14101(a) of this title](/usc/10/14101.md?p=a) upon the convening of such a board.
    - (E) If the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned determines that one or more [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) or former [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) were not placed on an all-fully-qualified-list under this paragraph because of administrative error, the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) may prepare a supplemental all-fully-qualified-[officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) list containing the names of any such [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) for approval in accordance with this paragraph.
- (c) **Date of Rank.—**
  - (1) The date of [rank](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-8) of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) appointed to a higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) under this section is determined under [section 741(d)(2) of this title](/usc/10/741.md?p=d-2).
  - (2) The date of [rank](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-8) of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) appointed to a higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) under this section may be adjusted in the same manner as an adjustment may be made under [section 741(d)(4) of this title](/usc/10/741.md?p=d-4) in the date of [rank](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-8) of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) appointed to a higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) under [section 624(a) of this title](/usc/10/624.md?p=a). In any use of the authority under the preceding sentence, [subparagraph (C)(ii)](/usc/10/624.md) of such section shall be applied by substituting “[reserve active-status list](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-7)” for “[active-duty list](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-13)”.
  - (3) The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) may adjust the date of [rank](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-8) of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) whose name is placed on a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) active-status promotion list pursuant to subsection (e) or (f) of [section 624 of this title](/usc/10/624.md).
  - (4) Except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#c-2) or as otherwise specifically authorized by law, a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) is not entitled to additional [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) or allowances if the effective date of the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s promotion is adjusted to reflect a date earlier than the actual date of the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s promotion.
- (d) **Officers With Running Mates.—** An [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to whom a running mate system applies under [section 14306 of this title](/usc/10/14306.md) and who is selected for promotion is eligible for promotion to the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) for which selected when the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) who is that [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s running mate becomes eligible for promotion under [chapter 36](/usc/10/chstA/ptII/ch36.md) of this title. The effective date of the promotion of that [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) shall be the same as that of the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s running mate in the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) to which the running mate is promoted.
- (e) **Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve Promotions To Fill Vacancies.—** Subject to this section and to [section 14311(e) of this title](/usc/10/14311.md?p=e), and under regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/10/12521.md?p=4) of the military [department](/usc/10/12521.md?p=5) concerned—
  - (1) an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) in the Army [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) or the Air Force [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) who is on a promotion list as a result of selection for promotion by a mandatory promotion board convened under [section 14101(a) of this title](/usc/10/14101.md?p=a) or a board convened under [section 14502](/usc/10/14502.md) or [chapter 36](/usc/10/chstA/ptII/ch36.md) of this title may be promoted at any time to fill a vacancy in a position to which the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) is assigned; and
  - (2) an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) in a [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) below colonel in the Army [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) or the Air Force [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) who is on a promotion list as a result of selection for promotion by a vacancy promotion board convened under [section 14101(a) of this title](/usc/10/14101.md?p=a) may be promoted at any time to fill the vacancy for which the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) was selected.
- (f) **Effective Date of Promotion After Federal Recognition.—**
  - (1) The effective date of a promotion of a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) [commissioned officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-2) of the Army or the Air Force who is extended Federal recognition in the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) in the [Army National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-2) or the [Air National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-4) under section [307](/usc/32/307.md) or [310](/usc/32/310.md) of title 32 shall be the date on which such Federal recognition in that [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) is so extended.
  - (2) If there is a delay in extending Federal recognition in the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) in the [Army National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-2) or the [Air National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-4) to a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) [commissioned officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-2) of the Army or the Air Force that exceeds 100 days from the date the [National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-1) Bureau deems such [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s application for Federal recognition to be completely submitted by the [State](/usc/10/18232.md?p=1) and ready for review at the [National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-1) Bureau, and the delay was not attributable to the action or inaction of such [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)—
    - (A) in the event of [State](/usc/10/18232.md?p=1) promotion with an effective date before January 1, 2024, the effective date of the promotion concerned under [paragraph (1)](#f-1) may be adjusted to a date determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9), but not earlier than the effective date of the [State](/usc/10/18232.md?p=1) promotion; and
    - (B) in the event of [State](/usc/10/18232.md?p=1) promotion with an effective date on or after January 1, 2024, the effective date of the promotion concerned under [paragraph (1)](#f-1) shall be adjusted by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) to the later of—
      - (i) the date the [National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-1) Bureau deems such [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s application for Federal recognition to be completely submitted by the [State](/usc/10/18232.md?p=1) and ready for review at the [National Guard](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-1) Bureau; and
      - (ii) the date on which the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) occupies a billet in the next higher [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7).
- (g) **Army and Air Force General Officer Promotions.—** A [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the Army or the Air Force who is on a promotion list for promotion to the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of brigadier general or major general as a result of selection by a vacancy promotion board may be promoted to that [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) only to fill a vacancy in the Army [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) or the Air Force [Reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6), as the case may be, in that [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, § 1611, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2937; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, § 514(c), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1732; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §§ 505(b)(1), 506(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1086, 1089; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, § 511(d)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2183; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, § 502(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 806; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, § 518(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1754; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 510(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1347; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, § 513, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2565; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, § 503(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 241.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsecs. (a), (d), and (f) of this section were contained in sections 3385, 5902(a) to (c), and 8374 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–337, § 1629(a)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1).

### Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 118–31 added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

2022—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 117–263 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “If the Secretary concerned determines that there was an undue delay in extending Federal recognition in the next higher grade in the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard to a reserve commissioned officer of the Army or the Air Force, and the delay was not attributable to the action (or inaction) of such officer, the effective date of the promotion concerned under paragraph (1) may be adjusted to a date determined by the Secretary concerned, but not earlier than the effective date of the State promotion.”

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92 inserted “or based on particular merit, as determined by the promotion board” after “reserve active-status list”.

2018—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, § 518(a)(1), which directed amendment of subsec. (f) by inserting “(1)” before “The effective date of promotion”, was executed by making the insertion before “The effective date of a promotion” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–232, § 518(a)(2), added par. (2).

2015—Subsec. (b)(4)(E). Pub. L. 114–92 added subpar. (E).

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364 inserted at end “A promotion list is considered to be established under this section as of the date of the approval of the report of the selection board under the preceding sentence.”

2001—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, § 505(b)(1), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, § 506(b)(1)(B), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 107–107, § 506(b)(1)(A), (2), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and inserted “provided in paragraph (2) or as otherwise” after “Except as”.

1997—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, § 514(c)(1), inserted “a grade below colonel in” after “an officer in”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–85, § 514(c)(2), inserted “or the Air Force” after “A reserve officer of the Army”, substituted “in the Army Reserve or the Air Force Reserve, as the case may be, in that grade” for “in that grade in a unit of the Army Reserve that is organized to serve as a unit and that has attained the strength prescribed by the Secretary of the Army”, and struck out at end “A reserve officer of the Air Force who is on a promotion list for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or major general as a result of selection by a vacancy promotion board may be promoted to that grade only to fill a vacancy in the Air Force Reserve in that grade.”

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, § 518(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1754, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], and shall apply with respect to promotions of officers whose State effective date is on or after that date.”

### Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–364 effective Oct. 17, 2006, and applicable with respect to officers on promotion lists established on or after such date, see section 511(e) of Pub. L. 109–364, set out as a note under section 624 of this title.

### Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Subsec. (c)(2) of this section applicable with respect to any report of a selection board recommending officers for promotion to the next higher grade that is submitted to the Secretary of the military department concerned on or after Dec. 28, 2001, and Secretary of the military department concerned may apply subsec. (c)(2) of this section in the case of an appointment of an officer to a higher grade resulting from a report of a selection board submitted to the Secretary before Dec. 28, 2001, if the Secretary determines that such appointment would have been made on an earlier date that is on or after Oct. 1, 2001, and was delayed under the circumstances specified in section 741(d)(4) of this title, see section 506(c) of Pub. L. 107–107, set out as a note under section 741 of this title.

### Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1691(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.