Assignment of Functions Relating to Certain Promotion and Appointment Actions in the Armed Forces

Feb 2, 2012

Summary

Gives the Secretary of Defense the power to handle certain military promotions and appointments that the President used to do.

What problem does this solve?

The President was responsible for many routine military promotion and appointment tasks, which could slow down the process. This order gives some of those specific tasks to the Secretary of Defense, making the system more efficient.

What does this order do?

Handles high-rank promotion reports

Gives the Secretary of Defense the task of handling reports for promotions to brigadier general, rear admiral (lower half), and higher ranks.

Extends officer promotion eligibility

Allows the Secretary of Defense to extend the time periods during which military officers are eligible for promotion.

Appoints certain Marine Band members

Grants the Secretary of Defense the power to appoint members of the Marine Band and Marine Drum and Bugle Corps to ranks up to captain.

Limits reassignment of new duties

Restricts the Secretary of Defense from giving these new duties to just anyone. Some can only be given to other high-level civilian officers, and one cannot be reassigned at all.

Who does this affect?

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
The Secretary of Defense

What is the real world impact?

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Streamlines military administration

Reduces the President's workload by giving specific, routine promotion and appointment duties to the Secretary of Defense, which can speed up the process.

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Increases Department of Defense authority

Shifts some decision-making power from the President to the Secretary of Defense, which could be seen as concentrating more control within the Pentagon for these specific actions.

When does this start?

This order became effective on January 27, 2012.