§2004b Detail of commissioned officers as students at schools of psychology

Summary

Each military department may assign officers as students to accredited U.S. schools of psychology to train for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. No more than 25 officers from any one department may start this training in a single fiscal year. To qualify an officer must be a U.S. citizen, have served on active duty between 2 and 6 years, be O–3 or below when training starts, and sign an agreement to finish the course, accept reassignment afterward, and serve additional time as required. The agreement normally requires 2 years of active duty for each year (or part) of training. Part of the obligation may be done in the Selected Reserve, but any Reserve time counts as 3 years for each year (or part) of training left after leaving active duty. Officers are chosen competitively. The service obligation adds to any other obligations. Training costs come from the military department’s funds. If an officer is dropped for conduct, academics, or other reasons, the officer may be required to serve on active duty under Defense Department rules, but never more than 1 year of active duty for each year (or part) of training attended. No new agreements may be made while the President is authorized to draft people into the armed forces.