§20215 Recommendations for Promotion by Selection Boards

Summary

Selection boards must pick the officers they think are best qualified for promotion. They must follow the guidance given to them and weigh the Space Force’s need for officers with particular skills. The Secretary of the Air Force decides how many officers a board may recommend. A board can only recommend an officer if a majority of members vote for it, a majority finds the officer fully qualified, and a majority, after looking at any negative information given to the board, finds the officer among the best and having exemplary conduct. Except for some transfers from other services, an officer cannot be promoted unless a selection board considers and recommends them. Board recommendations are private until the board’s written report is signed and released under Defense rules. Only board members and any staff the Secretary assigns may see the recommendations before that. Senior officials may not punish or try to pressure board members about their recommendations. When the Secretary allows it, the board can name officers of special merit to be placed higher on the promotion list and must recommend their order.