§2113 Eligibility of Officers for Consideration for Promotion

Summary

Officers on the active-duty promotion list become eligible for promotion after they spend a set number of years in their current rank. The required times are: 2 years for lieutenant (junior grade), 3 years for lieutenant, 4 years for lieutenant commander, 4 years for commander, and 3 years for captain. Time in a rank counts even if the officer served temporarily or in a higher rank, but time under a temporary appointment under section 2125 only counts as the rank the officer would have had without that appointment. No one can become eligible before all officers above them in the same rank are eligible. Once eligible, an officer stays eligible while on active duty and not yet promoted, unless they are already listed as a selectee. If an officer’s involuntary retirement or separation is delayed under section 2156, they are not eligible during that delay. The Secretary can waive the time rules so officers get at least two chances for promotion as officers below the promotion zone. The Commandant can let an officer ask to be left off a selection board. The Commandant will approve only if it’s to finish things like a broadening assignment, advanced schooling, another important assignment, a delayed career step, or a qualifying personal or professional reason; if it is in the Coast Guard’s best interest; and if the officer has not failed selection for that rank before.