TEMPORARY INCREASE IN OFFICER GRADE LIMITATIONS

SEC. 403. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN OFFICER GRADE LIMITATIONS (a) Authority To Increase Numbers for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991.—The Secretary of Defense may increase the strength-in-grade limitations specified in section 523(a) of title 10, United States Code, by a total of 250 positions, to be distributed among grades and services as the Secretary considers appropriate. Any increase pursuant to the preceding sentence in an otherwise applicable limitation shall expire, as specified by the Secretary, not later than September 30, 1991. (b) Report on Grade Table Restrictions.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a comprehensive report on the adequacy of the strength-in-grade limitations prescribed in section 523(a) of title 10, United States Code. The report shall particularly address how those limitations affect the ability of the Department of Defense to recruit and retain nurses and other health professionals for service on active duty. The report shall include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate and shall be submitted not later than March 1, 1990.