Pub. L. 83-773, tit. V, sec. 503

Sec. 503. (a) The authorized number of Reserve officers of the Air Force in active status is two hundred thousand. This authorized strength may be exceeded to meet mobilization requirements, or to permit increases required by or resulting from the operation of any other law or this Act. The authorized number of Reserve officers of the Air Force in an active status in each of the several grades, as prescribed by the Secretary, may not be more than the following percentages of the total authorized commissioned officer strength: 1.8 per centum in the grade of colonel; 4.6 per centum in the grade of lieutenant colonel; 14 per centum in the grade of major; 32 per centum in the grade of captain, and the remainder in the grades of first lieutenant and second lieutenant, except for the number authorized in general officer grades. The authorized number of Reserve officers of the Air Force in an active status in general officer grades, exclusive of Reserve officers serving in general officer grades (1) as adjutants general or assistant adjutants general of a State, a Territory, or the District of Columbia, or (2) in the National Guard Bureau, is one hundred and fifty-seven. The numbers authorized for any grade may be exceeded by the number of vacancies existing in any higher grade. It is not mandatory that the numbers authorized for the several grades be maintained. (b) The authorized number of Reserve officers in any grade below colonel may be temporarily increased to give effect to the promotion system prescribed in this title. 68 Stat. 1173 (c) An officer retained in an active status under section 205 of this Act is an additional number to officers otherwise authorized by law.