of the Army: successors to duties

§ 3017. Secretary of the Army: successors to duties (a) If the Secretary of the Army dies, resigns, is removed from office, is absent, or is disabled, the person who is highest on the following list, and who is not absent or disabled, shall perform the duties of the Secretary until the President, under section 6 of title 5, directs another person to perform those duties or until the absence or disability ceases: (1) The Under Secretary of the Army. (2) The Assistant Secretaries of the Army in order of their length of service as such. (3) The Chief of Staff. (b) Performance of the duties of the Secretary by the Chief of Staff or any officer of the Army designated under section 6 of title 5 shall not be considered as the holding of a civil office within the meaning of section 3544 (b) of this title.