Selection boards

§ 8297. Selection boards (a) Under such regulations as he may prescribe, the Secretary of the Air Force shall detail selection boards, to meet at times prescribed by him, to recommend promotion-list officers and brigadier generals of the Regular Air Force for promotion in the Regular Air Force. Each 511 board shall be composed of at least five officers of the Regular Air Force who hold a regular or temporary grade above lieutenant colonel, and who are senior in regular grade to, and who outrank, any officer considered by that board. However, a selection board considering, under section 8300 (a) or (b) of this title, female promotion-list officers other than those designated under section 8067 of this title to perform professional functions may include female promotion-list officers other than officers in those categories who are senior in regular grade to, and who outrank, any female officer being considered by that board. (b) No selection board may serve longer than one year and no member may serve on two consecutive boards for promotions to the same grade, if the second board considers any officer considered but not recommended for promotion by the first. (c) Each member of a selection board must swear that he will perform his duties without prejudice or partiality, having in view the special fitness of officers and the efficiency of the Air Force. (d) Except as otherwise provided by law, promotion-list officers and brigadier generals of the Regular Air Force may be promoted to the regular grades of captain through major general only when recommended by a selection board. A recommendation for promotion must be made by the majority of the total membership of the board. (e) Not later than 10 days after a board first meets, any officer eligible for consideration by that board is entitled to send a letter, through official channels, calling attention to matters of record in the Department of the Air Force concerning himself that he considers important. The letter may not contain any reflection upon the character, conduct, or motives of any officer, or criticism of any officer.