THREE-YEAR EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR COMPETITION FOR JOINT 4-STAR OFFICER POSITIONS.

SEC. 509. THREE-YEAR EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR COMPETITION FOR JOINT 4-STAR OFFICER POSITIONS. (a) Extension of Requirement.—Section 604(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking “September 30, 2000” and inserting “September 30, 2003”. (b) Grade Relief.—Section 525(b)(5)(C) of such title is amended by striking “September 30, 2000” and inserting “September 30, 2003”. (c) Clarification of Certain Limitations on Number of Active-Duty Generals and Admirals.—Paragraph (5) of section 525(b) of such title is amended by adding at the end of subparagraph (A) the following new sentence: “Any increase by reason of the preceding sentence in the number of officers of an armed force serving on active duty in grades above major general or rear admiral may only be realized by an increase in the number of lieutenant generals or vice admirals, as the case may be, serving on active duty, and any such increase may not be construed as authorizing an increase in the limitation on the total number of general or flag officers for that armed force under section 526(a) of this title or in the number of general and flag officers that may be designated under section 526(b) of this title.”.