PROMOTION OF COAST GUARD OFFICERS.

SEC. 217. PROMOTION OF COAST GUARD OFFICERS.(a) In General.—Section 211(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:“(a)(1) The President may appoint permanent commissioned officers in the Regular Coast Guard in grades appropriate to their qualification, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the following categories:“(A) Graduates of the Coast Guard Academy.“(B) Commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and enlisted members of the Regular Coast Guard.“(C) Members of the Coast Guard Reserve who have served at least 2 years as such.“(D) Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served 2 or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer.120 STAT. 526“(2) Original appointments under this section in the grades of lieutenant commander and above shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.“(3) Original appointments under this section in the grades of ensign through lieutenant shall be made by the President alone.”.(b) Wartime Temporary Service Promotion.—Section 275(f) of such title is amended by striking the second and third sentences and inserting “Original appointments under this section in the grades of lieutenant commander and above shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Original appointments under this section in the grades of ensign through lieutenant shall be made by the President alone.”.