ASSIGNMENT OF OFFICERS TO DESIGNATED POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.

SEC. 501. ASSIGNMENT OF OFFICERS TO DESIGNATED POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.(a) Continuation in Grade While Awaiting Orders.—Section 601(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—(1) by striking “and” at the end of paragraph (3);(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4):“(4) at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, while the officer is awaiting orders after being relieved from the position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades, but not for more than 60 days beginning on the day the officer is relieved from the position, unless, during such period, the officer is placed under orders to another position designated under subsection (a) or by law to carry one of those grades, in which case paragraph (2) will also apply to the officer; and”.(b) Conforming Amendment Regarding General and Flag Officer Ceilings.—Section 525(e) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:“(2) At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, an officer of that armed force who has been relieved from a position designated under section 601(a) of this title or by law to carry one of the grades specified in such section, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the assignment of the officer to the first position is terminated or until the officer is assigned to a second such position, whichever occurs first.”.122 STAT. 95