Document: 419 U.S. 498 95 S.Ct. 572 42 L.Ed.2d 610 James R. SCHLESINGER, Secretary of Defense, et al., Appellants,v.Robert C. BALLARD. No. 73—776. Argued Oct. 15, 1974. Decided Jan. 1975. Rehearing Denied March 3, See 420 966, 1363. Syllabus Appellee, a naval officer with more than nine years active service, who failed for second time to be selected promotion and thus under 10 U.S.C. § 6382(a) was subject mandatory discharge, brought this action claiming that application statute him when compared 6401 (under which had he been woman would have entitled 13 commissioned service before discharge want promotion) an unconstitutional discrimination based on sex in violation the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause. A three-judge District Court, relying Frontiero v. Richardson, 411 677, 93 1764, 36 583, concluded challenged mandatory-discharge provisions are supported solely by considerations fiscal administrative policy, upheld appellee's claim. Held: The legislative classification is completely rational does not violate Pp. 505—510. (a) different treatment men women officers §§ 6382 results, from mere or convenience, but fact female line because restrictions their participating combat most sea duty do opportunities professional equal those male officers, Congress could rationally conclude longer period tenure comported goal providing 'fair equitable career advancement programs.' supra; Reed Reed, 404 71, 92 251, 30 225, distinguished. 505—508. (b) In corps where similarly situated made no distinctions, underscoring rationality classification. P. 509. (c) statutes further flow promotions commensurate Navy's current needs serve motivate qualified so conduct themselves they may realistically anticipate higher command levels. 510. 360 F.Supp. 643, reversed. Harriet S. Shapiro, Dept. Justice, Washington, D.C., appellants. Charles Khoury, Jr., San Diego, Cal., appellee. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 Appellee Robert Ballard lieutenant United States Navy. After as officer, failed, time, grade commander, therefore 6382(a).1 He suit federal court if separation statute, 6401, promotion.2 claimed him, Clause Amendment.3 2 Judge issued temporary restraining order prohibiting Ballard's discharge. Subsequently, Court convened hear claim pursuant 28 2282, 2284. hearings upon motions Government defendants, preliminary injunction against 350 167. Thereafter, case came decision merits. Relying concluding held 13-year provision discriminates favor without sufficient justification. 643. Accordingly, enjoined Navy discharging failure promoted commander expiration service. Id., at 648. We noted probable jurisdiction appeal injunctive order. 415 912, 94 1405, 39 465. 1253. 3 * At base system governing attrition congressional designation authorized number enlisted personnel, 5401, correlative limitation percentage figure. 5403.4 has also established ratio distribution several grades above fixed proportions total officers. 5442, 5447(a). 4 required periodically convene selection boards consider recommend each separate ranks, 5701, must provide recommended next grade. 5756. Eligible then boards, merit, placed list due course vacancies occur ranks. 5769. Because commanders set lieutenants, like Ballard, any year depends existing estimated coming rank commander. 5 Wholly lines various categories Thus, addition review staff (except appointed 5590), 5702, Marine Corps, 5703, 5704(a), 5590. 5704(b). convening these permits within category considered comparison other similar experience. 6 pyramidal organizational structure, fewer needed below. absence some result stagnation younger disincentive If remained through ranks retarded. basic 'up out' philosophy developed maintain effective leadership heightening competition while junior incentive opportunity promotion. It reason, merely policy considerations, requires lieutenants discharged 'considered having . .. time.'5 Similar selection-out rules apply twice passed over promotion.6 7 phrase 'failed promotion' statutory term art. embrace all eligible Before first 'promotion zone' establishes zones' will either time. 5764, 5776. zones, grade, level ensure consistent appropriate terms see 5768, others succeeding years. zone 'a consideration five years, completed.' 5764(a). 8 Section mandatory-attrition applies 5590, including Staff Corps.7 provides 5590 she 'is list'8 'has completed Navy.' 6401. initially intended approximately equate length 6382(a).9 however, specifically recognized probably 6382. When it enacted legislation eliminating many former officers' participation 1967,10 expressly left undisturbed And both House Senate Reports observed parallel 'present respect except occurs about earlier.' S.Rep.No. 676, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., 12; U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1967, p. 1850; H.R.Rep.No.216, 17 (emphasis added).11 II 9 background we decide whether, agreeably Amendment, accord promotion, requiring who, less arguing acted unconstitutionally, appellee relies primarily Court's recent decisions 225. concerned 'the right member uniformed services her spouse 'dependent' purposes obtaining increased quarters allowances medical dental benefits 37 401, 403, 1072, 1076, footing members.' U.S., 678, S.Ct., 1766. Under statutes, serviceman automatically his 'dependent,' servicewoman's unless shown dependent wife one-half support. exclusively gender, conceded members convenience. found disparity constitutionally invalid. words plurality opinion: 11 '(A)ny scheme draws sharp between sexes, purpose achieving necessarily commands 'dissimilar situated,' involves 'very kind arbitrary choice forbidden (Constitution) ..' 77, 76, 254. that, according differential sole Amendment insofar require prove dependency husband.' 690—691, 1772. 12 supra, involved quite considerations. constitutionality Idaho probate code establishing administer decedent's estate, gave 'mandatory' preference were same degree relationship decedent. law permitted individual qualifications particular potential administrators, simply preferred males reduce expenses contests relative otherwise situated. '(b)y dissimilar situated, section violates Equal Protection Clause.' classifications premised overbroad generalizations tolerated Constitution. assumption underlying generally better estate administrators women. Frontiero, Federal Armed Services benefit spouses servicemen normally husbands, servicewomen not. 14 contrast, reflects, archaic generalizations, but, instead, demonstrable duty. Specifically 'women assigned aircraft engaged missions nor vessels hospital ships transports.' 6015. competing compiled records seagoing comparable lieutenants. enacting retaining believed did counterparts, would, therefore, H.R.Rep. 216, 5. Cf. Kahn Shevin, 416 351, 1734, 40 189.12 15 complete underscored differentiated them tenure. Thus rule These include Medical, Dental, Advocate General's, Medical Service Corps. 5574, 5578, 5578a, 5579. Conversely, Nurse ambit 6396(c), contains 16 reason asserted justify gender-based alone. Here, contrary, operation question results serves look forward levels command. This 'it primary business armies navies fight ready wars should occasion arise.' ex rel. Toth Quarles, 11, 17, 76 1, 5, 100 L.Ed. 8. Orloff Willoughby, 345 83, 94, 73 534, 540, 97 842. responsibility determining how best our Forces shall attend rests Congress, U.S.Const., Art. I, 8, cls. 12—14, President. II, 2, cl. 1. cannot say exercising its broad constitutional power here, violated Amendment.13 judgment 18 BRENNAN, whom DOUGLAS MARSHALL join, dissenting. 19 concludes periods contravene 'Congress programs." Ante, 508. I believe, gender subjected close judicial scrutiny. 583 (1973), 189 (1974) (Brennan, J., dissenting). Such suspect can sustained only demonstrates compelling interests achieved. much concedes distinctions fulfill purpose. 20 Further, goes far conjure up underlain distinction here attacked. find nothing history support supposition intended, assuring tenure, compensate forms disadvantage visited Navy.1 genderbased complains related, otherwise, legitimate fairly inferred history, sustained. 21 As recounts, part Women's Integration Act 1948, 62 Stat. 368. Act, permanent role military, severely limited opportunities. Among things, provided permanently commanders, small regular Perhaps limitations impractical guarantee uniform rate, Officer Personnel 1947, 61 860, applied them. And, explained system, basis involuntary 6382(a), whether promotion,' meaning.2 Therefore, given rest applicable them, pegged served rather 13, corresponded exactly normal precede chosen ante, 504—505 n. 9.3 Congress' original slightly certain—to create average permitted. 22 However, reasons entirely clear record case, not, administered Navy, contemplated 5764 5768.4 Rather, 1967 seems H.R.Rep.no. 17; S.Rep.No.676, 1972, respondent eight Brief Appellants 16. 23 decided eliminate restricting doing wishes, notes, contrary assumption, determined achieve goal, special compensatory women, removing subjecting men. 3; 1839. 24 First, entire structure directed toward assimilating possible example, 5764(d), 'failure selection' amending 5776.5 additions make retention somewhat anomalous, since appears function aid separation. hesitant language uses describing recognizes, impossible divine itself 25 Second, makes take account available explicitly instances retirement 'permit remain officers.' '(u)nder circumstances, there logical differences.' 1840. (Emphasis supplied.) H.R.Rep.No. 2—3; Hearing H.R. 4772, 4903, 5894, Committee Services, 41 (1967). 'apply standard laws exception selective continuation nurses.' 3.6 2. light statements, compensating inferior position 26 Moreover, replete indications give advantage. 'The removal restrictions. No effort assurances none recommended.' Letter General Counsel, Department 1842; 9. bill parity recognizing merit performance.' 7. 3.7 To infer determination purposely perpetuate is, eitirely misconceive perception problem proper solution. While revise clear, certainly plausible continued work properly, sexes.8 27 Given analysis difference resulted sections manifestly overriding governmental interest. Indeed, appellants concede discussing proposed 12405 (93d 2d Sess.), 2(5) 4(18), refers, 510, 13: Defense considers serving balance matter military personnel policy.' 18. Since executive department intimately perceive need attack, interest classification, any, hardly compelling.9 believe 'providing needy segment society long victim purposeful neglect' equality such groups,' 358—359, 1739 dissenting), sustain even accepted lay behind Contrary intimation, 508, compete directly separately convened, 5704, determined, 5760, zones designated, women's fitness judged 5707. situation, hard disadvantaged duties limited, increasing nonpromotion necessary disadvantages. III 29 suggests compensation disadvantages might agree 'was promotion.' 502—503. But well issue accorded evenhandedly state interest, differences justified purpose.10 For invocation deference assure readiness battle settle us. illustrates, protection arises concerning mandate determination, least sex-based relevant purposes. 31 validity stand fall goal. Yet, Part demonstrates, enactment 1967. past exercised imaginations conceive justifications classifications, McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 425—428, 81 1101, 1104—1106, 393 (1961), recently declined manufacture save apparently invalid Strange, 407 128, 2027, 32 600 (1972); Weber Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 406 164, 1400, 768 (1972). analyzed determine Eisenstadt Baird, 405 438, 442 443, 1029, 1032—1033, 349 (1972), inquiry legislature's stated clearly out history. Johnson Robison, 361, 376, 1160, 1170, 389 (1974). Never, my knowledge, endeavored justification conclusively way.11 advanced gleaned affirm 33 WHITE, 34 Agreeing BRENNAN's dissenting opinion, dissent Title provides: '(a) Each lieutenant, Corps captain honorably June major requests, during year. '(d) title designated duty.' scheduled carried entitlement 'lump-sum' severance payment $15,000, 6382(c), terminated (including seven service) short substantially greater benefits. 6401(a) 'Each title, holds appointment which— '(1) list; '(2) 'However, year.' Constitution pertinent person 'be deprived life, liberty, property, process law.' Although Fourteenth prohibits engaging 'so unjustifiable violative process.' Bolling Sharpe, 347 497, 499, 74 693, 694, 98 884. Schneider Rusk, 377 163, 168, 84 1187, 1190, 218. Similarly, strength Supply Civil Engineers 5404(a). More complicated formulas bounds corps. E.g., 5404(b). S.Rep. 2120, 75th 3d 4. Parts 1947 affected codified 5401 seq., Aug. 10, 1956, 70A 297. codification 312(h) based, turn, 12(c) 23, 1938, 52 949. 6382(b) calls (junior grade) fail lieutenant. retirement, instead 6376, 6379, 6380. 5579, are, 6382(a). 'not list' contrasted historical. 207(j) until Pub.L. 90—130, 374 5764(d). Hearings 1527 (subsequently 1641), 80th 39. eligibility shorter, 5751(b), ensign, grade), peacetime conditions. 5768(a). achieved typically being repealed numerical certain grades, removed captain, circumstances flag rank. indicated correspond According brief Solicitor General, time-in-grade accelerated resulting Vietnam conflict. Exec. Order 11437, Dec. 1968, CFR 754 (1966—1970 Comp.). occurred four earlier two years' acknowledged argues sexes.' Post, 517. conclusion cannot, reconciled recognition 'parallel present 12, added). Alternatively, imply 'anomalous' inadvertence. 514—515. view squared either. factor prompting amendments express concern lifted, cause excessive forced problem, Report described provision: 'A particularly severe exists among WAVE commander-lieutenant reduced reach 13th relief provided. 'Present (sec. Code) estimates relief, 50 percent heavy trition unacceptable.' 6. intentionally retained specific knowledge counterparts. observe Nov. 374; 1839, become told implemented program acceleration today Apparently believing subsided, submitted substitute governs 4(18)(L) new replacement developments reinforce courts, goals sought programs. troublesome notion another, broader, imposed currently itself. true obviously implicated ground decision, ought valid sustaining coceives Also, devise alternative way deciding meant failures indefinite retention. fact, produced upper WAVES suspended altogether 5894 Subcommittee 384 keyed selection, separated 5768 sets times specifies 'in individuals 'normal service,' explanation seemingly lies permitting suspension sections. 48 that: Except Regular following cease operate whenever ensign exceed holding appointments Navy: Sections 5764—5770 639. 5785 '(b) During war national emergency, President suspend proceding chapter relating ., title.' covered suspensions effect shortening affecting 505 11. Other examples are: (1) amendment 5771 list, men, soon occur. done prevent delay six months caused contemporaries.' 15; (2) 5711, related duty, Reserve will, way. Aside systems survive Act. See, e.g., 5707 (difference below commander). significant, amendments, unrestricted linked served. Compare 6376 6379 6398; 6380 6400. involuntarily retired reached requisite sufficient. Congressman Rivers, Chairman flatly floor debate assured 'have grade.' 113 Cong.Rec. 11303 (May 1967). Senator Thurmond, manager bill, point bill. said: '(T)he promotional advantage, place 46 addition, changing review, change interim basically equitably sexes. 383 (1967) (remarks Assistant Morris); Hearings, 44 Berg). comments submission 'no reinforce(s) 510 13. show ever program; ventures 'may rationally,' 508 supplied), wise fair. scrutiny necessitates courts evaluate means end. Implicit task accept involved. neither 225 (1971), doubted forwarded goals, absent sex. objective reducing workload one class legitimacy,' 254, non end, approved. focused 'difference treatment,' 679, 1766, dependents' benefits, Government's Services. distinguish Frontiero. 141, 2034, 173, undermine very premises determination. legislature, considering factors, determines treat groups people differently pursuit often defer legislature pursue upholding properly all; Gunther, Foreword: Search Evolving Doctrine Changing Court: Model Newer Protection, 86 Harv.L.Rev. 44—45

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