10 U.S.C. § 523 (ARMED FORCES)
§ 523. Authorized strengths: commissioned officers on active duty in grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel and Navy grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain
(a)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (c), of the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps at the end of any fiscal year (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)), the number of officers who may be serving on active duty in each of the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel may not, as of the end of such fiscal year, exceed a number determined in accordance with the following table:
Total number of commissioned officers (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) on active duty:
Number of officers who may be serving on active duty in grade of:
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
1 Table heading editorially supplied.
Army:
20,000
7,768
5,253
1,613
25,000
8,689
5,642
1,796
30,000
9,611
6,030
1,980
35,000
10,532
6,419
2,163
40,000
11,454
6,807
2,347
45,000
12,375
7,196
2,530
50,000
13,297
7,584
2,713
55,000
14,218
7,973
2,897
60,000
15,140
8,361
3,080
65,000
16,061
8,750
3,264
70,000
16,983
9,138
3,447
75,000
17,903
9,527
3,631
80,000
18,825
9,915
3,814
85,000
19,746
10,304
3,997
90,000
20,668
10,692
4,181
95,000
21,589
11,081
4,364
100,000
22,511
11,469
4,548
110,000
24,354
12,246
4,915
120,000
26,197
13,023
5,281
130,000
28,040
13,800
5,648
170,000
35,412
16,908
7,116
Air Force:
35,000
9,216
7,090
2,125
40,000
10,025
7,478
2,306
45,000
10,835
7,866
2,487
50,000
11,645
8,253
2,668
55,000
12,454
8,641
2,849
60,000
13,264
9,029
3,030
65,000
14,073
9,417
3,211
70,000
14,883
9,805
3,392
75,000
15,693
10,193
3,573
80,000
16,502
10,582
3,754
85,000
17,312
10,971
3,935
90,000
18,121
11,360
4,115
95,000
18,931
11,749
4,296
100,000
19,741
12,138
4,477
105,000
20,550
12,527
4,658
110,000
21,360
12,915
4,838
115,000
22,169
13,304
5,019
120,000
22,979
13,692
5,200
125,000
23,789
14,081
5,381
Marine Corps:
10,000
2,802
1,615
633
12,500
3,247
1,768
658
15,000
3,691
1,922
684
17,500
4,135
2,076
710
20,000
4,579
2,230
736
22,500
5,024
2,383
762
25,000
5,468
2,537
787
Space Force: 1
3,900
1,016
782
234
4,300
1,135
873
262
5,000
1,259
845
315
7,000
1,659
1,045
415
10,000
2,259
1,345
565.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (c), of the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in the Navy at the end of any fiscal year (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)), the number of officers who may be serving on active duty in each of the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain may not, as of the end of such fiscal year, exceed a number determined in accordance with the following table:
Total number of commissioned officers (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) on active duty:
Number of officers who may be serving on active duty in grade of:
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
Navy:
30,000
7,698
5,269
2,222
33,000
8,189
5,501
2,334
36,000
8,680
5,733
2,447
39,000
9,172
5,965
2,559
42,000
9,663
6,197
2,671
45,000
10,155
6,429
2,784
48,000
10,646
6,660
2,896
51,000
11,136
6,889
3,007
54,000
11,628
7,121
3,120
57,000
12,118
7,352
3,232
60,000
12,609
7,583
3,344
63,000
13,100
7,813
3,457
66,000
13,591
8,044
3,568
70,000
14,245
8,352
3,718
90,000
17,517
9,890
4,467.
(3) If the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in an armed force (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) is between any two consecutive figures listed in the first column of the appropriate table in paragraph (1) or (2), the corresponding authorized strengths for each of the grades shown in that table for that armed force are determined by mathematical interpolation between the respective numbers of the two strengths. If the total number of commissioned officers serving on active duty in an armed force (excluding officers in categories specified in subsection (b)) is greater or less than the figures listed in the first column of the appropriate table in paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary concerned shall fix the corresponding strengths for the grades shown in that table in the same proportion as reflected in the nearest limit shown in the table.
(b) Officers in the following categories shall be excluded in computing and determining authorized strengths under this section:
(1) Reserve officers—
(A) on active duty as authorized under section 115(a)(1)(B) or 115(b)(1) of this title, or excluded from counting for active duty end strengths under section 115(i) of this title;
(B) on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under section 708 of title 32; or
(C) on full-time National Guard duty.
(2) General and flag officers.
(3) Medical officers.
(4) Dental officers.
(5) Warrant officers.
(6) Retired officers on active duty under a call or order to active duty for 180 days or less.
(7) Retired officers on active duty under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2)) for the administration of the Selective Service System.
(8) Permanent professors of the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy and professors of the United States Naval Academy who are career military professors (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy), but not to exceed 50 from any such academy.
(9) Officers who are Senior Military Acquisition Advisors under section 1725 of this title, but not to exceed 15.
(c) Whenever the number of officers serving in any grade is less than the number authorized for that grade under this section, the difference between the two numbers may be applied to increase the number authorized under this section for any lower grade.
(d) An officer may not be reduced in grade, or have his pay or allowances reduced, because of a reduction in the number of commissioned officers authorized for his grade under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 96–513, title I, § 103, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2842; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, § 414(a)(3), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2518; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, § 511(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 99–433, title V, § 531(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IV, § 431, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1354; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, § 1673(c)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3014; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(a), (b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2504, 2505; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, § 406, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2526; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV, §§ 404, 416(g), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1864, 1868; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, § 1071(g)(1)(B), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IV, §§ 404, 405, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 88; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, § 501, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1386; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, § 866(b), title X, § 1081(b)(1)(A)(iii), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2306, 2418; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, § 501, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2557.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, in table, inserted items relating to number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Space Force after items relating to Marine Corps.
2016—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 114–328, § 1081(b)(1)(A)(iii), substituted “(50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2))” for “(50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2))”.
Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 114–328, § 866(b), added par. (9).
2011—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Marine Corps in each grade covered as follows: Major to 2,802, 3,247, 3,691, 4,135, 4,579, 5,024, and 5,468 from 2,525, 2,900, 3,275, 3,650, 4,025, 4,400, and 4,775, respectively; Lieutenant Colonel to 1,615, 1,768, 1,922, 2,076, 2,230, 2,383, and 2,537 from 1,480, 1,600, 1,720, 1,840, 1,960, 2,080, and 2,200, respectively; and Colonel to 633, 658, 684, 710, 736, 762, and 787 from 571, 632, 653, 673, 694, 715, and 735, respectively.
2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–181, § 404, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Army in the grade of Major to 7,768, 8,689, 9,611, 10,532, 11,454, 12,375, 13,297, 14,218, 15,140, 16,061, 16,983, 17,903, 18,825, 19,746, 20,668, 21,589, 22,511, 24,354, 26,197, 28,040, and 35,412 from 6,948, 7,539, 8,231, 8,922, 9,614, 10,305, 10,997, 11,688, 12,380, 13,071, 13,763, 14,454, 15,146, 15,837, 16,529, 17,220, 17,912, 19,295, 20,678, 22,061, and 27,593, respectively.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–181, § 405, amended table generally, extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.
2006—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–364 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(1). See 2004 Amendment note below.
2004—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows:
“(1) Reserve officers—
“(A) on active duty for training;
“(B) on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under section 708 of title 32;
“(C) on active duty under section 12301(d) of this title in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components;
“(D) on active duty to pursue special work;
“(E) ordered to active duty under section 12304 of this title; or
“(F) on full-time National Guard duty.”
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(2), substituted “Retired officers” for “Reserve or retired officers”.
Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 108–375, § 404, added par. (8).
2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–314, in table, increased number of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Marine Corps in the grade of Colonel to 571, 632, 653, 673, 694, 715, and 735 from 571, 592, 613, 633, 654, 675, and 695, respectively.
1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, § 403(a), amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–201, § 403(b), amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.
1994—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(A), substituted “10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402” for “265, 3021, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, or 8496”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(B), substituted “12301(d)” for “672(d)”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(C), substituted “12304” for “673b”.
1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–190, in table, decreased numbers of officers authorized to serve on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of Colonel to 3,392, 3,573, 3,754, 3,935, 4,115, 4,296, 4,477, 4,658, 4,838, 5,019, 5,200, and 5,381 from 3,642, 3,823, 4,004, 4,185, 4,365, 4,546, 4,727, 4,908, 5,088, 5,269, 5,450, and 5,631, respectively.
1986—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–433 substituted “3021” and “8021” for “3033” and “8033”, respectively.
1985—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145 increased fiscal year limitation on authorized number of Marine Corps majors to 2,766, 3,085, 3,404, 3,723, and 4,042 from 2,717, 2,936, 3,154, 3,373, and 3,591, respectively.
1984—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–525, § 414(a)(3)(A), struck out “or section 502 or 503 of title 32” after “section 672(d) of this title”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 98–525, § 414(a)(3)(B)–(D), added subpar. (F).
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, § 1071(g), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that the amendment made by section 1071(g)(1)(B) is effective as of Oct. 28, 2004, and as if included in Pub. L. 108–375 as enacted.
heading: Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(d), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as notes below] shall take effect on September 1, 1997.”
heading: Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 99–145, title V, § 511(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 623, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1985.”
heading: Effective Date
text: Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.
heading: Temporary Exclusion of Mental Health Care Providers From Authorized Strengths of Certain Officers on Active Duty
text: Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title IV, § 403(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1863, provided that: “During fiscal years 2025 through 2027, officers who are licensed mental health providers (including clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health nurse practitioners, and psychiatric physician assistants) shall be excluded in computing and determining authorized strengths under section 523 of title 10, United States Code.”
heading: Temporary Exemption From End Strength Grade Restrictions for the Space Force
text: This section not to apply to the Space Force until Jan. 1, 2024, see section 526 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 517 of this title.
heading: Temporary Variation in DOPMA Authorized End Strength Limitations for Active Duty Air Force and Navy Officers in Certain Grades
text: Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, § 402, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 286, provided that the numbers of officers of the Air Force authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 and the numbers of officers in the Navy authorized under subsec. (a)(2) of this section to be serving on active duty in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 were limited to numbers in tables, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506.
heading: Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Army Majors and Lieutenant Colonels
text: Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, § 402, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2743, provided that number of officers of the Army authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in grades of major and lieutenant colonel for fiscal years 1995 through 1997 was limited to numbers set forth in table prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2506.
heading: Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Marine Corps Majors and Lieutenant Colonels
text: Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IV, § 402, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1639, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, § 403, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2743, provided that number of officers of the Marine Corps authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section to be serving on active duty in grades of major and lieutenant colonel for fiscal years 1994 through 1997 was limited to numbers set forth in table prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2505.
heading: Temporary Increase in Officer Grade Limitations
text: Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, § 403, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1431, authorized the Secretary of Defense, until Sept. 30, 1991, to increase the strength-in-grade limitations specified in subsec. (a) of this section by a total of 250 positions, to be distributed among grades and services as the Secretary considers appropriate and directed the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the adequacy of the strength-in-grade limitations prescribed in subsec. (a) of this section.
heading: Temporary Reduction in Number of Air Force Colonels
text: Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, § 402, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1431, as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IV, § 404, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1545, provided that the number of officers authorized under subsec. (a) of this section to be serving on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of colonel during fiscal year 1992 was reduced by 250.
Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, § 403, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1963, provided that the number of officers authorized under this section to be serving on active duty in the Air Force in the grade of colonel during fiscal year 1989 was reduced by 125, and the number of such officers authorized to be serving on active duty during fiscal year 1990 was reduced by 250.
heading: Ceilings on Commissioned Officers on Active Duty
text: Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, § 811(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 335, as amended by Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, § 817, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 818; Pub. L. 96–342, title X, § 1003, Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1120; Pub. L. 97–86, title VI, § 602, Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1110, which provided that after Oct. 1, 1981, the total number of commissioned officers on active duty in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps above the grade of colonel, and on active duty in the Navy above the grade of captain, could not exceed 1,073, and that in time of war, or of national emergency declared by Congress, the President could suspend the operation of this provision, was repealed and restated in section 526 of this title by Pub. L. 100–370, § 1(b)(1)(B), (4).
heading: Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act
text: For provisions increasing for the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 1981, the maximum number of officers authorized by this section to be serving on active duty, see section 627 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of this title.