# § 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:
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 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:
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 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.
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**Source Credit**: (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.)
## Editorial Notes
### Amendments
2022—Subsec. (a)(1). , 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). , substituted “()” for “(50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2))”.
Subsec. (b)(9). , added par. (9).
2011—Subsec. (a)(1). , 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). , 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). , amended table generally, extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.
2006—Subsec. (b)(1). made technical correction to directory language of . See 2004 Amendment note below.
2004—Subsec. (b)(1). , as amended by , 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 ;
“(C) on active duty under 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 ; or
“(F) on full-time National Guard duty.”
Subsec. (b)(7). , substituted “Retired officers” for “Reserve or retired officers”.
Subsec. (b)(8). , added par. (8).
2002—Subsec. (a)(1). , 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). , amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.
Subsec. (a)(2). , 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). , substituted “10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402” for “265, 3021, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, or 8496”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). , substituted “12301(d)” for “672(d)”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). , substituted “12304” for “673b”.
1991—Subsec. (a)(1). , 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). substituted “3021” and “8021” for “3033” and “8033”, respectively.
1985—Subsec. (a)(1). 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). , struck out “or section 502 or 503 of title 32” after “”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(F). –(D), added subpar. (F).
## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
### Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
, , , provided that the amendment made by section 1071(g)(1)(B) is effective as of , and as if included in as enacted.
### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
> “The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as notes below] shall take effect on
>
> .”
, , , provided that:
### Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by effective , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as an Effective Date note under .
### Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
> “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on
>
> .”
, , , provided that:
### Effective Date
Section effective , but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective , see , set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under .
### Temporary Exclusion of Mental Health Care Providers From Authorized Strengths of Certain Officers on Active Duty
> “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
>
> , United States Code.”
, , , provided that:
### Temporary Exemption From End Strength Grade Restrictions for the Space Force
This section not to apply to the Space Force until , see , set out as a note under .
### Temporary Variation in DOPMA Authorized End Strength Limitations for Active Duty Air Force and Navy Officers in Certain Grades
, , , 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 , , .
### Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Army Majors and Lieutenant Colonels
, , , 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 , , .
### Temporary Variation of End Strength Limitations for Marine Corps Majors and Lieutenant Colonels
, , , as amended by , , , 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 , , .
### Temporary Increase in Officer Grade Limitations
, , , authorized the Secretary of Defense, until , 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.
### Temporary Reduction in Number of Air Force Colonels
, , , as amended by , , , 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.
, , , 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.
### Ceilings on Commissioned Officers on Active Duty
, , , as amended by , , ; , , ; , , , which provided that after , 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 by , (4).
### Transition Provisions Under Defense Officer Personnel Management Act
For provisions increasing for the fiscal year ending on , the maximum number of officers authorized by this section to be serving on active duty, see , set out as a note under .