[Homer]

I’m going to come at it two ways-

First, you’d see a lot of RA officers get frocked off of approved promotion lists pre-TDM as forces expand. As an example, promotions on the RA COLs list were at a near 66% selection rate during the height of GWOT while RA LTCs were at over 90% select, with RA MAJ being a fully qualified board. Frocking allows for early promotion off of a senate approved list based on requirements of a billet. The DoD has authority to reduce time in grade requirements to DOPMA minimums and waive normal education requirements as well (30 month captains in GWOT and degree completion LTs), and boards can be stacked so as to produce multiple lists. There could also be a request to suspend DOPMA and revert to the AUS system of theater rank.

Second, once you’re post TDM, services could legally do grade plate reductions within formations (battalions commanded by majors, for example). They could also advance officers on the USAR/NG list vice the RA list with issuance of accompanying active duty orders (not unlike the AUS system used before DOPMA). Finally, they could hold boards or allocate temporary appointment authority to theater commanders for o-4 and above with the understanding that the ranks are for the duration of the emergency and pending approval (this is a violation of DOPMA, and would be a needs must type situation).

For CIVGOV, they could adhere to a process similar to the traditional board/senate approval structure as they retain the structure in some form. The CIVGOV president would also retain direct nomination authority (with senate approval) for O-4 and above.