In subsection (a), the words “of the Army” are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the words “If the Chief of Staff is absent or disabled or if that office is vacant” are substituted for 10:21c (1st 18 words of last sentence). The words “the officer who is highest on the following list and” are inserted for clarity. The words “until his successor is appointed” are omitted as surplusage.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 3034 of this title as this section.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433, § 502(d), renumbered section 3035 of this title as this section.

Pub. L. 99–433, § 502(d)(3), substituted “Vice Chief of Staff” for “Vice Chief of Staff, Deputy Chiefs of Staff, and Assistant Chiefs of Staff: succession to duties of Chief of Staff” in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 99–433, § 502(d)(1), amended subsecs. (a) and (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (a) and (b) read as follows:

“(a) The Vice Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chiefs of Staff, and the Assistant Chiefs of Staff shall be general officers detailed to those positions.

“(b) If the Chief of Staff is absent or disabled or if that office is vacant, the officer who is highest on the following list and who is not absent or disabled shall, unless otherwise directed by the President, perform the duties of the Chief of Staff until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases:

“(1) The Vice Chief of Staff.

“(2) The Deputy Chiefs of Staff in order of seniority.”

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–433, § 502(d)(2), added subsec. (d).

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–599 added subsec. (c).

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.