US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

10 U.S.C. § 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)

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.
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:
(2)

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.
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:
(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)
section 115(i) of this title 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 ;
(B)
section 708 of title 32 on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under ; 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)
50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2) Retired officers on active duty under section 10(b)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act () 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)
section 1725 of this title Officers who are Senior Military Acquisition Advisors under , 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.

Pub. L. 96–513, title I, § 10394 Stat. 2842Pub. L. 98–525, title IV, § 414(a)(3)98 Stat. 2518Pub. L. 99–145, title V, § 511(a)99 Stat. 623Pub. L. 99–433, title V, § 531(a)(1)100 Stat. 1063Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IV, § 431105 Stat. 1354Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, § 1673(c)(3)108 Stat. 3014Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(a)110 Stat. 2504Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title IV, § 406116 Stat. 2526Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title IV118 Stat. 1864Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, § 1071(g)(1)(B)120 Stat. 2402Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IV122 Stat. 88Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, § 501125 Stat. 1386Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, § 866(b)130 Stat. 2306Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title V, § 501136 Stat. 2557(Added , , ; amended , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , (b), , , 2505; , , ; , §§ 404, 416(g), , , 1868; , , ; , §§ 404, 405, , ; , , ; , title X, § 1081(b)(1)(A)(iii), , , 2418; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 117–2632022—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.

Pub. L. 114–328, § 1081(b)(1)(A)(iii)50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(2)2016—Subsec. (b)(7). , substituted “()” for “(50 U.S.C. App. 460(b)(2))”.

Pub. L. 114–328, § 866(b)Subsec. (b)(9). , added par. (9).

Pub. L. 112–812011—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.

Pub. L. 110–181, § 4042008—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.

Pub. L. 110–181, § 405Subsec. (a)(2). , amended table generally, extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.

Pub. L. 109–364Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(1)2006—Subsec. (b)(1). made technical correction to directory language of . See 2004 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(1)Pub. L. 109–3642004—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;

section 708 of title 32“(B) on active duty under section 10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402 of this title or under ;

section 12301(d) of this title“(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;

section 12304 of this title“(E) ordered to active duty under ; or

“(F) on full-time National Guard duty.”

Pub. L. 108–375, § 416(g)(2)Subsec. (b)(7). , substituted “Retired officers” for “Reserve or retired officers”.

Pub. L. 108–375, § 404Subsec. (b)(8). , added par. (8).

Pub. L. 107–3142002—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.

Pub. L. 104–201, § 403(a)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.

Pub. L. 104–201, § 403(b)Subsec. (a)(2). , amended table generally, expanding the range of numbers of commissioned officers covered and extensively revising the numbers in each grade covered.

Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(A)1994—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). , substituted “10211, 10302 through 10305, or 12402” for “265, 3021, 3496, 5251, 5252, 8021, or 8496”.

Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(B)Subsec. (b)(1)(C). , substituted “12301(d)” for “672(d)”.

Pub. L. 103–337, § 1671(c)(3)(C)Subsec. (b)(1)(E). , substituted “12304” for “673b”.

Pub. L. 102–1901991—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.

Pub. L. 99–4331986—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). substituted “3021” and “8021” for “3033” and “8033”, respectively.

Pub. L. 99–1451985—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.

Pub. L. 98–525, § 414(a)(3)(A)section 672(d) of this title1984—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). , struck out “or section 502 or 503 of title 32” after “”.

Pub. L. 98–525, § 414(a)(3)(B)Subsec. (b)(1)(F). –(D), added subpar. (F).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, § 1071(g)120 Stat. 2402Pub. L. 108–375, , , 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

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(d)110 Stat. 2506

“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

Pub. L. 103–337section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337section 10001 of this titleAmendment by effective , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as an Effective Date note under .

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title V, § 511(b)99 Stat. 623

“The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on .”
, , , provided that:

Effective Date

section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513section 101 of this titleSection 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

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title IV, § 403(a)138 Stat. 1863

section 523 of title 10“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

section 526 of Pub. L. 117–263section 517 of this titleThis 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

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IV, § 402110 Stat. 286Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(3)110 Stat. 2506, , , 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

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, § 402108 Stat. 2743Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(2)110 Stat. 2506, , , 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

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IV, § 402107 Stat. 1639Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IV, § 403108 Stat. 2743Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title IV, § 403(c)(1)110 Stat. 2505, , , 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

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, § 403103 Stat. 1431, , , 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

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IV, § 402103 Stat. 1431Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IV, § 404104 Stat. 1545, , , 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.

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title IV, § 403102 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.

Ceilings on Commissioned Officers on Active Duty

Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, § 811(a)91 Stat. 335Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, § 81793 Stat. 818Pub. L. 96–342, title X, § 100394 Stat. 1120Pub. L. 97–86, title VI, § 60295 Stat. 1110section 526 of this titlePub. L. 100–370, § 1(b)(1)(B), , , 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

section 627 of Pub. L. 96–513section 611 of this titleFor 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 .