Modification to assignment period for critical acquisition positions

Section 1734 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Three-year; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraph (4); and (ii) by inserting (or with respect to a program executive officer, six-year period) after three-year period; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking A person inserting Except as provided in paragraph (3), a person; (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) An individual may not be assigned as a program executive officer (as described in section 1732 of this title) unless the individual executes a written agreement to remain on active duty (in the case of a member of the armed forces) or to remain in Federal service (in the case of an employee) in that position for a period of at least six years. The service obligation contained in such a written agreement shall remain in effect unless and until waived by the Secretary concerned under subsection (b).; (2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) The Secretary of Defense shall require that— (A) a program executive officer be assigned in that position for a period of at least six years; and (B) the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment jointly ensure that the requirement in subparagraph (A) does not negatively affect the consideration of an individual for promotion or otherwise impede the advancement of an individual to a position of higher responsibility.; (3) in subsection (d), by striking subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) and inserting in subsection (a)(2), (b)(2), or (b)(3); and (4) in subsection (e), by inserting (except for an individual assigned as a program executive officer) after serving in critical acquisition positions.