(a) At any time during proceedings under this chapter with respect to the removal of an officer from active duty, the Secretary of the military department concerned may grant a request by the officer-
(1) for voluntary retirement, if the officer is qualified for retirement; or
(2) for discharge in accordance with subsection (b)(2).
(b) An officer removed from active duty under section 1184 of this title shall-
(1) if eligible for voluntary retirement under any provision of law on the date of such removal, be retired in the grade and with the retired pay for which he would be eligible if retired under such provision; and
(2) if ineligible for voluntary retirement under any provision of law on the date of such removal-
(A) be honorably discharged in the grade then held, in the case of an officer whose case was brought under subsection (a) of section 1181 of this title; or
(B) be discharged in the grade then held, in the case of an officer whose case was brought under subsection (b) of section 1181 of this title.
(c) An officer who is discharged under subsection (b)(2) is entitled, if eligible therefor, to separation pay under section 1174(a)(2) of this title.
(Added
1990-Subsec. (c).
Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under this section effective on Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of