Section 27September 19, 1991, Sec./Art. 27

Cumulative Number of Years of Service in Each Class. – The Secretary may determine a standard performance based on merit for each class which must be met before any foreign service officer may become eligible for promotion to a higher class. All foreign service officers shall be required to render satisfactory service continuously for a minimum period of three (3) years in each class and for the total cumulative period computed at three (3) years for each class before they become eligible for promotion to the next higher class: provided, however, that foreign service officers who have shown exceptional and meritorious qualities and have rendered exemplary service may be promoted to the next higher rank as an exception hereof.