the 117th Congress of the United States, Public Law 117-1
“ In General.—Notwithstanding the second sentence of section 113 (a) of title 10, United States Code, the first person appointed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as Secretary of Defense in an appointment made on or after January 20, 2021, may be a person who is, on the date of appointment, within seven years after relief, but not within four years after relief, from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of the Armed Forces. ”
