GOVERNOR'S MILITARY APPOINTMENTS.

(a) The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint an adjutant general to a two-year term expiring February 1 of each even-numbered year. The adjutant general is responsible for leading and managing the Texas military forces. The adjutant general is subordinate only to the governor in matters pertaining to the Texas military forces. The adjutant general's rank is assigned at the discretion of the governor and may not exceed lieutenant general. Federal recognition is at the rank authorized by the National Guard Bureau. The adjutant general may be referred to as the commanding general of the Texas military forces.

(b) On recommendation of the adjutant general, the governor shall appoint a deputy adjutant general for army, a deputy adjutant general for air, and the commander of the Texas State Guard. The deputy adjutants general and commander serve until replaced. To be qualified for appointment as a deputy adjutant general, a service member must have the qualifications required for appointment as adjutant general.

(c) The governor shall appoint, commission, and assign the Texas State Guard general officers. The governor may remove or reassign an officer. To be eligible for appointment as a general officer, a service member must have:

(1) been a federally recognized officer of not less than field grade of the Texas National Guard or a regular or reserve component of the United States military or served at least 15 years of combined service as a commissioned officer in the Texas military forces or a regular or reserve component of the United States military; and

(2) served at least three years as a commissioned officer in the Texas State Guard.

(d) The governor may delegate the powers granted by Subsection (c) to the adjutant general.