10 U.S.C. § 9039

(a) Chief of Chaplains .— (1) There is a Chief of Chaplains for the Air Force and the Space Force, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from officers of the Air Force designated under section 9067(h) of this title as chaplains who— (A) are serving on active duty; and (B) have served on active duty as a chaplain for at least eight years. (2) An officer appointed as the Chief of Chaplains shall be appointed for a term of three years. However, the President may terminate or extend the appointment at any time. (3) The Chief of Chaplains shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force and by law. (b) Selection Board .— Under regulations approved by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force, in selecting an officer for recommendation to the President for appointment as the Chief of Chaplains, shall ensure that the officer selected is recommended by a board of officers that, insofar as practicable, is subject to the procedures applicable to the selection boards convened under chapter 36 of this title. (c) Grade of Chief of Chaplains .— The Chief of Chaplains, while so serving, holds the grade of major general.