(a) There is a Deputy Secretary of Defense, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. A person may not be appointed as Deputy Secretary of Defense within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.

(b) The Deputy Secretary shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. The Deputy Secretary shall act for, and exercise the powers of, the Secretary when the Secretary is disabled or there is no Secretary of Defense.

(c) The Deputy Secretary serves as the Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense. The Deputy Secretary shall be assisted in this capacity by a Deputy Chief Management Officer, who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(d) The Deputy Secretary takes precedence in the Department of Defense immediately after the Secretary.