(1) The President may appoint permanent commissioned officers in the Regular Coast Guard in grades appropriate to their qualification, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the following categories:
(A) Graduates of the Coast Guard Academy.
(B) Commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and enlisted members of the Regular Coast Guard.
(C) Members of the Coast Guard Reserve who have served at least 2 years as such.
(D) Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served 2 or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer.