N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-33: Promotion of officers by seniority and in accordance with regulations.

The promotion of all officers shall be by seniority as far as practicable and in the best interest of the service within the organization, and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the secretary of the appropriate service. (1917, c. 200, s. 17; C.S., s. 6814; 1921, c. 120, s. 4; 1959, c. 218, s. 7; 1975, c. 604, s. 2; 2011-195, s. 1(a).)