1492 MILITIA. [ART. 65

some other State as a commissioned officer; or, if not in active service
at the time of his election, must have had prior service of at least three
years in the national guard of this or some other State, or in the army
or marine corps of the United States, or in all combined, as a com-
missioned officer. The captain of the naval brigade shall have been
an officer in the naval brigade, or has served as an officer in the United
States navy for at least three years.

1908. ch. 103, sec. 34.

33. Before receiving a commission or being commissioned to a
higher grade as a result of promotion, every officer must have passed
a satisfactory examination before a board as to his knowledge of mili-
tary affairs and general knowledge and fitness for the service, and any
one failing to pass such an examination shall not be eligible for an
office in the national guard of the State, or for promotion for the
period of one year from date of such failure, except upon the recom-
mendation of the commanding officer of the regiment or separate
organization when another examination may be ordered. The briga-
dier general is exempt from examination.

1908, ch. 103, sec. 35.

34. Boards of examination, provided for in the preceding section,
shall be appointed by the commander-in-chief, or caused bv him to
be appointed by the commanding officer of the first brigade of not less
than three officers, including at least one field officer from each regi-
ment, and shall inquire into the military, moral and general capacity,
qualifications and efficiency of any officer who has been commissioned,
or who may be elected or nominated for commission in the national
guard; and said board shall have the same power to take evidence,
administer oaths and compel witnesses to attend and testify and pro-
duce books and papers, and punish those failing to do so, as is pos-
sessed by a general court-martial. The said board shall convene at
headquarters of the brigade at least four times in each year if there
are any candidates to be examined, said sessions to be held in the
months of January, April, July and October, and at such other times
and places as the convening authority shall direct; and for the naval
brigade at such times and places as the commander-in-chief may
direct. At least two weeks' notice of date of sitting will be given all
officers ordered to appear for examination. Within twenty days after
each examination said board shall make a detailed report of its results
to the commander-in-chief, who shall thereupon revoke the commis-
sions of all officers who have been previously commissioned on proba-
tion failing to appear, and of those failing to pass an examination
satisfactory to said board; provided, that he may allow an examina-
tion to any officer who shall give him a satisfactory excuse for not
appearing before said board when first ordered, and on recommenda-
tion of said board may allow a second examination to any officer fail-