This section applies to employees commissioned as law enforcement officers of the State Forest and Park Service. This section does not apply to Natural Resources police officers. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may appoint without examination: A law enforcement officer who holds a commissioned rank to the rank of Major; and A law enforcement officer who holds a commissioned rank of not less than Captain to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A law enforcement officer appointed in accordance with this subsection continues to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on termination of an appointment under this subsection, the Secretary may: Return the law enforcement officer to the rank that the law enforcement officer held before the appointment; or Promote the law enforcement officer to a higher rank to which the law enforcement officer became eligible for promotion during the appointment. In cases of inconsistency between this section and the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, the provisions of this section shall control as to all matters relating to the appointment of a law enforcement officer of the Department to the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel.