In this section, “obsolete rank” means a rank designated by the Secretary to which no further promotions will be made. The Secretary shall make all promotions. Promotion to a rank shall be made in the manner required by rule. For a noncommissioned rank that has fewer than 25 Natural Resources police officers, the Secretary by rule may direct that it is unnecessary to fill the noncommissioned rank for purposes of promotion. This paragraph does not apply to a rank that requires technical knowledge. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Natural Resources police officer may not be appointed or promoted to a rank unless the officer: Is bypassing an obsolete rank and currently fills the rank immediately below the obsolete rank; or Has filled the rank immediately below the rank to which the officer is to be promoted. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may appoint without examination: A Natural Resources police officer who holds a commissioned rank to the rank of Major; and A Natural Resources police officer who holds a commissioned rank of not less than Captain to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A Natural Resources police 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 Natural Resources police officer may: Return to the rank held before the appointment; or Be promoted to a higher rank to which the officer became eligible for promotion during the appointment. An incumbent Natural Resources police officer in an obsolete rank remains in that rank until promoted, demoted, retired, or terminated. Promotions of civilian employees of the Natural Resources Police Force shall be made in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article.