(a) An initial state commission in the Texas military forces must be:
(1) in the name and by authority of this state;
(2) sealed with the state seal;
(3) signed by the governor and attested by the secretary of state;
(4) recorded by the Texas military forces; and
(5) conferred without fee.
(b) On the recommendation of the commanding officer or noncommissioned officer of the Texas military forces, the governor may confer on the officer or noncommissioned officer a brevet of a grade higher than the ordinary commission or brevet held by the officer or noncommissioned officer for gallant conduct or meritorious military service. The adjutant general shall specify the criteria for gallant conduct or meritorious military service.

(c) The governor may confer on an officer in active service in the Texas military forces who has previously served in the forces of the United States during a war a brevet of a grade equal to the highest grade in which the officer previously served.
(d) A commission under Subsection (b) or (c) carries only the privileges or rights allowed for similar commissions in the military service of the United States.
(e) The governor, without examination, may appoint and confer a brevet of second lieutenant on an enlisted service member who has served well and faithfully in the Texas military forces for 25 years or more. The service member shall immediately be placed on the retired list.
(f) The governor may delegate the powers granted by this section to the adjutant general.