or terms may be grouped into categories for purposes of the pilot program. The Secretary may delegate any authority in this paragraph to a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces in pay grade O–7 or above or an employee in the Department in the Senior Executive Service. (e) Nature of service under appointments (1) Treatment of personnel appointed as employees Except as otherwise provided by this section, individuals serving with the Department of Defense as cybersecurity or legal professionals under the pilot program pursuant to appointments under this section shall be considered employees (as specified in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code) for purposes of the provisions of title 5, United States Code, and other applicable provisions of law, including, in particular, for purposes as follows: (A) Eligibility for participation in the Federal Employees' Retirement System under chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, subject to the provisions of section 8402 of such title and the regulations prescribed pursuant to such section. (B) Eligibility for enrollment in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program ). (C) Eligibility for and subject to the employment protections of subpart F of part III of title 5, United States Code, relating to merit principles and protections. (D) Eligibility for the protections of chapter 81, of title 5, United States Code, relating to workers compensation. (2) Scope of rights and benefits In administering the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall specify, and from time to time update, a comprehensive description of the rights and benefits of individuals serving with the Department under the pilot program pursuant to this subsection and of the provisions of law under which such rights and benefits arise. (f) Compensation (1) Basic pay Individuals serving with the Department of Defense as cybersecurity or legal professionals under the pilot program shall be paid basic pay for