; civil service protections; right of appeal. 9375. Definitions and implementation (a) Definitions In this subchapter: (1) The term competitive service has the meaning given such term in section 2102 of title 5. (2) The term excepted service has the meaning given such term in section 2103 of title 5. (3) The term preference eligible has the meaning given such term in section 2108(3) of title 5. (4) The term Senior Executive Service position has the meaning given such term in section 3132(a)(2) of title 5. (5) The term Space Force position means a position as a civilian employee of the Department of the Air Force supporting the Space Force or United States Space Command, as determined by the Secretary of Defense. (b) Implementation The Secretary of Defense may implement this subchapter without regard to any provision of chapter 71 of title 5. 9376. Space Force civilian personnel: general authority to establish excepted positions, appoint personnel, and fix rates of pay (a) In general The Secretary of Defense may— (1) establish, as positions in the excepted service, such positions in the Department of the Air Force as the Secretary of Defense determines necessary to support the Space Force, including— (A) Space Force Senior Level positions designated under section 9382 of this title; and (B) positions in the Space Force Senior Executive Service; (2) after taking into consideration the availability of preference eligibles for appointment to those positions (except with respect to positions referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), appoint individuals to those positions