; and (B) extend a term appointment made under paragraph (1) in increments determined appropriate by the head of the agency, up to a maximum of 6 total years of service. (c) Appointments for critical hiring needs (1) In general Under conditions prescribed by the Director, the head of an Executive agency may make a noncompetitive temporary appointment, or a noncompetitive term appointment for a period of not more than 18 months, to a position in the competitive service for which a critical hiring need exists, as determined under section 3304, without regard to the requirements of sections 3327 and 3330. (2) No extensions An appointment made under paragraph (1) may not be extended. (d) Regulations (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may prescribe regulations to carry out this section. (2) Application Any regulations prescribed by the Director for the administration of this section shall not apply to the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of the authorities granted under section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328 ; 130 Stat. 2447). (e) Special provision regarding the Department of Defense Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary of Defense from making temporary and term appointments in the competitive service pursuant to section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328