Section 285: Provisions as to active service

(1)
Without prejudice to section 41 of this Act, in this Act "on active service" in relation to a unit means that the unit is engaged in operations against an enemy and, in relation to a person, means that the person is serving in or with a unit which is on active service.
(2) Where it appears to the President that, by reason of the imminence of active service or of the recent existence of active service, it is necessary for a service of the Armed Force or for the public that a unit should be deemed to be or continue to be on active service, he may declare that for such period, not exceeding three months, beginning with the coming into force of the declaration as may be specified therein, that unit shall be deemed to be on active service.
(3) Where it appears to the President that it is necessary for a service of the Armed Forces or for the public that the period specified in a declaration under subsection (2) of this section should be prolonged, or, if previously prolonged under this subsection, should be further prolonged, he may declare that the period shall be prolonged by such time, not exceeding three months, as may be specified in the declaration under this subsection.
(4) If at any time while a unit is deemed to be on active service by virtue of the foregoing provisions of this section, it appears to the President that there is no necessity for the unit to continue to be treated as being on active service, he may declare that, as from the coming into operation of the declaration, the unit shall cease to be, or to be deemed to be, on active service.