Panel Votes to Promote Reagan Security Adviser

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted approval Tuesday of the promotion of Army Lt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, President Reagan’s national security adviser.

The voice vote was taken at the end of a brief closed hearing by the panel, which oversees major military promotions. Powell’s promotion now goes to the full Senate for approval.

Powell was picked by Reagan last month as national security adviser, replacing Frank C. Carlucci, after Reagan named Carlucci to become secretary of defense. Powell was deputy national security adviser.

His permanent rank is major general, or two stars, but he had been promoted to the temporary rank of lieutenant general, or three stars. Tuesday’s action would make the promotion permanent.

Although Powell was chosen national security adviser, the White House had announced that he would remain in the position in an “acting” capacity until the Senate approved his military promotion. The national security job is not subject to Senate confirmation, and the national security adviser is not normally called to testify before congressional hearings.

Powell’s credentials were widely praised Tuesday by senators on the committee