How Does the Constitution Authorize Armies and the Navy Differently and Why?

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sat, 30 May 2015 17:12:27 -0400

Where does the Marine Corps fit into this scheme? What about the Air Force?

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 30 at 2015 5:24 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 30 May 2015 17:24:43 -0400

Can you clarify?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 30 at 2015 5:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 30 May 2015 17:24:55 -0400

First, the USMC is a Maritime "Corps" and Part of the Navy. It was designed as protective force for the Navy in essence, and has evolved into a Littoral force.

Second, the Navy was considered ESSENTIAL to a young Nation (remember Big Ocean), and less likely to cause long term issues and abuses of powers. That's why the Navy Clause requires we "maintain" a Navy.

The Army however was feared. Armies can be used "against" a Populace. So they wanted to insure that there safeguards in place. Budgetary constraints so had to constantly think about it.

The Air Force was a new concept, and is Legislatively mandated as opposed to Constitutionally.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 31 at 2015 1:59 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 31 May 2015 13:59:20 -0400

National Defense Act of 1947

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 31 at 2015 2:51 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Sun, 31 May 2015 14:51:55 -0400

Article II Section 2:1 As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States at various times it has made sense to new branches so the Army Air Corps became its own department and similar sense the Marine Corps has grown into its own separate branch of service.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 5:58 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 17:58:44 -0400

The Constitution does NOT AUTHORIZE any specific branch of the military. ARTICLE ONE actually spells out that the ONLY constitutionally-mandated responsibility of the federal government towards the citizens of this country is: ...provide for the common defense... That's all it says. PERIOD. Everything else is subsequent federal statutes passed over the years. You asked about the actual US Constitution, and that's all it says about anything remotely military. My good friend and fellow Mason/Shriner, Senator Chuck Grassley, IA (R), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has spoken at some large events I was in charge of, and he loves to remind the audience of that very issue in just about every speech he delivers. He believes that it's very important that every American knows and understands that very salient point.