Quiz: What officer has the authority to start a war without prior Congressional or Presidential Authority?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:45:29 -0400

When you make your claim of knowlege provide the specific article that permits this authority.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 12:59 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:59:42 -0400

I don't have a specific article but my guess would go to the 6 Star general (general of the Armies) General Pershing was the last one that I know of to hold this rank, though he did not wear 6 stars but he wore 4 Gold starts as opposed to the normal silver stars.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 8:34 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:34:06 -0400

Well I know that Title 50 concerns National Defense and War, but I'm unsure of what article... I'm gonna keep researching until I have a better answer. Just for fun though I'll say Sub skipper

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 8:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:42:41 -0400

No military officer may do so. The only person who has the authority, besides the President, is the Secretary of Defense, as defined in 10 U.S. Code § 113, and whose authority vested in the position by The National Security Act of 1947 and amended by the National Security Act of 1949.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 19 at 2014 9:30 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 21:30:37 -0400

None, but GEN George would have been the first! "You give me 10 days and I'll have at war with those sons-a-bitches and make it look like its their fault" concerning the Russians at the end of WWII

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 10:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 22:31:25 -0400

The Officer: Brig Gen Jack D. Ripper
The Article: Plan R
Source: Doctor Strangelove