The Basics of the Military

The 10 U.S.C. (2006 Edition) explained it best in Chapter 37, Section 654:

“(a) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Section 8 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States commits exclusively to the Congress the powers to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a Navy, and make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.”

The Office of the Law Revision  Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote that section. Section 654 was titled Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces. That’s how much influence politicians have in the military. The section continues with:

“(2) There is no constitutional right to serve in the armed forces.

(3) Pursuant to the powers conferred by section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States, it lies within the discretion of the Congress to establish qualifications for and conditions of service in the armed forces.

(4) The primary purpose of the armed forces is to prepare for and to prevail in combat should the need arise.

(5) The conduct of military operations requires members of the armed forces to make extraordinary sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, in order to provide for the common defense.”