Do the Marines report directly to the President and can they be deployed without Congressional approval?

[hurst]

Okay, I read a couple questions from some wannabe Marines and Marine barracks lawyers stating the President could deploy the USMC for up to 24 hours without Congressional approval. It sounds asinine to me since the USMC reports to the Chairman of the CJCS, Secretary of Defense and the President, just like the other three military services; sorry USCG, your not in this conversation! What makes it even more unbelievable is the fact the USMC normally has to depend on the Navy and Air Force to get anywhere, in large numbers.

This is not meant to downgraded the USMC, as we're all in the fight together. It's just that no one ever making these claims has actually backed it up with a reference, and I can't find one myself. Anyone know where this claim comes from, besides what some DI told you at MCRT?

[ahanu]

check out Title 50 U.S.C. (United States Code) - It is The War Powers Resolution of 1973

As it turns out the president can, according to this, send the marines. But he has to inform congress within 48 hours and cannot go beyond 60 days without congressional approval. Whats more is that he has this authority with ALL the services, not just the marines.

I think the marines get talked about most because they are at the white house.

[fychan97]

They are getting things messed up.

The President can deploy troops with no declaration of war for a limited time. And this is what those barracks lawyers were mixing up.

You have the rest of your information correct about the chain of command, etc. Who ever you heard talking or chatting was a bunch of idiots.


Check out this old Yahoo answer. He had it correct and lists it. The rule is the Pres can deploy troops for 90 days with no Congressional approval.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091012060002AA3XuN9

[cruz50]

Any military branch can be deployed with out congressional approval for a few weeks.
Beyond that time they must seek congressional approval.
Any one who says it is something special with the USMC is clueless.