Also known as: land force · land-forces · ground forces · army
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
Ground-based military units of the United States, consisting of the regular Army and state militias when called into federal service. The President serves as Commander in Chief of these forces once they enter actual federal service.
Governor Linda Ortiz objects when the President directs an Army National Guard unit into federal service for joint exercises abroad. The land forces unit proceeds with the deployment because Congress authorized the call-up. The governor's request for an injunction fails.
During hostilities, Army land forces seize enemy goods stored in a coastal warehouse. The prize court accepts jurisdiction because the subject matter involves captures taken for the United States. The owners' motion to dismiss for lack of admiralty power is denied.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
State prison officials assign land forces personnel to guard facilities holding religious objectors. The inmates claim the arrangement burdens their exercise of faith. The court upholds the assignment because the land forces operate under federal authority that accommodates religious needs.
The President orders a domestic manufacturer to retool its lines for land forces equipment during a supply shortage. Congress had previously limited such directives without joint approval. The manufacturer obtains an injunction because the order exceeds executive authority.
Land forces detain a civilian railroad dispatcher during a domestic uprising and try him before a military commission. Nearby civilian courts remain open. The conviction is reversed because a civilian cannot be subjected to military trial while regular courts function.
Congress enacts a statute restricting federal regulation of local activities by land forces units. A challenge arises when the units attempt to enforce a federal firearms ban near a school. The restriction is upheld because the underlying conduct does not substantially affect interstate commerce.
Yes. When Congress calls state militias into federal service, they become part of the land forces under the President's command as Commander in Chief.
Supporting sources
Yes. Once Congress authorizes the call-up, land forces units serve in federal service and the President may order training abroad regardless of state objections.
Supporting sources
No. The Constitution requires that civilians be tried in Article III courts when those courts are functioning, even during domestic unrest involving land forces.
Supporting sources
Yes. When Congress restricts direct executive direction of manufacturing for defense needs, an order compelling production for land forces falls to the lowest ebb of presidential power and is likely invalid.
Supporting sources
…permitted to adopt. This couple seeks relief from the continuing uncertainty their unmarried status creates in their lives. Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Ijpe DeKoe and his partner Thomas Kostura, co-plaintiffs in the Tennessee case, fell in love. In 2011, DeKoe received orders to deploy to Afghanistan. Before…