Turboswede
Very Metal
Well Care, I thought some would read that provision as I did in that it gives congress the authority to fund an Army for a period of two years, but that the power to fund an Army is in the hands of congress. It does however authorize an Army and the clause your refer to is a funding issue, thus the reason why congress reauthorizes the budget for the DoD each year.
And good afternoon to you too
Yup, what that line means is that military appropriations need to be revisited every 2 years at the latest. The idea being that if the Executive was employing the military in a means inconsistent with the will of the people (represented through Congress) Congress would have the power of the purse. I think this clause came about due to the British parliaments ability to appropriate for 8 years (I think) at the time so that even if parliament opposed the kings actions it could not enforce its will on the King.
Now of course its the MOD and parliament (through the PM) that initiate military action so the point in Britain is moot.