army / host
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army
The land forces of a state, that is, the part of the military that fights on the ground. It is one branch of the armed forces alongside the navy and air force.
Nach der Schule ging er für zwei Jahre zum Heer.
After school, he joined the army for two years.
host / army
A very large, often overwhelming number or gathering of people, animals, or things moving in one direction or assembled in one place.
Ein Heer von Touristen strömte in die Altstadt.
A host of tourists streamed into the old town.
The military meaning can be recognized from the context of state, defense, or soldiers. The figurative meaning of a large number is almost always made clear by the structure `ein Heer von + [plural noun]` (a host/army of + plural noun).
Das Heer des Landes besteht aus Berufssoldaten.
The country's army consists of professional soldiers.
In a military context, there are fixed expressions. Common ones are `zum Heer gehen` (to join the army) and `beim Heer dienen` (to serve in the army).
Er musste nach der Schule für den Wehrdienst zum Heer.
After school, he had to join the army for military service.
The use of 'Heer' (host/army) for a crowd of people is a metaphor. It is often used in the press or literature to create an impressive image of a large, moving group.
Ein ganzes Heer von Reportern belagerte den Eingang.
A whole host of reporters besieged the entrance.
army
Armee can refer to a country's armed forces as a whole and is also used for the Heer (army). Heer, on the other hand, explicitly refers only to the land forces, alongside the navy and air force. When all military branches are meant, Armee is appropriate; for the branch that fights on the ground, Heer is more precise.
Das Heer des Landes ist für militärische Einsätze am Boden zuständig.
The country's army is responsible for military operations on the ground.
Die Armee des Landes umfasst Soldaten zu Land, auf See und in der Luft.
The country's army includes soldiers on land, at sea, and in the air.
