The Civic Republic Military is a Philadelphia-based group that debuted on “The Walking Dead.” Since then, the military organization has appeared in other shows set in this universe, but the soldiers have primarily operated in the shadows, keeping their disturbing secrets hidden from the wider world. Figures such as the familiar-looking Major General Beale (Terry O’Quinn) have orchestrated said atrocities, and he’s much more intimidating than flesh-eating fiends.
As the name indicates, the group represents the Civic Republic, a community encompassing over 200,000 members. It’s arguably the most powerful corner of this universe, as evidenced by its access to medicine, resources, and powerful weapons. However, while the community provides sanctuary to some citizens, its military ensures they can’t leave. Furthermore, being dubbed an “A” citizen — someone with strong leadership skills — mostly leads to death for the person in question.
Interestingly, the CRM doesn’t feature in the original “Walking Dead” comics. Perhaps this is why its story hasn’t been told in great detail throughout the television franchise — until now. “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” delves deeper into the army’s authoritarian culture and illustrates how menacing its soldiers are. At the same time, they do show some slight signs of getting better.