The Walking Dead Civil Republic Military, Explained
In the post-apocalyptic world of AMC‘s The Walking Dead, various groups have risen with the aim of rebuilding and restoring what was lost in the zombie outbreak. Of these groups, one that stands out for its mystery, scale, and potential is the Civil Republic Military (CRM). While the CRM initially presents itself as a beacon of hope for the restoration of civilization, the group’s true motives are unmasked when they clash with other survivor communities.
The Civil Republic Military has become a major force in the world of The Walking Dead, making appearances across most of the series, and always leaving death and destruction in their wake.
At first, the Civil Republic Military appears as the world’s salvation with its organization, advanced tools, and ample resources. They aim to unify the fragmented communities, representing a ray of hope in The Walking Dead universe. Many survivors see them as humanity’s chance to rebound from chaos.
The Civil Republic Military’s black uniforms, helicopters, and three-circle insignia suggest ties to a major network of communities, hinting at an emerging government structure. Yet, as The Walking Dead story unfolds, their intentions prove not to be as benevolent as they seem. Their ruthless approach is starkly evident when they confront peaceful settlements.
The most significant reveal of the true nature of the Civil Republic Military occurs in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a spin-off show that delves deeper into the operations and motives of the CRM. Here, we witness the obliteration of Campus Colony, a peaceful and thriving community, at the hands of the CRM. This act is not out of self-defense or as a result of a conflict. Instead, it’s a calculated move to eliminate potential threats to their vision of the future.
The influence of the Civil Republic Military is not limited to one show. They first make their mysterious appearance in The Walking Dead, where they play a crucial role in the disappearance of Rick Grimes, one of the original series’ main characters. In the show’s ninth season, the character portrayed by Andrew Lincoln is taken by a CRM helicopter after he destroys a bridge to safeguard his people.
The Civil Republic Military has abducted Rick Grimes, wiped out a colony, experimented on humans, and is now the biggest villain in The Walking Dead universe.
The Civil Republic Military also finds its way into Fear the Walking Dead, another spin-off of the original series. Here, their involvement is mainly through Isabelle (Sydney Lemmon), a CRM pilot who provides limited insights into the organization’s operations and motives. However, it’s in The Walking Dead: World Beyond where the CRM takes center stage.
World Beyond, set a decade after the onset of the zombie apocalypse, centers on a group of teenagers journeying across the country. They directly interact with the Civil Republic Military, escalating into open conflict. Through this narrative, the CRM’s facades are peeled back, revealing their dark underbelly and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goals, including sending spies into colonies, as they did with the Omaha Colony.
Throughout The Walking Dead and its spin-offs, some details about the Civil Republic Military have been unveiled, yet the group remains largely enigmatic. Their true intentions, resources, and broader strategies are yet to be fully disclosed. Future spin-off series are sure to reveal more about this secretive organization.
Walking Dead: World Beyond makes it clear that there’s a small distinction between the Civil Republic Military and the Civil Republic, the large community that the CRM is supposedly the military arm. With nearly 200,000 residents, the Civil Republic has made Philadelphia its headquarters, and while the CRM engages in human experimentation and clandestine warfare, the actual government appears to utilize more benevolent methods. That leads to potential schisms, including Dr Belshaw’s quest for a cure while Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Kublek is trying to manufacture a zombie virus.
The Civil Republic Military wants to return the planet to humanity, but in doing so, they make everything in The Walking Dead universe much worse.
Given that the forthcoming spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, revolves around Rick Grimes, it’s certain to give us more insight into the intentions of the Civil Republic Military. Meanwhile, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, even with its unique French setting, could showcase Norman Reedus’ character crossing paths with the CRM. Considering the group’s vast influence, it’s entirely plausible they operate from multiple global locations, extending beyond just the United States.
Needless to say, the Civil Republic Military has been a significant force in The Walking Dead universe. Given their prominence, they’re poised to play a crucial role in future narratives. It goes without saying that we are beyond excited to uncover more secrets about this mysterious faction.
