[Zhang Fei]

[Our military holds a very different place in society than it did in early 20th century Spain (actually, much of Spain’s history); I don’t expect any politicking from any officers today.]

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The military holds the ultimate trump card - a level of force no civil authority can match. That it’s been docile for a while is no guarantee of permanent docility. The Roman Republic stood for almost 500 years. Then the Gracchus brothers started their thing, progressing into the contention between Marius and Sulla, ending up with Caesar crossing the Rubicon, with all the follow-on consequences.

[kearnyirish2]

Our military is scattered, and members can’t guarantee their loved ones’ safety in a conflict. This isn’t the colonials serving nearby their homes anymore.

The military is also hardly unified politically; you could have units split or support either side.