You’re probably OK if you know where to go, and if they know you. I have some inlaws with a house in central Mexico, and they have developed ties to the locals, including the local police.
Off-duty soldiers on a binge are probably less safe. Plus, it would only take a couple of killings to get their superiors in trouble for allowing it to happen.
You are in Vermont and you know about Mexico? Have you been there lately? I know Mexican people who don’t go back now because they know what is going on. It is the getting to that safe destination that is bad.