Who, after all, would follow instruction from the produce manager down at the local grocery just because he had 2 years in the Army in 1970? We would be localized as family and friend circles and the gubmint would be forming outside the city limits as a company fully equipped with helo's and tanks. We save our food stores and bulk up on ammo, but in reality we would probably be confronted with overwhelming force within a month.
Without forming a militia ahead of time, we really stand little chance of survival for more than a few days. The government's natural position would be to form a dictatorship( marshall law) and all liberties removed "for our own good". No courts, no police, no governmental organizations, to protect our liberties, in fact, they would be the enemy to liberty.
It's a topic no community would bring up, fearing labeling themselves as the next "Waco" location. I trust many people in my community, but in reality, they would be subject to the government as they are mayors and councilmen, sheriffs, police, ect. What would be their response to an illegal order?, ect.
If the government failed and there was chaos, food./water and guns/ammo would be the only real commodities that would be desired. Gasoline heat would also be necessary for travel but if the US military were deployed on the citizenry, we would be crushed like ants.
I hear many active and former military people are on our side, but as Commander in Chief, he could force them to engage citizenry, if “provoked”.
Why are you giving up before the struggle even starts?