It took three days for Eric to get his assignment. He was to patrol the city to the west of them, New Cleveland. Going on patrol in the city meant you were there to enforce the law and keep the peace while protecting the citizens.
Over the years the military had become local law enforcement, judge, jury, executioner, military, and the government itself. It wasn't something the military did to have power, it was a position they fell into.
Once the government body was destroyed due to the war and all officials were killed, the United States fell into chaos. The military seemed to be the only thing that had any order to it. The highest-ranking general at that time became the leader.
After a few years, other high-ranking generals broke off and had their own following. This caused the United States to become divided into 4 territories. Even though this wasn't something that happened to claim power, since they have it, they are not willing to give it up.