The loyalty money buys is only temporary. I Remember listening to someone who consults elite types on post apocalyptic scenarios. I remember he was shocked to learn just how many of them thought their money would keep them alive in lean times. The people you once paid will just kill you and take your shit and that’s if you are lucky.

Also one must understand in the scenario you just painted there’s no doubt much despair and suffering about. If I am father (cop, military, etc) I am not leaving my family to go jackboot someone. I am also not going to follow orders when the danger level is extremely high. This goes for all “essential” workers.

Linemen, water treatment plant workers, truck drivers, etc are all people we take for granted. Again, regardless of pay, you are not showing up under certain conditions. And if you do, it’s probably not because of money. There has to be a cause.

Our military was at one time a magnificent fighting force of all volunteers. Still is but nowadays it seems many are signing up for the money or perks. And they won’t be nearly as effective as the person who joins out of duty, honor, service types.