From my little knowledge of the subject, the Republic military is essentially become an employment program and welfare net. Most none of the 'soldiers' have likely touched a weapon and their incompetence is deliberate. They aren't supposed to be professional soldiers. They're supposed to 'lead' the 86 to eradication while becoming a force multiplier for the standing government. The military, besides being a work program is also an indoctrination arm of the government. They're creating zealots and radicals to impose ideological stability as well.