The Dynamic of the Red Ribbon Army

[SSJ2]

Reading through this arc, I find the workings of the RRA to be very odd. Commander Red seems to be the weakest person in the army, yet has powerful officers like General Blue, all of White’s squad, and Colonel Silver. All 3 of those leaders have personalities that make me think they wouldn’t settle for being an underling of Red. Why do you think most of the RRA would get behind Red despite not knowing what his goal is, and also being far stronger than him? Was he using Tao Pai Pai as a threat if they did not follow his orders? :?: :?: :?:

 

[Captain Cadaver]

It was most likely his wealth, weaponry or technology that kept his subordinates in check. I'd say his wealth is the most likely factor. Alternatively, they may have each been wanting the Dragon Balls for their own means and simply worked with Red due to his organisational skills.

 

[GSM123]

But why would they? They might be stronger, but that alone won’t help in commanding a large army. There’s also CC’s suggestion that they might have aimed to take the DBs for themselves, what is a much better solution if they’re interested in the DBs at all.

 

[SSJ2]

Silver expressed urgency in finding the Dragon Ball or else Red would have them executed. They are literally bending over backwards to find these Dragon Balls for a weakling who is threatening to kill them. It just doesn’t make sense. Blue also mentioned Red being furious and putting pressure on them to find the ball. I just feel like their personalities wouldn’t tolerate that sort of behaviour from Red. They are far stronger than him but are nervous of dying if they don’t complete their task?

CC’s theory of them intending to use the balls for themselves would definitely make sense, but still isn’t implied anywhere.

 

[ahill1]

Maybe every one of the commanders hold a terrible secret that is known by Red who is then using that as a way to blackmail them into going through all that to find them.

Either that or the reason is Red's squad that's too much for each of them to handle, maybe with the addition of Black being a powerful asset capable of withstanding a punch from post karin training Goku.

I find the option of them simply having been planning to take the DBs for them unlikely as it's clear from the panel you posted above that they fear Red. They didn't act like ppl who were just using Red and trying to achieve their own goals.

 

[SSJ2]

Just to further add to this..

Blue states that nobody knows what Red’s motives are, and yet they still follow him out of fear.

We see on many occasions how poorly Red treats his men. Colonel Yellow was in fear the moment he heard Red’s voice. It’s interesting that Red threatened to deploy Tao Pai Pai if Yellow was unsuccessful. It makes me wonder if the other officers had received the same threat in the past.. though judging by Black’s reaction, it seems Tao Pai Pai has seldom been used by Red.