History tells us that for any coup to be successful, even a so-called "bloodless" coup, the military -- or a critical mass thereof -- must already be on board

Name a time in history that a paid military has refused it's orders.

Imagine having to release the Epstein files because that is the lesser story

They had to release them because they were legally compelled. They don't give a shit about backlash or they never would have sent them in in the first place.

He's NOT doing this because the coup is already successful and we've all fallen in line

Doing what? Sending ICE into Democrat run cities? No. He's doing in part to exact vengeance, and in part in order to enact martial law and cancel the midterms. He's not been subtle about this.

I think you also may have forgotten that the US military is an entirely volunteer force.

It is 0% volunteer. Everyone is well-compensated.

People are in the US military because they choose to be.

Most of them are dumb people who couldn't think of a better option. Many joined just for the opportunity to get a license to bully, harrass and kill others.