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'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live': Meaning of Echelon Briefing in CRM explained

Donald Okafor and Pearl Thorne have mentioned Echelon Briefing during their conversations with Rick Grimes

Contains spoilers for 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' on AMC

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira are back as Rick Grimes and Michonne in AMC's 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'.

The spinoff of the original 'Walking Dead' series has been well-received by fans as it features the much-awaited and dramatic reunion of the protagonists.

With three episodes released so far, the term 'Echelon Briefing' has surfaced several times, yet the series has yet to explore its true meaning and the significant role it plays in the main plot.

Donald Okafor mentions Echelon Briefing in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' Episode 1

In Episode 1, while recruiting Rick Grimes and Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) to his cause of bringing a change in CRM, Lieutenant Colonel Donald Okafor (Craig Tate) tells them that they will receive the Echelon Briefing and learn all of the CRM's secrets once they move up high enough in the ranks.

"That's when you get all the info, the whys, the things 90 percent of our force doesn't know about, and 100 percent of our city doesn't," Okafor says about the secret briefing that only high military officials get.

Pearl Thorne receives Echelon Briefing in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' Episode 3

Following Okafor's memorial service, Major General Beale (Terry O'Quinn) promotes Pearl Thorne to Command Sergeant Major and gives her Echelon Briefing.

When she meets Rick, she says with a fearful look, "You didn't hear what I heard. You didn't see what I saw. You will."

It appears that after receiving the briefing, she is more determined than ever to continue Okafor's work.

What is CRM hiding?

The Echelon Briefing is the briefing that CRM soldier undergoes upon reaching higher ranks within the organization.

During the Echelon Briefing, soldiers gain access to confidential information that is withheld from the majority of the army and the entire population within the Civic Republic.

Thus far, it is evident that CRM has been withholding numerous secrets from the general population. Most notably, the public remains unaware that their military orchestrated the bombing of over 100,000 people in Omaha.

CRM also employs a survivor rating system categorizing individuals as leaders (A) or regular citizens (B), subjecting "As" to fatal testing for the Wildfire Virus cure.

Individuals conforming to CRM's desired future as "Bs" exhibit a lack of initiative, adhering to mundane routines and passively endorsing atrocities, all while CRM engages in bombings and killing outsider groups, showing no concern or remorse.

Speculation arises amid secrecy and an impending CRM summit, hinting at potential plans for a second apocalypse to ensure future generations' survival.

Is Rick Grimes aware of Echelon Briefing in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'?

During a conversation with Rick at Cascadia Forward Operating Base, Pearl informs him that he will report to Major General Beale, who will deliver the Echelon Briefing, hinting at a potential promotion for Rick.

Rick was on the verge of receiving the briefing and discovering CRM's activities in Episode 4. However, while en route back to the base, Michonne seizes the opportunity presented by bad weather and jumps out of the helicopter, dragging Rick with her.

With Michonne's attempt at escaping with Rick, things are about to get intense and Rick's position in CRM might be jeopardized.

'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' is available to stream on AMC+.