As military officials barked orders, more than 300 civilians gathered in the morning hours to practice saluting and precision marching in preparation for possible war. There were homemakers and retirees, lawyers and street vendors, all volunteers of a newly expanded army reserve force that President Hugo Chavez is organizing to defend the country against the United States and other threats. “The United States is the only superpower, but if the people are united we can defeat them,” said Arnaldo Cerniar, a 65-year-old retired credit officer who began training three months ago. “We need to defend the country against any aggression.”Full Story