Does the Antichrist have actual military power or just a threat of power?
The Antichrist does not initially wield actual military power; he rises peaceably through flattery and political maneuvering, backed by a threat of power rather than direct command. He does not usurp by military might or war, and only later gains authority as leader.
Les explains that the Antichrist is not going to come in and usurp his power with military might or by fighting wars. Instead, he comes peaceably and with flattery, as a political maneuverer and charismatic individual. He gets his ducks in a row without having to use the ammunition, so he can come with maybe the threat of power behind him, which he will have—even western Europe still has NATO. But he does not have the actual military power as yet as his command; he hasn't come that far along. A crown is given unto him, and the world will recognize him as the leader. Les teaches that he comes up out of the common market of Europe, out of those nations that come together; currently twelve, perhaps fourteen or fifteen, but they will drop back to ten, and out of those ten he will come up and usurp the power.