[A2 MFK]

Basicly I don't really understand who the goons that defend your empier are, after you ice Marty you go and recruit a few from a petrol station but they don't seem the same as the rednecks that attack you in the trailor park, then as you progress they begin to wear nicer clothing (Vests and Trucker caps to T-shirts and Jackets)

Then when you get to the second island you begin getting large bald men with pastel suits packing AK's

But I don't really see any missions where he goes about recruiting, who are they!?

[Secronom President]

I assume they are just people hired (behind the scene) to protect your empire buildings. Also, if you come to think of it, Victor evoluates and gets richer and in deeper things, so it's normal his gang evoluates too.