Mark Hertling

Mark Hertling on X: "Lots of discussion in the last few days about the Iranian Kurds as a "tool" for regime change in Iran. Some may want to reconsider that option. My latest in @BulwarkOnline https://t.co/Yc5hMODH9E" / X Lots of discussion in the last few days about the Iranian Kurds as a "tool" for regime change in Iran. Some may want to reconsider that option. My latest in @BulwarkOnline https://t.co/Yc5hMODH9E

My latest in @thebulwark.com this ine regarding the Kurds in Iran x.com/markhertling...

YouTube video by MS NOW ‘Infuriating’: Hegseth brushes off concerns over Russia sharing intel with Iran

This morning on @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social, Lt. Gen @markhertling.bsky.social politely tore apart Hegseth's flippant attitude re: the danger that this war poses to our troops.

I share the General's outrage. Hegseth knows better, and has publicly said so.

From @ms.now:
youtu.be/Zlt1uKASSDM?...

Thank you! I agree, @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social is a great watch…great chemistry between those three.

Screenshot of an excerpt of a Bulwark article by Lt. Gen. (retired) Mark Hertling: *** This is why responsible national leadership requires two qualities at the same time: expertise and, in my view, a level of discomfort and anxiety. Expertise ensures decisions are grounded in strategy—clear thinking about ends, ways, and means. What is the political objective? What military action advances it? How do those individual tactical actions contribute to an operational plan? What risks follow? What happens the day after the strikes end? Discomfort serves as a moral and strategic guardrail. Leaders who feel the weight of ordering teenagers toward hardship, injury, and death are more likely to ask the necessary hard questions. They consult widely, think about escalation, and remember that war is not simply a tool of policy but a human undertaking with irreversible consequences. The paradox is that those who understand force best are rarely eager to use it. They prepare for it. They plan for it. They master it. But they never become comfortable with it. If a president is becoming more knowledgeable about military power, that is a good thing. If he is becoming “comfortable” ordering it, that should give all of us pause—because too much comfort with the desire to use force is rarely a sign of wisdom.

"The paradox is that those who understand force best are rarely eager to use it. They prepare for it. They plan for it. They master it. But they never become comfortable with it."

Really wise piece here from @markhertling.bsky.social.

www.thebulwark.com/i/190103369/...

I think it is.

Thank you. I’m pre-ordering Sarah’s book too!

Thanks for that.

Hey, this is awesome. My publisher just told me my book - which is released next week - is already #5 on Amazon’s list! Thanks everyone!

Order from Ballast books. I’m heading back this weekend to sign more, as they’re running out of signed copies.

This conversation with our dear friend @radiofreetom.bsky.social was a master class. Thanks, Tom, for joining Ben and me the @thebulwark.com’s Command Post.

Loose Talk of ‘Fake News’ Is Bad for Democracy The secretary of defense shouldn’t pit the military against the media.

My latest in @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/loose-talk...

Okay, how’s this: you’re not correct.

How Iran compares to Iraq Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling gives his perspective on the objectives of the U.S. military and how long the war may last.

Lt. Gen. @markhertling.bsky.social (Ret.) talks with Here & Now’s Robin Young about the start of the Iran war and gives his perspective on the objectives of the U.S. military and how long the war may last.

Order from Ballast before 10 March and you’ll get a signed copy.

That’s not quite accurate.

A very nice post from someone who got an advanced copy of my book. If you order from Ballast Books, you’ll get a signed copy before it is released publicly.

Thank you for this, too.

I just confirmed with the editor. Order from ballast and you’ll get a signed copy.

If you pre order before 10 March (the release date) from Ballast you’ll get a signed copy.

You can order autograph copy from @ballastbookco.bsky.social

Next week!

Very kind words. So glad you enjoyed it so much.

Hope you enjoy it @gtconway.bsky.social!

Thank you so much, Michelle. Your comments made my day and I’m so happy that the book opened up those thoughts. All the best to you.

Thanks to all those who supported me in my first “official” book signing this afternoon, especially some of my MBA students who came to cheer me on. What terrific friends I have.

Thank you. Order from Ballast, you’ll get it faster. And good luck with your surgery.

Bombing Iran Is Easy. What Comes Next Is Not. It comes down to a straightforward question: What’s the plan to translate military force into political change?

NEW: "It is true that air campaigns can destroy things. What they cannot do, by themselves, is build political outcomes."

Really superb piece from our @markhertling.bsky.social.

www.thebulwark.com/p/bombing-ir...

It’s part of the Tiger Bay club, but you can pay for lunch and join them.

Thanks for getting it. Enjoy.

Thank you.