Mark Hertling
@markhertling.bsky.social
Former soldier. Student of leadership & national security; teacher, author (If I Don’t Return), speaker & analyst. Always looking for civility…and new adventures.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066
Pinned
If I Don't Return (1st Edition Signed Copies) by Mark Hertling | Ballast Books
www.ballastbooks.com
It’s official. The book is out for pre-order, and here’s a description of what’s in it!
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
My latest in rhe @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/letter-fro...
A Letter from Clausewitz to Secretary Rubio
Channeling the author of ‘On War’ on the U.S. pursuit of peace in Ukraine.
www.thebulwark.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM
My latest in rhe @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/letter-fro...
Reposted by Mark Hertling
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) talks about the DOD threats against Senator Kelly.
@markhertling.bsky.social
@nicollewallace.bsky.social
@markhertling.bsky.social
@nicollewallace.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) talks about the DOD threats against Senator Kelly.
@markhertling.bsky.social
@nicollewallace.bsky.social
@markhertling.bsky.social
@nicollewallace.bsky.social
Tom Friedman’s piece in the NYT today again brings up the specter of Neville Chamberlain in ‘39. I disagree.
A better analogy is saying to Hitler: “keep the Sudetenland, don’t worry about the Holocaust, & we’ll give you a few years to rearm to attack into Belgium again. Let’s sign that!”
A better analogy is saying to Hitler: “keep the Sudetenland, don’t worry about the Holocaust, & we’ll give you a few years to rearm to attack into Belgium again. Let’s sign that!”
@nicollewallace.bsky.social @mcfaulmike.bsky.social @benrhodes.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social have we lost all ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes? If not, then why is this hard? We’d never consider a proposal like the one we/Putin (gross) offered Ukraine
November 24, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Tom Friedman’s piece in the NYT today again brings up the specter of Neville Chamberlain in ‘39. I disagree.
A better analogy is saying to Hitler: “keep the Sudetenland, don’t worry about the Holocaust, & we’ll give you a few years to rearm to attack into Belgium again. Let’s sign that!”
A better analogy is saying to Hitler: “keep the Sudetenland, don’t worry about the Holocaust, & we’ll give you a few years to rearm to attack into Belgium again. Let’s sign that!”
Thank you, @radiofreetom.bsky.social. It can be a bit confusing and complex for those note in the military, but there is a reason for the two different oaths.
This article is from @markhertling.bsky.social - a retired three-star Army general - and everyone should read it.
November 24, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Thank you, @radiofreetom.bsky.social. It can be a bit confusing and complex for those note in the military, but there is a reason for the two different oaths.
The SecState explanation of the essence & origin of the 28 pt plan presented to Ukraine BY THE US is a strong indicator of the lack of competence of those representing our nation in these efforts.
Russia does these things. It’s well known. Smart negotiators know not to let them happen.
Russia does these things. It’s well known. Smart negotiators know not to let them happen.
November 23, 2025 at 2:59 AM
The SecState explanation of the essence & origin of the 28 pt plan presented to Ukraine BY THE US is a strong indicator of the lack of competence of those representing our nation in these efforts.
Russia does these things. It’s well known. Smart negotiators know not to let them happen.
Russia does these things. It’s well known. Smart negotiators know not to let them happen.
Reposted by Mark Hertling
@billkristolbulwark.bsky.social and @markhertling.bsky.social bringing the truth. If you're not subscribed to @thebulwark.com , you probably should be.
Europe Will Stand Behind Zelensky, Not Trump
Bill Kristol and Lt.
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:44 AM
@billkristolbulwark.bsky.social and @markhertling.bsky.social bringing the truth. If you're not subscribed to @thebulwark.com , you probably should be.
Some thoughts on the Ukraine peace process.
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/ukraine-ru...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/ukraine-ru...
The U.S. Must Not Push Ukraine Into an Unjust, Unstable Peace
It would be a moral betrayal and a strategic blunder.
www.thebulwark.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Some thoughts on the Ukraine peace process.
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/ukraine-ru...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/ukraine-ru...
Reposted by Mark Hertling
"Enlisted personnel obey lawful orders; officers ensure the orders that reach them are lawful. The real constitutional failsafe...is the officer corps, obligated to the Constitution alone."
@markhertling.bsky.social on the military and illegal orders: www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
@markhertling.bsky.social on the military and illegal orders: www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
November 21, 2025 at 3:05 PM
"Enlisted personnel obey lawful orders; officers ensure the orders that reach them are lawful. The real constitutional failsafe...is the officer corps, obligated to the Constitution alone."
@markhertling.bsky.social on the military and illegal orders: www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
@markhertling.bsky.social on the military and illegal orders: www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
Joining @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social at the top of the 6ET to discuss this article I wrote last night. www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
What Americans Should Understand About the Military Disobeying Illegal Orders
And why it matters there are two military oaths.
www.thebulwark.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Joining @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social at the top of the 6ET to discuss this article I wrote last night. www.thebulwark.com/p/what-ameri...
This would have been a great idea, but the White House theater was located in the East Wing…and alas, it’s gone.
The White House needs to screen the new film Nuremberg for Donald.
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 AM
This would have been a great idea, but the White House theater was located in the East Wing…and alas, it’s gone.
For what it’s worth, as a commander and officer it was my duty, moral obligation, and legal requirement to first question and then to not obey any illegal order I was given.
The same is true for everyone who swear their oath.
Hope that clears things up.
The same is true for everyone who swear their oath.
Hope that clears things up.
November 20, 2025 at 10:16 PM
For what it’s worth, as a commander and officer it was my duty, moral obligation, and legal requirement to first question and then to not obey any illegal order I was given.
The same is true for everyone who swear their oath.
Hope that clears things up.
The same is true for everyone who swear their oath.
Hope that clears things up.
Today the US Ambassador to NATO suggested that Germany should provide the next SACEUR. Funny thing, I wrote about that last March.
www.thebulwark.com/p/supreme-al...
www.thebulwark.com/p/supreme-al...
The Supreme Allied Commander Must Be an American
There’s simply no realistic alternative.
www.thebulwark.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Today the US Ambassador to NATO suggested that Germany should provide the next SACEUR. Funny thing, I wrote about that last March.
www.thebulwark.com/p/supreme-al...
www.thebulwark.com/p/supreme-al...
Reposted by Mark Hertling
It's the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. "In that brief speech which illuminated a moment of both exhaustion and despair, Lincoln spoke not of the dead, nor even of victory. He spoke of purpose." A meditation from @markhertling.bsky.social
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-...
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-...
‘The Great Task Remaining Before Us’: Lincoln’s Vision at Gettysburg
On the anniversary of his address, a reminder that democracy requires dedication.
www.thebulwark.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:14 AM
It's the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. "In that brief speech which illuminated a moment of both exhaustion and despair, Lincoln spoke not of the dead, nor even of victory. He spoke of purpose." A meditation from @markhertling.bsky.social
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-...
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-...
“…brief appropriate remarks.” Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, 162 years ago today, is still relevant
My latest in the Bulwark www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-... Bulwark
My latest in the Bulwark www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-... Bulwark
‘The Great Task Remaining Before Us’: Lincoln’s Vision at Gettysburg
On the anniversary of his address, a reminder that democracy requires dedication.
www.thebulwark.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
“…brief appropriate remarks.” Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, 162 years ago today, is still relevant
My latest in the Bulwark www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-... Bulwark
My latest in the Bulwark www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-... Bulwark
Had 2 meetings with Ballast Books today:
1st, they told me pre-sales are going great & I’ll be signing lots of books.
2nd, we coordinated the audio book recording.
Really excited about this project…this book discusses the military, family, leadership, values, character, and war.
1st, they told me pre-sales are going great & I’ll be signing lots of books.
2nd, we coordinated the audio book recording.
Really excited about this project…this book discusses the military, family, leadership, values, character, and war.
November 19, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Had 2 meetings with Ballast Books today:
1st, they told me pre-sales are going great & I’ll be signing lots of books.
2nd, we coordinated the audio book recording.
Really excited about this project…this book discusses the military, family, leadership, values, character, and war.
1st, they told me pre-sales are going great & I’ll be signing lots of books.
2nd, we coordinated the audio book recording.
Really excited about this project…this book discusses the military, family, leadership, values, character, and war.
Joining my friend @anacabrera.bsky.social at 10:25 ET to discuss the current situation in Venezuela.
November 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Joining my friend @anacabrera.bsky.social at 10:25 ET to discuss the current situation in Venezuela.
All of the @danielsilvabooks.bsky.social are my new reads! Don’t let him out too much, @jamiegangel.bsky.social
We let a certain author out of his office for one night… Hope to see you there!
Daniel Silva returns with the latest installment of his Gabriel Allon series, the instant New York Times No. 1 bestseller An Inside Job
@danielsilvabooks.bsky.social
#MiamiBookFair @booksandbooks.bsky.social
Daniel Silva returns with the latest installment of his Gabriel Allon series, the instant New York Times No. 1 bestseller An Inside Job
@danielsilvabooks.bsky.social
#MiamiBookFair @booksandbooks.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
All of the @danielsilvabooks.bsky.social are my new reads! Don’t let him out too much, @jamiegangel.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Hertling
Speaker Announcement🎙️
A decorated combat veteran and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, LTG (Ret.) @markhertling.bsky.social has spent his career defending American ideals at home and abroad.
We’re honored to have him join us at the 2026 Summit.
Get tickets: principlesfirst.us/summit/the-2...
A decorated combat veteran and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, LTG (Ret.) @markhertling.bsky.social has spent his career defending American ideals at home and abroad.
We’re honored to have him join us at the 2026 Summit.
Get tickets: principlesfirst.us/summit/the-2...
November 13, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Speaker Announcement🎙️
A decorated combat veteran and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, LTG (Ret.) @markhertling.bsky.social has spent his career defending American ideals at home and abroad.
We’re honored to have him join us at the 2026 Summit.
Get tickets: principlesfirst.us/summit/the-2...
A decorated combat veteran and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, LTG (Ret.) @markhertling.bsky.social has spent his career defending American ideals at home and abroad.
We’re honored to have him join us at the 2026 Summit.
Get tickets: principlesfirst.us/summit/the-2...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
An important warning from @markhertling.bsky.social
"Venezuela is not small, not simple, and not susceptible to quick, low-cost military outcomes."
www.thebulwark.com/p/no-venezue...
"Venezuela is not small, not simple, and not susceptible to quick, low-cost military outcomes."
www.thebulwark.com/p/no-venezue...
No, Venezuela Is Not a ‘Small Latin American Country’
And talk of a quick invasion and easy ‘regime change’ is dangerously misleading.
www.thebulwark.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:45 PM
My latest in @thebulwark.com
Always enjoy speaking with @nicollewallace.bsky.social but this one was very special.
@markhertling.bsky.social joined @nicollewallace.bsky.social to discuss his new article in @thebulwark.com for Veterans Day: "Who We Choose to Be: A Reflection on the Character of Veterans"
November 12, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Always enjoy speaking with @nicollewallace.bsky.social but this one was very special.
It is an honor to join @nicollewallace.bsky.social today at 5:45 ET to talk about the very special day we’re celebrating, and how Americans have a choice in the kind of nation we want to be in the future, as I wrote in the @thebulwark.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:37 PM
It is an honor to join @nicollewallace.bsky.social today at 5:45 ET to talk about the very special day we’re celebrating, and how Americans have a choice in the kind of nation we want to be in the future, as I wrote in the @thebulwark.com
Reposted by Mark Hertling
"I want to offer a different kind of reflection from an old veteran, one that doesn’t reduce service to a slogan but helps show its lived reality."
This morning @markhertling.bsky.social passes on the cliches and writes on the culture and character of veterans: www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
This morning @markhertling.bsky.social passes on the cliches and writes on the culture and character of veterans: www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
Who We Choose to Be: A Reflection on the Character of Veterans
A shared culture of service.
www.thebulwark.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
"I want to offer a different kind of reflection from an old veteran, one that doesn’t reduce service to a slogan but helps show its lived reality."
This morning @markhertling.bsky.social passes on the cliches and writes on the culture and character of veterans: www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
This morning @markhertling.bsky.social passes on the cliches and writes on the culture and character of veterans: www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
Some thoughts on Veterans’ Day and our nation . www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
Who We Choose to Be: A Reflection on the Character of Veterans
A shared culture of service.
www.thebulwark.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Some thoughts on Veterans’ Day and our nation . www.thebulwark.com/p/who-we-cho...
Had a great conversation with @rieckhoff.bsky.social about values and character and their contribution to good people who are great leaders.
⚡️How do you define and teach leadership?
Especially in times like these.
General @markhertling.bsky.social is my guest on today’s pre Veterans Day episode of @indyamericans.bsky.social
Watch:
youtu.be/oJTMF07ikWo?...
Listen: www.IndependentAmericans.us.
Especially in times like these.
General @markhertling.bsky.social is my guest on today’s pre Veterans Day episode of @indyamericans.bsky.social
Watch:
youtu.be/oJTMF07ikWo?...
Listen: www.IndependentAmericans.us.
November 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Had a great conversation with @rieckhoff.bsky.social about values and character and their contribution to good people who are great leaders.
Thursday in Gettysburg, one of my favorite places, speaking about civil-military relations with @charliesykes.substack.com.web.brid.gy alongside @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social then later leader a battlefield tour. Thanks to @Principles_1st
November 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Thursday in Gettysburg, one of my favorite places, speaking about civil-military relations with @charliesykes.substack.com.web.brid.gy alongside @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social then later leader a battlefield tour. Thanks to @Principles_1st