Impolitic with John Heilemann Mark Hertling: War Criminal, Cosplay Commandant, or Both?
12 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a respected military analyst and former commander of U.S. Army Europe, joins the discussion on the controversial air strikes ordered during the Trump administration. He critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership and contrasting narratives about the strikes in Venezuela. Hertling emphasizes the importance of civilian-military relations and how current tensions threaten democratic norms. He also reflects on his upcoming book, exploring leadership during wartime. A thought-provoking dive into ethics and accountability in military actions!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Military Avoids Political Spotlight
- The military prefers to stay out of partisan politics and supports civilian control while providing candid advice.
- Mark Hertling warns that current civilian leadership chaos strains civil-military relations and damages trust.
Cosplay Leadership Undermines Credibility
- Hertling says Pete Hegseth seeks attention and displays 'cosplay' leadership rather than sober stewardship.
- That performative approach undermines credibility and risks operational security.
Training Edge Versus Moral Guardrails
- Military training pushes soldiers to the edge but enforces rules to prevent moral decay and unlawful violence.
- Hertling argues Hegseth's gung-ho rhetoric risks turning forces into 'killing machines.'
