Mark Hertling
@markhertling.bsky.social
Former soldier. Student of leadership & national security. Now a teacher, author, 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...
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
Forgive the Revolutionary War symbolism.
Today, NJ & VA were at a pivotal moment — just like during 2 defining periods of the Revolution. This time, two strong women stood against the pull of authoritarianism.
NJ & VA became beacons of victory & democratic strength for a nation needing it.
Today, NJ & VA were at a pivotal moment — just like during 2 defining periods of the Revolution. This time, two strong women stood against the pull of authoritarianism.
NJ & VA became beacons of victory & democratic strength for a nation needing it.
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Forgive the Revolutionary War symbolism.
Today, NJ & VA were at a pivotal moment — just like during 2 defining periods of the Revolution. This time, two strong women stood against the pull of authoritarianism.
NJ & VA became beacons of victory & democratic strength for a nation needing it.
Today, NJ & VA were at a pivotal moment — just like during 2 defining periods of the Revolution. This time, two strong women stood against the pull of authoritarianism.
NJ & VA became beacons of victory & democratic strength for a nation needing it.
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...
If I Don't Return (1st Edition Signed Copies) by Mark Hertling | Ballast Books
www.ballastbooks.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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...
Even beyond Venezuela…the questions are many
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/nigeria-ro...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/nigeria-ro...
Threatening Nigeria? Leaving Romania? The Chaos of Trump’s Foreign Policy
Meandering on the world stage isn’t leadership, it’s dangerous.
www.thebulwark.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Even beyond Venezuela…the questions are many
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/nigeria-ro...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/nigeria-ro...
It’s 100 days (10 February 2026) until pitchers and catchers report for spring training!
a mascot in a red and yellow outfit is dancing in front of a crowd .
ALT: a mascot in a red and yellow outfit is dancing in front of a crowd .
media.tenor.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It’s 100 days (10 February 2026) until pitchers and catchers report for spring training!
The “official” announcement will come tomorrow, but many people have been asking how to pre-order a signed copy of my book. Try this web page.
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
If I Don't Return (1st Edition Signed Copies) by Mark Hertling | Ballast Books
www.ballastbooks.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The “official” announcement will come tomorrow, but many people have been asking how to pre-order a signed copy of my book. Try this web page.
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-book...
Had a chance to participate in a discussion regarding a potential attack on Venezuela. I have questions…so does Congress. Answers aren’t forthcoming. With @anacabrera.bsky.social
BREAKING: U.S. poised to strike military targets in Venezuela, according to Miami Herald.
October 31, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Had a chance to participate in a discussion regarding a potential attack on Venezuela. I have questions…so does Congress. Answers aren’t forthcoming. With @anacabrera.bsky.social
No, @pksjones.bsky.social if your pre-order from @ballastbookco.bsky.social all the pre-orders will have my signature in the book, no book plates. I’m hoping I sign many, because half of all proceeds will go to the National Ability Center.
Great interview with @markhertling.bsky.social @jenpsaki.msnbc.com. I was so glad to have caught the interview about Trump's desire to test nuclear weapons. I also had a chance to find out General Hertling has written a book, "If I Don't Return" which I have pre-ordered. Signed bookplate, General?
October 31, 2025 at 2:14 AM
No, @pksjones.bsky.social if your pre-order from @ballastbookco.bsky.social all the pre-orders will have my signature in the book, no book plates. I’m hoping I sign many, because half of all proceeds will go to the National Ability Center.
Looking forward to the discussion, Jen! @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Looking forward to the discussion, Jen! @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social
“I think it’s an approach that can safely be described as tactics without a strategy,” said Jonathan Czin, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who previously analyzed Chinese politics at the C.I.A.
The Art of Letting Trump Claim a Win, While Walking Away Stronger
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:50 PM
“I think it’s an approach that can safely be described as tactics without a strategy,” said Jonathan Czin, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who previously analyzed Chinese politics at the C.I.A.
Reposted by Mark Hertling
Come join us in Gettysburg on 11/6 as we ask how do we keep our institutions strong, civilian leadership accountable, and armed forces apolitical?
Our speakers will be:
@sykescharlie.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social
Our speakers will be:
@sykescharlie.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Come join us in Gettysburg on 11/6 as we ask how do we keep our institutions strong, civilian leadership accountable, and armed forces apolitical?
Our speakers will be:
@sykescharlie.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social
Our speakers will be:
@sykescharlie.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social @milestaylor.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social
Both @mcfaulmike.bsky.social and I will be joining @nicollewallace.bsky.social on @msnbc.com at 5:30 ET. Lots to talk about.
October 29, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Both @mcfaulmike.bsky.social and I will be joining @nicollewallace.bsky.social on @msnbc.com at 5:30 ET. Lots to talk about.
Some discussion recently on the use of NDAs in the military
My thoughts in the @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/why-milita...
My thoughts in the @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/why-milita...
Why Commanders Don’t Sign NDAs
Existing rules and laws applying to military secrecy are sufficient—and asking officers to sign NDAs is deeply inappropriate.
www.thebulwark.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Some discussion recently on the use of NDAs in the military
My thoughts in the @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/why-milita...
My thoughts in the @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/why-milita...
This isn’t good, for Walmart or more importantly the people who need food and rely on this program.
"Walmart accounts for roughly a quarter (24%) of SNAP shoppers’ total spending...this would imply a loss of about $2 billion for Walmart if the benefits are withheld for the entire month of November." www.newsweek.com/walmart-set-...
Walmart set to lose billions from SNAP benefits stopping in November
The government has confirmed that the food assistance payments will stop on November 1 as a result of the ongoing shutdown.
www.newsweek.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:55 PM
This isn’t good, for Walmart or more importantly the people who need food and rely on this program.
Congratulations, once again, Dr @kschake.bsky.social on yet another triumph.
Happy Publication Day and congratulations to Dr. @kschake.bsky.social !
A brilliant scholar of civ-mil relations, her prose is joyful and well crafted, and her narrative, compelling.
This is a foundational, urgently needed text. I cannot recommend more strongly.
www.amazon.com/State-Soldie...
A brilliant scholar of civ-mil relations, her prose is joyful and well crafted, and her narrative, compelling.
This is a foundational, urgently needed text. I cannot recommend more strongly.
www.amazon.com/State-Soldie...
The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States
Amazon.com: The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States eBook : Schake, Kori: Kindle Store
www.amazon.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Congratulations, once again, Dr @kschake.bsky.social on yet another triumph.
As a former member of the Bipartisan Policy Center and Nutrition Security Task Force, I signed and wholeheartedly support this action.
Today, nearly 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients—including over 16 million children and 8 million seniors—face the possibility of losing food assistance in just five days due to the federal government shutdown.
October 28, 2025 at 11:12 PM
As a former member of the Bipartisan Policy Center and Nutrition Security Task Force, I signed and wholeheartedly support this action.
Joining @rieckhoff.bsky.social & @samsteindc.bsky.social and @aliciamenendez.bsky.social (who is sitting in for @nicollewallace.bsky.social at 5 ET on @msnbc.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Joining @rieckhoff.bsky.social & @samsteindc.bsky.social and @aliciamenendez.bsky.social (who is sitting in for @nicollewallace.bsky.social at 5 ET on @msnbc.com
Some thoughts on the shift of a Carrier Strike Group from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. My latest in @thebulwark.com
"A century ago, this sort of thing went by the name gunboat diplomacy."
@markhertling.bsky.social on the moving of the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean, America's new quasi-war, and what it means:
@markhertling.bsky.social on the moving of the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean, America's new quasi-war, and what it means:
The Mixed Messages of Sending USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean
The move raises questions of power, prudence, and proportionality.
www.thebulwark.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Some thoughts on the shift of a Carrier Strike Group from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. My latest in @thebulwark.com
I was asked to be on a bi-partisan committee supplying congress with information on food insecurity.
Yes, there are going to be A LOT of people surprised when they see the extent of our fellow citizens who use SNAP (about 40 million, lots of veterans) and WIC (over 6 million) programs.
Yes, there are going to be A LOT of people surprised when they see the extent of our fellow citizens who use SNAP (about 40 million, lots of veterans) and WIC (over 6 million) programs.
Did you know that over 1.3M active duty service members and veterans rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families?
Now you know.
Now you know.
October 26, 2025 at 11:51 PM
I was asked to be on a bi-partisan committee supplying congress with information on food insecurity.
Yes, there are going to be A LOT of people surprised when they see the extent of our fellow citizens who use SNAP (about 40 million, lots of veterans) and WIC (over 6 million) programs.
Yes, there are going to be A LOT of people surprised when they see the extent of our fellow citizens who use SNAP (about 40 million, lots of veterans) and WIC (over 6 million) programs.
An absolutely beautiful and inspiring article by an old friend. Do yourself a favor and read it, gou won’t regret the time spent.
www.greatpower.us/p/the-sacred...
www.greatpower.us/p/the-sacred...
The sacred American spaces desecrated by the American president
The American faithful must find their voice if the divine American idea is to survive
www.greatpower.us
October 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
An absolutely beautiful and inspiring article by an old friend. Do yourself a favor and read it, gou won’t regret the time spent.
www.greatpower.us/p/the-sacred...
www.greatpower.us/p/the-sacred...
Paying soldiers by transferring funds from other accounts is a good stopgap, but it’s not even close to what we required.
My latest in the @thebulwark.com
My latest in the @thebulwark.com
"Without the civilian workforce, commanders couldn’t move tanks to a maneuver location, manipulate targets on a range, provide fuel for the force, or food in the mess halls."
@markhertling.bsky.social on what shutdowns do to the military: www.thebulwark.com/p/for-the-mi...
@markhertling.bsky.social on what shutdowns do to the military: www.thebulwark.com/p/for-the-mi...
For the Military, a Shutdown Is About a Lot More Than Just Pay
It also affects many other people, institutions, and services necessary for readiness.
www.thebulwark.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Paying soldiers by transferring funds from other accounts is a good stopgap, but it’s not even close to what we required.
My latest in the @thebulwark.com
My latest in the @thebulwark.com
Looking forward to being part of this @principles1dmv.bsky.social @principlesfirst.bsky.social event at Gettysburg on 6 Nov.
Join us on 11/6 for an evening in Gettysburg with @sykescharlie.bsky.social @markhertling.bsky.social @conorlambpa.bsky.social @walshfreedom.bsky.social @milestaylor.bsky.social as we ask: how do we keep our institutions strong, civilian leadership accountable, and armed forces apolitical?
Principles First Dinner in Pennsylvania
Join us for a dinner and discussion on Thursday, November 6th at 6pm!
www.eventbrite.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Looking forward to being part of this @principles1dmv.bsky.social @principlesfirst.bsky.social event at Gettysburg on 6 Nov.
Some movement on US sanctions and Swedish Gripens today, but more is needed for strategic advances.
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
Mixed Signals from Washington Cost Lives in Ukraine
Dithering, delaying, and doubting only invite Russian attacks.
www.thebulwark.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Some movement on US sanctions and Swedish Gripens today, but more is needed for strategic advances.
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
My latest in @thebulwark.com
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
Beautiful segment with Jeff Daniel’s and @nicollewallace.bsky.social Needed that.
October 21, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Beautiful segment with Jeff Daniel’s and @nicollewallace.bsky.social Needed that.
My bad, Deadline not @datelinenbc.bsky.social
Joining @nicollewallace.bsky.social on @datelinenbc.bsky.social at 5 ET, along with @radiofreetom.bsky.social. Should be interesting.
October 20, 2025 at 8:29 PM
My bad, Deadline not @datelinenbc.bsky.social