Mark Hertling
@MarkHertling
Followers
481,211
Following
205
Media
1,543
Statuses
39,007
Retired soldier. Loves family, dedicated to nation. Student of leadership, nat’l security & healthcare. Cardinals fan.
Joined December 2015
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
jeno
• 467546 Tweets
Meet the Grahams
• 285834 Tweets
#بدر_بن_عبدالمحسن
• 262571 Tweets
Óscar Puente
• 78004 Tweets
Saka
• 54350 Tweets
#ライブ・エール
• 52296 Tweets
Bournemouth
• 42845 Tweets
こどもの日
• 36871 Tweets
サヨナラ
• 32875 Tweets
#霊験お初
• 32090 Tweets
الامير الشاعر
• 27895 Tweets
Havertz
• 21883 Tweets
الفردوس الاعلي
• 20971 Tweets
#ARSBOU
• 19463 Tweets
غاب نور البدر
• 14875 Tweets
Christie
• 13653 Tweets
Ipswich
• 13462 Tweets
アジカン
• 11592 Tweets
Let me get this straight...I’m a “loser & sucker” for serving in the military AND I paid more taxes than him? I gotta re-evaluate my life choices.
1K
13K
78K
I know this sounds weird, but
@JoeBiden
just said the Justice Department wouldn’t be his personal law firm.
620
10K
74K
We were stationed in Germany when the wall came down. Tonight has the same vibe.
797
7K
66K
Is Mexico paying for this fence, too?
More fencing going up around the White House complex early this morning
14K
13K
32K
2K
10K
60K
It was invigorating to see several Presidents talking about someone other than themselves.
464
8K
58K
Is it just me, or is it strange that
@realDonaldTrump
responds to allegations he attacked the military by...attacking the military?
1K
11K
56K
Seems strange that Ted Cruz is reviled more for taking an ill-considered trip to Cancun than he was for aquitting a president who stoked insurrection.
2K
7K
54K
Something you learn when taking command of any Army unit, no matter size or scope of reaponsibility:
You own it, on day one.
No matter what your predecessor did or didn’t do...you own it.
If you don’t like those rules, don’t take command.
867
12K
53K
After one of my
@CNN
appearances, one of the anchors asked me off-air why I had confidence in Ukraine's army to push back agains the illegal Russian military onslaught.
I used a bit of "battlefield math" to explain my rationale. 1/16
1K
13K
50K
Seeing
@potus
chewing on pizza and BS’ing with
@82ndABNDiv
troopers - after spending the last two days coordinating with all major leaders of
@NATO
- reminds me of how real leaders communicate. 1/2
595
6K
49K
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.”
2K
6K
49K
Last night I went to bed disgusted after reading
@mattgaetz
& 10 of his
@gop
colleagues submitted a “Ukraine Fatigue” bill.
This morning I woke up ebullient to
@potus
being in Kyiv.
That’s the difference between performance art & leadership.
1K
8K
49K
It’s terrific Twitter when the MAGA/KAG/QAnon/Christians/2A/wWG1WGA folks try to explain the US tax code.
668
6K
44K
Let’s review:
-A lawyer posing death threats
-A retired general suggests martial law
-State GOP officials harassed for their integrity
-resources wasted on “recounts.”
-COVID deaths 2000+/day
-POTUS focus on pardons
And most GOP senators saying nothing.
1K
11K
39K
For the record…
I thought/knew what they found was gonna be bad when it was released. I didn’t think it would be this bad.
Now I’m just pissed it took DOJ this long to generate a search warrant. It should’ve been a “raid.”
972
6K
40K
Anyone: explain how a missile attack on a shopping center is anything other than a war crime.
-A commander decided on the target
-Another commander gave the order to shoot
-Soldiers pulled the “triggers.
The target was civilians.
Extreme violations of the laws of war.
1K
8K
39K
I said it yesterday on
@cnn
, I'll say it again today.
Having worked w/ UKR's army, I expected them to be very good. And they have been better than I expected.
Having seen Russian forces in training & exercises, I expected them to be bad. They are worse than I expected. 1/10
469
7K
39K
Ukraine's strike of the fuel depot at Belgorod was MUCH more than a bold tactical move.
While 1.5 M gallons of fuel is certainly a critical target & will be significant in this logistics war...there's more.
This is what's called a "deep strike" in US military parlance. 1/6
713
8K
39K
Hey,
@mattgaetz
, see those stripes on Gen Milley’s right sleeve? Each one represents 6 months in combat. SecDef Austin has more, but they aren’t on his suit. You really want to do this?
With Generals like this it’s no wonder we’ve fought considerably more wars than we’ve won.
21K
2K
11K
1K
7K
38K
Point of order: I’m in the military, I don’t find kneeling disrespectful when it is done as part of a desire to strengthen our nation on important issues. Please,
@PressSec
quit suggesting you know what all the military think.
"The president is very much against kneeling,"
@PressSec
says, because it is "disrespectful to the military."
She adds there are "non-starters" in Congressional Democrats' police reform bill, specifically mentions ending qualified immunity.
573
209
759
923
9K
37K
Ummm...there’s this thing called the President’s Council on Fitness, Sport, and Nutrition. Been around 60 years. Used to have 25 appointees...I was one of them.
@MichelleObama
helped & generated momentum in this area. No one is on the Council now.
@FitnessGov
. Check it out.
We need to promote healthy lifestyles for America’s youth. In a recent survey, 9.5 million U.S. children reported that they did NOT once participate in any of over 100 sports or activities listed.
#YouthSports
@AspenInstitute
5K
1K
7K
879
14K
36K
Putin's announced mobilization of 300,000 "reservists" was jaw-dropping to me this morning, but not for the reason some might suspect.
Why? Because know how Russian soldiers are trained, in basic training & in their units.
A brief 🧵 on some fun facts. 1/
1K
9K
37K
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making mistakes.” -Napoleon.
329
6K
35K
Was a “tanker” all my Army career; commanded a Bradley during Desert Storm.
What makes me smile and think of “freedom” on 4 July are kids with face paint, ice cream sundaes, flags on front porches, baseball & beer, fireworks and a never-ending belief in E Pluribus Unum.
734
7K
34K
.
@MZanona
: “House Republicans report they are ‘stunned’ by Hutchinson’s revelations”
Stunned? Seriously?
3K
4K
35K
This man is an embarrassment to the US Army & an aberration to those of us who have proudly worn the cloth of our country. His words are disgusting.
Michael Flynn tonight: “If we are going to have one nation under God, which we must, we have to have one religion. One nation under God, and one religion under God.”
14K
4K
11K
2K
5K
34K
For those interested:
-ORCON =“originator control”
-NOFORN = “no foreign nationals” (should see these documents)
-HCS = HUMINT (human intelligence) Control System.
-SI = COMINT (communication intelligence, or intercepts) Special Intelligence
Just wow. This is jaw dropping.
902
9K
34K
Been saying this for awhile, but will repeat for emphasis: The next few weeks will be a battle of logistics. Ukraine will win it.
759
4K
34K
As he stepped off the plane, he started chewing my ass.
JM: I heard you didn’t want me to see Mosul, General.
Me: sir, it’s not that...it’s just that it’s sporty. We have a pretty active combat operation going on right now
JM: That’s why I came.
472
6K
32K
Let me get this straight:
1. Russia thought their "special operation" would last 3 days.
2. After 2 months of fighting with Spetsnaz, Airborne & 190+ BTGs, they achieved NONE of their Strategic, Operational or Tactical Objectives.
3. Based on
#2
, they decided to shift... 1/8
488
6K
32K
Having been with a group of physicians all day today, I just learned of the train station attack by Russians. This hasn’t been a military operation from the beginning…it’s been murder on a grand scale.
485
6K
32K
For the record, there was a “wall” across Europe until it came down. I know, I patrolled parts of it. It didn’t “work.” It was a symbol of tyranny & oppression. I saw a family of 4 killed by E German border guards trying to escape. Learn a bit of history before tweeting.
868
8K
31K
FWIW, there is no leader in the military - Officer or NCO - who would allow a soldier to shoot at an individual throwing a rock. They know that violates the rules of engagement, the law of land warfare & the values those in the military believe. It would be an unlawful order.
2K
9K
30K
After watching the Trump “announcement,” I say this:
He is an evil, extremely dangerous man who threatens our democracy & our future.
Don’t tell me I’m breaching a “civil-military control” protocol. I’m retired now & believe stating this is critically important to our nation.
984
6K
31K
Could someone explain how Americans can say a guy who refuses to go to an American cemetery in France because he’ll get his hair wet has more “stamina” than a guy who has been to 2 active combat zones & has actually generated a real “infrastructure week?”
778
7K
31K
Received a note from a senior US military official who is visiting several NATO ally armies for the first time.
“Man, you were right…these guys are good they aren’t F***ing around,” he said to me.
Thinking of those who weakened NATO, and this one that is strengthening it.
312
4K
30K
The fact that the UKR leaders will not "confirm or deny" they did the strike is also - to me - an exclamation point.
It says to me "yeah, we did it, and when we get a chance we'll do it again."
That's panache. Ukraines got it going on. 6/6
429
3K
30K
The
@jaketapper
interview with
@JoeBiden
@KamalaHarris
is striking in so many ways...they are calmly communicating a vision, with no bizarre hyperbole, while also stating the challenges they know they will face.
Such a welcome change. Character matters.
300
3K
30K
I’m all for this, and wondering why 208 congressman are not.
2K
6K
28K
Please RT this as much as possible.
Hill: "In the course of this investigation, I would ask that you please not promote politically driven falsehoods that so clearly advance the Russian interests...These fictions are harmful even if they're deployed for purely domestic political purposes."
462
12K
26K
273
19K
28K
In the past few hours many of us have watched the discussion regarding classified documents & their appropriate storage.
Since like most senior officers I had some experience in this area, I thought it would be helpful to provide some BASIC info.
So, this new 🧵is born! 1/21
989
9K
28K
So,
@LindseyGrahamSC
, are you tired of “watching this crap” yet? Shame on you and any Senators who watched that and are still thinking of voting against impeachment. America is watching.
562
6K
27K
And Ukraine will be a stronger nation...but only if we continue to stand beside. 16/end
585
2K
28K
In leadership, this is what right looks like.
Throwback to 5 years ago when Tony Fauci, at 74 yo, was suiting up to treat an Ebola patient himself because he "wanted to show his staff that he wouldn't ask them to do anything he wouldn't do himself". This is what leadership looks like.
889
33K
122K
170
7K
27K
For those interested, this isn’t true. Actually, it’s ludicrous.
TRUMP: "When I took over our military, we did not have ammunition. I was told by a top general, maybe the top of them all, 'Sir, I'm sorry sir, we don't have ammunition.' I said, I will never let that happen to another president."
6K
1K
4K
2K
7K
26K
“I need ammo, not a ride”
Leaders know where to be, how to communicate.
201
2K
27K
For our allies and friends around the world who are concerned about who we might have become as a nation, this ceremony shows who we really are. And we’ll be back.
598
6K
26K
Normally I have no problem sleeping. But after watching the first Congressional 1/6 report, I needed to write some things down.
So many disturbing things:
-Barr's comments
-Kushner's dismissal of WH counsel advice
-the witness testimony
-the extensive new video
A 🧵 1/9
422
5K
27K
We should note, GEN Milley apologized at a graduation of the National Defense University. A school I went to.
The audience was senior government leaders - military Colonels and Captains, interagency executives - studying national security.
The exact right audience.
334
5K
26K
Senator, please tell me this is a fake account and you’re not providing an advertisement and a commercial endorsement.
Trump International Golf Club is a spectacular golf course.
Great day of fun playing with
@POTUS
@realDonaldTrump
.
13K
622
2K
973
9K
25K
Here’s my thoughts, for all those asking: I’d put a lot of money on the
@WhiteHouse
&
@POTUS
knowing more of what is happening in Russia than Putin does.
492
3K
26K
As a former soldier, I have fired an M1 tank, an M3 Bradley, machine guns and semiautomatic weapons at other human beings in combat.
These are weapons of war and should not be owned by civilians. I support a ban on all, and have informed my representatives of such many times.
478
7K
24K
Okay, on the Chinese
balloon(s), I’m just gonna say…
Perhaps -and I’m just spitballing here- there’s a some really smart experts in the intel community & DoD who have assessed how to proceed in a more thoughtful way than all those saying “just shoot it down!!!”
2K
3K
25K
A third of my 38 yrs in the Army was served in & around NATO, a valuable, adaptive alliance. What happened today was embarrassing, saddening
515
10K
24K
Pardons now for Manafort, Stone, Charles Kushner.
Our President again confirms he is a disgusting, self-serving individual who cares nothing for the rule of law.
413
4K
24K
We have five grandsons, each loves LEGO. Believe we have a new gift idea.
449
3K
24K
Today's a good day to remind Putin retired RU GEN Ivashov published an open letter on 3 Feb demanding Putin resign because his plan for an invasion of UKR would result in 10's of 1000 casualties, turn RU into an international pariah & threaten its very statehood.
Good call.
210
5K
24K
Many will be wringing their hands about Papadopoulos, but in my view the pardon of the Blackwater employees is the most egregious and disgusting of
@realDonaldTrump
actions. This was a graven war crime that resulted in the death of 17 Iraqi civilians. Shame on you Mr President.
In September 2007, Blackwater military contractor Nick Slatten helped massacre 17 innocent Iraqi civilians – none of them armed – and claimed he did it because he felt threatened. He was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder.
Donald Trump just pardoned him.
199
4K
13K
754
5K
24K
Every day as Army Commander in Europe a "black book" of classified intel was delivered. I read it, then was briefed on key topics. If something important was going on, it was in the book & briefers reinforced certain important items. If I didn't know...it was on me.
353
6K
24K
In reading the terrific book “The Great Influenza,” the author traces the 1918 flu pandemic to the plains of Kansas, then spread to an army base. It killed 50-60 million people worldwide. For some reason it wasn’t called “the Kansas Flu.”
I don’t understand why China gets upset bc we refer to the virus that originated there the ”Chinese virus” Spain never got upset when we referred to the Spanish flu in 1918&1919
29K
5K
22K
544
7K
24K
Navalny’s blood, like the blood of thousands of Ukrainians and so many others, is on Putin’s hands.
Congress needs to vote for the aid that will stop this monster.
1K
5K
24K
If any troll wants to say
@mattgaetz
is “owning” me because I’m commenting, so be it. But I’ll respond that this is the most immature and unprofessional things I’ve ever seen from a member of Congress. Comport yourself with some dignity, Mr Gaetz, you represent people in Florida.
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote.
19K
2K
9K
2K
4K
23K
Someone asked me today if I was going to read Espers' book.
I politely said I'm more interested in leadership books from those who faced complex issues and acted courageously to address them.
The new genre of Washington memoirs by many seem to lack that approach.
535
3K
23K
As a soldier/commander, I engaged w/
@LindseyGrahamSC
on occasions in Iraq & Europe.
I didn’t see this side of him.
These smears are disgusting and despicable, and Sen Graham has no proof of these allegations.
Asked whether the summary firing of LTC Alexander Vindman was justified Graham says Vindman was part of broader plot against President Trump by FBI Agents, CIA Agents and DOJ Lawyers.
4K
1K
3K
1K
7K
22K
Listening to the testimony of these officers is gut wrenching. All of it just increasing my anger at Trump & anyone who supports his lies, his con, his assault on our nation.
278
3K
23K
Does “we’ll drastically reduce military operations around Kyiv” = “we’re getting our ass kicked, transitioned to a hasty defense”?
682
2K
22K
CBP/DHS claims they don’t put names on their uniforms in Portland for fear of “doxing” by protestors.
Senior leaders in combat are often targeted by terrorists, yet names are visible (in this case, 2 languages).
608
8K
22K
One last tweet for tonight….
When a suspected breach of security occurs (due to a threat that classified information had been released to unauthorized people/govts), a pretty extensive assessment is required to determine the extent of the damage.
We’re just getting started…
411
4K
22K
Proud to be one of 89 former senior leaders — civilian & military, Republican, Democrat and independent — to sign this letter saying the military must never be used to violate our citizens constitutional rights.
346
6K
22K
If these published accounts by the
@KyivIndependent
are even close, they are disastrous. Having been the US 7th Army Commander, if I were the Russian Combined Arms Army Commander I’d be very worried right now. (Especially since one of the “boats” is a warship.)
698
5K
22K
The film
@cnn
is showing of an MLRS artillery attack on an apartment complex in Kharkiv is worse than reported…from my assessment, those are cluster munitions, outlawed by most countries.
425
6K
22K
One more time, for those who care, it’s “Cavalry,” not “calvary.”
996
1K
21K
A former President is being indicted - for the 2d time - & there's non-stop coverage.
Some good analysis, some not so good.
Many keep bringing up how "those in the military are likely the most upset about Trump absconding with intel secrets."
Yes, but there's more. 1/
489
6K
22K
Many news chyrons proclaiming “Russia is reducing their forces in Kyiv.”
It may be better to state: “Ukraine has and is continuing to reduce Russia’s forces near Kyiv.”
267
3K
21K
I’m a gun owner, been on tanks all my professional Army career. The NRA is a scourge to our Republic; moms are what we need to help fix this
"Politics on gun safety is starting to change. Even among gun owners, most support background checks. I think what's happening tonight in Virginia is emblematic of a shift toward sane gun policy,"
@NickKristof
on MSNBC.
67
479
2K
346
6K
20K
McRaven, Dempsey, Mullen, Hagel, Pinetta, Stavridis, McCaffrey, Mattis, Esper. They all know more than the guy who says he knows more than the Generals.
316
4K
21K
First, it’s not likely that any President of any European country said this. Because there’s no “paying” to anyone involved.
Second, Trump just doesn’t understand NATO or Russia, and he is endangering all of Europe with this incredibly dumb statement.
BREAKING: Donald Trump just asked Russia to attack our NATO allies. Donald Trump is asking for World War III. Retweet to ensure the whole country knows what Trump is trying to get us into.
3K
10K
18K
1K
6K
22K
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”
946
4K
21K
It will likely be a long fight.
Putin will be increasingly portrayed as a loser.
He not a risk taker, he's a gambler. You can mitigate risk, but you can't overcome a losing gamble.
Putin will go the way of Stalin,Hitler, Ceausescu, Saddam. 15/
240
3K
21K
The most important lesson of the last 24 hours?
PASS THE UKRAINE, ISRAEL, TAIWAN AID PACKAGE!
344
5K
21K
Over the past 48 hrs, Ukraine brilliantly executed a relatively small-scale armored attack that will reap gains in Kharkiv Oblast
They regained key terrain that will affect Russian supply lines, w/ the added benefit of depleting RU units & overall RU morale.
Well done!
211
2K
20K
.
@potus
tells West Point graduates that their Army is “depleted.” They’re smart enough to know better.
576
3K
20K
If this is an accurate summary of the last 210 days, Putin - and his supporters, generals & Army - will surely go down in history.
But not in a good way. 8/8
373
1K
20K
In watching Schiff’s excellent lay down of evidence, timeline & actions, I’m distracted.
What else was going on - with Russia, Saudi Arabia, N Korea, Turkey, etc - where descriptive records aren’t available? This can’t be a stand-alone cluster.
596
4K
20K
Here’s the thing,
@mattgaetz
…
@SecDef
was my leader in tough combat, and he inspires me daily. Perhaps you’ve never had a life experience where character is exhibited.
Heated exchange between
@RepMattGaetz
and
@SecDef
Austin.
Secretary Austin: "This is the most capable, the most capable combat critical force in the world...the fact that you are embarrassed by your country--"
Rep. Matt Gaetz: "No. I am embarrassed by your leadership!"
3K
2K
7K
2K
3K
20K
While many debate the nuances of
@potus
words, Putin creates millions of refugees, kills 1000's of non-combatant UKR citizens (& RU soldiers who don't understand why they're there), fights off Ukrainian attacks, commits war crimes.
Putin cannot remain in power! 4/4
506
3K
20K
The next few days will be a match between a steeled Ukrainian will vs an ineffective Russian logistics & resupply.
I’m betting on Ukrainian will.
393
2K
20K
For Moscow’s Victory Day parade, I’m wondering if the tanks will have their turrets attached?
1K
2K
19K
Couple things to get off my chest.
1). This may sound heartless, as people could have been hurt & the strikes did hit oil tanks, but RU sending 3 (yes, 3) missiles toward Lviv is an act of desperation, not a "signal toward NATO."
1/4
366
3K
19K
David, I spent 12 of my 38 years in uniform in Europe. Trump’s comments are dumb, dangerous, & I can’t understand how any elected official or US citizen refrains from condemning these comments with ferocity. But they won’t & that’s what’s more troubling than anything Trump says.
427
4K
20K
Spent my entire life in uniform representing our Constitution, defending ideas, protecting people under the rule of law.
I’m not a lawyer, but admit I’m a bit bummed right now. Who are these people in our legislative body? How have they lost their way regarding fair trials?
580
4K
19K
Exactly this. The
@GOP
Congress is playing with fire.
We are not being asked to send American troops into war, only to help the Ukrainians defend themselves. If we fail to help Ukraine, Putin will invade a NATO nation. Ukraine is not the end, it is a step—and letting Putin have his way with Europe would jeopardize our security.
23K
12K
52K
1K
5K
20K
.
@elonmusk
banning journalists is dsigraceful & cowardly.
Politicians, commander in combat, CEOs all all should answer tough questions from journos.
As a commander, I often didn't like talking to the press, but I knew their right to question is outlined in the Constitution.
5K
3K
19K
If there are Russian military and security vehicles starting to “lager” (I.e. military equipment preparing for action) in Red Square at 0330 hrs, we in the military call that an “indicator” that things aren’t going well in the Kremlin.
294
3K
19K
Ukraine's Army was likely as surprised as so many others with the speed & success of their Kharkiv offensive over the last five days. It is & continues to be brilliant.
But as one who saw both success & failure in combat, I have some concerns...
Here a 🧵on some thoughts.
1/
358
3K
18K
For the record, I’m not reading Chapter 14. Or any other chapter.
397
2K
18K