Mark Hertling, retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army, has strongly stated that the U.S. military “will not execute illegal orders,” pushing back against recent controversial rhetoric. Speaking on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Hertling said that service members were themselves noting actions that went against professional standards.
Mark Hertling emphasized that soldiers, from junior ranks to generals, were troubled by the speeches they heard. “They were writing down the same checklist I was writing down, saying: wait a minute, we can’t do that, or we shouldn’t do that,” he explained. He added that the oath of service is to the Constitution, not to political agendas.
Mark Hertling reaffirmed that attempts to push unlawful or discriminatory practices on the military will fail. “I guarantee you that the people in that audience will not execute illegal orders,” he said, underscoring the professionalism of the armed forces.
Mark Hertling vs. Pete Hegseth’s Rhetoric
Mark Hertling directly criticized Pete Hegseth’s speech at the event, where Hegseth derided “woke” policies, mocked overweight soldiers, and called for reinstating hazing practices. Hegseth further demanded the imposition of “male standards” on all troops and suggested drill instructors should physically discipline recruits.
Hertling described these remarks as unprofessional and damaging to the morale of the military. “There’s a saying in the military: you praise in public and you discipline in private. This was a disciplinary approach in public with cameras,” Hertling noted, highlighting the poor leadership displayed.
Hertling stressed that targeting women and minority service members was especially harmful. He argued that effective leadership promotes respect and cohesion, not division.
Mark Hertling vs. Trump’s Controversial Remarks
Mark Hertling also addressed comments made by President Donald Trump, currently serving his second term, who suggested that American cities could be used as “training grounds” for the armed forces.
Hertling said many officers were embarrassed, not only for themselves but for the institutions they represent. He stressed that global military leaders in attendance had been forced to sit through speeches that risked separating the military from the public it serves.
Hertling concluded that the armed forces will remain committed to lawful service, constitutional principles, and ethical standards. He warned that divisive rhetoric undermines both national security and public trust.
