A retired US military officer, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, slammed Pete Hegseth, who goes by Secretary of War now, right after his all-hands meeting in Virginia. Hegseth is facing criticism over allegedly insulting claims on wokeness and DEI amidst his meeting, inviting top officials for something that could have been an email.
Hegseth implied DEI or wokeness had helped troops move up in the chain of command. After the meeting, Hertling was invited on to MSNBC, where he grilled Hegseth and his so-called plans for a revamped military.
Hertling stated, “The thing I’ve got to stick up for is the defense of the American military — the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines; I’ve never served with Space Force guardians. But those four services I’ve had the opportunity to serve with, not only in combat, but on the joint staff and in various assignments throughout my career.”
He praised the officials, saying, “There are no finer human beings across our force. There is a reason why the other armies of the world say we are the best on the globe.” “They are well-trained, well-disciplined, and they swear an oath to the Constitution.”
Retired Army Lt. General Mark Hertling on Pete Hegseth’s speech:
“𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨.” pic.twitter.com/8vOv0xaytt
— Pᴀᴛʀɪᴄɪᴀ Mɪʟʟᴇʀ (@pattyemiller32) September 30, 2025
Taking a jab at Pete Hegseth’s claims, he added, “And I just really find it offensive that anyone is insulting them and claiming that their promotions and their advancements through the services are a result of policies or wokeness or DEI, because that’s just not true.”
Hertling made these valid comments as Hegseth lectured the military leaders at Quantico with his new plans for the US military. He apparently wants the officials to have the “highest male standard only.”
He also brought up a new fitness plan for troops and generals; he doesn’t want to see tired and fat generals as they show a ‘bad look.’ He said this for those who are out of shape.
Hegseth further added, “I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape, or in a combat unit with females who can’t meet the same combat arms physical standards as men, or troops who are not fully proficient on their assigned weapons, platform, or task, or under a leader who was the first but not the best.”
Hertling stated Hegseth was lecturing the men on uniform, gender neutrality, and rules for engagement. In his rant, he also stated no distraction, climate change worship, and gender delusions.
Hertling was also affected by Trump‘s words during the meeting. He could not believe the things they were saying, comparing it to Trump’s failed speech at the UN. The officials were also slamming Hegseth. Another former defense official added, “It’s a waste of time for a lot of people who emphatically had better things they could and should be doing.”
