Pentagon’s tone on conflict draws fire from retired general

Top General Slams Defense Secretary’s ‘Infuriating’ War Rhetoric

WASHINGTON D.C. – Concerns are mounting over the tone and seriousness with which the U.S. Department of Defense is addressing ongoing military conflicts, particularly following recent statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a decorated veteran and author, has voiced strong criticism, describing Hegseth’s rhetoric as “infuriating” and indicative of a troubling disconnect from the gravity of wartime realities. The controversy centers on Hegseth’s use of video game and sports analogies to describe military operations, and his dismissive response to intelligence sharing between Russia and Iran, which could endanger U.S. troops.

Video Game Analogies and ‘Politically Correct Wars’

The White House has come under fire for releasing edited videos of military strikes, reminiscent of footage from video games like “Call of Duty,” complete with “point” awards for successful engagements. This approach, according to General Hertling, trivializes the profound sacrifices and life-or-death decisions inherent in warfare.

“You don’t want something as serious as combat, something that revolves around life and death on both sides, to be taken as kind of a video game or a public display way of propaganda,” Hertling stated. “And that’s what we’re seeing right now. It’s just really, really troubling to me.”

Hertling also questioned Secretary Hegseth’s use of terms like “politically correct wars” and “onerous rules of engagement.” He warned that disregarding established protocols can lead to disastrous consequences, citing incidents like strikes on civilian areas that result in significant casualties and generate negative public sentiment towards the conflict.

“When you don’t live by onerous rules of engagements, you do things in combat that have repercussions, like striking a girl’s school where there’s a whole lot of deaths and it compounds the public’s reaction to what the conflict is all about and gives negative implications.”

The retired general expressed particular concern that such messaging might appeal to a younger demographic, including “vet bros who have never experienced the smells or sights or sounds of disaster and chaos of combat,” potentially teaching them the wrong lessons about the true nature of war.

Dismissal of Russia-Iran Intel Sharing

Perhaps the most alarming aspect for General Hertling was Secretary Hegseth’s response when questioned about the potential danger posed by Russia sharing intelligence with Iran, which could be used to target U.S. forces.

When asked if this intelligence sharing put U.S. personnel in more danger, Hegseth responded dismissively: “Well, the Russian involvement. No one’s putting us in danger. We’re putting the other guys in danger. That’s our job. So we’re not concerned about that.”

Hertling found this statement “infuriating,” drawing a stark contrast with Hegseth’s past criticisms as a Fox News anchor when similar reports surfaced regarding Russian intelligence leading to American soldier deaths in Afghanistan under the Biden administration.

“We now have a situation where Russia is contributing to the intelligence that can lead to the potential danger of U.S. forces with Iran,” Hertling observed. “And at the same time, I mean, I’m going to juxtapose this against President Zelensky, who the president has mocked and put in very bad situations in his war in Ukraine basically helping the United States in terms of giving information on how to counter drone warfare.”

Confusing Geopolitical Stance

The general highlighted what he perceives as a confusing and contradictory foreign policy approach. He pointed out the administration’s seemingly relaxed stance on Russia, a nation engaged in war crimes, while simultaneously downplaying the threat of intelligence shared with Iran.

Simultaneously, Hertling noted the irony of President Zelensky of Ukraine offering assistance in countering drone warfare, an area where the U.S. could benefit, while the administration continues to hesitate in providing full support to Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

“As a military commander I tell you you look at all things within an area of operation and if Russia is passing intelligence and there’s indicators that they are to Iran and it’s helping them to target U.S. military facilities, they should stand up against that,” Hertling asserted. “If Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is offering help in terms of giving advice about how to counter drone warfare, that’s also troubling when the president still is not giving assistance to the Ukrainian fight against Russia.”

Concluding his remarks, Hertling summarized his bewilderment: “I spent four decades in uniform and it just to me IT SEEMS LIKE AN UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD RIGHT NOW.”

Looking Ahead

The critical assessment from a respected military figure like Lieutenant General Mark Hertling underscores a growing concern among national security observers regarding the messaging and strategic clarity emanating from the Department of Defense. As conflicts continue to evolve and geopolitical alliances shift, the tone and substance of official communications will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of American service members. The public will be watching closely to see if the Pentagon adjusts its approach to reflect the gravity of its mission and the complex challenges facing U.S. foreign policy.

Source: ‘Infuriating’: Hegseth brushes off concerns over Russia sharing intel with Iran (YouTube)