Are We Tough Enough?

LTG(R) Mark Hertling

LTG (R) Mark Hertling may be best known these days as a ⁠national security correspondent for CNN⁠, where you'll often here him discussing the latest developments in Ukraine. But throughout his accomplished military career his interest in the health and fitness of soldiers was a major theme.

His 2012 ⁠TED Talk "Obesity is a National Security Issue"⁠ has over three million views on YouTube, and is frequently cited in conversations about how obesity and lack of physical activity impact the readiness of our military. But we can trace his interest in fitness much earlier than that. He got his Masters in Kinesiology in 1984 before heading off to instruct in West Point's Department of Physical Education. Shortly after that assignment he wrote his ⁠1987 CGSC thesis titled "Physical Training for the Modern Battlefield: Are we Tough Enough?"⁠ Ultimately, he applied much of this knowledge as TRADOC's Deputy Commander for Initial Military Training where he oversaw a major overhaul of the Army's Basic Combat Training.

His involvement in these issues certainly didn't end when he took off the uniform, he went on to serve on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, as well as serving on the board of Mission: Readiness. More recently he authored ⁠"Growing Physician Leaders"⁠ and he has held several leadership roles in the healthcare space.

LTG Hertling's unique perspective on some of the topics we discuss here most often makes this episode particularly valuable. You'll hear about the challenges our leaders face, even at the highest levels, trying to make real change in how the military approaches fitness, nutrition, and health.