Key Takeaways
– Retired General Mark Hertling warns soldiers will feel angry and confused
– Troops stand in hot, humid summer heat with no clear mission
– Political views within the ranks may spark tension
– Young guards could face orders they know are illegal
– Experts fear more military use in city streets ahead
Introduction
Retired Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling spoke out about soldiers sent to stand guard in the capital. He warned they will be angry and confused. The mission feels unclear. They stand in hot, humid weather with heavy gear. This assignment tests their morale. Experts worry about how often military forces will appear in city streets going forward.
Soldiers in the Heat
Hertling noted the temperature near 90 degrees with high humidity. He said standing still in full kit and helmet feels like torture on a summer day. Furthermore he asked what happens when soldiers do not know why they are there. In addition standing around for hours under the sun will drain energy and lower focus. This situation could affect how they carry out any orders.
Political Divisions in the Ranks
The retired general pointed out that troops come from all walks of life. Some support the president. Others do not. He noted that some guards may have lost civilian jobs after certain federal moves. As a result they might already feel upset or anxious. In turn this mix of views can spark tension in small teams. Therefore unit leaders must manage these feelings to keep order and discipline.
Confusion Over Orders
Hertling warned that many soldiers have not received a clear mission statement. He asked what troops are supposed to do when they face unclear directives. He added that leaders will tell soldiers “that is an illegal order” if something crosses a line. However he stressed that an 18 or 20-year-old might feel pressure from different voices. On one hand they hear political leaders. On the other hand they hear their direct commanders. This clash can put young guards in tough spots.
The Risk of Unlawful Commands
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper recalled a time when a top leader suggested shooting protesters in the legs. He found that idea shocking. In contrast Hertling said most soldiers he has known would refuse such orders. He called the idea crazy. Yet he warned that unclear missions and political push can lead to dangerous situations. Moreover soldiers may not know how to react under pressure.
Experts Sound the Alarm
A former Air Force Secretary also expressed concern. He said he sees no boundary on what a top leader might do next. He warned the public needs to stay alert. Furthermore a TV host noted the president’s move to deploy troops with the goal of fighting crime in the capital. She asked if this could set a pattern for future years. Many experts think it could.
The Role of the National Guard
Many of the troops on duty come from the National Guard. These guardsmen hold civilian jobs during peacetime. Now they leave family and work to serve in the city. Hertling pointed out this sudden shift can be tough on guards with day jobs. Some may need to halt important tasks back home. In addition they join a mission they did not choose. All this can increase stress and lower morale.
How Morale Can Suffer
When soldiers feel lost or upset, their morale can drop fast. Morale drives how teams perform under stress. Moreover high morale helps units work together smoothly. By contrast low morale can lead to mistakes. Soldiers might doubt their role or hesitate when orders arrive. Therefore leaders must explain the mission clearly to keep spirits high.
The Bigger Picture
Experts worry this move may hide a deeper trend. They note a rising push to use military forces in domestic settings. While the Guard has a tradition of helping in emergencies, some see risks when troops patrol streets. Furthermore some fear political motives may blur lines between public safety and political control. As a result citizens and soldiers alike could face new challenges in the years ahead.
What Comes Next
Hertling urged leaders to think twice before sending more troops to stand guard. He said clear orders, strong leadership, and respect for the law will help avoid crises. In addition he called on the public to stay informed. He argued that citizens need to watch how and when the military acts in civilian roles. Transparency and oversight can keep democracy on track.
Conclusion
Overall retired General Hertling’s warning shines a light on the human side of a high-profile deployment. He reminds us that soldiers are people with feelings, jobs, and beliefs. Moreover he shows how unclear missions and political pressures can harm morale. As deployments continue, the nation must balance public safety with rights and norms. Above all it must ensure troops get clear goals and respectful treatment.