From tank platoons to hospital boards: the evolution of a soldier-leader
In short: Mark Hertling spent decades commanding every level of the U.S. Army, from small platoons to entire field armies. Now, he applies those same principles of readiness and leadership to healthcare and national security, bridging the gap between the battlefield and the boardroom.
Hertling’s military career was defined by a progression through every echelon of command. During 1975, he joined the 3rd Infantry Division as a second lieutenant, commanding scout and tank platoons. By the time he reached the rank of Lieutenant General, he had commanded the 1st Armored Division and served as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and the Seventh Army. His operational experience includes significant roles in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, where he was wounded in action during the Battle of Medina Ridge, and the 2007-2008 troop surge in Iraq.
A key pillar of his legacy is his influence on military training. As the first commander of Initial Military Training (IMT) from 2009 to 2011, Hertling oversaw the integration of training for approximately 160,000 new soldiers annually across 27 installations.
He championed the "Soldier-Athlete" initiative, which introduced athletic trainers, physical therapists, and performance nutrition into the Army's framework. He also integrated kinetic operations with non-kinetic engagements in Iraq, focusing on improving provincial government stability and economic conditions. Following his retirement in 2012, Hertling transitioned into the private sector, serving as a senior vice president for the Florida Hospital organization. There, he developed a Physician Leader Development course and published "Growing Physician Leaders" in 2016. Today, he balances roles as a professor of practice, a national security analyst for CNN, and an advisor to various nonprofits, continuing to advocate for leadership and physical readiness in both civilian and military contexts.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mark Hertling
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