Mark Hertling
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...

 Mark Phillip Hertling, USA
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...

 (born September 29, 1953) is the Commanding General, US Army Europe and Seventh Army
United States Army Europe
United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and the land component of United States European Command. It is the largest American formation in Europe.-Invasion of Sicily:...

. In that role, he is the Commander of the approximately 42,000 US Army forces assigned to Europe, and he is the Army Component Commander of US European Command. While Hertling's primary role is training US Army Soldiers and Units for Contingency and Full Spectrum Operations, he is also responsible for Theater Security Cooperation and Building Partner Capacity with the 51 Allied nations that are part of the European area of operation.

In the first 180 days as USAREUR Commander, Hertling visited more than 26 countries to meet with military counterparts and state department officials to further mil-to-mil partnerships in the region and increase theatre security operations to help prevent future conflicts. Additionally, he consistently visits with Minister Presidents and German officials to further the relationship with the USAREUR host-nation. Hertling has also overseen the re-stand-up of V Corps in Wiesbaden, brought the innovative Soldier Fueling Initiative to USAREUR Soldiers, increased efficiencies throughout all units, provided increased support for family programs and wounded warrior programs, and reinforced leader development, values, and the Army Profession.

Recent Commands

Prior to assuming duties as the USAREUR Commander, Hertling served as the first Deputy Commanding General for Initial Military Training. In that role he was responsible for initial training of approximately 160,000 officers and enlisted soldiers entering US Army training every year at 27 installations across the United States. During the period he was assigned, Hertling led significant change in several areas, to include integrating new training methods into Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training and Basic Officer Leadership Courses. IMT revised the Army's Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills and further developing training in rifle marksmanship, combatives, values instruction, first-aid, and cultural training. IMT's "Soldier-Athlete" initiative also brought about changes in Physical Readiness Training, introducing Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists to training units, and integrating performance nutrition into dining facilities (Fueling the Soldier). Complimenting Soldier Athlete, Hertling drove a design for a radical change in the Army's Physical Readiness (PT) test in 2011.

Prior to becoming DCG-IMT, Hertling commanded the 1st Armored Division in Germany, and the 28,000-strong Task Force Iron in Northern Iraq. That Task Force was based in Tikrit, and cooperated with 5 different Iraqi Army Divisions from October of 2007 to December 2008. During that period there was a significant decrease in insurgent activity in Iraq's four Northern provinces and the Kurdish area. Simultaneously the economic and political landscape in the area improved dramatically. TF Iron combined a series of kinetic operations ("Iron") with a unique series of non-kinetic engagements ("United and Strong") to further improve conditions and ensure lasting security.

Hertling has seen alternating assignment between operational and training postings, and he is considered by many to be a skilled trainer and a soldier-focused leader. He has served or commanded at every level, and he has been assigned to all of the Combat Training Center in the United States and Germany; he has influenced the training model in the US Army at various stages of his career.

Biography

Mark Hertling was born on September 29, 1953 in St. Louis, Mo
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...

. He attended Christian Brothers College High School
Christian Brothers College High School
Christian Brothers College High School , is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory school for young men in St. Louis, Missouri. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Louis and is owned and operated by the De La Salle Christian Brothers Midwest District.-Early years :The school...

 in Clayton, Mo
Clayton, Missouri
Clayton is an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis and the county seat of St. Louis County, Missouri. The population was 15,939 at the 2010 census. The city was organized in 1877 and is named after Ralph Clayton, who donated the land for the courthouse.-Geography:...

. Hertling was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch
Armoured warfare
Armoured warfare or tank warfare is the use of armoured fighting vehicles in modern warfare. It is a major component of modern methods of war....

 after graduation from the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...

 at West Point in 1975. While at West Point, Hertling was on the NCAA Division 1 Swimming and Water Polo Team, and he was active as a member of his class committee and Cadet Captain his senior year.

Hertling has served in various command and staff assignments, both in the Continental United States and overseas. He began his professional career in Europe as a second lieutenant, leading tank and scout platoons in the 3rd Infantry Division in 1975–1977. He returned to Europe as a major in 1988, serving first on the staff of the 1st Armored Division as the deputy G-3, then as the S-3 of 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment (Blackhawks) with whom he deployed during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...

. He commanded 1st Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment
16th Cavalry Regiment (United States)
The 16th Cavalry Regiment is a Regiment of the United States Army first established in 1916.-Lineage:Constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as the 16th Cavalry and organized at Fort Sam Houston, Texas...

 at Fort Knox
Fort Knox
Fort Knox is a United States Army post in Kentucky south of Louisville and north of Elizabethtown. The base covers parts of Bullitt, Hardin, and Meade counties. It currently holds the Army Human Resources Center of Excellence to include the Army Human Resources Command, United States Army Cadet...

, Ky. He Commanded 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis
Fort Lewis
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a United States military facility located south-southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord....

, Wash. when that unit was named as the Army’s first Stryker Brigade
Stryker
The IAV Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled, 4-wheel-drive , armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, in use by the United States Army. The vehicle is named for two American servicemen who posthumously received the Medal of Honor:...

. He was also the Commander of Operations Group, National Training Center and Fort Irwin, Fort Irwin, Calif., and he commanded the 7th Army Training Command, transforming it to the Joint-Multinational Training Command
Joint Multinational Command Training Center
The Joint Multinational Training Command is a US Army training organization located in Grafenwoehr, Bavaria, Germany under the command of the US 7th Army.JMTC is responsible for providing and overseeing the training requirements for all US 7th Army soldiers....

, in Grafenwoehr, Germany. He also served as the Vice J-7 and the J-7, on the Joint Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...

 in Washginton, D.C. from 2001–2003, and as the U.S. Army Europe G-3 from 2005–2007. His overseas operations also include the Commanding General, 1st Armored Division
1st Armored Division (United States)
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...

/Multi-National Division-North, as a major general from October 2007 to December 2008 both in Wiesbaden, Germany and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a brigadier general, he was the assistant division commander from September 2003 to August 2004 of the 1st Armored Division, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army
United States Army Europe
United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and the land component of United States European Command. It is the largest American formation in Europe.-Invasion of Sicily:...

, Germany and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since graduation, Hertling has received a Masters in Science in Physical Education from Indiana University
Indiana University
Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...

, a Masters in Military Arts and Sciences from the Command and General Staff College
Command and General Staff College
The United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas is a graduate school for United States Army and sister service officers, interagency representatives, and international military officers. The college was established in 1881 by William Tecumseh Sherman as a...

 at Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is a United States Army facility located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, immediately north of the city of Leavenworth in the upper northeast portion of the state. It is the oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C. and has been in operation for over 180 years...

, Kan., and a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...

 in Washington, D.C..

Hertling has taught in the Department of Physical Education at the US Military Academy, and has served as a speechwriter for GEN (ret.) Frederick M. Franks when he commanded TRADOC.

Lieutenant General Hertling is a member of Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society established 1897 to recognize and encourage superior scholarship without restriction as to area of study and to promote the "unity and democracy of education"...

, a Board of Trustee member at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...

, a life member of the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...

 association and the Friends of Army Swimming.

LTG Hertling is married, and he and his wife Susan have two sons and a daughter-in-law who are active duty Soldiers, another daughter-in-law who is a teacher, and they currently have one grandson.

Publications

  1. CPT Mark Hertling and Dr James Peterson, “Being All You Can Be…Physically!”, ARMY Magazine, February 1986, pp 45–49
  2. Mark Hertling, “Brooms and Brawn”, TRIATHLON Magazine, May 1986, pp 22–23
  3. Mark Hertling, “Dryland Training at West Point”, SWIMMING TECHNIQUE, May–June 1986, pp 23–30
  4. James Sfayer and Mark Hertling, “Fit to Fight,” Marine Corps Gazette, August 1987, pp 43–44
  5. Mark P. Hertling, “Physical Training for the Modern Battlefield: Are We Tough Enough?”. SAMS Monograph, CALL Library, Nov 23, 87
  6. Mark P. Hertling, “Whence Values Come,” Military Review, December 1987, 16–23
  7. Mark P. Hertling, “Insights Garnered and Gained: The Israeli Defense Forces and Operation Peace for Galilee,” SAMS Monograph, CALL Library, April 22, 88
  8. Mark P. Hertling, “Narcoterrorism: The New Unconventional War,” Military Review, March 90
  9. Mark P. Hertling, “The Battle Of Oom Chalouba, June 17, 2008,” ARMOR Magazine, Vol 104, Jan–Feb 1995 pg 26–33
  10. Hertling, Mark P. "The Battle of Oom Chalouba, June 17, 2008: The Leader’s Role in Preparing Units for the Physical Demands of Combat." In Leadership: The Warrior’s Art, ed. Christopher D. Kolenda, 287–307. 2nd ed. Carlisle: Army War College Foundation Press, 2001. (UB210 .L21 2001)
  11. COL Mark P. Hertling and Lt Col James Boiselle, “Coming of Age in the Desert: The NTC at 20,” Military Review, September–October 2001, 64–65, October 9, 2002.
  12. Thom Shanker and Mark Hertling, “The Military Media Relationship: A Dysfunctional Marriage,” Military Review, Sept–Oct 2009, Vol 89, Number 5
  13. LTG Mark P. Hertling, “The Year of the NCO: A Division Commander’s Perspective,” Military Review, September 2009, Vol. 89, Number 5.
  14. LTG Mark Hertling, LTC William Graham and MAJ Louis Florence, “We Need More Engineers!”, ARMY Magazine, January 2010
  15. LTG Mark Hertling, "What's Going On In Basic Training", ARMY Magazine, March 2010
  16. LTG Mark Hertling and PFC Jennifer Prowell,"A Soldiers Thoughts on Training, Leadership," ARMY Magazine, November 2010
  17. LTG Mark Hertling, "The US Army in Europe, Fighting Above Our Weight Class," AUSA Green Book 2011

Interviews

  1. Military Family Reflects on Sacrifices of Iraq Service – Steve Inskeep. National Public Radio. September 13, 2004
  2. Army Ranks See Imbalance in Iraq War Sacrifice – Steve Inskeep. National Public Radio. July 12, 2007
  3. DoD News Briefing, Operation Iron Hammer. – November 19, 2007.
  4. DoD News Briefing, Maj. Gen. Bergner and Maj. Gen. Hertling. – December 19, 2007.
  5. U.S. Planes Strike Al-Qaida Hideouts Near Baghdad – Anne Garrells. National Public Radio. January 10, 2008
  6. The Compassionate General Michael Holmes, CNN. February 9, 2008.
  7. DoD News Briefing, Operational Update: Maj. Gen. Hertling – May 21, 2008.
  8. U.S. Bridging Gaps Between Baghdad, Provinces – Renee Montagne, All Things Considered. National Public Radio. March 18, 2008
  9. DoD News Briefing, Operational Update: Maj. Gen. Hertling – May 21, 2008.
  10. US troops in Northern Iraq – Wolf Blitzer, CNN. May 23, 2008.
  11. DoD News Briefing, Northern Iraq Security Operations – July 27, 2008.
  12. US troops in Iraq – Wolf Blitzer, CNN. August 3, 2008.
  13. DoD News Briefing, December 8, 2008.
  14. New Basic Training Hardens Softer Generation – All Things Considered, National Public Radio. March 20, 2010
  15. Making Soldiers Fit to Fight – James Dao, New York Times. August 30, 2010.
  16. Soldiers Require Best Nutritional Benefits – Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News. December 13, 2010.
  17. Army Boot Camp Embraces New-Age Fitness – Frank Morris, All Things Considered. National Public Radio. December 28, 2010.
  18. Michelle Obama sees Military as Model for Fitness Effort, – Mimi Hall, USA Today. January 28, 2011.
  19. US Army Europe and the Future of Forward Presence, – Atlantic Council. July 11, 2011.
  20. US Army Europe Podcast: LTG Mark Hertling, – US Army Europe YouTube. Aug. 23, 2011.
  21. Conference of European Armies highlights success of longtime alliances, new partnerships, – Jorge Benitez – Atlantic Council. Sept. 22, 2011.
  22. Consensus scarce on future of overseas bases – Catherine Cheney and Charles Hoskinson – Politico. Oct. 23, 2011.
  23. Future of US Army Europe, - Vago Muradian - Defensenews.com Oct. 30, 2011.

Military Schools Attended

  • Armor Officer Basic Course
  • Armor Officer Advanced Course
  • Air Defense Artillery Officer Advance Course
  • United States Army Command and General Staff College
  • School of Advanced Military Studies
  • National War College
    National War College
    The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...


Educational Degrees

  • United States Military Academy
    United States Military Academy
    The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...

     – BS – No Major
  • Indiana University
    Indiana University
    Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...

     – MS – Physical Education
  • United States Army Command and General Staff College – MMAS – Military Arts and Sciences
  • National Defense University
    National Defense University
    The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...

     – MS – National Security and Strategic Studies

Promotions

  • 2LT – Jun 4, 75
  • 1LT – Jun 5, 77
  • CPT – Nov 18, 79
  • MAJ – Jun 1, 86
  • LTC – Jul 1, 92
  • COL – Aug 1, 97
  • BG – Jan 1, 03
  • MG – Jan 1, 06
  • LTG −Sep 25, 09

Major Decorations and Badges

Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...

Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...

Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...

 (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...

 (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster)
Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...

Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...

 (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Army Commendation Medal ribbon
Commendation Medal
The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...

 (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster and V device)
Army Achievement Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Humanitarian Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under...

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,...

Kuwait Liberation Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal
The Kuwait Liberation Medal is a military service medal of several countries. The medal is issued in different versions for each country, those being:*Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal...

German Gold Cross of the Bundeswehr
Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr
The Badge of Honour of the German Armed Forces is a series of military decorations of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany...

Combat Action Badge
Combat Action Badge
The Combat Action Badge is a military badge worn in the U.S. Army. The emblem features both an M9 bayonet and M67 grenade. The Combat Action Badge may be awarded to any soldier after the date of September 18, 2001 performing duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is...


External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK