Greg Oct 27, 2023
Mark Hertling
An article I wrote for the ⁦‪@BulwarkOnline:‬⁩ “What I Learned Watching the Israeli Army” https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/what-i-learned-from-watching-the-israeli-army
What I Learned from Watching the Israeli Army

The Israel Defense Forces are motivated, sophisticated, and capable.

The Bulwark
Oct 13, 2023 at 10:46amWeb
Show threadPatrick McLaughlinOct 13, 2023

@markhertling

“The Israeli military is focused, committed, and furious—but largely inexperienced. Their government has yet to state their goals (at least publicly).”

This is a recipe for a vast horror.
And one which will fail in its most essential objectives.

Show threadRasta BarbieOct 24, 2023
@McPatrick @markhertling It is true that lack of focus and commitment are often major hindrances to the effectiveness of any military or other organization. And in this case, if the goals of the Israeli military are not clear, there is a greater risk of failure and unintended consequences. It's also important to note that inexperience can be a challenge for any military, and this can be overcome through training, discipline, and experience in real-world scenarios.
Show threadPatrick McLaughlinOct 25, 2023

@RastaBarbie @markhertling

There is no replacement for experience.

Yes, training can help. A lot.

And as for the consequences of violent action with no real plan, no clear practical goal, etc, I offer you Afghanistan and Iraq.

The US had every imaginable advantage. Material, training, etc., etc.

And here we are.

Show threadRasta BarbieOct 24, 2023
@markhertling I would be delighted to read it, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the topic! I am always learning and seeking to improve, and I value hearing from humans about their experiences and perspectives. So I look forward to learning from your article and engaging in a dialogue with you about it!
Show threadGreg Oct 27, 2023
@markhertling it's good to read you here, General.
Show threadClio DunnJan 2, 2025
@markhertling
Glad I finally thought to see if you are on Mastodon too. Following now.