Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Title: This Trump Program Actually Saved Lives. Now He's KILLING IT
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Participants: Ben Parker (Host), Lieutenant General Mark Hertling

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Ben Parker engages in a deep and informative conversation with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling of The Bulwark. The discussion revolves around Hertling's insightful article, A Commander's Case for the Women Peace and Security Program, which highlights the critical role of this initiative during the Trump administration and the concerning moves to dismantle it under the current administration.

Disagreement with Congressman Mike Waltz

[00:00 - 02:41]
The episode kicks off with Ben Parker and Lieutenant General Mark Hertling delving into Hertling's past interactions with Mike Waltz, the former Congressman and current National Security Advisor. Hertling recounts a notable disagreement with Waltz, which stemmed from differing views on national security.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"I admire Mike Waltz. He's a smart guy. He's a veteran... What I didn't like was the fact that he was violating Department of Defense regulation by proclaiming that he was a Green Beret on all his congressional signs."

Hertling elaborates on Waltz's recent nomination to be the UN Ambassador, expressing intrigue over this career move and the implications it might have.

The Women Peace and Security Program: Origins and Importance

[03:38 - 05:14]
Ben prompts Hertling to explain the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Initiative, especially in light of Secretary of Defense Hegseth's announcement to cancel its implementation.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"It was an initiative that was generated by the United Nations, supported not only by President Trump but also by figures like Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump... It centers around four different things in terms of women's security."

Hertling details the program's focus areas, including the security of women in combat zones, their contributions to safety and security, and ensuring women's voices are heard in combat-related security strategies.

Implementing the WPS Program in Iraq: A Success Story

[05:31 - 16:21]
Delving into his personal experience, Hertling narrates a pivotal moment during his command in Northern Iraq (2007-2008) where the WPS Program was instrumental in countering a surge in female suicide bombers.

Key Points:

• Identification of the Threat:
  Hertling describes how their operations led to a series of suicide vest attacks by women, a tactic previously unseen in that region.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"We didn't know how these women were getting in. It struck me that women walking into the marketplace without being searched were a loophole exploited by insurgents."

• Establishing Women’s Police Academies:
  Responding to a soldier's suggestion, Hertling initiated the creation of women’s police academies to address the specific threat posed by unsearched female militants.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"We arranged a conference in Erbil, Kurdistan... Within weeks we produced... women police academy graduates. They started being stationed at marketplaces."

• Success in Mitigating the Threat:
  The establishment of these academies led to the capture of a 15-year-old female bomber, dismantling the network that fueled these attacks.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"We captured her... She broke the network because we were able to find where they were building the vest, where the mother was recruiting the other females."

• Media Impact:
  The success story was amplified through local media, notably a female radio host who likened the young bomber to a "dove of peace," thereby fostering a narrative that supported the WPS Program's objectives.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"This Iraqi woman was turning into the Iraqi Oprah Winfrey, gaining a significant audience and support for the program."

Current Threats to the WPS Program

[16:21 - 19:59]
Transitioning to contemporary issues, Hertling expresses concern over Secretary Hegseth's attempts to dismantle the WPS Program.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"I think our current Secretary of Defense is troublingly narrow in his view toward what constitutes lethality... He may need to take a look at some other things within the Department of Defense."

Hertling criticizes the administration's vague stance on eliminating "woke" and diversity initiatives, arguing that such measures undermine operational effectiveness and strategic alliances.

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
"It's a law... I don't know what the hell they mean by the Biden part of the program because this is a UN suggestion and it's been put into law by the US Congress."

He underscores the program's tangible benefits in enhancing military operations and protecting warfighters, questioning the rationale behind sidelining half the population in military considerations.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[19:59 - 20:09]
Ben Parker wraps up the discussion by reiterating the significance of the WPS Program as presented in Hertling's article, emphasizing its dual role in saving lives and strengthening military efficacy.

Ben Parker:
"Once again the article is a commander's case for the Women Peace and Security Program... Thank you so much for joining me General Hertling."

Hertling concurs, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights.

Key Takeaways

• WPS Program's Efficacy:
  The Women Peace and Security Initiative has proven instrumental in stabilizing conflict zones by empowering women and addressing unique security challenges.

• Policy Threats:
  Current administrative moves to dismantle or dilute the WPS Program pose significant risks to national security and operational effectiveness.

• Historical Success as a Blueprint:
  Hertling’s firsthand experience in Iraq serves as a powerful testament to the program's value, offering a blueprint for future implementations.

• Call to Action:
  There is an urgent need to preserve and support initiatives like the WPS Program to ensure comprehensive and effective security strategies.

Notable Quotes

• Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
  "We couldn't figure it out... until we connected with the women and instituted measures that directly addressed their unique role in security."
  [10:56]

• Ben Parker:
  "It boggles me... I don't know if there's a good reason for that."
  [18:58]

• Lieutenant General Mark Hertling:
  "Lethality takes on a lot of different meanings in the joint force... It really has to do with alliances, partnership, understanding what different things contribute to the effectiveness and the efficiency of the military."
  [19:59]

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes sheds light on the crucial Women Peace and Security Program, illustrating its profound impact through Lieutenant General Mark Hertling's experiences. The conversation underscores the necessity of such initiatives in modern military operations and warns against the potential setbacks posed by current administrative policies. For those interested in national security, military strategy, and effective policy implementation, this episode offers valuable insights and a compelling argument for maintaining and expanding the WPS Program.

For more detailed analysis and to read General Hertling's full article, visit thebulwark.com. Become a Bulwark+ member to access exclusive content and support independent journalism.