Command Post: Ebola Returned at the Worst Possible Time (w/ Eric Schoomaker)

Summary

Episode Overview

Episode Title: Command Post: Ebola Returned at the Worst Possible Time
Podcast: The Bulwark
Hosts: Ben Parker and Mark Hertling
Guest: Eric Schoomaker (Former U.S. Army Surgeon General)
Release Date: June 3, 2026

This episode of Command Post addresses the resurgence of the Ebola virus amid a period of global instability and political polarization. Hosts Ben Parker and Mark Hertling are joined by Dr. Eric Schoomaker, former U.S. Army Surgeon General, to discuss the military’s experience responding to bio-threats, the lessons learned from prior Ebola outbreaks, and the broader implications for public health preparedness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Context and Why Ebola's Return Matters

• Lightning Round on Global Crises

  • [00:15–04:30] Ben and Mark quickly recap a tumultuous week: global political unrest, climate emergencies, and now the resurgence of Ebola in West Africa.
  • Mark: “It feels like just when our crisis-responders are stretched thinner than ever, here comes Ebola again to challenge every weak spot in the system.” (03:22)

• Public Health System Strain

  • The hosts emphasize how the pandemic and current political divides have eroded public trust in health authorities, complicating outbreak response efforts.

2. Introducing Dr. Eric Schoomaker

• Guest Arrival
  • [05:02] Dr. Eric Schoomaker is introduced with a brief summary of his military medical career and role in previous bio-threat responses.
  • Ben: “If there’s anyone who understands both the bureaucratic and boots-on-the-ground realities of fighting outbreaks, it’s Dr. Schoomaker.” (05:15)

3. Military's Role in Outbreak Response

• Experience from Previous Ebola Outbreaks

  • [07:10–12:30] Dr. Schoomaker discusses Operation United Assistance (the 2014 Ebola response), emphasizing the logistical and medical challenges.
  • Dr. Schoomaker: “The military brings speed and scale—you get hundreds or thousands of beds set up, airlift supplies, and coordinated action when others can’t.” (08:45)

• Civil-Military Cooperation

  • Dr. Schoomaker notes that the military can fill gaps quickly, but “public health isn’t just a military mission. You need local trust, community engagement, and expertise at every level.” (10:37)

4. Lessons Learned and What’s Different Now

• Preparedness and Public Trust

  • [13:00–17:30] The panel explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected infrastructure and trust.
  • Mark: “After COVID, we thought we'd be better at this. But our systems are still finger-in-the-dike, patchwork, even at the federal level.” (15:01)
  • Dr. Schoomaker highlights the need for reliable information streams and anticipates misinformation spirals.

• International Coordination

  • The group discusses how global distrust and new geopolitical frictions have made it harder for the U.S. to work with NGOs and allies.

5. Handling the Current Ebola Return

• Technical Details and Outbreak Evolution

  • [18:00–25:00] Dr. Schoomaker briefly explains how Ebola mutates and why surveillance is so vital.
  • Dr. Schoomaker: “It’s not just isolation tents. It’s contact tracing, communication, safe burials, and respect for local customs—all under the gun.” (20:52)

• Vaccine and Treatment Updates

  • The episode highlights recent advancements—newer vaccines, more coordinated international response plans—but warns that political instability in regions of outbreak impairs both delivery and acceptance.

6. Broader Bio-Threat Landscape

• Dual Use and National Security

  • [26:30–32:00] The hosts and guest talk about the rising risk of non-state actors harnessing biological threats.
  • Ben: “We’re living in an age where biological threats blend easily with conventional national security concerns.” (27:04)
  • Dr. Schoomaker presents the sobering reality of dual-use research and the possibility of engineered viruses, underscoring the importance of detection and interagency training.

• Preparedness Frameworks and Gaps

  • The group calls out major shortfalls in public health funding and the “attention-deficit disorder” of preparedness in American politics.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mark Hertling:

  • “It feels like just when our crisis-responders are stretched thinner than ever, here comes Ebola again to challenge every weak spot in the system.” (03:22)
  • “After COVID, we thought we'd be better at this. But our systems are still finger-in-the-dike, patchwork, even at the federal level.” (15:01)

• Ben Parker:

  • “If there’s anyone who understands both the bureaucratic and boots-on-the-ground realities of fighting outbreaks, it’s Dr. Schoomaker.” (05:15)
  • “We’re living in an age where biological threats blend easily with conventional national security concerns.” (27:04)

• Dr. Eric Schoomaker:

  • “The military brings speed and scale—you get hundreds or thousands of beds set up, airlift supplies, and coordinated action when others can’t.” (08:45)
  • “Public health isn’t just a military mission. You need local trust, community engagement, and expertise at every level.” (10:37)
  • “It’s not just isolation tents. It’s contact tracing, communication, safe burials, and respect for local customs—all under the gun.” (20:52)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Lightning Round on Current Events: 00:15–04:30
• Guest Introduction: 05:02
• Military and Ebola, Past and Present: 07:10–12:30
• Lessons from COVID and Ebola: 13:00–17:30
• Ebola’s Current Situation: 18:00–25:00
• Bio-Threats and Security: 26:30–32:00

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Tone & Summary

The episode maintains a candid, knowledgeable, and sometimes sobering tone. Mark and Ben provide accessible but serious analysis, while Dr. Schoomaker brings deep expertise and a sense of urgency. Together, they argue for renewed investment in preparedness, interagency cooperation, and public trust as the battle against Ebola—and other emerging threats—continues.

Transcript

[A]

Hi, I'm Ben Parker from the Bulwark. And hi, I'm Mark Hertling. Ben, partner's partner from the Bulwark. Welcome back to another episode of Command Post. We have a bunch of things. We're going to start with a lightning round because there's so much to talk about this week. And then we are going to welcome on our very special guest to talk about Ebola virus and how the military responds to public health crises and bio threats around the world. We're very excited for our special guest. But first. Okay. We have to start with our.