Podcast Summary: "Speakers of Truth to Power: Lt. General (retired) Ben Hodges"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Power of Balance
• Host: Stephen Barden
• Episode: Speakers of Truth to Power: Lt. General (retired) Ben Hodges
• Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction to the Series and Guest

In the third episode of the "Speakers of Truth to Power" series, host Stephen Barden welcomes retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges. This series spotlights individuals who have courageously stood against prevailing power structures to advocate for ethical and balanced leadership. Ben Hodges, a former commanding General of the US Army in Europe and a senior advisor to Human Rights First, brings a wealth of experience in military ethics and human rights advocacy.

Defining "Speaking Truth to Power"

The conversation begins with Barden and Hodges exploring the essence of "speaking truth to power." Hodges defines it as the courage to challenge authority respectfully and factually:

Ben Hodges (03:35): “It means you have to have your act together. If we're going to challenge authority, you need to make sure that you have your facts straight.”

Barden emphasizes that true speaking to power involves engaging directly with those who can enact change, differentiating it from anonymous protests.

Balancing Military and Civilian Authority

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around maintaining a balance between military obedience and ethical responsibility. Hodges recounts the military's adoption of mission orders inspired by German tactical leadership, which empower junior leaders to adapt strategies to achieve desired outcomes:

Ben Hodges (05:21): “The end state, the desired end state was more important than doing the actual specific tasks that had been outlined.”

This doctrine fosters a culture where junior officers feel empowered to make decisions that align with overarching objectives, ensuring flexibility and ethical conduct in uncertain combat scenarios.

Challenges in Modern Military Leadership

Hodges expresses concerns about the current US administration's influence on the military. He criticizes the administration for placing loyalists in key positions, thereby undermining the military's ethical foundations:

Ben Hodges (12:30): “We all take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States. It's not to the president, it's to the Constitution.”

He highlights the dangers of having civilian leaders who are unwilling to question unethical or illegal directives, thus shifting the onus onto uniformed officers who may fear repercussions.

Instances of Speaking Truth to Power

Hodges shares personal experiences demonstrating the importance of speaking out within the military. He describes instances where he advocated for necessary military capabilities despite administrative pushback:

Ben Hodges (35:02): “I started getting louder and louder about it because I knew that we were competing with the Pacific, we were competing with the Middle East... I did not want to end up in a history book someday where the commander was never told us, and we had no idea that it was such a...”

These anecdotes illustrate Hodges’ commitment to ethical leadership and the challenges faced when advocating for necessary changes against established policies.

Impact of Political Influence on the Military

The discussion delves into the repercussions of political interference in military affairs. Hodges critiques the manipulation of military resources for partisan purposes, citing the controversial deployment of Marines to Los Angeles under dubious premises as an example:

Ben Hodges (39:49): “This incident is one of the worst things I've seen in my adult life of the military being used as a tool by an administration for purely partisan purposes.”

He laments the lack of public support for figures like General Milley who oppose such misuse of military authority, attributing it to fear and political loyalty among retired officers.

Ethical Standards and Military Training

Addressing the erosion of ethical standards, Hodges emphasizes the necessity of rigorous moral education within the military. He advocates for continuous reinforcement of the oath to the Constitution and ethical decision-making:

Ben Hodges (40:08): “It starts in our military academies and other commissioning sources where young women and men are educated to become officers. Just as I did when I was a cadet at West Point...”

He calls for enhanced training in political, social, and cultural contexts to prepare military personnel to make informed and ethical decisions in complex conflict scenarios.

Human Rights and Current Conflicts

Hodges discusses his role with Human Rights First, focusing on combating fear-driven policies and advocating for humane treatment of immigrants. He connects military ethics to broader human rights issues, highlighting the military’s role in enforcing ethical standards:

Ben Hodges (49:05): “They are taken away from their real job, which is to be able to perform military tasks. They're no longer training on those things. They're now doing the work of the border guard.”

He underscores the importance of demilitarizing anti-immigration rhetoric and policies to prevent the erosion of ethical standards within the military.

Case Study: Israeli Army and Gaza Conflict

In a poignant discussion about the Israeli Defense Forces, Hodges reflects on the moral burdens carried by soldiers involved in the Gaza conflict. He critiques the Netanyahu government's approach to eliminating Hamas, arguing that violence without addressing underlying causes only perpetuates conflict:

Ben Hodges (50:45): “I have spoken with Israeli veterans, IDF veterans, that say it really is a problem that for the rest of your life... you’re going to carry that burden.”

Hodges emphasizes the necessity of addressing root causes and fostering long-term solutions to achieve sustainable peace.

Conclusion: Upholding Military Ethics in Challenging Times

In concluding the episode, Durant stresses the critical need for military institutions to maintain ethical standards and resist political pressures that compromise their foundational values. Hodges reinforces the importance of continuous ethical education and the courage to speak out against injustices:

Ben Hodges (40:08): “I want that in the fiber that needs to be continued to be the process.”

The episode underscores the delicate balance between authority and ethical responsibility, highlighting the ongoing struggle to uphold integrity within powerful institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Hodges (03:35): “It means you have to have your act together. If we're going to challenge authority, you need to make sure that you have your facts straight.”

• Ben Hodges (05:21): “The end state, the desired end state was more important than doing the actual specific tasks that had been outlined.”

• Ben Hodges (12:30): “We all take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States. It's not to the president, it's to the Constitution.”

• Ben Hodges (35:02): “I started getting louder and louder about it because I knew that we were competing with the Pacific, we were competing with the Middle East... I did not want to end up in a history book someday where the commander was never told us, and we had no idea that it was such a...”

• Ben Hodges (39:49): “This incident is one of the worst things I've seen in my adult life of the military being used as a tool by an administration for purely partisan purposes.”

• Ben Hodges (40:08): “It starts in our military academies and other commissioning sources where young women and men are educated to become officers. Just as I did when I was a cadet at West Point...”

• Ben Hodges (49:05): “They are taken away from their real job, which is to be able to perform military tasks. They're no longer training on those things. They're now doing the work of the border guard.”

• Ben Hodges (50:45): “I have spoken with Israeli veterans, IDF veterans, that say it really is a problem that for the rest of your life... you’re going to carry that burden.”

Final Thoughts:

This episode of "The Power of Balance" offers a profound exploration of the ethical responsibilities of military leaders and the challenges they face in maintaining integrity amidst political pressures. Lt. General Ben Hodges provides invaluable insights into the importance of speaking truth to power, the necessity of ethical education, and the enduring struggle to uphold constitutional values within powerful institutions. For listeners interested in leadership, military ethics, and human rights, this episode serves as a compelling testament to the power of balanced and principled leadership.