In the high-stakes world of modern defense, few voices carry the weight of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mikey Hartman, a battle-hardened veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). In this exclusive Shotgun News interview with David Fortier—Part 1 of what promises to be a riveting series—Hartman pulls back the curtain on Israel’s unyielding commitment to armed self-reliance. Drawing from decades of frontline experience in one of the planet’s most volatile regions, he dissects the IDF’s training regimens, tactical innovations, and the cultural ethos that treats civilian firearm proficiency as a national imperative. This isn’t armchair theory; it’s forged in the fire of real-world threats where hesitation means extinction.

For the 2A community, Hartman’s insights hit like a precision-guided munition. Israel, surrounded by adversaries who don’t hesitate to launch rockets or incursions, mandates military service and widespread civilian carry—echoing the Founders’ vision of a militia-ready populace. Hartman’s emphasis on adaptive marksmanship under stress underscores why American gun owners drill endlessly: proficiency isn’t optional when tyrants or terrorists knock. Contrast this with domestic disarmament pushes; Israel’s model proves armed citizens deter aggression, slashing response times and empowering the average defender. As Hartman likely unpacks (tune in for Part 2), the IDF’s success validates concealed carry reciprocity and training mandates, reminding us that the Second Amendment isn’t a relic—it’s a blueprint for survival.

The implications ripple outward: in an era of urban unrest and border vulnerabilities, Hartman’s interview arms 2A advocates with ironclad evidence that democratized firepower saves lives. Expect pushback from anti-gun elites who ignore how Israel’s everyone a rifleman paradigm has thwarted invasions and terror plots. Pro-2A patriots, grab your notebooks—this is curriculum for the next town hall or legislative skirmish, proving once again that free men stay free by staying armed.