And Gen. Mattis didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. He led from the front. Indeed, on at least one occasion that I know of, the General was bloodied from a firefight or improvised explosive device while out on patrol with junior, enlisted Marines one-third his age. That’s what makes Gen. Mattis such a great warrior: He truly respects and cares for his Marines.
We’ve gathered some of his best quotes, taken from this San Diego Union-Tribune profile, unless otherwise specified.
As a co-author of the military’s counter-insurgency manual (with David Petraeus), Mattis has often spoke about following the rules of engagement and being disciplined among a ruthless enemy.
After the initial Iraq invasion, “Chaos” (his radio callsign) sent home his tanks and artillery and used the “carrot and the stick” with Iraqi tribal leaders.
Speaking to his Marines at al Asad, he tried to motivate them to stay sharp and continue the mission.
Mattis demonstrates that he is willing to extend an olive branch to those on the fence — but always carries the weight of Marine firepower if that doesn’t work out.
Many Marines look up to Mattis as a cult-like figure. Nevertheless, he will most likely be remembered as a consummate professional.
As a highly-educated four-star General, Mattis probably can spell it, but he wants his Marines to know that they should never let it happen.
He often emphasizes to his troops that they need to be problem solvers, only using firepower as a last result.
As a top General, we can safely assume that Mattis has had to sit through his fair share of awful PowerPoint briefings.
Mattis wants educated leaders that can be both book smart and be able to get the job done.
Mattis spoke to Congress on this point after a series of green-on-blue attacks that left military leaders struggling to deal with.
The General is a student of history and avid reader.
This line from his 2003 letter to his Marines foreshadows his contribution in 2006 to counter-insurgency doctrine, which stresses battlefield discipline, and protection of the civilian populace.
Mattis uses “never lost their nerve” in his 2003 letter to his men, utilizing a line from the Marines’ Hymn.
Our Government won’t help our veterans so the American citizens are doing their best. With limited resources they come to the rescue with unlimited love for our Veterans.
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