Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

A great run of leadership is ending..............................
“Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”

Gen. James Mattis / AP
BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff
Gen. James Mattis, known to his troops as “Mad Dog Mattis,” is retiring after 41 years of military service.
The Marine Corps Times is calling Mattis the “most revered Marine in a generation.”
Mattis has been commander of the United States Central Command since 2010 and led the 1st Marine Division into Iraq in 2003.
Mattis was an inspirational leader of men and his powerful words will go down in history.
Here are some of the best words that the “Mad Dog” has had to offer:
1. “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)

AP
2. “The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot.”
(Business Insider)
3. “I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)
4. “Find the enemy that wants to end this experiment (in American democracy) and kill every one of them until they’re so sick of the killing that they leave us and our freedoms intact.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)

5. “Marines don’t know how to spell the word defeat.”
(Business Insider)
6. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)
7. “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)
8. “You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.”
(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

9. “There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.”
(Business Insider)
10. “No war is over until the enemy says it’s over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.”
(Defense News
)
11. “There is nothing better than getting shot at and missed. It’s really great.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)
12. “You cannot allow any of your people to avoid the brutal facts. If they start living in a dream world, it’s going to be bad.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)

13. “You go into Afghanistan , you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.”
(CNN)
14. “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.”
(San Diego Union Tribune)
15. “Demonstrate to the world there is ‘No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy’ than a U.S. Marine.”
(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)
16. “Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit”
(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

Had we had a leader like this in 1967, we wouldn't have been the embarrassment we were under LBJ.

SEMPER FI! :thumbup:

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Semper Fi Marine
Fmr Sp5 US Army
71-78

It is an honor to serve under the likes of these leaders.
We have all met them, some of us have served under leaders of similar philosophies.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

You are exactly right Bruce. Why isn't this guy our President?

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

(t seems that many of our generals and admirals are more politically concerned than looking out for their troops. I would serve anywhere with this general and vote for him anytime for a national office.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

This leader has what it takes to make America AMERICA again.
I could vote for such a man.

We had a man in my unit, E6 riffed CW2, HE was just a miserable soul.
Combat vet, many awards and decorations.
One day he was pissing and moaning about his duties and proclaimed he had "done his shit" pointing to his campaign medals. Our battalion CO, Col ( FULL BULL) calmly mentioned, That was yesterday Staff Sergeant, what have you done for America TODAY?
That always stuck in my mind, One has to earn his keep EVERY DAY.
That Colonel was the closest I have met to the likes of Schwartzkopf. An honor with which to serve. The kind of leader one would follow to hell, with a gallon jerry can of gas.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Amen! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Sounds like your CO had the mettle!

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Sometimes retreat (and yes, even surrender!) is the best option for either tactical or humane reasons. Based soley on his words, this fellow makes a poor commander because he apparently can't stop fighting regardless of circumstances. I would be very weary to serve under such a person in either a military or civil situation.

Critter-Hunter Loc: Indiana

Hey rook2c4, have you ever served in the military ?

ted45 Loc: Delaware

No he hasn't. If he had he would know how absurd his statement is.

Marine Corp 63 - 67 Semper Fi

Dave Chinn

I disagree with every word of your quote. Having said that I would be weary going into battle with you by my side. The sad part, there is probably a lot of people that would agree with you.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Not a marine, current or in-active, but an American who lives in a free country because of them. Thanks.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I think statement #10 would directly refute your comment.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Sounds quite like you got your talking points from obama!

:thumbdown:

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Exactly! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Also USMC 1963-67 SEMPER FI