141 Quotes by Jim Mattis

There is also among some civilians the temptation to treat warfare as just another arena of politics, with public indifference giving latitude for the imposition of social choices – conservative or progressive – uninformed by the grim exigencies and atavistic demands of warfare. This can translate into a perceived lack of respect by civilians in a military culture steeped in respect.

The Taliban had left their back door open. Memo to young officers: I can appear brilliant if I fight enemy leaders dumber than a bucket of rocks.

In keeping with George Washington’s approach to leadership, I would listen, learn, and help, then lead.

It now became even more clear to me why the Marines assign an expanded reading list to everyone promoted to a new rank: that reading gives historical depth that lights the path ahead.

Reading sheds light on the dark path ahead. By traveling into the past, I enhance my grasp of the present.

Allowing bad processes to stump good people is intolerable.

How do you prepare your men for the shock of battle? For one thing, you need to make sure that your training is so hard and varied that it removes complacency and creates muscle memory – instinctive reflexes – within a mind disciplined to identify and react to the unexpected.

From Slim to Fulford – both promoted to four-star general – came the same message: at the executive level, your job is to reward initiative in your junior officers and NCOs and facilitate their success.

The perception is widespread in the military that civilians are insensitive to its culture – more than insensitive: intolerant.