Mattis has often talked to Marine leaders about staying sharp.
The "dream world" he alludes to is a reference to a complacent attitude -- one that can cost lives if troops aren't vigilant.
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.
The General is confident in his abilities and that of his Marines -- he led the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade into Afghanistan in 2001, the 1st Marine Division into Iraq in 2003, and led an operation into Fallujah in 2004 dubbed "Operation Vigilant Resolve", and helped to plan the later "Operation Phantom Fury."
One of his "words to live by" for his Marines in Iraq, which was a call for his troops to remain vigilant and never let their guard down even in the company of those who seem friendly.
In a country where insurgents would blend into the local populace with ease, it was good advice.
Some Mattis quotes don't come without a degree of controversy, including this one.
Said while speaking about his time on the ground in Afghanistan, he was later counseled by his boss Gen. Hagee, who said "he should have chosen his words more carefully."
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.
He ended the speech, telling them in Patton-esque fashion, "I feel sorry for every son of a bitch that doesn’t get to serve with you.”
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.
A Marine officer we spoke with said, "the more I learned about him, the more I saw that the things we were doing right seemed to be associated with his philosophy of command."
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 believes the battlefield is better off being far from American shores.
In places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, alliances can often shift quickly.
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.
He often stresses the importance of education and training on building effective future leaders.
Before heading into Iraq in 2003, all Marines of the 1st Marine Division received a letter from General Mattis. In the letter, he spoke candidly to his troops, telling them that "we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression."
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.
He goes on to offer another, telling them to "keep your honor clean." Mattis, an avid reader of history, wants his Marines to live up to the legacy of past warriors.
NOW SEE why they say Cadillac One is a car that wants to be a tank >
I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
Next Story