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 air base in Iraq, 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.”
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.
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.
This quote is often shared among Mattis fans for its almost Spartan-like delivery.
Mattis has often talked to Marine leaders about staying sharp.
The "dream world" he alluded to is a reference to a complacent attitude, and it's one that can cost lives if troops aren't vigilant.
As a co-author of the military's counter-insurgency manual (with retired Army Gen. David Petraeus), Mattis has often spoke about following the rules of engagement and being disciplined among a ruthless enemy.
The general has always been 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."
His success in battle and strategic genius has earned him an almost-Godlike status among Marines.
The General is a student of history and avid reader.
He often stresses the importance of education and training on building effective future leaders.
Some Mattis quotes don't come without a degree of controversy, including this one.
Mattis said this while speaking about his time on the ground in Afghanistan, but he was later counseled by his boss, Marine Commandant Gen. Michael Hagee, who said "he should have chosen his words more carefully."
Many Marines still look up to Mattis as a cult-like figure. Nevertheless, he has always been seen as a consummate professional.
A Marine officer we spoke with told Business Insider: "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.
While one of his nicknames is "Mad Dog," many other Marines know him as the "Warrior Monk" — a general who reads and studies constantly that has never been married.
As a top General, we can safely assume that Mattis has had to sit through his fair share of awful PowerPoint briefings. Mattis actually banned briefers from using the software while he was in charge of US Central Command — a practice that other top generals have followed.
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 find a solution.
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.
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.
Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
Next Story