What would you do differently as defense secretary to compensate for this record in which the greatest military in the world, as we are constantly told, doesn't get the job done? — James Mattis Copy Share Image
I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware that any changes to that will… — James Mattis Copy Share
An untrained or uneducated Marine ... deployed to the combat zone is a bigger threat to mission accomplishment ... than the enemy. — James Mattis Copy Share Image
The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some *******s in the world that just need… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
With respect to the outlines of what's in the Army Field Manual, there's no doubt in my mind about the limitations it places not… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
We can kill lots of people. We do kill lots of people. We can destroy virtually anything we choose to destroy. — James Mattis Copy Share Image
I just hope we can find our way back to engaging with one another, arguing strongly with one another, and then going down and… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
We've backed off in good faith to try and give you a chance to straighten this problem out. But I am going to beg… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
You've been told that you're broken. That you're damaged goods ... there is also Post-Traumatic Growth. You come back from war stronger and more sure of who you are. — James Mattis Copy Share
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… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
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… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
You can overcome wrong technology. Your people have the initiative, they see the problem, no big deal ... you can't overcome bad culture. You've… — James Mattis Copy Share Image
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 a lot of fun to fight. You know, it’s a hell of a hoot. It’s… — James Mattis Copy Share
