Who Is General James Mattis? Why Do They Call Him “Mad Dog?”

When was the last time you heard cheers of elation from a crowd after a president elect announced his appointment for Secretary of Defense?

Probably never.

President Trump’s announcement of General James Mattis comes as a breath of fresh air.

Mattis promises a return to a strong and great American military.

Heavy.com gives an outline of Mattis’ great career.

CNN said that Mattis, a retired Marine general, earned his Mad Dog nickname “after the 2004 battle of Fallujah in Iraq, where he led British and American troops against Iraqi insurgents.”

The Sun said Mattis earned the Mad Dog moniker during “one of the hardest-fought campaigns following the Iraq invasion in 2003 — where he was one of four Commanders leading the British/US troops to take the city from Iraqi insurgents after the fall of Saddam Hussein.”

His colorful quotes have also reinforced the nickname. NBC said Mattis doesn’t like the “Mad Dog” nickname.

Among Mattis’ quotes, according to Vox: “It’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot” Taliban fighters, and, to Iraqi leaders: “If you f-ck with me, I’ll kill you all.” However, Vox also describes Mattis as a “serious strategic thinker who is widely respected inside and outside of the Pentagon for his intellect” and willingness to buck the White House when he thinks it’s necessary. Slate magazine describes his nuanced approach to Iraq, from telling his soldiers to respect the heads of households to asking them to wear mustaches.

Trending: This Beavis And Butthead Clip On ‘White Privilege’ Is The Funniest Thing You’ll See This Year (VIDEO)

And just why do they call him “Mad Dog?” Conservative Review had this to say about that.

Far from a rough-and-tumble leader, alongside “Mad Dog,” his intellect has earned Mattis the “Warrior Monk” moniker. And he’s spoken some epic quotes over the years.

Here are nine of the absolute finest quotes from James “Mad Dog” Mattis:

“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.”
(Speech to Marines at al Asad)

“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f–k with me, I’ll kill you all.”
(To Iraqi military leaders shortly after second Iraq War’s beginning)

“Marines don’t know how to spell the word defeat.”
(A favorite slogan of Mattis’)

“Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”
(Advice to soldiers before second Iraq invasion)

“The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.
(A favorite intellectual thought of his)

“Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.
(Advice to all Marines)

“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.
(One of the more controversial thoughts by Mattis)

“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.
(A word of advice to enemies)

“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.”
(In a 2005 panel discussion about fighting the Taliban)

It looks like America has taken a turn toward peace through strength by looking to the leadership of General Mattis.

Image: Source

Completing this poll entitles you to American Lookout updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime with a single click. Here's our Privacy Policy.