The retired four-star general spent 44 years in the US Marine Corps, working his way up to Commander of US Central Command.
He's been called "Mad Dog" Mattis ( a nickname he detests ), "Warrior Monk" (because he's such an intellectual), and is beloved and respected by fellow Marines.
Mattis also has some of the best quotes of any general around. Here are 17 of his best.
ADVERTISEMENT
On meeting new people:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On collateral damage:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On taking a life:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
ADVERTISEMENT
Warning US enemies:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On foes opposing the US military:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On failure:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On the business of war:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On defeating Al Qaeda:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
ADVERTISEMENT
On the US Marines:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On using your head:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On presentations:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On leadership:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On fighting for democracy:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
ADVERTISEMENT
On treachery:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On thinking things through:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On what it means to be a US Marine:
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
On combat:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jenny Cheng/Business Insider
SEE ALSO: The incredible career of Jim Mattis, the legendary Marine general turned defense secretary
ADVERTISEMENT
DON'T MISS: MEET THE CABINET: Here are the 24 people Trump has appointed to the top leadership positions
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7scHLrJxnppdkr6p7z6ijoqyZmMBwfZZmpp9lpJ2ybrnOrKtmpJWcsq%2BwwKuwZqmlpMGmv4yfqailXZ%2BurrHSZqSarKSewG7Ax55kn6elp3q0wMCrZKaZop67pnnGnqWeqpGheri0zminpG2Ypb64