Lt. Gen. James Mattis

[jimnyc]

I saw this picture posted on FB, so I investigated it to see if it were true. It was, but the quote was from 2005.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San Diego, California.

"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling.

"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "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."

Mattis' press office has not yet responded to a request to answer questions about his comments.

However, the Marine commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, defended Mattis, calling him "one of this country's bravest and most experienced military leaders."

"While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments made by him, I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh realities of war," he said in a written statement. "Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor."

Hagee said he had counseled Mattis regarding the remarks and that Mattis "agrees he should have chosen his words more carefully."

"Throughout our history, Marines have given their lives in the defense of this nation and human rights around the globe," Hagee's statement read. "When necessary, this commitment helps to provide us the fortitude to take the lives of those who oppress others or threaten this nation's security. This is not something we relish, yet we accept it as a reality in our profession of arms."

"Lt. Gen. Mattis is a superb leader and one of the Corps' most courageous and experienced warriors," Hagee wrote. "I remain confident that he will continue to serve this nation with dedication and distinction."

Added Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "The last three times that that general has been in combat, when he was leading Marines in Afghanistan and the two times that he led his division in Iraq, his actions and those of his troops clearly show that he understands the value of proper leadership and the value of human life."

Pace spoke Thursday during a Pentagon briefing. He declined to comment directly on Mattis' comments.

Early in his career, Mattis served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander as a lieutenant and later a captain. He also commanded assault battalions in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was the commander of the 1st Marine Division for the initial attack on Iraq.

San Diego television station KNSD, which calls itself NBC 7/39, captured Mattis' Tuesday comments on video and interviewed a retired military man afterward who said the general's remarks were "flippant."

"I was a little surprised," said retired Vice Adm. Edward H. Martin. "I don't think any of us who have ever fought in wars liked to kill anybody."

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/

[CSM]

I saw this picture posted on FB, so I investigated it to see if it were true. It was, but the quote was from 2005.





http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/

heh ... well if they wanted choir boys to fight they should have drafted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. If ya want a Marine, you get guys like Mattis. Guess which one I prefer!

[jimnyc]

heh ... well if they wanted choir boys to fight they should have drafted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. If ya want a Marine, you get guys like Mattis. Guess which one I prefer!

I agree 65000%. I can't believe I didn't hear of this story way back when. He was speaking to his troops, and how could you not like a man that says he likes brawling with the rest of the men. That's the kind of man that probably brings out the best in his troops, and the bravery.

[CSM]

I agree 65000%. I can't believe I didn't hear of this story way back when. He was speaking to his troops, and how could you not like a man that says he likes brawling with the rest of the men. That's the kind of man that probably brings out the best in his troops, and the bravery.

You have to ask yourself who the hell would follow someone into combat who said "Ummm, ya know I really don't like all the noise, smoke and blood. You guys go ahead and I'll be along later."

[Robert A Whit]

Another great General, William DePuy who commanded in Vietnam and was the first commanding general over TRADOC, responsible for Army rules of war and try out many combat problems, was also the Soldiers General. A short man, but a kick ass officer was greatly loved by the officers and men of 1st Bn, 30th Inf. Check out his his history. (a Col at 1st Bn)

Generals like this Marine General are honest. They were not hired to be as evasive as Politicians are.

[ConHog]

Another great General, William DePuy who commanded in Vietnam and was the first commanding general over TRADOC, responsible for Army rules of war and try out many combat problems, was also the Soldiers General. A short man, but a kick ass officer was greatly loved by the officers and men of 1st Bn, 30th Inf. Check out his his history. (a Col at 1st Bn)

Generals like this Marine General are honest. They were not hired to be as evasive as Politicians are.

That's weird, I never knew one man did that.

[aboutime]

I saw this picture posted on FB, so I investigated it to see if it were true. It was, but the quote was from 2005.





http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/

jimnyc. I love how powerful such words are, and how terribly comical they are after seeing how the Liberal, Hypocrites react whenever anyone SPEAKS THE TRUTH. No matter what the topic. There are now..More TWISTED, liberal SHORTS, and Democrat WEDGIES over this man's Honest Comments than there are VIAGRA tablets at the DNC Ball!

[ConHog]

jimnyc. I love how powerful such words are, and how terribly comical they are after seeing how the Liberal, Hypocrites react whenever anyone SPEAKS THE TRUTH. No matter what the topic. There are now..More TWISTED, liberal SHORTS, and Democrat WEDGIES over this man's Honest Comments than there are VIAGRA tablets at the DNC Ball!

Yes indeed, perfectly fine that this idiot was quoted as saying he enjoys killing people, I mean since he was being honest and all.

[Robert A Whit]

This may cause the old brain to function. Gen DePuy was TRADOCs first commanding General and of course being in charge, he was fully responsible. Just as I said. I never claimed that solo he created ROE. Generals have a large team.

[Kathianne]

I agree 65000%. I can't believe I didn't hear of this story way back when. He was speaking to his troops, and how could you not like a man that says he likes brawling with the rest of the men. That's the kind of man that probably brings out the best in his troops, and the bravery.

Yep, Obama forced him into early retirement, seems he didn't like their Iran program.

[aboutime]

For those too young to remember. Or those who choose Not to Remember...





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