James Mattis
James Mattis, a general in the United States Marine Corps, was born in Pullman, Washington, on September 8, 1950. He led Central Command (Centcom) from 2010 to 2013 and then served as secretary of defense in President Donald Trump’s cabinet from 2017 to 2018.
Military career
James Mattis joined the Marine Corps in 1969 and later used the ROTC program at Central Washington University. He rose through the ranks, commanding various units and earning accolades such as the Bronze Star for valor and Edson’s Eagles, a prestigious honor embodying the spirit of Marine Corps legend Merritt “Red Mike” Edson.
In leadership roles, Mattis made significant contributions. He led Task Force 58 during the planning stages of the Afghanistan War, orchestrating a daring amphibious assault with Pakistani cooperation, ultimately capturing Kandahar, a key Taliban stronghold.
During the Iraq War, Mattis commanded the 1st Marine Division, overseeing historic advances. He later led the assault on Al-Fallujah, displaying strategic prowess.
Known for his direct speech, Mattis earned the moniker “warrior monk” for his deep understanding of military strategy. He emphasized cultural awareness and counterinsurgency tactics, establishing training programs like the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning.
Promoted to general, Mattis led Joint Forces Command before assuming leadership of Centcom, playing pivotal roles in military integration and strategy until his retirement in 2013.
James Mattis gets married
General Mattis, renowned as the “Warrior-monk,” surprised many by tying the knot with physicist Christina Lomasney. The couple’s journey to marriage included a riverside ceremony and a quirky Las Vegas affair officiated by an Elvis impersonator. They first crossed paths in a bar, adding a touch of Marine-style serendipity to their story, as reported by Politico.
Despite his legendary status and the nickname “Chaos,” Mattis maintained a single life until meeting Lomasney. This union marked a significant change for the former Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump, who had jokingly been deemed “married to the Corps” by fellow Marines.
Alas, no more.
It’s unclear if General Mattis ever wore blue suede shoes or what exactly their vows were, but it seems like Lomasney took his knife hand in marriage nonetheless.”
James Mattis, the US Secretary of Defense, is the most recent in a line of high-ranking US officials to step down.
KEY POINTS:
- Defense Secretary Mattis, known for his exceptional military expertise and connection with troops, emphasizes the importance of learning from history to improve war-fighting skills.
- With a personal library of 7,000 books, Mattis continues to prioritize reading despite his busy schedule, recognizing it as a key to staying open to new ideas and experiences.
- His belief is summed up in his own words: “You stay teachable most by reading books, by reading what other people went through.”
On Board a U.S. Military Aircraft
Before becoming the Defense Secretary, Mattis was known for his love of books, boasting a personal library of over 7,000 volumes. Even with his busy schedule, Mattis continues to find time for reading, a habit he credits for much of his success.
Currently, Mattis is diving into “Earning the Rockies: How Geography Shapes America’s Role in the World” by Robert D. Kaplan and “Partners in Command: George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower in War and Peace” by Mark Perry. These books, along with many others, have helped him stay prepared for any challenge that comes his way.
In a 2003 email to military historian Jill Russell, Mattis explained, “Thanks to my reading, I have never been caught flat-footed by any situation, never at a loss for how any problem has been addressed before. It illuminates what is frequently a dark path ahead, but it doesn’t provide me with all the answers.
Mattis, a respected figure with over four decades of military service, shows us that a good book can illuminate even the toughest paths to leadership success.
Known for his exceptional military skills and close connection with soldiers, Mattis emphasized the importance of learning from history to improve war-fighting abilities.
According to Mattis, “A deep understanding of history shows us that there is nothing truly new under the sun. With 5000 years of fighting on this planet, we should learn from that experience. Improvising and losing lives as we figure out what works reminds us of the ethical obligations and the cost of incompetence in our field.”
Before serving as Defense Secretary under President Donald Trump, Mattis, a four-star Marine Corps general, commanded the U.S. Central Command, overseeing the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Throughout his time in the military, Mattis was jokingly called “Mad Dog” and “Warrior Monk.” He was renowned for his tactics, serious demeanor, and contempt for PowerPoint, which is acknowledged as the U.S. military’s signature teaching tool.
In October 2016, a Marine asked General Mattis how he continues to grow as a leader. Mattis emphasized the importance of reading, stating, “You stay teachable most by reading books, by reading what other people went through.” He highlighted how reading helped him anticipate enemy actions during combat situations, saying, I knew what I was going to do because I’d seen other similar situations in the reading.”
In an interview for the 2017 book “The Leader’s Bookshelf” by R. Manning Ancell, Mattis shared some of his favorite books for both tactical and strategic reading. For tactical insights, he recommended M.M. Kaye’s “The Far Pavilions” and Guy Sajer’s “The Forgotten Soldier.” From a strategic perspective, Mattis suggested reading Ulysses S. Grant’s “Memoirs” and Viscount Slim’s “Defeat into Victory.”
Reading has been a cornerstone of Mattis’s Leadership Development, allowing him to draw on the experiences of others to navigate complex challenges effectively.
More than military history
General Mattis’ reading list goes far beyond military history. His collection includes memoirs of high-ranking government officials and histories of America’s founding fathers.
“I served as executive secretary for two Secretaries of Defense, worked closely with three others, and reading Robert Gates’ book ‘Duty’ gives you a real sense of the challenges and responsibilities at that level,” Mattis explained.
“When you think about Will and Ariel Durant’s “The Lessons of History” or Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, you can realize how much wisdom may be gained from those books. who previously overcame comparable difficulties,” he continued. “It’s remarkable how few things are truly new under the sun when you read widely.”
By seeking insights from the past, Mattis believes one can better navigate the present and future. His reading habits underscore the timeless value of understanding history and learning from those who have shaped it.
A collection of 7,000 books and counting
When Mattis took on the role of Secretary of Defense, his deep attachment to his books became evident. Before assuming office, Mattis confided in a friend that one of the most difficult tasks he faced was parting with his cherished collection of 7,000 books. Over his career, Mattis had diligently packed and shipped his books from one assignment to the next, but upon retiring in California, he realized he no longer had the space.
