Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis is in the running to lead the Pentagon for President-elect Donald Trump, and one thing is absolutely certain: He is eminently quotable.
The 66-year-old former four-star general met with Trump on Saturday to discuss a possible job offer as Defense Secretary and a large portion of D.C. is rallying behind him.
Mattis is something of a legendary figure in the US military. Looked at as a warrior among Marines and well-respected by members of other services, he's been at the forefront of a number of engagements.
If you look back on his storied 44-year career leading Marines in battle, and the many colorful quotes that he has given over the years, it's pretty easy to see why.
We've gathered some of Mattis' best sayings, taken from this San Diego Union-Tribune profile, unless otherwise specified.
Geoffrey Ingersoll contributed reporting on a previous version of this article.
SEE ALSO: Legendary Marine General James Mattis may be tapped to be Trump's defense secretary
"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 bad."
Mattis has often talked to Marine leaders about staying sharp.
The "dream world" he alluded to is a reference to a complacent attitude, and it's one that can cost lives if troops aren't vigilant.
"If in order to kill the enemy you have to kill an innocent, don’t take the shot. Don’t create more enemies than you take out by some immoral act."
As a co-author of the military's counter-insurgency manual (with retired Army Gen. David Petraeus), Mattis has often spoke about following the rules of engagement and being disciplined among a ruthless enemy.
"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."
After the initial Iraq invasion, "Chaos" (his radio callsign) sent home his tanks and artillery and used the "carrot and the stick" with Iraqi tribal leaders.
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