General James Mattis
"Engage your brain before you engage your weapon."
Fascinating words from General James Mattis to his troops on the eve of battle:
I sat in the hard pebbled sand eating cold vacuum-packed hot dogs as I watched Peter Jennings about 10 feet away from me broadcast live from Kuwait. It was mid-March 2003. How surreal this was, being the center of the world’s attention.
After he wrapped up, I walked back to our Hummer. The officer in charge of our detachment walked up to me with a stack of papers.
“General Mattis wants every Marine to get a copy. Make sure our guys get some, Sergeant,” he said.
I looked at my copy and read:
(I urge you not to read this from the POV of present day or with 20/20 hindsight or a political view. Imagine you are a Marine on the eve of battle when the future is still unknown.)
For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered the Iraqi people…. invaded neighboring countries without provocation…. and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.
When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam’s oppression.
Chemical attack, treachery, and use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted…. Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interests of our Nation.
You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.For the mission’s sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division’s colors in past battles…. who fought for life and never lost their nerve…. carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy” than a U.S. Marine.