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Trump picks James Mattis as defense secretary

Posted December. 03, 2016 07:06,   

Updated December. 03, 2016 07:22

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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that he will nominate retired General James Mattis (66) to lead the Defense Department. Mattis, who is known as “Mad Dog,” served as the commander of the U.S. Central Command. Trump announced his pick for defense secretary in a speech during his thank tour to Cincinnati, Ohio. “We are going to appoint 'Mad Dog' Mattis as our secretary of defense,” Trump told his supporters.

The retired four-star general Mattis entitled in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969. He is known as a legendary self-made man in the U.S. Marine Corps for his achievements throughout his 44-year career in the military. Mattis, who was in charge of fights in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, retired as the commander of the U.S. Central Command in 2013 due to his conflicting stance on Iran to the Obama administration. It seems that the Senate will confirm‎ his nomination as Mattis has been a favorable pick by both Republicans and Democrats.

On top of the remarkable military background, Mattis is also famous for his outspoken style. Mattis is known for his blunt but simple and direct language and mission strategies, mostly focusing on victory. If he is appointed, the U.S. can expect to see his straightforward and uncomplicated leadership at the Defense Department with regard to its responses to North Korean nuclear weapon and other military affairs.

Mattis is best known for his famous quote, “If you f*** with me, I will kill you all,” which tells his love of “winning forces.” One of the unforgettable and appalling remarks of Mattis is “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.” He also emphasized the importance of keenly realizing the situation. “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," he said. “There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.”

A conservative news and commentary site Washington Free Beacon wrote, “Mattis will rebuild a great U.S. Military Forces after 8 years of weakening during the Obama administration.”



Seung-Heon Lee ddr@donga.com