Jim Mattis

Date of Birth: September 8, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

James Norman Mattis, commonly known as Jim Mattis, is a retired United States Marine Corps general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Born on September 8, 1950, in Pullman, Washington, Mattis had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. He is widely respected for his strategic mind, leadership skills, and deep understanding of military history and tactics. Mattis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) after graduating from Central Washington University in 1971. Throughout his career, he held several key command positions, including commanding the 1st Marine Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and leading the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2010 to 2013. In January 2017, Mattis was appointed as the 26th Secretary of Defense by President Donald Trump, a position he held until December 2018. Mattis is known for his intellectual rigor, often quoting historical and literary texts, and his dedication to the welfare of his troops. After retiring from public service, he continued to share his insights on military strategy and leadership through writings and public speaking engagements.

5 Interesting Facts about Jim Mattis

1. Jim Mattis has a personal library of over 7,000 books, many of which focus on military history and strategy.

2. He never married and is affectionately known by his nickname “Mad Dog.”

3. Mattis is known for his Spartan lifestyle, often sleeping on a cot and maintaining a rigorous physical fitness routine.

4. He played a crucial role in the development and implementation of the counter-insurgency strategy in Iraq.

5. Mattis was one of the few military leaders to have commanded a major combatant command (CENTCOM) without having attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Mattis

1. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”

2. “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”

3. “Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.”

4. “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.”

5. “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jim Mattis’s highest net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million, largely accrued through his military pension, speaking engagements, and book royalties.