Lessons I Learned In Marines From Gen. Mattis!

In the Marine corps, we use to call General Mattis, the “Warrior Monk”, then the name evolved to Mad Dog this was his war Moniker, as a U.S. Marine Vet, Under general Mattis Command, I can say that. I would jokingly call him General Mad Dog, and constantly got in trouble, even though the CG's and CO's thought it was hilarious.

I would jokingly also call him the Abbit general, without the fancy martial arts moves. I would get Page 11s, from Sgt Majors for my jokes. Mattis in those years was and still is an extremely well-read leader when I was in his command. I remember he would suggest every month, to read 5-10 books for every Marine.

Some of the topics were military. Some of the topics were: Philosophy, history, Mathematics, business strategy, finance, leadership, management, and communication, among many other topics.

Even though very few Marines, had the time or inclination to read so many books. I began to read those books, I remember a few Navy seals, and other operators, began to do the same their after, Marines do lead from the front : )

I can't remember how many books I read, in those years because of Gen. Mattis. But I would have to say, I think anyone who kept up with the list would have read several hundred books.

In addition to this. He would ask each of his Marines, to keep up with their PFT, CFT training, and have all their rifle quals up to date.

But most importantly he was a student “The Art of War”, in my opinion; he's definitely the first Buddist type leader the Marines have had. The only other extreme comparison of General Mattis would have to be Chesty. But Chesty was more known for direct combat, were as Mattis is both a peacetime and wartime leader.

What I learned from working in General Mattis command.

Number 1: Never underestimate your enemy.

Number 2: Read as much as possible, and become an expert.

Number 3: Learn to ask questions and become a problem solver a solution-based person.

Number 4: Never back down from a fight.

Number 5: Always be extra prepared. This is something Marines are well known for, this is something I mastered while working with my Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hammer. Who passed away while serving in the Marines in 2009.

This was just a brief synopsis, of some of the lessons. That I learned, that I am able to share with the general public. Other lessons, and experiences; are a little bit harder to share. Because they happened under the umbrella of the U.S. Military and the Marine Corps, which many folks won't be able to understand unless they were in the service. But as I remember, some of the experiences, and situations, and how they apply to the real world.

I will keep sharing some of these experiences. Another one, that I thought of while, sharing, about general Mattis, is about the time. I went in a podium, in MCAS Miramar Marine Corps base, in front of General Conway, but that's a story for another day. Adios for now---Happy Early 4th of July Weekend folks! Best, Richard E-- (US. Marine Vet, Entrepreneur, Economist & writer; among other things) : )