---
title: "When Gen. James Mattis talks, we listen — and so should you"
date: "2018-06-25"
modified: "2020-10-22"
authors:
  - name: "Logan Nye"
    job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/logan-nye.md"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/when-gen-james-mattis-talks-we-listen-and-so-should-you/"
categories:
  - "History"
  - "Marine Corps"
---

# When Gen. James Mattis talks, we listen — and so should you

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17302793/origin.png>)

Marine Corps legend Gen. James Mattis sat down to answer questions about his 40 years of military service with the USMC news service, and his replies should be essential viewing.

---

He shares personal anecdotes, like how a SAW gunner displayed what is great about the Marine Corps after Mattis was forced to pull him from Fallujah, or why he walked to the opposite side of Camp Rhino in Afghanistan when mortars started coming in during a battle in 2001.

(In true Mad Dog fashion, it turns out that he had walked to that side of the perimeter because he thought there was a good chance of another, potentially larger fight on that side.)

He also reveals that his knifehand can kill enemies within hundreds of miles.

The general describes ways to become a better leader, how to become a better Marine, and what to do to become a better warfighter. It's a long video, but the entire 16:36 is worthy of your time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EYU3VTI3IU

## Author
Logan was an Army journalist and paratrooper in the 82nd. Now, he's a freelance writer covering military history, culture, and technology. He has two upcoming podcasts and a Twitch channel focused on basic military literacy.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/JustLoganNye>)  
[Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/ProfHarlequin-111921498198749>)

## More

- [6 times Gen. ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis was a gift we didn’t deserve](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/6-times-gen-mad-dog-mattis-was-a-gift-we-didnt-deserve.md>)
- [This video answers the question of the casualty radius of Mattis’ knife hand](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/this-is-the-kill-casualty-radius-of-mattis-knife-hand.md>)
- [Here’s what tops the reading list of legendary Gen. James Mattis](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-moments/james-mattis-reading.md>)
- [17 brilliant insights from legendary Marine General James Mattis](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/james-mattis-quotes.md>)
- [The interesting backstories to each of Gen. Jim Mattis’ nicknames](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/the-interesting-backstories-to-each-of-gen-jim-mattis-nicknames.md>)
- [15 quotes from Gen. Mad Dog’ Mattis, slayer of bodies](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/15-quotes-from-gen-mad-dog-mattis-slayer-of-bodies.md>)
- [Legendary Gen. James Mattis has an inspiring message for all Post-9/11 veterans](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/mattis-post-911-vets.md>)
- [6 new changes to expect at the Pentagon with Mattis as SECDEF](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/6-new-changes-to-expect-at-the-pentagon-with-mattis-as-secdef.md>)