I was struck by the fact that none of the senators, basically, asked General [James] Mattis, "Well, General, how is it that we haven't won?" We haven't won anywhere, 'winning' in the sense of conclusively achieving our political objectives, however you might want to define those objectives.

General [James] Mattis's primary experience - indeed, his only experience - is as a member of the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 41 years. That's his experience.

There are some people who think you have to hate them in order to shoot them. I don't think you do. It's just business.

PowerPoint makes us stupid.

I think, broadly speaking, the US military's role - US military activism in various parts of the Islamic world over the past several decades has been counterproductive.

Be the hunter, not the hunted: Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down.

Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot.