I don't consider myself dovish and I certainly don't consider myself hawkish. Maybe I would describe myself as owlishthat is wise enough to understand that you want to do everything possible to avoid war.

Do what is right, not what you think the high headquarters wants or what you think will make you look good.

I can't say enough about the two Marine divisions. If I use words like 'brilliant,' it would really be an under description of the absolutely superb job that they did in breaching the so-called 'impenetrable barrier.' It was a classic- absolutely classic- military breaching of a very very tough minefield, barbed wire, fire trenches-type barrier.

I like to say I'm not a hero. I was lucky enough to lead a very successful war.

You learn far more from negative leadership than from positive leadership. Because you learn how not to do it. And, therefore, you learn how to do it.

A professional soldier understands that war means killing people, war means maiming people, war means families left without fathers and mothers.

I'm not a politician. I'd make a lousy politician.