General James Mattis Leadership Analysis

General (Retired) James Mattis embodied many characteristics central to leadership as defined by Army policy and doctrine. His compassion, discipline and knowledge impacted the military service at all levels, from the decision-makers in Washington, D.C. to platoon sergeants leading the way in the mountains of Afghanistan. Military scholars mention Gen (R) Mattis in the same breath as Gen Patton and MacArthur because of his dedication to excellence. In an article from the Business Insider, Szoldra (2014) wrote about attending a lecture giving by Gen (R) Mattis on leadership. Gen (R) Mattis spoke of the importance of a leader being passionate about what his role in the organization. This passion allowed him to lead from the front while simultaneously changing the way the United States military fights in an asymmetric warfare environment. Gen (R) Mattis demonstrated many characteristics of a leader, to include compassion, discipline, and mastery of the art of war. In his “Eve of Battle Speech” to the 1st Marine Division in March 2003, Gen (R) Mattis stated, “While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime …show more content…
While my legacy may not impact the military as widely as Gen (R) Mattis’, I want my legacy to align with his. I believe compassion, discipline and knowledge remain important at every level of the military, from junior Soldiers entering the military to Army commanders around the globe. As a current leader, as well as a mentor for future leaders, the biggest issue I identify with leaving a legacy is that a legacy sometimes begins with the smallest interactions. Therefore, maintaining compassion and discipline and demonstrating knowledge at all times is vital for the development of the legacy that I