Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis will be retiring at the end of February - Page 7

General » General Discussion

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis will be retiring at the end of February (Page 7 of 22)

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:10:58 PM EST

[#1]

Quote History

Quoted:

He wouldn't have made that call without a massive intel briefing by those who are in the know. Something else is going on behind the scenes and I'm sure some back channel deals were made that we will be hearing about later on.

View Quote

So Bolton, Mattis and those against aren’t in the know?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:11:06 PM EST

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well, he hasn't denied it

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Cite sources please

Well, he hasn't denied it

Okay dingy Harry.

And yes, he did deny it when Trump called him a democrat.

“
You know, we’re all built on our formative experiences.

When I was 18, I joined the Marine Corps, and in the U.S. military we are proudly apolitical. By that, I mean that in our duties, we were brought up to obey the elected commander in chief, whoever that is. And we’ve seen, over those — since I was in the military longer than some of you have been alive, I have seen Republicans and Democrats come and go.

Where am I today? I’m a member of the president’s administration. And you have seen that President Trump’s military policies, security policies, reaping significant bipartisan support. So my role, when you see 83 percent — think about this — for — and I realize you all write about tension between this person and that, this administration and that party, and this sort of thing.

But when you think 83 percent of the U.S. Congress voting the same way on an issue put forward by the Republican president, you can see that my portfolio is bipartisan by its very basis, and that is the protection of the United States.

That’s what President Trump has told me to do, and I eagerly carry that out, alongside probably the most selfless young men and women — not all young; some old men and women, too — civilian and military, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines working together.

So that’s where I stand. That defines me.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:11:12 PM EST

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
And a climate change believer

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Good. Mattis didn’t do shit to end the blatant SJW policies within the DoD.

And a climate change believer

Jesus, seriously? I had no strong opinion of the guy, still don't, but the more I find out the less I like him.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:11:24 PM EST

[#4]

edit; quoted wrong post

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:11:53 PM EST

[#5]

Mattis has tried putting Obama holdovers in positions of authority since Trump's inauguration. Hell, he tried to appoint a Muslim Brotherhood sycophant as his undersecretary of policy.

Meh.

REPUBLICANS GROWING FRUSTRATED THAT “MAD DOG” MATTIS IS TOO LIBERAL

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:12:18 PM EST

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Obviously I got it! I am just sick of everyone who second guesses the President. The media is off and running with their typical BS. They act like Trump has no right to reject the advice of the people who serve him and frame it as he is an idiot for doing so. Fact is Trump told us back in March he wanted to end our presence in Syria. If Iran takes over Syria, well life is a bitch. Iran has been a problem for us going back to the Carter and we have never confronted them face to face. Why continue to play the game with them as we do. Maybe we should have attacked them an left Iraq alone.

View Quote

He has a right to reject the advice, but he's the one who ASKED Mattis to serve. Out of a sense of duty and responsibility, Mattis agreed to take the job.

If Trump and Mattis have numerous major disagreements that is NOT on Mattis. As POTUS, it is Trump's job to hire the right person who has a same or similar worldview to his own. You do that by vetting the candidates, discussing these kinds of issues, and if there are major incompatibilities you don't ask them to serve.

This isn't difficult. This situation is 100% entirely of Trump's own making. It was his job along with the transition team to properly vet candidates that would match with Trump's worldview. It has been clear since near the beginning that Trump and Mattis are not on the same page as it pertains to military strategy, and the US's role in geopolitics.

Trump should have fired Mattis or asked for his resignation long ago. That he didn't do so, and instead allowed this issue to fester is NOT the fault of the media. It is the fault of Trump, and the buck stops with him.

Trump haphazardly hired people to serve in his cabinet without the vetting and process required to make sure you have the right, compatible people. That has caused serious issues for Trump, and he cannot blame anyone other than himself and his transition team.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:12:45 PM EST

[#7]

meh, I liked the internet legend of mad dog more than i liked him in actual practice

he was obviously a leftist globalist who encouraged SJW shit int he military wanted to stay in the iran deal and talked about global warming

he did nothing to reverse the obama years of military SJWisms

so I dont care.

dont care if trump gets impeached anymore either after the bump stock shit. I hope trump does withdraw out of Afhanistan as well. like he signaled he would years ago .

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:12:53 PM EST

[#8]

I wonder if Trumps recent bullshit is making his cabinet members and staff lose faith in his reelection or him in general

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:13:20 PM EST

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

It's because the anti Trump threads draw the shills and DU trolls like moths to a flame. Most on GD just skip past this crap because they know it's going to be dominated by the resistance.

I like the Mattis persona, but in practice he was / is a Globalist and supported the SJW crap. Trump allowed it because he could up until a point. Now it's time to go full bore MAGA and it's not worth having Mattis dragging his heels at every move.

Get out of Syria, Get out of Afghanistan, put the diplomatic hammer down on Iran, use the Military to secure our southern border. All things Mattis was not on board with.

View Quote

once you get past the "its chaos, termoil" MSM narrative, and look at what was happening, this is pretty accurate.

Mattis has done well for what he was tasked with, but it seems he doesn't want to do as directed when its time to pull our people and treasure out of shitholes we can't fix.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:13:28 PM EST

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cite sources please

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Good. Mattis didn’t do shit to end the blatant SJW policies within the DoD.

This is what I was here to post.

I had high hopes for him, but what exactly has he done to improve the Obama military??? Trannies are still being pushed, women are still being pushed into jobs they're not qualified for (and for sure not the best qualified) and as far as I can tell the SJW crap is still as bad as during Obama.

How the hell was he supposed to roll that back? That doesn’t happen overnight

By not being a vocal advocate of these policies, for one.

edited for clarity

Cite sources please

https://taskandpurpose.com/mattis-female-infantry-combat-2/

Basically, his position is that there are too few women in infantry to make a proper assessment. More are needed to see if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:13:41 PM EST

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

https://taskandpurpose.com/mattis-female-infantry-combat-2/

Basically, his position is that there are too few women in infantry to make a proper assessment. More are needed to see if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

View Quote

The Marine Corps tested the crap out of that idea and concluded it was a bad idea.

Doable. But bad.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:13:50 PM EST

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

Exactly. I said the same thing to my wife at the dinner table tonight -- "it kind looks like the wheels are starting to come off...I wonder if FDJT will even finish his first term now?"

It's a legit concern at this point IMO. Is FDJT setting himself up for failure intentionally or is he really that clueless?

View Quote

Your "concern" is noted.

Username is appropriate...

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:13:51 PM EST

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
HWasn't ISIS funded in part by that Saudi guy who was stripped by the new HMFIC in

Saudi Arabia? Or am I thinking of someone else? How might that affect there capabilities?

Not picking a fight, seriously asking your thoughts.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
For those of you who don't know why we have troops in Syria, please refresh your memories.

ISIS started in Syria. They used the Syrian civil war as an opportunity to grow in strength and seize territory for their caliphate. When the US pulled out of Iraq, they struck (exactly as Bush predicted) and seized more territory for their caliphate. They began functioning as a state, pumping and selling oil, implementing Islamic law, exercising control over the population and of course slaughtering people by the thousands. They became an international terrorist organization, gaining allegiance from other groups and inspiring vicious attacks all over the world.

Our troops attacked in Syria while the Iraqis attacked in Iraq. Today ISIS is a shell of it's former self, but it is not yet destroyed. If we pull up they will regroup, rebuild and try again. This is a huge mistake and America will have to go after these animals again. Sure as Hell.

HWasn't ISIS funded in part by that Saudi guy who was stripped by the new HMFIC in

Saudi Arabia? Or am I thinking of someone else? How might that affect there capabilities?

Not picking a fight, seriously asking your thoughts.

I don't know all of their funding sources. I know they got some money from stealing it, they got some money from selling oil, they got some money from other crimes, they probably got some money from us, the probably got money from rich Muslims who supported their cause. They had money coming from everywhere.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:14:34 PM EST

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
HWasn't ISIS funded in part by that Saudi guy who was stripped by the new HMFIC in

Saudi Arabia? Or am I thinking of someone else? How might that affect there capabilities?

Not picking a fight, seriously asking your thoughts.

View Quote

I believe you are referring to Prince Alwaleed. Yes, I believe he had a part in it. He had massive U.S. business interests as well. (twitter) and helped NGOs spread in different areas of the region.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:15:02 PM EST

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

Above serving his country as SEC DEF?

TDS is some real shit...

View Quote

After seeing how Powell got shafted as SoS, I would have thought he would sit out amature hour.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:15:22 PM EST

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Fair point.

Im reasonably sure I'm not an idiot and I don't believe we need to be in Syria, so I disagree with him. I respect his service and accomplishments but I haven't seen an explanation of why we need to be there.

At least I haven't seen an explanation with an actionable end state.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Read the letter.

He says in no uncertain terms why he resigned, and how his beliefs were at odds with the ideas and actions of the President.

Trump is a fool for ignoring Mattis.

Is Mattis infallible or is he right? What if the majority of the US disagrees with him?

No man is infallible.

But I don't care if the majority of the US disagrees with him. Most people are idiots.

Fair point.

Im reasonably sure I'm not an idiot and I don't believe we need to be in Syria, so I disagree with him. I respect his service and accomplishments but I haven't seen an explanation of why we need to be there.

At least I haven't seen an explanation with an actionable end state.

Good points can be made against our going into Iraq in 2003. So let’s say that it was 100% a mistake.

That doesn’t mean that Obama’s sudden and precipitous withdrawal was a good idea.

Trumps decision is just as bad.

Our small footprint in Syria is part of a much larger strategy that is all about NOT being bogged down. Maintaining strong alliances is about having THEIR troops near the burden.

Mattis is right. Trump is wrong.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:15:38 PM EST

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

It's actually quite the opposite.

Over the years I've talked to many people outside the forums that are big gun nuts/AR guys that have been getting sick and tired of Trump lying about stuff/acting like a buffoon. I've asked "Why don't you mention this ever on the forums" and the responses are always the same:
"There is no way I'm going to post my true opinions on that forum. I'll get attacked/blocked by the water carrying mob and instantly labeled a DU plant commie hippy, etc.."

What's the point of criticizing Trump when all you get in return is ad hominem attacks? A lot of my friends are older and their blood would literally boil if they were ever accused of being a leftists/shill.

It doesn't bother me because back in the day I got used to the same "Must be a liberal that hates America" responses when I was critical of Dubya being a RINO/globalists/GOPe while in office.

When Arfcommers can actually be honest about their opinions towards Trump without facing ad-hominem retaliation, the results are right there...

https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Do-you-have-a-favorable-opinion-of-Trump-/5-2176413/

Favorable: 538
Unfavorable: 468
Undecided: 181

So it's basically the complete opposite of what you think.

But I'm sure it's all liberal shill accounts/DU plants, or some other wackadoodle conspiracy that fixed the results.

View Quote

There it is, guys.

We're a lot more divided, calling people shills, trolls, DUers ect does us no favors.

I sometimes hate the groupthink mentality of GD. It does nothing for our side.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:16:42 PM EST

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
How do the ever-trumpers spin this?

View Quote

I don’t. I just examine potential outcomes and weigh them on scale of risk. Pulling out of Syria likely means getting ejected not voluntarily leaving Iraq eventually so what are the pluses and minuses from that outcome specifically risks and rewards domestically and internationally. I may or may not like what POTUS does or doesn’t do but he was elected President not me. If I don’t like it then I either quietly grumble or try to influence his decision making or work to get someone else elected if it’s a dealbreaker for me. Mattis had his good points and bad. There will be pluses and minuses to his departure, so it’s mot a black and white good or bad outcome. Hopefully the next Sec Def is a better choice than POTUS Joint Chief pick. We’ll see

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:16:47 PM EST

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

I believe you are referring to Prince Alwaleed. Yes, I believe he had a part in it. He had massive U.S. business interests as well. (twitter) and helped NGOs spread in different areas of the region.

View Quote

Business interests? He picked Obama's cabinet, IIRC.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:17:04 PM EST

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
Soooooo, did I just now become a Russkie bot or did they recruit me recently? You should re-think the way you refer to other members with whom you disagree.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

????? ? ???? ??????? ?????, comrade?

You are just repeating the same twatwaddle bullshit propagated by the Russians, Syrians and Iranians for the last five years.

You are completely full of shit and just repeating the same propaganda. Thanks for propagating foreign influence operations in your own country, comrade.

Soooooo, did I just now become a Russkie bot or did they recruit me recently? You should re-think the way you refer to other members with whom you disagree.

It is not that I just disagree with you, it is that you are regurgitating propaganda.

So, I’ll give you multiple choices;

A. You are a propagandist.
B. You are stupid.
C. You have such an axe to grind that you knowingly push BS.
D. You have such an axe to grind as to be intellectually lazy.

Sorry, I can’t find an E as what you posted is factually wrong to such a degree as it cannot be defended.

Pop quiz, what was ISIS called before it was ISIS?

You can probably figure it out with some Google searches but though you will never admit it to me, that would mean you have no clue what you are talking about.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:17:09 PM EST

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
His time is done, let him fade away.

This is normal. All of these moves are normal in the political world. President is Commander and Chief. When assholes collide the “Low Man on the Totem Pole Loses.” Matt is is a
self proclaimed democrat like the a good chunk of the officer corps.

Let’s get someone in there who want to get our troops home.

View Quote

This is not normal.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:17:40 PM EST

[#22]

I feel a huge false flag coming,
One meant to bring us to the big prize.
Iran.

Remember Wesley Clark...

https://youtu.be/9RC1Mepk_Sw

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:17:41 PM EST

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
There it is, guys.

We're a lot more divided, calling people shills, trolls, DUers ect does us no favors.

I sometimes hate the groupthink mentality of GD. It does nothing for our side.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

It's actually quite the opposite.

Over the years I've talked to many people outside the forums that are big gun nuts/AR guys that have been getting sick and tired of Trump lying about stuff/acting like a buffoon. I've asked "Why don't you mention this ever on the forums" and the responses are always the same:
"There is no way I'm going to post my true opinions on that forum. I'll get attacked/blocked by the water carrying mob and instantly labeled a DU plant commie hippy, etc.."

What's the point of criticizing Trump when all you get in return is ad hominem attacks? A lot of my friends are older and their blood would literally boil if they were ever accused of being a leftists/shill.

It doesn't bother me because back in the day I got used to the same "Must be a liberal that hates America" responses when I was critical of Dubya being a RINO/globalists/GOPe while in office.

When Arfcommers can actually be honest about their opinions towards Trump without facing ad-hominem retaliation, the results are right there...

https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Do-you-have-a-favorable-opinion-of-Trump-/5-2176413/

Favorable: 538
Unfavorable: 468
Undecided: 181

So it's basically the complete opposite of what you think.

But I'm sure it's all liberal shill accounts/DU plants, or some other wackadoodle conspiracy that fixed the results.

There it is, guys.

We're a lot more divided, calling people shills, trolls, DUers ect does us no favors.

I sometimes hate the groupthink mentality of GD. It does nothing for our side.

Critical thinking is not inherent in human beings, it's a learned discipline.

Doesn't matter which side of the political spectrum one falls on.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:18:28 PM EST

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
For those of you who don't know why we have troops in Syria, please refresh your memories.

ISIS started in Syria. They used the Syrian civil war as an opportunity to grow in strength and seize territory for their caliphate. When the US pulled out of Iraq, they struck (exactly as Bush predicted) and seized more territory for their caliphate. They began functioning as a state, pumping and selling oil, implementing Islamic law, exercising control over the population and of course slaughtering people by the thousands. They became an international terrorist organization, gaining allegiance from other groups and inspiring vicious attacks all over the world.

Our troops attacked in Syria while the Iraqis attacked in Iraq. Today ISIS is a shell of it's former self, but it is not yet destroyed. If we pull up they will regroup, rebuild and try again. This is a huge mistake and America will have to go after these animals again. Sure as Hell.

View Quote

The original purpose was to overthrow Assad. That was a stated goal until Trump reversed it.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:18:50 PM EST

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
For those of you who don't know why we have troops in Syria, please refresh your memories.

ISIS started in Syria. They used the Syrian civil war as an opportunity to grow in strength and seize territory for their caliphate. When the US pulled out of Iraq, they struck (exactly as Bush predicted) and seized more territory for their caliphate. They began functioning as a state, pumping and selling oil, implementing Islamic law, exercising control over the population and of course slaughtering people by the thousands. They became an international terrorist organization, gaining allegiance from other groups and inspiring vicious attacks all over the world.

Our troops attacked in Syria while the Iraqis attacked in Iraq. Today ISIS is a shell of it's former self, but it is not yet destroyed. If we pull up they will regroup, rebuild and try again. This is a huge mistake and America will have to go after these animals again. Sure as Hell.

View Quote

Wrong.

ISIS started in Iraq when we invaded.

Please do some research!

Sorry, couldn’t read past the first line because you are so wrong.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:20:18 PM EST

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
The Marine Corps tested the crap out of that idea and concluded it was a bad idea.

Doable. But bad.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

https://taskandpurpose.com/mattis-female-infantry-combat-2/

Basically, his position is that there are too few women in infantry to make a proper assessment. More are needed to see if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

The Marine Corps tested the crap out of that idea and concluded it was a bad idea.

Doable. But bad.

If only there were about 4,000 years of military history and literally libraries full of books to draw from to tell if women in the infantry might be a good or bad thing...

If only.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:21:39 PM EST

[#27]

Me? Little 'ole me? Why I'd love to.

Attached File

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:22:12 PM EST

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:

A. You are a propagandist.
B. You are stupid.
C. You have such an axe to grind that you knowingly push BS.
D. You have such an axe to grind as to be intellectually lazy.

View Quote

Your name calling and childish behavior says a lot more about you than it does me. Insulting me, accusing me of being a traitor to the country I serve, being a liar and/or lazy. You really got me figured out there, hoss.

Why don't you do yourself a favor and take a break from reading things you disagree with for awhile?

I do my own research and you have no idea what I know, who I am or where I am from.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:22:14 PM EST

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Mad Dog couldn't follow orders.

Orders were simple... stop fighting battles we don't intend to win.

Syria is a shithole... who's side are we on again? I lost count.

I admire the guy for who is he, not what is incapable of doing.

Sad to see him go, but, Trump didn't ask him to step down... Trump asked him to follow order.

View Quote

Why does Trump not intend to win those battles?

That’s the question.

This is why Mattis was fired by Obama. Obama ordered Mattis to cone up with plans to eliminate Iran’s WMDs, and also Syria’s.

Obama didn’t like the scale of what was offered, refusing to acknowledge that blowing up half of Iran would mean a war with Iran.

So he fired Mattis.

Now Trump follows Obama’s lead.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:22:26 PM EST

[#30]

Rand Paul backs Trump''s decision to pull troops from Syria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cod0vnLxNAM

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:22 PM EST

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:

I didn't want to go into Syria either, but once we committed to clearing out ISIS and inserted some ground troops I wanted to finish the job.

I could've been supportive of Trump's plan here if there had actually been a plan with a gradual drawdown, milestones that must be met, and not doing so because Turkey of all places threatened us. It's just absurd to bend to Erdogan on something like this - - especially when we know he's going to go full genocide on the Kurds, and they've been a strategic partner for a very long time.

Why would any group ever trust the USA again? This entire situation makes us look feckless and weak. It reminds me of when Obama was in office.

View Quote

I could give a shit about the PKK or even YPG. They’ve done the brunt of the fighting with us in Syria but I consider the Iraqi Kurds in Erbil more trustworthy allies. Regardless, between Vietnam and this, it will make it more challenging to foster future unconventional warfare allies

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:29 PM EST

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
WTF is wrong with this place?

Mattis is a freaking self proclaimed democrat!

You guys realize he wants to take your "military style assault rifles" away?

F him

View Quote

You do realize you just described FDJT to a T, right?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:35 PM EST

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
He wouldn't have made that call without a massive intel briefing by those who are in the know. Something else is going on behind the scenes and I'm sure some back channel deals were made that we will be hearing about later on.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Listen to your generals, sir.

He wouldn't have made that call without a massive intel briefing by those who are in the know. Something else is going on behind the scenes and I'm sure some back channel deals were made that we will be hearing about later on.

Do you believe Trump is more informed on the intelligence surrounding that issue?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:37 PM EST

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
Wrong.

ISIS started in Iraq when we invaded.

Please do some research!

Sorry, couldn't read past the first line because you are so wrong.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
For those of you who don't know why we have troops in Syria, please refresh your memories.

ISIS started in Syria. They used the Syrian civil war as an opportunity to grow in strength and seize territory for their caliphate. When the US pulled out of Iraq, they struck (exactly as Bush predicted) and seized more territory for their caliphate. They began functioning as a state, pumping and selling oil, implementing Islamic law, exercising control over the population and of course slaughtering people by the thousands. They became an international terrorist organization, gaining allegiance from other groups and inspiring vicious attacks all over the world.

Our troops attacked in Syria while the Iraqis attacked in Iraq. Today ISIS is a shell of it's former self, but it is not yet destroyed. If we pull up they will regroup, rebuild and try again. This is a huge mistake and America will have to go after these animals again. Sure as Hell.

Wrong.

ISIS started in Iraq when we invaded.

Please do some research!

Sorry, couldn't read past the first line because you are so wrong.

The leadership came from Iraq, but they went to Syria as a safe haven and gathered support and territory until the US pulled out of Iraq.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:54 PM EST

[#35]

Is Lt Col Allan West a swamp creature

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:23:57 PM EST

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
We were involved in the M.E. during 9/11. Why didnt we stop the terrorists? And while you at it, explain how the terrorists in our country would have been stopped by more M.E. troops?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I guess we should remain in the M.E. forever. /shrug. Guess ARFCOM likes their never ending "wars".

I guess Trumptards like their 9/11s.

We were involved in the M.E. during 9/11. Why didnt we stop the terrorists? And while you at it, explain how the terrorists in our country would have been stopped by more M.E. troops?

Besides enforcing the Iraqi no fly zones where were we on the ground in the Middle east on 9/11?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:26:11 PM EST

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

All of the principles and sound strategies that Mattis is speaking of, are things the Trump is opposing.

Trump should recognize that Mattis knows better.

View Quote

Then it’s incumbent upon Mattis to produce a convincing argument to CinC. Obama was ready to leave Afghanistan entirely after Iraq but he was convinced to keep a small force under 10,000 instead. Granted isis territorial gains in Iraq was a big factor in that decision

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:26:50 PM EST

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
Is Lt Col Allan West a swamp creature

View Quote

Sure didn't seem to be one in 2010.

He's squishy on gun rights but solid conservative on other issues. Hates Islam which is a positive in my book.

Can I say that here?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:27:03 PM EST

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:

Why does Trump not intend to win those battles?

That’s the question.

View Quote

The question is, what is winning those battles?

serious question.. I really can't fathom what that would look like without expending way more than we'll ever get back.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:28:09 PM EST

[#40]

Not reading through 7 pages of bullshit, but Mattis has been disappointing. Hopefully the next SecDef cares about winning whatever fights we are a part of or potentially could fight and less concerned with making sure trannys can get free castration and filling the infantry with women because "equality."

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:28:34 PM EST

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:

9/11 was a bunch of shitbags mostly from Saudi Arabia living in Europe, so a wall wouldn’t have stopped them but we still need a wall anyway along with keeping track of people who legally enter the country at our airports and ports

View Quote

And of course, Saudi Arabia is not a country subject to Trump's travel ban. So, if they decide to fly airplanes into buildings again or something similar (because the former would be near impossible) all of Trump's TALK on immigration would not prevent that from occurring.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:29:15 PM EST

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well, we created and armed them to counter the Shiites...

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Stephen Miller just basically said that Isis isn't our enemy and we shouldn't have to fight them.

Well, we created and armed them to counter the Shiites...

Did Q or that nut on info wars tell you that?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:30:09 PM EST

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
The question is, what is winning those battles?

serious question.. I really can't fathom what that would look like without expending way more than we'll ever get back.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Why does Trump not intend to win those battles?

That’s the question.

The question is, what is winning those battles?

serious question.. I really can't fathom what that would look like without expending way more than we'll ever get back.

That desired end-state is Trump’s to define.

If he’s issuing orders and sending troops into battle, one would assume he knows why...

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:30:23 PM EST

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Good points can be made against our going into Iraq in 2003. So let’s say that it was 100% a mistake.

That doesn’t mean that Obama’s sudden and precipitous withdrawal was a good idea.

Trumps decision is just as bad.

Our small footprint in Syria is part of a much larger strategy that is all about NOT being bogged down. Maintaining strong alliances is about having THEIR troops near the burden.

Mattis is right. Trump is wrong.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Read the letter.

He says in no uncertain terms why he resigned, and how his beliefs were at odds with the ideas and actions of the President.

Trump is a fool for ignoring Mattis.

Is Mattis infallible or is he right? What if the majority of the US disagrees with him?

No man is infallible.

But I don't care if the majority of the US disagrees with him. Most people are idiots.

Fair point.

Im reasonably sure I'm not an idiot and I don't believe we need to be in Syria, so I disagree with him. I respect his service and accomplishments but I haven't seen an explanation of why we need to be there.

At least I haven't seen an explanation with an actionable end state.

Good points can be made against our going into Iraq in 2003. So let’s say that it was 100% a mistake.

That doesn’t mean that Obama’s sudden and precipitous withdrawal was a good idea.

Trumps decision is just as bad.

Our small footprint in Syria is part of a much larger strategy that is all about NOT being bogged down. Maintaining strong alliances is about having THEIR troops near the burden.

Mattis is right. Trump is wrong.

What is the desired end sate in Syria and how will 3000 SOF troops accomplish that end state.

Please be specific.

Thanks.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:31:16 PM EST

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:

It's not at it's peak anymore, it's not worth entanglements with Russia over, I don't care about the place. We were going to spend $16 Billion there next year.

It's closer to Europe. Let them handle it if they care so damn much.

View Quote

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/france-says-islamic-state-not-defeated-troops-to-remain-in-syria-idUSKCN1OJ0U6

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:31:17 PM EST

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Not reading through 7 pages of bullshit, but Mattis has been disappointing. Hopefully the next SecDef cares about winning whatever fights we are a part of or potentially could fight and less concerned with making sure trannys can get free castration and filling the infantry with women because "equality."

View Quote

If you think that Mattis has allowed that tranny nonsense to impact our readiness, you haven’t been paying attention.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:31:23 PM EST

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
I wonder if Trumps recent bullshit is making his cabinet members and staff lose faith in his reelection or him in general

View Quote

you think it was only the recent bullshit?

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:31:50 PM EST

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:

Did Q or that nut on info wars tell you that?

View Quote

Wikileaks has never been wrong. Not even once.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:32:05 PM EST

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you think that Mattis has allowed that tranny nonsense to impact our readiness, you haven't been paying attention.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Not reading through 7 pages of bullshit, but Mattis has been disappointing. Hopefully the next SecDef cares about winning whatever fights we are a part of or potentially could fight and less concerned with making sure trannys can get free castration and filling the infantry with women because "equality."

If you think that Mattis has allowed that tranny nonsense to impact our readiness, you haven't been paying attention.

Those single issue people. lol.

Posted: 12/20/2018 7:33:13 PM EST

[#50]

Quote History

Quoted:
What is the desired end sate in Syria and how will 3000 SOF troops accomplish that end state.

Please be specific.

Thanks.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Read the letter.

He says in no uncertain terms why he resigned, and how his beliefs were at odds with the ideas and actions of the President.

Trump is a fool for ignoring Mattis.

Is Mattis infallible or is he right? What if the majority of the US disagrees with him?

No man is infallible.

But I don't care if the majority of the US disagrees with him. Most people are idiots.

Fair point.

Im reasonably sure I'm not an idiot and I don't believe we need to be in Syria, so I disagree with him. I respect his service and accomplishments but I haven't seen an explanation of why we need to be there.

At least I haven't seen an explanation with an actionable end state.

Good points can be made against our going into Iraq in 2003. So let’s say that it was 100% a mistake.

That doesn’t mean that Obama’s sudden and precipitous withdrawal was a good idea.

Trumps decision is just as bad.

Our small footprint in Syria is part of a much larger strategy that is all about NOT being bogged down. Maintaining strong alliances is about having THEIR troops near the burden.

Mattis is right. Trump is wrong.

What is the desired end sate in Syria and how will 3000 SOF troops accomplish that end state.

Please be specific.

Thanks.

Not my job. I know my mission and I execute it.

Ask the President about his desired end state. That belongs to him.

He’s put them in harm’s way, and some have died.

One would assume that he had a reason.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis will be retiring at the end of February (Page 7 of 22)

General » General Discussion

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us