No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy
Page 24
Mattis coauthors Blueprints for America, a book of policy solutions for economic and political issues, with other leading Hoover Institute fellows. It is edited by former Secretary of State George Schultz. At the Marines’ Memorial Club in San Francisco, he is the guest speaker on the topic “You Built Your Own Monument.” His speech soars, reaching out to the spiritual core of his audience of fellow veterans: “No granite monuments, regardless of how grandly built, can take the place of your raw example of courage, when in your youth you answered your country’s call. When you looked past the hot political rhetoric. When you voluntarily left behind life’s well-lit avenues. When you signed that blank check to the American people payable with your lives. And, most important, when you made a full personal commitment even while, for over a dozen years, the country’s political leadership had difficulty defining our national level of commitment.”18
In December 2015 he joins the advisory board of the nonprofit Spirit of America, which supports the safety and success of American troops and the local people they seek to help. He coauthors Warriors and Citizens: American Views of Our Military with Kori Schake, a fellow researcher at the Hoover Institute. Mattis writes, “We undertook this project to better understand attitudes of the American public about their military forty years into having an all-volunteer force and after fifteen years of being continuously at war. One of the most important gaps evident in the survey data collected for this project is public disaffection with their elected leaders on issues of war strategy.”19
Late in the presidential campaign season of 2016, as it begins to look possible that Donald Trump might win, he receives a call from the Trump campaign. Weeks later, he is confirmed as secretary of defense with a rare, nearly unanimous waiver of restrictions that prevent a recently active member of the military from serving as secretary of defense.20 He resigns from General Dynamics’ board of directors and withdraws from his remaining organizations forfeiting several generous and relatively trouble-free streams of income for a government salary and intense public scrutiny and criticism.21
At his swearing in on January 20, 2017, Mattis says, “Together with the Intelligence Community we are the sentinels and guardians of our nation. We need only look to you, the uniformed and civilian members of the Department and your families, to see the fundamental unity of our country. You represent an America committed to the common good; an America that is never complacent about defending its freedoms; and an America that remains a steady beacon of hope for all mankind. . . . I am confident you will do your part. I pledge to you I’ll do my best as your Secretary.”22
Soon after the inauguration, President Trump says that he has full confidence in Mattis to make the necessary defense policy adjustments. Within days, Mattis announces that the policy of the United States toward ISIS is changing from “attrition” to “annihilation.”23 Mattis is going to actively hunt down and wipe out ISIS permanently, all of them and any known associates. He will take back Ramadi and Fallujah and again rescue the Desert Wolves of Anbar from foreign jihadis.
In May, he speaks to the graduating class of West Point:
By the time this class was in first grade classrooms in every state across our union, our country had been thrust into a war by maniacs who thought that by hurting us they could scare us. Well, we don’t scare, and nothing better represents America’s awesome determination to defend herself than this graduating class.
Every one of you—every one of you could have opted out. You’d grown up seeing the war on ’round-the-clock news. There was no draft. Colleges across this land would have moved heaven and earth to recruit you for schools that would never make such demands on you as West Point . . .
You graduate the same week that saw the murder of 22 innocent young lives. Manchester’s tragic loss underscores the purpose for your years of study and training at this elite school. For today, as General Caslen said, you join the ranks of those whose mission is to guard freedom and to protect the innocent from such terror, the innocent noted in your class motto, “so others may dream.”
. . . In terms of serving something larger than yourself, yours is the same oath that was taken by the young men of ancient Athens. They pledged to fight for the ideals and sacred things of the city, to revere and obey the city’s laws.
We in the Department of Defense recognize that there are a lot of passions running about in our country, as there ought to be in a vibrant Republic. But for those privileged to wear the cloth of our nation, to serve in the United States Army, you stand the ramparts—unapologetic, apolitical, defending our experiment in self-governance. And you hold the line.
You hold the line, faithful to duty, confronting our nation’s foes with implacable will, knowing that if there’s a hill to climb, waiting will not make it any smaller.
You hold the line, true to honor, living by a moral code regardless of who is watching, knowing that honor is what we give ourselves for a life of meaning.
You hold the line, loyal to country and defending the constitution, and defending our fundamental freedoms, knowing from your challenging years here on the Hudson that loyalty only counts where there are a hundred reasons not to be.
So fight—So fight for our ideals and our sacred things; incite in others respect and love for our country and our fellow Americans; and leave this country greater and more beautiful than you inherited it, for that is the duty of every generation.24
Back at work in the Trump administration, Mattis and the president agree that, unlike previous administrations, there will be no public discussion of American military plans or timetables. Instead, Mattis quietly drops out of sight. By September 2017, 80 percent of the caliphate capitol of Raqqa is retaken.25 Mattis meets with commanders in nearby Kubal, Iraq. A few moments later, after his plane lifts off the Kubal airport runway, ISIS attacks the airport. It is believed the attack was intended to kill Mattis. But instead the lucky Marine flies on to have a front-row view of the final fall of Raqqa.26
A coalition of Kurds, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and American advisers finally drive a stake through the heart of the enemy on October 17, 2017, in the central square of the city of Raqqa.27 Celebrations erupt from some surviving Raqqa citizens. Globally, praise and condemnation explode in volcanoes of heated rhetoric.
On a nondescript desert airfield not too far from Raqqa, Mattis again quietly takes a seat in an indistinguishable military transport plane. He carries his well-worn copy of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius to distract him and help him rest. In moments he is airborne, in the immaculate clouds, free of the heavy yoke of duty for just a few moments. He finds some peace in the Spartan solitude of the big, empty plane. Alone and quiet in his thoughts, he flies on toward his next front line.
Acknowledgments
Thank you, Dr. Bill Proser, my older brother, guiding light, protector, and lifelong supporter. I would not be here without you. To my cousin, contributor, and sage Daniel Zoller, a reliable friend in darkest times and one hell of a shortstop. To my beloved wife, Adoley, thanks are not nearly enough. You are my morning sun. To my stalwart pals John Paxson and David Fallon, who kept faith and never faltered when our world was collapsing.
To the Marines Colonel Ken Jordan USMC (ret.), who saw what was in my heart and let me know I could speak about it plainly and reach many Marines. I have never had or will ever have a better teacher. To General James T. Conway USMC (ret.), who recommended my first book to all Marines and shared his recollections freely of the Desert Wolves and his close friend Jim Mattis. To Colonel N. R. Hoskot USMC (ret.), who helped me understand front-line command during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and to Major General Chris Cortez USMC (ret.), who guarded Mattis’s right flank as a commander in Operation Desert Storm. To Marine Generals Mike Myatt, O.K. Steele, Daniel Yoo, and Lawrence Snowden, who welcomed me at the Marine Memorial many years ago and encouraged me to examine the warrior’s path. To Gunnery Sergeant Nathan Osowski USMC, who guided me through OIF 1 with the general; to Sergeant Ryan Woolworth USMC, w
ho shared his memories of traveling in the command LAV; to Captain Joe Plenzler USMC (ret.), who encountered the general’s skepticism but received his warmth as just another gun-hand around the ranch; to Lieutenant David Pittelkow USMC (ret.), for your abiding love and respect for the general; to Chaplain Bill Devine USMC (ret.), whose generous love and faith has strengthened so many, including my own family, during terrible challenges; and to the many Marines who choose to remain anonymous. Finally, to the twenty-nine Marines of the general’s jump platoon in Fallujah, for your courage, commitment, and spiritual fire. Although I have never met or spoken with you, please know that this citizen of a grateful nation stands in awe and humble appreciation of your service. Thank you all and Semper Fi.
I stand on the shoulders of magnificent warriors who were there, who risked all for freedom and lived to tell the tale, including Nathaniel Fick, Bing West, David Danelo, Richard S. Lowry, Michael Scot Smith, Patrick K. O’Donnell, Dick Camp, Peter Mansoor, and Andy Bufalo. And to the many war correspondents like Evan Wright, Thomas Ricks, Sebastian Junger, and Peter L. Bergen, who risked all for the truth, I hope I have helped to promote your work and sacrifices in some small way. To committed analysts and scholars, including Seth G. Jones, Garrett M. Graff, Charles River Editors, and Emma Sky, thank you for your commitment, efforts, and insight. Special thanks to Dr. Fred Allison and Captain Joshua Pena USMC of the Marine Corps Oral History Division.
Special thanks to Eric Nelson of HarperCollins for taking a chance on this relative newcomer, to Eric Meyers for patiently guiding my hand in this work, and to Bob Diforio for beating the drum. To my intrepid crew of researchers; Cieja Montgomery, tireless and selfless enthusiast; Lieutenant Colonel Curt Bruce USMC (ret.), for adapting and overcoming; Howard Berkowitz, for your insight; Pete Fallon, LCDR, DC, USN (ret.), for always being there and ready to help; Penelope Huala, for meticulous and invaluable cross-referencing; Gary Dixon, for your early work and constancy; and Shammai Siskind, for your insight on military matters and inspiring work ethic.
To the great friends and family of me and my wife, Adoley, who know what extraordinary challenges we faced during the writing of this book. Your love and acts of kindness were the hand of God on us. And to my great friend and the greatest warrior poet of our age, Sergeant Bill Lansford USMC and First Lieutenant US Army, one of Carlson’s Raiders, a grunt on The Long Patrol, author of the biography of Pancho Villa and the poetry of The Masks of Quetzalcoatl: you are always with me, buddy, in every word, standing watch. Semper Fidelis.
Jim Proser
Sarasota, Florida
Notes
Distances in military operations are generally calibrated in kilometers. Kilometers in this book have been converted to miles for easier comprehension by most American readers.
Introduction
1. Josh Feldman, “Senate Near-Unanimously Votes to Confirm Gen. James Mattis for DefSec,” Mediaite, January 20, 2017, https://www.mediaite.com/online/breaking-senate-near-unanimously-votes-to-confirm-gen-james-mattis-for-defsec/.
2. Kathleen Elkins, “11 Powerful Quotes on Leadership and Success from Gen. James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis,” CNBC.com, December 2, 2016, https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/02/11-powerful-quotes-on-leadership-and-success-from-general-james-mad-dog-mattis.html.
3. James T. Conway, interview by author, November 30, 2017.
Chapter 1: No Better Friend
1. Stanton S. Coerr, “I Served with James Mattis. Here’s What I Learned from Him,” Federalist, December 2, 2016, http://thefederalist.com/2016/12/02/served-james-mattis-heres-learned/.
2. Ibid.
3. Joe Plenzler, “15 Things Mattis Taught Me about Real Leadership,” We’ll All Die as Marines, December 20, 2016, http://wellalldieasmarines.net/2016/12/mattis-2/.
4. Will Durant, Heroes of History: A Brief History of Civilization from Ancient Times to the Dawn of the Modern Age (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002), 131.
5. Seth Moulton, “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy: America’s Foreign Policy for the Next President,” Real Clear Defense, February 7, 2016, https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2016/02/08/no_better_friend_no_worse_enemy_108991.html.
6. Ellis Group, “21st Century Maneuver Warfare,” Marine Corps Gazette: Professional Journal of U.S. Marines 100, no. 11 (November 2016), https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/2016/11/21st-century-maneuver-warfare.
7. Coerr, “I Served with James Mattis.”
8. Nathaniel Fick, One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006), 191.
9. Nathan Osowski, interview by author, May 27, 2017.
10. Evan Wright, Generation Kill: Devil Dogs, Ice Man, Captain America, and the New Face of American War (New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008), 72–73.
11. Ibid., 74.
12. Osowski, interview (quote paraphrased).
13. Evan Wright, Generation Kill (Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition), 56.
14. Wright, Generation Kill, 83.
15. Ibid.
16. Osowski, interview.
17. “Death Highway, Revisited,” Time, March 18, 1991.
18. Wright, Generation Kill, 415.
19. Ibid.
20. Ruth Sherlock, “Profile: General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, Donald Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Defence,” Telegraph, December 2, 2016.
21. Wright, Generation Kill, 26.
22. Fick, One Bullet Away, 163.
23. Elkins, “11 Powerful Quotes.”
24. Fick, One Bullet Away. 163
25. Ibid.
26. Ibid.
27. Ibid.
28. Ibid.,164.
29. Ibid.
30. Ibid.
31. Ibid.
32. Wright, Generation Kill, 27.
33. Ibid.
Chapter 2: No Worse Enemy
1. Marcus, Aurelius, Meditations (Ariston Publishing, Kindle Edition, loc. 2581).
2. Ashley Fantz, “For Years, former POW Jessica Lynch Kept the Hurt Inside,” July 20, 2015, CNN.com, https://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/20/us/jessica-lynch-where-is-she-now/index.html.
3. Thomas E. Ricks, The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today (New York: Penguin, 2013).
4. Ibid.
5. Bing West and Ray L. Smith. The March Up: Taking Baghdad with the United States Marines (Random House Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, loc. 730–732).
6. Ibid., loc. 776.
7. Christopher Cooper, “How a Marine Lost His Command in Race to Baghdad: Col. Joe Dowdy’s ‘Tempo’ Displeased Superiors; Balance of Mission, Men,” Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2004.
8. Thomas E. Ricks, The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today (Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, loc. 5427).
9. Cooper, “How a Marine Lost His Command.”
10. Ibid.
11. Hal Bernton and David Gutman, “James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick, Always Comes Home to Richland,” Seattle Times, January 7, 2017. Background information that follows about Richland and Mattis’s upbringing there is also drawn from this source.
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid.
14. Ibid.
15. Ibid.
16. Ibid.
17. West and Smith, The March Up.
18. Ibid., loc. 1986.
19. Ibid.
20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid., loc. 2275.
23. Ibid.
24. Ibid., 148.
25. Ibid., 149.
Chapter 3: Liberation
1. West and Smith, The March Up, loc. 2416.
2. Ibid., loc. 2416.
3. Ibid., loc. 2418.
4. “Honor the Fallen: Marine 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips,” Military Times, https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-1st-lt-brian-m-mcphillips/256544.
5. Christopher M. Kennedy, Wanda J. Renfrow, Evelyn A. Englander, and Nathan S. Lowrey, U.S. Marines in Iraq, 2003: Anthology and Annotated Bibliography, U.S. Marin
es in the Global War on Terrorism (Washington, D.C.: History Division, US Marine Corps, 2006), 2.
6. West and Smith, The March Up, loc. 3085.
7. Ibid.
8. Thomas E. Ricks, Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2003 to 2005 (Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition), 72.
9. Ibid., 73.
10. Ibid., 78.
11. Ibid., 313.
12. Captain Joseph Plenzler, phone interview with Jim Proser, June 22, 2017.
13. Captain Brian B. Smalley, interview, May 3, 2003, MCHC, Quantico, VA. Original source in Reynolds, “Baghdad, Basrah.”
14. Colonel Nicholas E. Reynolds USMCR, U.S. Marines In Iraq, 2003: Basrah, Baghdad and Beyond: U.S. Marines in the Global War on Terrorism [Illustrated Edition] (Tannenberg Publishing, Kindle Edition, loc. 2820).
15. “Marine: Flag a Symbol of Liberation, not Occupation,” CNN.com, April 10, 2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/04/10/sprj.irq.chin/index.html.