[Shadow_Group] Fw: Marine General Counseled for Comments

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Marine General Counseled for Comments 

Thu Feb 3, 2:18 PM ET   White House - AP Cabinet & State 
 


WASHINGTON - The commandant of the Marine Corps said Thursday he has
counseled a senior subordinate for saying publicly, "It's fun to shoot
some people." 



Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, an infantry officer who has commanded Marines
in both Afghanistan (news - web sites) and Iraq (news - web sites), made
the comments Tuesday while speaking to a forum in San Diego about
strategies for the war on terror. Mattis is the commanding general of the
Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va. 


According to an audio recording of Mattis' remarks, he said, "Actually,
it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot. ... It's fun
to shoot some people. I'll be right upfront with you, I like brawling." 


He added, "You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around
for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis continued. "You
know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of
a lot of fun to shoot them." 


Thursday, Gen. Mike Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, issued a
statement saying, "I have counseled him concerning his remarks and he
agrees he should have chosen his words more carefully." 


"While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments
made by him, I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh
realities of war," Hagee said. "Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great
deal of candor." 


Hagee also praised Mattis, calling him "one of this country's bravest and
most experienced military leaders." 


He said the commitment of Marines "helps to provide us the fortitude to
take the lives of those who oppress others or threaten this nation's
security. This is not something we relish, yet we accept it as a reality
in our profession of arms." 


He said he was confident Mattis would continue to serve. 


According to Mattis' biography, he commanded, as a lieutenant colonel, an
assault battalion during the first war with Iraq. During the war in
Afghanistan, he commanded the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade; in the
second war in Iraq, he commanded the 1st Marine Division during the
invasion and early period after the war. 





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