Call Sign Chaos

Call Sign Chaos is a review of US foreign policy through the eyes of General Jim Mattis, who led forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

It’s the winter of 1971 and Jim Mattis, newly graduated from college and wondering what to do with his life, is on a hiking trip. As he’s standing on a ridge over the Columbia river, he slips, falling down a ravine. Although Mattis could have died that day, he only had a few cracked ribs.

At the bottom of the ravine, the man remembered the words of a Vietnam veteran who said:

This was a life-changing moment for Mattis. He knew that he wanted to surround himself with men of the same character as that soldier.

But life wasn’t always so purpose-filled for would-be General Mattis. At Central Washington State College, he was known for being a mediocre student. Partying more than studying, he often got into trouble. Once ordered to spend weekends in the local jail for underage drinking, his life didn’t have much direction.

That all changed at the Quantico, Virginia training program for officers. There, Mattis found a purpose in life. He became so determined at his new calling that he refused to leave, even though each summer more than half the class was screened out.

If you, like young Mattis, feel that you lack a sense of meaning in life, join a program like the Marines. It maybe doesn’t have to be so intense, but whatever it is will change your life.

In 1973, the US introduced an all-volunteer army in an effort to defuse the anti-war feelings of the time. Prior to this time, conscription, or required enlistment, was the rule. With a choice-only basis for joining, many dropouts and criminals began enlisting. Leaders in the military had to learn to be tough but effective. In Mattis’s experience, there are three qualities of an effective leader: Competence Care Conviction In leading the Marines, you must be exceptional at the basics. It’s hard to lead your troops if you can’t run three miles in 18 minutes, for example, or if you’re can’t shoot straight. You must lead from the front, by example. Next comes care for your soldiers. In the famous words of Teddy Roosevelt: It’s good to show that you’re concerned for others progress. But in the military leaders can’t be friends with their subordinates. It’s better to think of being more like a coach that pushes your subordinates to grow toward efficiency in their strengths. Last, to be a great leader you need conviction. Declare your rules and be solid in enforcing them, but don’t play favorites. In the military these are the sort of orders that are applicable to…