James Mattis Quotes: 12 Things President-Elect Donald Trump's Nominee For Defense Secretary Has Said

President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, retired Marine Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis, is known as a straight-talking military man, pithy when he wants to be. He once said was asked to tone down his rhetoric after a 2005 appearance in San Diego. "Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight," the Los Angeles Times quoted him as saying. "You know, it's a hell of a hoot. ... It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up-front with you. I like brawling.