Jim Mattis on Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead

Recorded on August 21, 2019

Peter Robinson opens the show by asking General Jim Mattis, former secretary of defense, to explain the word “chaos” from the title of his new book, Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead. (“Chaos” is an abbreviation for “Colonel Has Another Outstanding Suggestion.”) Mattis notes that chaos has been a part and parcel of his life growing up, in the marines, and traveling the world.

Mattis further talks about how chaos has been introduced by organizations to disrupt order and keep opponents at the top of their game. But on the battlefield, it is better to introduce chaos early, in order to disrupt enemies’ plans and thus create problems for them and, ultimately, dominate them.

Robinson asks about what led Mattis to join the marines and why he decided to serve so long. Mattis explains his love for the country and the great people he met in the service. The fellow soldiers kept him going and inspired him to jot down lessons he had learned that could help future generations learn to serve and lead in better ways. Mattis notes that it is the very high quality of the people whom he met in the armed services that kept him in the military for his career. Mattis talks about how soldiers are brave, rambunctious, and selfless, and how he would rather have crummy jobs at times and work with great people than have a great job and not work with the outstanding people Mattis encountered in the military.

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[MichaelLynMusic]

I could listen to General Mattis ALL Day Long...I only wish our leaders were readers like him...

[rathernotsay]

Such an underrated channel. Really has some of the best minds on. General Mattis rarely if ever gives interviews.

[christopherrobbins]

Mattis is terrific and Robinson is a top notch interviewer.

[Grouse]

I wish a man like that could run for president. He sure would get my vote.

[lockey]

This man is a national treasure. So looking forward to the book. Thank you, Hoover Institute. General Mattis is such a profound philosophical warrior!!!!

[Joe-bmwx]

My god I wish I could be half as good of a leader as General Mattis is.

[MrViniparksingh]

Your depth in analysis, learning from history and military strategy makes you the great military commander of modern century! I wish, if you could have run for President!

[freeandfighting]

GOD Bless General Jim Mattis; he is the kind of Leader We The People need in our Military! FREE

[jeffmrn]

This is the most important video I have seen on youtube. Every American should see this.

[williamjthompsonjr]

Ran into this guy at an Officers club in DC. He was a true gentleman. Patriots like him are few and far between.

[robertpenoyer]

Thank you Gen. Mattis for sharing your experience and wisdom from a life well-lived.

[retcheto]

I hope our country still continues to produce men like General Mattis

[edpritchard]

General Mattis is both a gentleman and warrior.. Class act

[roosteryear]

Best interview Gen Mattis has had recently. Long form is so much better for interviews. This is why old media is so troubled.

[echosixbravo]

I forget where I heard this but this discussion makes me think of it. “The mission of the military begins when diplomacy fails. The mission of diplomacy begins when the military succeeds.”

[heidymangione]

he is such a smart, honorable man, thanks for the wonderful interview. I could listen to him for hours, God protect him

[garyriding]

I am fascinated and humbly grateful 4 both of your inputs especially General Mattis, he sounds like he's one of the greatest, and he probably is

[unclejjer]

Just bought the book thanks to this outstanding talk...Inspired by General Mattis and his knowledge...our generation must learn these lessons fast and become the leaders we seek because that is the great lesson of self-government and freedom....we must do it ourselves.

[carloslemus]

There is no one else on this earth that I have had the honor to call Sir. The ultimate and premier and elite leader.

[jbudd]

Pleased and honored listening to you, General.