What is the first thought you have when hearing General Mattis will be our new SecDef?

Finally, a real leader.

A SecDef that will place the needs of the military first over politics. And hold people and companies accoutable for weapon systems development.

I have never worked for the man, but have done a lot of research on him and think he is a great choice. You need a person who can tell the President we are ready for any conflict. Just like the Secretary of State is there to be the other side of the coin.
The only think I regret is he may have to oversee a downsizing of the military personnel as the cost of planes, ships and supplies rise ("thank you military complex", said with sarcasm).

EXCELLENT choice, but any MARINE would be better than what we currently have as secdef

If you believe in being P.C. your days are numbered....In the DoD or in our country...

Great choice and about time. I'm retired but still care deeply about the Nation and especially those still serving. I think he can handle the job but will face challenges with DC politics. He's been a CINC but the DOD is a whole new ballgame. Opposition is already forming but I don't know if they'll be able to block it. Former SF Capt Jason Amerine, now a retired LTC , says then BGen Mattis's failure to launch MEDEVAC for his injured team cost lives due to the 6 hour delay. Mattis was commanding TF-58 at Camp Rhino, Afghanistan in 2001. Amerine's team was escorting Hamid Karzai to a treaty signing and they were hit by friendly fire. AFSOC birds from Pakistan responded but tragically, SF Sergeant Cody Prosser died and a couple of Afghanis. Sen. Gillibrand D-NY says she'll try to block the appointment. She's been outspoken about women's issues in military and may fear that SecDef Mattis and CJCS Dunford will reverse women in combat policy, but says her reason is the tradition of civilian control. Tell that to Gen of Army Marshall, who besides a brilliant military career became State and Defense Secretaries consecutively i.e Marshall Plan in Europe. As Commandant USMC, Gen Dunford fought the women in combat issue the longest before being overruled. The USMC based their position on internal studies and a lengthy one by Rand Corp. that said it would lower readiness and could cost lives. It wouldn't surprise me if the defense industry spread some cash around for PR to attempt to block appointment also. They may see Gen Mattis as a threat to the defense industry "gravy train". The SF MEDEVAC issue should be looked at very carefully though, because of the seriousness of the allegation, and it should be seriously considered in the appointment process. I think he's smart enough to handle the job and won't engage in half-baked incursions without clear strategy and objectives. If we do get in a scrape I believe he will make sure we win.

Awesome news!! Looking forward to hearing more from him!

Outstanding choice !!!!

Elation

With Gen. Mattis in charge, I stuck out my chest and then thanked God
that we have someone who won’t be bowing down and apologizing for
being part of the greatest country in the world and who isn’t afraid of
being a Leader!