Art of War Papers
The Mattis Way of War: An Examination of Operational Art in Task Force 58 and 1st Marine Division
By Major Michael L. Valenti, USMC
In The Mattis Way of War, US Marine Corps Major Michael Valenti suggests that the thought and practices of General (Ret.) James Mattis offer a new warfighting paradigm. Valenti looks closely at Mattis’ commands in Afghanistan and Iraq, finding that his approach to leadership focused on trust and cohesion. Adding to this philosophy was his deep belief in the practical study and use of military history. Onto this foundation, Mattis introduced innovations in the staff structure and operational tempo which ultimately played a significant role in shaping the campaigns he led in 2001 and 2003.