James Mattis

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James Mattis

United States general and secretary of defense

Written by Michael Ray

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 11, 2024 • Article History

James Mattis

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Category: History & Society

Byname:: Mad Dog

Born:: September 8, 1950, Pullman, Washington, U.S. (age 73)

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James Mattis (born September 8, 1950, Pullman, Washington, U.S.) U.S. Marine Corps general who served as head of Central Command (Centcom; 2010–13) and who was later secretary of defense (2017–18) in the cabinet of U.S. Pres. Donald Trump. Mattis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 and attended Central Washington University as part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1971 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant the following year. He received a number of small unit commands during his time as a first lieutenant and later as a captain. Upon his ...(100 of 1044 words)

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