General James Mattis | Call Sign Chaos: Leadership & Life-Long Learning

“We have to give people hope, and hope cannot be unilateral anywhere in the world… It's going to have to be multilateral, it's going to have to be inclusive and the military's got to remain steadfast while supporting in every sense of the word.” — Gen. James Mattis

WorldOregon welcomes an evening of conversation with former Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, USMC (Ret.), exploring the importance of a principled leadership grounded in civic education and public service and shaped by the values of integrity, authenticity, trust, and humility —offering a clear-eyed roadmap for how to lead in a chaotic world. Foundational to his unique brand of leadership is Mattis’ core ethos of service — whether that be in the military, being a teacher, diplomat, volunteer, or public servant: “Listen, learn, help, and then lead…that’s how you build trust.”

One of the preeminent leaders of his generation, retired four-star Gen. James Mattis has spent nearly 50 years in the service of his country. Renowned for his diligent study of history, democracy, and war, and his dogged efforts as a commander on the battlefield, Gen. Mattis understands deeply that, “Our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships,” and that without maintaining those alliances, the U.S. cannot protect our interests or serve the role of an indispensable nation in the free world.

Join us for this candid discussion on the importance of life-long learning and leadership, as Gen. Mattis shares his extraordinary insights on a life time of service, from Marine recruit to four-star general.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

James Mattis, General, United States Marine Corps (Ret) & 26th Secretary of Defense

Secretary Mattis was raised in southeastern Washington and enlisted in the Marine Corps Platoon Leader’s Course in 1969 while attending Central Washington State College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1971 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. During his more than four decades in uniform, he commanded Marines at all levels, from a 40-man infantry platoon to a 42,000-man Marine Expeditionary Force. He led an infantry battalion in the liberation of Kuwait; a naval task force in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001; 1st Marine Division in the initial attack and the following stability operations in Iraq in 2003 and 2004; and subsequently led all U.S. Marine Forces in the Middle East as Commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command. During his non-combat assignments he served on recruiting duty; as the Battalion Officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School; Executive Secretary to the Secretary of Defense; Director of Marine Corps Manpower Plans & Policy; Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. In joint assignments he commanded U.S. Joint Forces Command; NATO’s Supreme Allied Command for Transformation; and U.S. Central Command. At U.S. Central Command he directed military operations of more than 250,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Marines, and allied forces in combat across the Middle East.

Retiring in 2013, he was a Davies Family Distinguished Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Subsequently he served as the 26th Secretary of Defense from January 2017 through December 2018. His eligibility for this position was contingent upon a congressional waiver, as amendments to the National Security Act prohibited active duty commissioned officers from serving as defense secretary for a period of seven years after service. The only previous waiver granted was for the appointment of George C. Marshall in 1950. Currently General Mattis continues his work at the Hoover Institution

Copies of General Mattis' book Call Sign Chaos will be available for purchase at the event