What is the one country in the Middle East that has not been attacked by ISIS? One. That is Iran. That is more than happenstance, I'm sure.

I consider ISIS nothing more than an excuse for Iran to continue its mischief.

I like the enemy knowing there are a few guys like me around.

I've lived a very colorful life, and I've said some things, But not once have I taken them back, and I've never apologized for them - and I won't.

I don't write policy for my government.

Read about history, and you become aware that nothing starts with us.

It is not scientifically possible to accurately predict the outcome of an action. To suggest otherwise runs contrary to historical experience and the nature of war.

In an interconnected age when opportunistic adversaries can work in tandem to destroy stability and prosperity, our country needs to regain its strategic footing. We need to bring the clarity to our efforts before we lose the confidence of the American people and the support of potential allies.

The fundamental question I believe is, 'Is political Islam in our best interest?' If not, what is our policy to authoritatively support the countervailing forces?

The Iranian regime, in my mind, is the single most enduring threat to stability and peace in the Middle East.

It's a lot of fun to fight.

I don't think the U.S. military is conservative. It's pragmatic.

Most people know nobody in the military.

While victimhood in America is exalted, I don't think our veterans should join those ranks.

Iran is not an enemy of ISIS; they have a lot to gain from the turmoil that ISIS creates.

Iran is not a nation-state; it's a revolutionary cause devoted to mayhem.

There are a lot of self-imposed restrictions by people who somehow believe they have to fall in with a certain military cant. There was always a sense that we had to put things into words that would touch our troops' hearts, not just their heads.

If you can't eat it, shoot it, or wear it, don't bring it.

We should not fight wars without a clearly defined end state... when you go to war, it can't be a half-step.

Prime Minister Maliki, released from American restraint, acted on his worst instincts, creating enormous distrust in Iraq's Kurdish population and deeply embittering Sunnis in western Iraq's Al Anbar, who lost any confidence in a Baghdad government they saw as adversarial.

Now from a distance, I look back on what the Corps taught me: to think like men of action, and to act like men of thought!

I have never been bewildered for long in any fight with our enemies - I was Armed with Insight.

Perhaps if you are in support functions waiting on the warfighters to spell out the specifics of what you are to do, you can avoid the consequences of not reading. Those who must adapt to overcoming an independent enemy's will are not allowed that luxury.

I would just say there is one misperception of our veterans, and that is they are somehow damaged goods. I don't buy it.