'The General Mattis collection: a mixture

**SWJED** · 12-22-2006

... LtGen James Mattis (CG I MEF) replaces GEN John Abizaid in March at CENTCOM.

**slapout9** · 12-22-2006

Do you think he will try to implement a CAP style or Distributed Operations type Strategy?

**SWJED** · 12-22-2006

Originally Posted by slapout9

Do you think he will try to implement a CAP style or Distributed Operations type Strategy?

General Mattis will attempt to identify the desired end-state (hopefully he will have some help here from the National Command Authority) and based on his in-depth knowledge of COIN issue mission type orders / commander's intent to his subordinate commander in Iraq. Whether that entails CAP or DO or anything else remains to be seen as the situation in Iraq is quite dynamic and what may have worked in one province at one particular point in time may or may not be applicable now. That said, he will hopefully be able to instill unity of command amongst all the entities that are now players in Iraq.

**Merv Benson** · 12-22-2006

In this post the speculation is that Gen. Petraeus would replace Abizaid and Gen. Mattis would replace Gen. Casey, Gen Casey is also apparently in the running for Abizaid's Centcom slot.

**SWJED** · 12-22-2006

Originally Posted by Merv Benson

In this post the speculation is that Gen. Petraeus would replace Abizaid and Gen. Mattis would replace Gen. Casey, Gen Casey is also apparently in the running for Abizaid's Centcom slot.

CENTCOM has traditionally been commanded by sequentially alternating between the Marine Corps and Army. We have had two Army CENTCOM commanders in a row. The crystal ball says there will not be a third in a row - moreover - the NCA is looking to shake things up - at least give that perception. Mattis will be the next CENTCOM commander... That said - Petraeus would be a great choice. I believe he and Mattis are our two "COIN stars".