>> The experience of combat is difficult to understand intellectually and very difficult to appreciate emotionally.
Do you know from whose perspective Lt. Gen Mattis’ is referring? If it’s meant to be that of the media and politico, then Mattis is being too kind in casting what is outright hostility to the veil of ‘misunderstanding’ and ‘appreciation’. On the other hand, the Military’s exemplary respect and honor of others is no doubt a factor in the words Mattis chose to use.
The reference to ‘detached reflection’ epitomizes the arrogance of those who, from the comfort of the security they’re provided, denigrate, disparage, and second guess the Marines who have but a split second to chose between life and death. The context in cases like Haditha is sorely absent from the dissemination machine operated by the scoundrels and deviants who indulge themselves in the misery of our men and women fighting for our freedom.