President-elect Donald Trump recently nominated four-star General James Mattis, affectionately known as ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, to be his Secretary of Defense in one of his best choices thus far in his transition to the Oval Office.

After eight years of American weakness, the message of returning strength must be sent. America cannot afford to be seen as failing or falling, especially as radical Islamic terror is on the rise. More Americans are in danger, as shown by the Orlando nightclub shooting, Chattanooga, the Boston bombing, San Bernardino — as well as the overseas attacks where Americans were travelling. General Mattis has experience directly with radical Islamic terrorism, as he fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. He lived and fought alongside his fellow Marines, even as a higher ranking major general.  

General Mattis is known for being ruthless. He will make sure the United States military is the strongest in the world. Mattis has said, “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.”

Under President Barack Obama, the United States military has shrunk and continually reduced funding. According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh, a portion of their jets could “qualify for antique license plates in the state of Virginia.” How can America be expected to be perceived as a superpower if the newest planes were entered into the force in 1962?

Obama did not want to take on the “burden” of being a superpower in international relations. His lack of action signals to enemies that he won’t fight back, and to allies it makes America look scared. President-elect Trump won because people were fed up with the passive approach to defense, and by nominating General Mattis, America will not back down and remain silent. We cannot afford to be seen as a weak nation anymore, and with the nomination and appointment of General Mattis, nobody would dare mess with America or her allies.

Mattis will be dedicated to protect both American lives and other innocents. Previously he has said, “If in order to kill the enemy you have to kill an innocent, don’t take the shot. Don’t create more enemies than you take out by some immoral act.” He will endlessly defend innocent life, including those of women in truly oppressive countries. Mattis says he happily shoots men who “slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil.” There is no doubt that Mattis will defend life, and be a true leader for America and around the world.

His experience in Afghanistan and in other combat positions gives him great experience and inside knowledge about America’s biggest threat, radical Islamic terrorism. He will reinstate a strong military presence in the Middle East to protect Israel and Americans back home. Mattis will work relentlessly, as he has throughout his nearly 50 years of military service in the Marines.

He will continue to embody the spirit of America while protecting all innocent life, truly leading with the Marines motto of “no better friend, no worse enemy.”