Strategy is, at some level, the ability to predict what's going to happen, but it's also about understanding the context in which it is being formulated. And then you have to be open-minded to the fact that you're not going to get it right at the very beginning.

Martin Dempsey

A military leader should always understand, of all human endeavors... the one that's the most unpredictable and the most costly is warfare.

Martin Dempsey

The American people should not wonder where their military leaders draw the line between military advice and political preference. And our nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines should not wonder about the political leanings and motivations of their leaders.

Martin Dempsey

In my 39 years in the military, I have learned that you are not a profession just because you say you are. You have to earn it and re-earn it and re-evaluate it from time to time.

Martin Dempsey

Relieving the risk of a nuclear conflict with Iran diplomatically is superior than trying to do that militarily.

Martin Dempsey