James Mattis

Born: Sept. 8, 1950, in Pullman, Wash.

Career: Enlisted in Marine Corps in 1969; commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines; 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Marine Division; Combat Development Command; 1 Marine Expeditionary Force; U.S. Joint Forces Command; U.S. Central Command.

Politics: Believes Iran is the principal threat to Middle East stability, supports two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, recommended providing weapons to Syrian rebels.