Gen. Who said "it's fun to shoot some people" is CENTCOM Chief

Washington, July 9 (ANI): A Marine General, who once said "it's fun to shoot some people", has been appointed as the new Chief of Central Command (CENTCOM)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has appointed Marine General James Mattis as CENTCOM chief in place of Gen. David Petraeus, who was moved to Afghanistan.

It may be recalled that General Mattis made his controversial comments at a San Diego forum five years ago.

An audio recording showed him saying: "Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot. ... It's fun to shoot some people."

He directed that sentiment toward "guys" in Afghanistan "who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil."

"You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them," he added.

Gates said that he was of the view that General Mattis had learnt his lesson.

"I have every confidence that General Mattis will respond to questions and speak publicly about the matters for which he is responsible in an entirely appropriate way," the Fox News quoted Gates, as saying.

Mattis, a seasoned war veteran, is best known for leading troops into the bloody battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004. (ANI)