Phil Klay Quotes

I liked the military life. They teach you self-sufficiency early on. I always say that I learned most of what I know about leadership in the Marine Corps. Certain basic principles stay with you - sometimes consciously, mostly unconsciously.

In the military, I learned that 'leadership' means raising your hand and volunteering for the tough, important assignments.

May the spirit of devotion to duty which inspires us always dominate this Committee's conferences!

I really believe, if I learned anything in the military, it was that I was accountable for my actions and I like to be part of the team that kind of brings that back to Washington, D.C. - not just responsibility, but accountability and being ready to lose my job over doing what's right.

In carrying out every aspect of our work, CIA officers are guided by a professional ethos that is the sum of our abiding principles, core values, and highest aspirations. These include service, integrity, excellence, courage, teamwork, and stewardship. Sacrifice, too, is an inescapable part of our mission.

The one word you use in military flying is duty. It's your duty. You have no control over outcome, no control over pick-and-choose. It's duty.

A military life has ever comported with my inclination.

People think of the military as being about guns and fighting wars, but it's really about service to country and community.

I like the ethos of the military and the idea of joining an institution in which, at the very least, everyone who signs up believes in something.

The military is a group of people that come together from different perspectives and backgrounds and places and get a job done because they have a mission.

I come from a military family.

England expects that every man will do his duty.

I admire the military. I guess in a world of villains and heroes, they're my heroes. Their dedication, their commitment, their discipline, their code of ethics.

In the Marine Corps, your buddy is not only your classmate or fellow officer, but he is also the Marine under your command. If you don't prepare yourself to properly train him, lead him, and support him on the battlefield, then you're going to let him down. That is unforgivable in the Marine Corps.

A leader is one who, out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself the woe of the people. There are few men so foolish, hence the erratic quality of leadership in the world.

A chief is a man who assumes responsibility. He says 'I was beaten', he does not say 'My men were beaten.'

I've got to tell you what, the soldier doesn't fight very hard for a leader who is going to shoot him, okay, on his own whim. That's not what military leadership is all about.

It is up to you to decide who to believe: the same people as usual or those who endanger their lives to save the country.

Soldiers, when committed to a task, can't compromise. It's unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty and courage, absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it's been done.

My four years in the Marine Corps left me with an indelible understanding of the value of leadership skills.

Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.

I congratulate you, my brave countrymen and fellow soldiers, on the spirit and success with which you have executed this important part of our enterprise.

You’re not saying “No” to me. You’re saying “No” to the presidency and to your country. Hasn’t your country been pretty good to you?

The only reason I am living with my shame is to protect the Emperor from all responsibility.

We cannot ask our soldiers to be courageous if our politicians are not.