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Violence of Action: Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror
Violence of Action is much more than the true, first-person accounts of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Global War on Terror. Between these pages are the heartfelt, first-hand accounts from, and about, the men who lived, fought, and died for their country, their Regiment, and each other. Objective Rhino, Haditha Dam, recovering Jessica Lynch, the hunt for Zarqawi, the recovery of Extortion 17 and everything in between . . . These stories have been told many times in barracks rooms, bar tables, and backyard barbecues but they have never before been shared with the general public. It is time for those stories to be heard. So much more than just stories from a specific unit; this book reveals the sights, smells, and emotions of everything that happens in war-good or bad. It will be seen as the quintessential, ageless work on the human condition in combat.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
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765 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 12, 2017
As I finish reading Violence of Action, I have that rare feeling where you proverbially put the book down, stare at a wall, and can't do anything except say, "Damn."
I am not a Ranger, nor have I ever been a Ranger. As an infantry veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were still many things familiar to me. The opening chapter immediately immersed me in days past, checking my kit to make sure it functioned and was accessible on my person, then rolling out to surprise a jihadist in his sleep and bring him back to base for questioning.
Many infantrymen and other MOSs between the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force know that experience, but none have done it better than the barrel-chested rough men of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Through this anecdotal compilation, you see the Regiment in its early days as being the cordon for special mission units, as well as conducting traditional infantry operations. You then watch, year by year, as the Regiment transforms into a special operations/direct action unit in its own right, eventually responsible for its own areas of responsibility and becoming the unit with the highest kill and capture tally in the Global War on Terror.
The book then takes you beyond that. The Rangers are warriors elite, but they are also humans. They laugh, they weep for their fallen brothers, they feel despair in impossible situations and anger and frustration in others. You get to see the quirks, what makes these men tick, what characteristics it takes to wear the tan beret and scroll of the United States' premier direct action unit.
To those who are students of special operations history, this is the GWOT spiritual successor to Six Silent Men, a series that covers the LRRP Rangers of the Vietnam War. I've no doubt the Rangers of today have met and exceeded the standards set by their predecessors, and it is only right that their exploits be documented for Americans to see. These men needed their story told, and Violence of Action told it masterfully.
Simply put, this is one of the best military history books I've ever read and the best I have read of the GWOT era. If you have not read it, stop what you are doing and buy it.
Rangers Lead The Way.
I am not a Ranger, nor have I ever been a Ranger. As an infantry veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were still many things familiar to me. The opening chapter immediately immersed me in days past, checking my kit to make sure it functioned and was accessible on my person, then rolling out to surprise a jihadist in his sleep and bring him back to base for questioning.
Many infantrymen and other MOSs between the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force know that experience, but none have done it better than the barrel-chested rough men of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Through this anecdotal compilation, you see the Regiment in its early days as being the cordon for special mission units, as well as conducting traditional infantry operations. You then watch, year by year, as the Regiment transforms into a special operations/direct action unit in its own right, eventually responsible for its own areas of responsibility and becoming the unit with the highest kill and capture tally in the Global War on Terror.
The book then takes you beyond that. The Rangers are warriors elite, but they are also humans. They laugh, they weep for their fallen brothers, they feel despair in impossible situations and anger and frustration in others. You get to see the quirks, what makes these men tick, what characteristics it takes to wear the tan beret and scroll of the United States' premier direct action unit.
To those who are students of special operations history, this is the GWOT spiritual successor to Six Silent Men, a series that covers the LRRP Rangers of the Vietnam War. I've no doubt the Rangers of today have met and exceeded the standards set by their predecessors, and it is only right that their exploits be documented for Americans to see. These men needed their story told, and Violence of Action told it masterfully.
Simply put, this is one of the best military history books I've ever read and the best I have read of the GWOT era. If you have not read it, stop what you are doing and buy it.
Rangers Lead The Way.
November 30, 2015
Do 'Rangers Lead The Way'? - They bloody sure do.
I started reading this book, with the misconception that this was going to be another of those "war stories" type of books. Oh how I was wrong.
From the first 'entry' into this diary of raw emotion and love for their fellow Rangers, it showed me the human side of what many of us consider one of the most prominent elite fighting forces in the world. This is a side of Rangers that I've never known.
The book takes us on a journey through Iraq and Afghanistan, with, Rangers fresh out RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program), Rangers with numerous combat deployments under their belt, and also a Golden Star Mum. There were times where I was sitting on the train reading these stories, and next minute I'd be rifling through my bag to find tissues. This book, is by definition, raw and well somewhat uncut. Never before have I seen such honesty and integrity, in such a collection of accounts.
Marty Skovlund, Mat Best and the team who put this together have done an amazing job in compiling these accounts, and I look forward to sharing this book with others in the military community.
I started reading this book, with the misconception that this was going to be another of those "war stories" type of books. Oh how I was wrong.
From the first 'entry' into this diary of raw emotion and love for their fellow Rangers, it showed me the human side of what many of us consider one of the most prominent elite fighting forces in the world. This is a side of Rangers that I've never known.
The book takes us on a journey through Iraq and Afghanistan, with, Rangers fresh out RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program), Rangers with numerous combat deployments under their belt, and also a Golden Star Mum. There were times where I was sitting on the train reading these stories, and next minute I'd be rifling through my bag to find tissues. This book, is by definition, raw and well somewhat uncut. Never before have I seen such honesty and integrity, in such a collection of accounts.
Marty Skovlund, Mat Best and the team who put this together have done an amazing job in compiling these accounts, and I look forward to sharing this book with others in the military community.
November 7, 2014
Rangers by Rangers. No bragging; the real thing.
Get it, read it, share it.
It's that good.
Get it, read it, share it.
It's that good.
May 10, 2022
Book was awesome. So many good stories violence related or not.
November 16, 2017
If you want to know what a special operator, and in particular and Army Ranger experiences and feels, this is the book. My son served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, the REAL SOCOM Rangers. He recommended this book to me. He served 1 tour in Iraq and four in Afghanistan completing several hundred night raids. He told me "Dad, if you want to know what it's like and how I do what I do, read this".
First person accounts make this a most credible reference that chronicles history that is still being made. Skovlund has opened a door into the world of Shadow Warriors. These men are the wolves that hunt down and kill those who would harm us. This book lets you hear the truth from those who lived it, without the political spin and hyperbole designed to sell or sensationalize. Mary Skovlund has achieved what I believe was his goal, to tell the story of real operators; for operators and by operators. He has set the record straight and honored these true american Heroes and given us a window into their struggles on the battlefield, at home and in their heads. Bravo.
First person accounts make this a most credible reference that chronicles history that is still being made. Skovlund has opened a door into the world of Shadow Warriors. These men are the wolves that hunt down and kill those who would harm us. This book lets you hear the truth from those who lived it, without the political spin and hyperbole designed to sell or sensationalize. Mary Skovlund has achieved what I believe was his goal, to tell the story of real operators; for operators and by operators. He has set the record straight and honored these true american Heroes and given us a window into their struggles on the battlefield, at home and in their heads. Bravo.
October 6, 2024
As a former 1/75 Ranger myself, much of this book was exactly what i expected, at least in concept. Execution was much better than expected, which is saying something because i used to ready Martys blog back in the day (i believe it was called “Hit the Woodline” but i could be mistaken.) He’s a tremendous author and this is a very well written book.
One thing that was NOT expected was the chapter written by Gold Star mom Scoti Domeji, mother of Regiment legend Kris Domeji. Holy shit, that was intense. I cannot recall the last time I teared up that much reading a book. Wow. As i read this chapter, balling my eyes out, i was vividly reminded of the Patton quote “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” It is one of the great honors of my life to have served with and been counted as a peer among such men.
Buy this book. Seriously.
One thing that was NOT expected was the chapter written by Gold Star mom Scoti Domeji, mother of Regiment legend Kris Domeji. Holy shit, that was intense. I cannot recall the last time I teared up that much reading a book. Wow. As i read this chapter, balling my eyes out, i was vividly reminded of the Patton quote “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” It is one of the great honors of my life to have served with and been counted as a peer among such men.
Buy this book. Seriously.
December 5, 2025
This book was amazing. A lot of people will complain that this book has bad grammar and typos but you just need to look past all that and see what this book is showing you. It’s a collection of stories from Rangers and people that worked with Rangers or Rangers in their family. Some stories are of violence and killing while others are just about the most dude things ever. It talks about how the Rangers have changed over the years during the Global War on Terror (GWoT) and how they’ve become the warriors they are today. I’ve wanted to be a Ranger since I was kid and this just makes me want it even more if anyone else wishes to become a Ranger they should read this book before they leave for Basic because I think this will give them the mind set they need. No matter how tough shit gets or how much it sucks. Never Fucking Quit. That is the Ranger way. Embrace the Suck.
October 12, 2022
Violence of Action is a combination of heroic tales and depressing stories. Throughout my read, I found myself thoroughly enjoying each page and not being able to put the book down. As a teenager who wishes to one day be a Ranger, this was the perfect read for me.
Without a doubt, I recommend this book to anybody who is into firsthand, military accounts from some of the most elite forces in the world
Without a doubt, I recommend this book to anybody who is into firsthand, military accounts from some of the most elite forces in the world
March 25, 2018
I'd do 3.5 stars. Loved the accounts of the Rangers. Was glad they were detailed. Audiobook made ya feel like you were hearing it straight from the primary source. Pretty graphic, and not suitable for children or those with no intestinal fortitude.
August 6, 2020
Great Book!
Very good book detailing the determination and sacrifice the 75th Ranger regiment endures. I would recommended this book to any American patriot wanting to know more about this elite group.
Very good book detailing the determination and sacrifice the 75th Ranger regiment endures. I would recommended this book to any American patriot wanting to know more about this elite group.
August 22, 2022
There’s some good and honest stories in here, some I’d heard and many I hadn’t. There’s some soul searching honesty here, but also some puffery and quasi theology as well as a really awful god squad chapter that kinda dinged it for me.
November 22, 2025
Untold stories of the 75th ranger regimen. Some sad, some funny (phantom shitter) others brutal. Lots of words paint a picture of what war is like and perfect visual of being on their boots on the front lines
December 6, 2020
Fantastic personal stories. Some tear jerkers and others had me literally laughing out loud.
November 9, 2021
Excellent group of stories
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any young person interested in going into the military. Some of the best warriors I ever met were Rangers.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any young person interested in going into the military. Some of the best warriors I ever met were Rangers.
July 28, 2022
This compilation of stories sits well with me for telling a historic tale. Western Civilization likely owes them for their sacrifice.
February 27, 2024
Inspiring recounts of heroism and sacrifice.
August 26, 2025
Awesome stories. Super inspiring
October 10, 2015
Violence of Action is about the Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment. This book is made up of first hand accounts of Rangers on the ground during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as telling the reader the changes that occurred in the Regiment in every year from 2001 to 2012. Some of the major events of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) that are covered are the Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, the mission to rescue Jessica Lynch, the recovery of the SEALs after the failure of Operation Red Wings, ect.
The culture of the men in the 75th Ranger Regiment is completely different from the rest of the Army and the general public. The Ranger Regiment is built upon such high standards that if you don't preform to the Ranger standard you will be released for standards."Wherever the Ranger battalion goes, it is apparent that it is the best"- General Creighton Abrams.
The purpose of this book was to prevent the stories of the GWOT Rangers from being lost to history. The author states this is the purpose for this project in the preface on page 3.
Yes, I would recommend this book because it puts the readers into the boots of the Rangers on the ground and it tells the story how it happened. I would primarily recommend this book to somebody that is interested in trying to become a Ranger since it gives the reader a view into the life of a Ranger.
The culture of the men in the 75th Ranger Regiment is completely different from the rest of the Army and the general public. The Ranger Regiment is built upon such high standards that if you don't preform to the Ranger standard you will be released for standards."Wherever the Ranger battalion goes, it is apparent that it is the best"- General Creighton Abrams.
The purpose of this book was to prevent the stories of the GWOT Rangers from being lost to history. The author states this is the purpose for this project in the preface on page 3.
Yes, I would recommend this book because it puts the readers into the boots of the Rangers on the ground and it tells the story how it happened. I would primarily recommend this book to somebody that is interested in trying to become a Ranger since it gives the reader a view into the life of a Ranger.
November 17, 2016
The 75th Ranger Regiment is a light infantry formation part of the US Army's Special Operations Command. This book covers the role the unit played during the Global War on Terror.
From Iraq to Afghanistan, the 75th Ranger Regiment has been at the tip of the spear, taking part in hundreds of direct action raids during 4-month rotations. Despite this, the Regiment remains largely unknown outside of the military and is often regarded as one of the army's "best kept secrets".
What I found most interesting about this book was its perspective. Rather than giving a general overview of the role the rangers played during the war on terror, this book is composed of various short anecdotes written by members of the Regiment.
Filled with vivid descriptions of operations conducted by the Ranger Regiment, this book gave an inside look at the life of the unit's men. With brief instances of humor, this was a truly intriguing read and one that I would recommend to everybody who wants to know more about the role that these men play in today's conflicts.
From Iraq to Afghanistan, the 75th Ranger Regiment has been at the tip of the spear, taking part in hundreds of direct action raids during 4-month rotations. Despite this, the Regiment remains largely unknown outside of the military and is often regarded as one of the army's "best kept secrets".
What I found most interesting about this book was its perspective. Rather than giving a general overview of the role the rangers played during the war on terror, this book is composed of various short anecdotes written by members of the Regiment.
Filled with vivid descriptions of operations conducted by the Ranger Regiment, this book gave an inside look at the life of the unit's men. With brief instances of humor, this was a truly intriguing read and one that I would recommend to everybody who wants to know more about the role that these men play in today's conflicts.
June 21, 2016
A series of vignettes written by a variety of Rangers about the various missions undertaken by the 75th Ranger Regiment during the Global War on Terror (GWOT), Violence of Action reads as if you were sitting with the Rangers themselves listening to their war stories. The writing is rough at times, grammatically speaking, but those who put pen to paper to share their stories in this book aren't established authors, they're the rough men who defend our freedoms and keep our nation safe. The stories themselves are very insightful and give the reader the opportunity to learn a great deal about the 75thRanger Regiment, a unit that isn't usually put in the spotlight in terms of the various special operations groups that our nation has. The book even includes a chapter written by a gold star mother who lost her son in the GWOT, which was powerful enough to bring me to tears. For that chapter alone I would recommend this book. I recommend Violence of Action for anyone who enjoys war stories, learning more about the Rangers, or those interested in America's Special Operations Forces (SOF) units.
May 24, 2015
A great insight into the GWOT era Regiment.
As a Just Cause veteran, 1/C/3/75, and Ranger from a different era, I was somewhat out of the loop on the evolution of the current Regiments primary mission taskings, training, and workload. This book brought me up to speed, and solidified my love and respect for all those who have served in the 75th since 9-11. Godspeed to those Rangers who have given all. Sua Sponte, RLTW!
As a Just Cause veteran, 1/C/3/75, and Ranger from a different era, I was somewhat out of the loop on the evolution of the current Regiments primary mission taskings, training, and workload. This book brought me up to speed, and solidified my love and respect for all those who have served in the 75th since 9-11. Godspeed to those Rangers who have given all. Sua Sponte, RLTW!
July 15, 2016
The book Violence of Action, is a collection of stories self told by US Army rangers, and written by Marty Skovlund. It takes place primarily in Afghanistan.
Each soldier becomes an author, relating scenes of death and agony. The tone of the stories feels like professional soldiers relating details of their job like we would about our own jobs. But theirs just happens to include stark unforgiving violence at its core.
A great view into the minds of men who defend our country.
five stars
Each soldier becomes an author, relating scenes of death and agony. The tone of the stories feels like professional soldiers relating details of their job like we would about our own jobs. But theirs just happens to include stark unforgiving violence at its core.
A great view into the minds of men who defend our country.
five stars
November 14, 2014
This book was an amazing look into the life of our true American heroes. These Rangers shared their experiences in the most honest form. I laughed, I learned and I cried.... partially because I am dating a veteran Ranger and was with him through 3 deployments. I have never read anything like this. I am so honored to have read a glimpse of what these brave souls have done to keep us safe.
January 21, 2015
Great and heartfelt stories in this book - some are much better than others, but all pretty solid. Well worth the read and I liked how they gave the history of the regiment through the years. However, the book could use a serious copy edit. Lots of little grammar and spelling issues a good editor could have easily caught.
May 25, 2015
What an excellent book on the feelings and hardships these Rangers have actually experienced. The account of a Gold Star mother is so honest and just filled my heart with love for her and the emotions she has experienced. Thank you to all of these Rangers for reliving the experience to share with the rest of us. We have no idea.
August 19, 2015
I served in the Army for 20 years but I was not a Ranger. I had the opportunity to go through Drill Sergeant School with a couple of guys from the 75th and I was impressed by their attitude and teamwork back then. This book takes my respect to another level. Read this book and be thankful for the sacrifices and triumphs of the Rangers.
November 23, 2014
Voice of the quiet professional
Reading the events in this book brought back memories of my time with my Brothers in Arms. Well thought out and accurate to the storyteller's memory. Excellent read, emotionally charged.
Thank you for this.
Reading the events in this book brought back memories of my time with my Brothers in Arms. Well thought out and accurate to the storyteller's memory. Excellent read, emotionally charged.
Thank you for this.
January 13, 2015
Very interesting book. Some stories are much better than others, but overall it's an awesome depiction of what the Rangers have been through over the last decade or so. Much respect, and worth the read.
October 24, 2015
Well Worth the time
Very well written stories from people who walk into harms way without regard for their own personal safety so that we may enjoy what we have today. God bless our soldiers past, present and future.
Very well written stories from people who walk into harms way without regard for their own personal safety so that we may enjoy what we have today. God bless our soldiers past, present and future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews