The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield

by Kris Paronto

In THE RANGER WAY, KRIS PARONTO, Army Ranger hero of the Benghazi attacks, shares his story and the Ranger Greed -- to give readers a framework for living their values, playing to the strengths, and never giving up.

Struggle is universal - whether you're an Army Ranger under fire or a civilian scraping by, we all need a team to support us. We all face impossible odds, at some point. Author KRIS PARONTO saw over ten years of combat during his time as an Army Ranger - he's been shot at, witnessed explosions, watched fires rage, and made split-second decisions to keep himself and his fellow soldiers safe. In this book he shares his story and Ranger strategies for coping with all of life's struggles and for succeeding at every turn.
Through it all, depending on others and surrounding yourself with a strong team are keys to get through tough times and celebrate the good.
Paronto's powerful, motivational tools for surviving and thriving brings discipline, motivation, success, and peace to life.
In THE RANGER WAY, KRIS PARONTO, Army Ranger hero of the Benghazi attacks, shares his story and the Ranger Greed -- to give readers a framework for living their values, playing to the strengths, and never giving up.

Struggle is universal - whether you're an Army Ranger under fire or a civilian scraping by, we all need a team to support us. We all face impossible odds, at some point. Author KRIS PARONTO saw over ten years of combat during his time as an Army Ranger - he's been shot at, witnessed explosions, watched fires rage, and made split-second decisions to keep himself and his fellow soldiers safe. In this book he shares his story and Ranger strategies for coping with all of life's struggles and for succeeding at every turn.
Through it all, depending on others and surrounding yourself with a strong team are keys to get through tough times and celebrate the good.
Paronto's powerful, motivational tools for surviving and thriving brings discipline, motivation, success, and peace to life.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, History, War, Self Help, Biography

Audible Audio

Published June 27, 2017

About the author

Former Ranger, 2nd Battalion, 75th Regiment
Responded to the Benghazi 2012 Attack
Author of The Ranger Way and The Patriot's Creed
Co-Author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi
Motivational & Public Speaker
Co-Host on Battleline Podcast
Founder of the 14th Hour Foundation
Owner of Battleline Tactical
Host of Pro-Military Documentary TV series: War Heroes

Reviews

[Charity Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course you have heard about what happened in Benghazi and I’m sure you probably saw the movie 13 Hours too. (If not, it’s free on Amazon Prime right now!) For most of us, it is one of the biggest scandals of the decade. For those that lived it, it was one of the bravest acts of the century.

Kris “Tanto” Paronto is one of the six elite soldiers that protected and saved the lives of many of our American citizens that September 11th night in 2012. He was an ex Army Ranger that helped to ward off hundreds of anti-American fighters trying to overtake the “secret” CIA compound.

This book delves into his life and the professional and personal trials these heroes go through to protect our country. His faith in God is inspiring as he shares the things he’s learned over the years.

I will caution some readers as certain subject matters and language can be a bit offensive. Unfortunately, it’s not a world that loves God, so many things they face are dark and evil. If you can see past that, I think you will really enjoy reading his narrative of the things he’s learned over the years.

Be sure to pick up a copy – the link is provided in the pic! As always, thanks to Hachette for such great books!!

[Joan Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranger way

Great book....why are Obama and Hillary still around! Don't have a brain between them! I'm sorry they were so "afraid" to give the order to save your friends and others! Obama is Muslim... that was kept secret....never should have been elected! As far as Hillary...I'm so thrilled she lost!!!!

[Kisa Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son (13 at the time) and I listened to this audio book on our way to a 3 Gun Match. While some of the content was somewhat adult, it wasn’t anything I’m worried about and my son probably got more out of this book then I did. I think my son identified with Paranto’s struggle with a learning disability. To hear his story of failure followed up with an almost excruciating struggle, with hardly anyone cheering him on and then...success...and then...a hero. My son still talks about this book and he surprises me with his own take aways and unique perspective.

One of the most touching parts what’s when Paranto makes a point to thank other veterans who have served our country. It made me proud to have my pre teen son turn to me and say “Mom! That’s you! Tanto means you!” Sometimes people forget that all of us who served in Our nations military signed the same blank check for our lives not knowing if or when it would be cashed in.

This is a story that inspires, humbles and reminds you of what you should be greatful for.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insight this book brought by Paronto detailing his training experience in the Army, specifically his Ranger School training. At the end of each chapter, he provides principles for life based on his military training and experience. Living in Omaha, we have had the opportunity to run into Paronto on several occasions and have the upmost respect for him and his service to our country. This book was personally timely for me to read as my son is currently in Ranger School, so I absorbed as much detailed information I could when he spoke about his Ranger training.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding book by a modern-day warrior and an awe inspiring man who is the epitome of the Ranger way of life!

[Hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

There should be a field of study called "Grit-a-logy": The study of mental toughness and how it's cultivated. My inspiration for reading books like this one come from a deep sense of admiration for people who devoted their developing that raw inner strength. Grit isn't given, it demands a steep price of constantly proving one self over and over in the face of adversity. Pushing past limits, finding new challenges and the constant wrestling with one's inner dialogue.

I am on constant look out for the stories of those who took the road less traveled. I want to try and understand how they did it, what did they do to get through those moments that nearly broke them. What holds someone together when they feel themselves cracking and yet keep pushing forward?

Kris Paronto is one of the contractors who went in to reinforce and extricate the trapped Americans at the Benghazi U.S. State Department facilities in 2012. His story is direct and to the point covering the journey of his life up until that fateful day and what prepared him for it. He discusses he tragedies and triumphs and the tenacity he learned to hold on during those moments of weakness and true darkness.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The militarily trained mind is definitely a superior way of thinking. Anyone can implement the principles found in this book, but it takes humility and self-discipline. Many people do not realize that humility is an incredible strength not a weakness. Through humility we see ourselves as we truly are and therefore can identify and begin working on our weak areas. So, I have created my own SOP and have begun working on one of my weak areas. On the days that I want to quit or fudge a bit on the SOP I just remember all the men and women who never quit and never fudged an inch in order to secure my freedom today. THANK YOU Kris “Tanto” Paronto for your unwavering dedication and sacrifice for us all. This book was a wonderfully encouraging read.

[Kurt Springs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone familiar with the events of September 11, 2012, in Benghazi would be familiar with Chris “Tanto” Paronto, one of the GRS military contractors who responded to the attack on the consulate, and defended the CIA annex until help arrived. Before becoming a contractor, Chris Paronto was an Army Ranger. In this book, he describes the mindset of a Ranger, and how people who aren’t part of elite military groups can apply these principles in daily life.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Typical American military book with a stab at being aimed at the self help. Yeas the battle they were in were phenomenal odds and yes they were let down by their government but then he bangs in about how good the USA is. 1 minute it’s a let down the next it’s the promised land.
Glad I read it, would I read it again probably not, do I recommend it? If you want a quick and easy read then yes.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I love reading books about our military, and I am kind of a sucker for self improvement books, so this one hit the nail on the head for me! This is not a step-by-step manual for self improvement, but more of a suggestion on how you can use some of the Ranger principles to move yourself forward. I enjoyed reading it, and got some useful perspective out of it – I have recently been evaluating where I want to go with my career, looking forward to the weekends, and dreading Monday mornings FAR too much lately.

What I took away from this book:

If you are like me, you probably think that Army Rangers are better, stronger, and more resilient than the rest of us because they are Army Rangers. I am sure they are all those things, but not because they are Rangers, but because of the qualities that they have that enabled them to get through the training, and thrive in the circumstances they do. Things are tough, mistakes are made…but he does not let any of that stop him.

The author lays his cards out on the table and talks about how he decided to give up on being an Army Ranger. Then he decides maybe he wants something else more, and goes after that instead. Then, he decides he really wants to get back into the Army and be a Ranger. He makes it (again) through a lot of hard work and a little luck.

I came away inspired to make some changes in my outlook. Sometimes things really suck. You just need to push through those things to get them out of the way; in the meantime, develop some strategies for pushing through it. Find your “happy place” to escape to. Don’t look for excuses not to succeed, put your effort into getting there.

Why only 4 stars?

Mostly because I felt like some of the things in the chapters were a little redundant. Sometimes I felt like “the Team” in Benghazi was introduced in almost every chapter (I got it the first time that you were the only Ranger). The other thing that bothered me slightly is that throughout the book, the author describes himself and the others he was with in Benghazi as a Ranger, or SEALs, etc., as if they were serving in that capacity when it all went down. However, they were security contractors at the time, and a FORMER Ranger, FORMER SEALs, etc. That is not to minimize what he went through and or the the job, but I do feel like it is an important distinction that bothered me.

[Zach Reisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ranger Way By Kris Paronto
Imagine if you had a how to book on what you want to do with your life. This is what Kris Paronto gave me with his book The Ranger Way, his book gave me a little insight on what it takes to be a Ranger and how to tackle different obstacles that will appear on your way to your goals and dreams. The book follows Kris’s life through his hardships, failures, and achievements. Kris uses different chapters to explain and show how the different things he learned becoming a Ranger can help on your road to success.
One thing I really enjoyed and paid close attention to was when he talked about his experiences at Rip (Ranger Indoctrination Program) and Ranger School. I found this so educational and helpful. Just knowing a little of what I’m going to have to endure was comforting. Also, that becoming a Ranger doesn’t come down to Physical ability but that of a person’s will and determination.
Another that I really enjoyed about The Ranger Way was how Kris used each chapter to focus on different things that help you be successful. For example, one chapter was labeled Rely on Your Brothers and talks about how you can’t also do something on your own that you need others in order for the mission to be successful. I enjoyed this because the book is kind of like a game plan, you follow this core rules most of the time you should be successful. However, sometimes you learn the most from failure and this book helps you understand that. The book is so easy to jump in and go, if you have any interest in joining the military or even looking for some help in pushing through hardships and reaching your goals this book is for you.

[Eddie]

3.5 Stars. Good book written by a good guy. Audiobook it because Paronto narrates. It's short and a little self-help / motivation which is fine for him to get on the lecture circuit.

Takeaway is persistence and grit it takes to become an elite warrior. Pronto is very gracious to his fellow servicemen and I especially like how he thanked all service men no matter what capacity that they're in bc not everybody can be a combat ranger, seal, or Marine.

I found it interesting that Paronto didn't have a perfect linear path. Many people do, they're just blessed that they never miss a beat getting everything they want in their expected timeline. They work hard and everything comes their way. But there's many people who work equally hard but things don't come their way in a linear timeline. Paronto is one of these guys. His career path was not smooth sailing as it is for many people. Many people they go to college, high school, they enlist they go to OCS and then everything goes according to the plan and flows. There's people who do the same hard work but it doesn't happen so smoothly for them. They got to keep at it. It was inspirational to read that Kris had this experience that he had to go to ranger school twice and the ups and downs of his marriage the difficulty it was not smooth sailing but his grit and determination kept him moving forward so that is inspirational and a good take away from the book.

[Josie Shears · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best read of the year

This book. Is an excellent read for hall who love the country e we live in. To know from those who lived through the Bengaucsie attack. This should break the hearts of those in barge. When the stand down order was given the here special forces ready to go in and save those in harms way, e they were ready to disregard that order, they were reviving calls to please come in and save us, you promised us you would come if we called for support. Then after two more delays they disobeyed orders and went to get the embassy people out. They were two late by this time, the Embassy was engulfed in fire, then were called back to the main base that was being overrun and in danger of all being lost . Everyone caught all night into the next day until they got things under control. For every young man and woman wanting to fight for our Great country's safety should read to know what it takes to get the training needed to stay alive. This will give you a feeling a strength and patriotism and also wanting justice for those who lost their lives fighting the evil going on in our high command of the enemies, & our own government where the stand down order came from. We all need to know what the young men go through to fight for our freedom.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, great concept. I stumbled upon this book and immediately knew I wanted to read it. I'd seen the movie about Benghazi a few months before but didn't put 2 and 2 together until I opened the book and began to read.

The author does a good job describing what it is to be a Ranger. It's so much more than simply doing a tough job. It shows in everything you do and in how you live your life. He kept things simple enough to not bog things down, but went deep enough to fully explain each concept.

Each of the 6 stanzas of the Ranger Creed could warrant a book on its own, detailing how it applies to various situations and offering real-world examples of the tenets being put into practice. Consider this book an overview and introduction. I'd love to see a long book that goes into depth. I'd consider it a magnum opus on par with the likes of Hackworth's About Face.

Great job Ranger Paronto. I hope you continue to write and share your experiences and thoughts.

[Adam Greven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a strong book. It has a good pace and serves as a solid reference for civilians to military life. If you are looking for a book about the details of September 11, 2012 Benghazi read 13 Hours. If you want to learn about what created the character by which these men lived, read Ranger Way.
Partially “self-help”, partially “biography”, Ranger Way gives you a blueprint to living life to the full. Shit happens, people fail, but if you never quit then you will only grow as a person and be stronger for it. Kris "Tanto" Paronto captures the humor and the “suck” of life in way that I think all people can relate to, civilian or military. A quick read that everyone should get around to checking out.

[Tabitha Rohm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome book. If you haven't seen the movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi ... then don't. Read this book first. He will help you to understand so much of what is going on in the movie. I thank God that I read this book before seeing the movie. After reading this book, when you watch the movie, you will honestly feel like you are right there with these guys.

However, the movie nor this book will tell you how Hillary Clinton was at fault of Benghazi if that is the answer you are looking for. That was the sole purpose of me reading this book and watching the movie. I was told by a Trump supporter that it would show me that answer and it doesn't. Not in the least bit.

I do highly recommend both the book and the movie.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris Paronto uses his knowledge and experiences as an army ranger and a GRS security contractor to provide real world advice for everyone on being successful. Tanto uses the ranger creed and his own faith in God for direction, encouragement, and comfort. He uses examples from the army, his personal life, and from numerous deployments as a security contractor to explain his ten principles for a successful life. Paronto's book is more than a sequel to "13 Hours," his outstanding account of the battle of Benghazi. His theme, with the ranger creed as its centerpiece, is a great companion book to those of Mark Divine, Jocko Willnick, Leif Babin, Bohdi Sanders, and Matt Furey.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

After buying a book, I usually don't read it until a couple of months later, but I gave an exception here as I wanted to hear what Paronto had to say about perseverance and his life in the US military. Tanto, a US Army Ranger and the hero of Benghazi, provides 10 principles that any civilian can apply to their lives right away (following your own mission and the importance of matching it to your values and purpose being one of my favorites). Other books written by ex-military types - while inspiring - aren't as relevant to regular people as much as "The Ranger Way" is.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book on the importance of keeping the right mindset when going through life from Kris Paronto, one of the survivors of the attack of the Benghazi consulate on September 11th, 2012. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as it is read by the author and feels so much more powerful as Kris relates his personal experiences and conveys some powerful lessons using his own life as examples. A must-listen for sure.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanto draws from his experience to deliver how to live a more purposeful life. I was expecting this to follow the format of the books by most other service members, but it's far from it. Yes, he does write about his experience as a Ranger, largely in training, and provides more detail to the events in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, but the larger takeaways are the lessons that he passes along to the reader

[Paul Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!! The whole book was excellent but my favorite parts are at the end of each section when Mr. Paronto puts his own experiences in the eyes of a civilian and not just an operator. It lets people see that these guys have had setbacks and where they are today in the world wasn’t just a walk in the park to get to. He is a perfect example of how hard work and never quitting helped him not only to survive, but to help him get to where he is today.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

Thank you for your service and your courage. You may never read this but if you do please know your words helped me remember who I am and just so you know I and many others never once doubted you or your brothers - we stand more united than many would believe. God Bless and stay safe.

[Peter Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Leadership and how to survive no matter what your trying to survive. Kris Paronto's book utilizes the training he received as a U.S. Army Ranger to show how you survive by taking things step by step, never surrendering, and being a Team Player. In sum he shows you how living the Ranger Creed can help you in your daily life. RLTW

[L Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. It's written in a way that you feel like you are having a conversation with Mr. Paronto. Uplifting, great advice from someone who views life from the positive side - despite the challenges he has been through. Anyone can take things from this book and improve their view! I loved it!

[jeremy dierst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sort of knew the story of the author going in, just from watching the movie 13 hours. I have never been one to read a self help book, but this one is definitely not a defined self help novel. It has real life situations and actual usable advice. This novel is one that, I will keep coming back to again and again.

[B. D. Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book that challenges the reader to be better physically, emotionally and spiritually. Having read the book 13 Hours and seen the movie, it really helped me to understand and to appreciate this book even more. You never know what you're capable of accomplishing until you set goals and push yourself to reach them.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent view into what it takes to be a Ranger and what happens during military missions. Any ordinary person can certainly incorporate the positive Ranger Code into their lifestyle. Thank you for your service...this was an awesome and inspiring read.

[Michelle Gravert-Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. He applies lessons he learned as a ranger to real life. I was in the middle of a leadership course while reading this and I was able to apply some of the lessons he teaches within the book to my course work.

[Cali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational book that shows that not all optical are overcome on the first attempt, and that even people that achieve great things have set backs and fail. Great read with a lot of inspirational thoughts and ideas. Kris Paronto is easy to relate to making the book even better for me.

[Wesley · Rating 1 out of 5]

"We need to be less political", followed by political stuff on and on.
Every chapter he mentions at least once how great America is.
The rest of the book is just some really really basic stuff translated in military terms. A goal is called an mission for example.