Ranger 22: Lessons From The Front

by Ray Goggins

'The path I have travelled, the things I have done and the people I have met in crisis situations have given me a window into those qualities that make us perform. My military training created a mindset, an outlook and skills that can be channelled into any situation.'From the hills of south Lebanon to the monsoon jungles of Southern Asia, Ray Goggins has operated in a life-and-death world. In the suffocating humidity of Liberia, the mountains of Afghanistan and the snow-covered Balkans, Ray has seen the best and worst qualities in himself and others. From conflict zones to terrorist attacks and hostage rescues, Ray has learned the greatest life how to control fear, how to react calmly and positively and how to create a strong baseline from which to take action.In this remarkable book he takes us on an exhilarating journey through his incredible career and draws on the valuable lessons to help all of us deal better with life, whatever the situation.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2021

Reviews

[Padraig Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking story from a man whose life has given him the skills and passion to inspire anyone who reads it. If I could even follow some of his top tips my life would dramatically improve!

[Aileen Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! A world I knew nothing about!

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book and non-fiction read for 2023, did not disappoint! I borrowed this book off my brother and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was also a huge fan of watching hell week so I wanted to know more about the army, special forces and more about the mentality it takes to do those jobs. Normally I am not a reader that likes to go for autobiography's but I'm glad I did with this.

Ray Goggins gives a fascinating insight into his life. He offers a glimpse into the world of special forces and the ARW and the missions they undertake. The training and the assessments they have to go through to make this team sounded extremely tough and if you have watched hell week that only offers a small glimpse into these assessment and the hardship it must have on these soldiers mentally. Goggins throughout offers advice throughout for motivation, resilience and personal development throughout. The missions he discusses are extremely interesting, and horrifying at the same time. He really shows the lengths and sacrifices members of the army go through with also the fear that even on peace missions they may not make it home alive.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down, I would definitely recommend.

Synopsis:
From the hills of south Lebanon to the monsoon jungles of Southern Asia, Ray Goggins, or Ranger 22, has operated in a life and death world. In the suffocating humidity of Liberia, the mountains of Afghanistan and the snow covered Balkans, Ray has seen the best and worst qualities in himself and others. From conflict zones to terrorist attacks and hostage rescues, Ray has learned the greatest life lessons: how to control fear, how to react calmly and positively, and how to create a strong baseline from which to take action.
After a life spent on the front line in the Army Ranger Wing of the Irish Defense Forces, Ray now trains others to foster a mindset to handle whatever madness life has in store. In this remarkable book, he takes us on an exhilarating journey through his incredible career and draws on the valuable lessons to help us all deal better with life, whatever the situation.

[James Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and interesting read through an amazing career.

Like many folks in Ireland, I was glued to the screen when "Hell Week" came on RTE for the first time, and have really enjoyed every episode in the 3 seasons. Ray Goggins and his crew of ex-Army Ranger Wing soldiers take civilians through a simulated week of the ARW selection course, and it truly makes for riveting television. After serving in the US Navy for 8 years, I have a bit of a different perspective on the show, and subsequently, the autobiography, and can see parallel lines in the training I went through.

Goggins writes with honesty and humility about his childhood in Cork, his ancestral roots in both the British and Irish Armed Services, and his career inside and outside the Irish Army. Interspersed throughout are lessons learned from various aspects of his career and how those lessons shaped him into the leader he has become. Useful for both servicepeople and civilian alike, the lessons are broken down into bulleted headers geared to someone looking for self-improvement, and good daily tips on how to overcome stress, maintain motivation, and be a better leader in whatever profession.

This was a relative quick read, even for someone like me who takes awhile to complete a book, this was about 4-5 days. So, if I had any criticism, it's that I wish some of the memories of his various missions were fleshed out a bit more. One chapter deals with a mission to Western Africa and came across as both horrific and extraordinary, and I'd say there is a book there all on it's own.

A great read for any military enthusiast, fan of the show, or someone looking for leadership help.

[Leon C. De Barra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account and unique insight.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Not only is it a fascinating insight to the author, it offers a glimpse into the world of special forces and especially the ARW which has been shrouded in mystery and little of which is known to the general public. Ranger 22 is nothing short of riveting and a must read. The author offers much advice throughout for motivation, resilience and personal development is universal in its application.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Ray Goggins led a very interesting life which along with the life lessons is very motivational and encourages resilience and mental toughness in the readers.

The only minor issue would be that there is a lot of military jargon and acronyms Although there is a glossary of terms, so those who have never been in the Defence Forces may find themselves flipping to the glossary quite a bit. On the other hand it does make the book very relatable to military personnel.

All in all, a great read for all.

[Thomas Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

As expected, cliché at times in that he gives answers and perspectives that the vast majority of motivational speakers/personal trainers/life coaches would say. Then again, some nice insights into what it takes to be an elite level military officer, and again the suffering and mortality that they witness as part of their job, as well as the sacrifices they make to live that life. Once again realised I have the utmost respect for people who put their lives on the line for the wellbeing and survival of innocent people.

[Mat Greener · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watched SAS who dares wins & read all of the DS books and enjoyed them . Happened upon this book not seen Ultimate hell week so had not heard of Ray. His training sounds stronger than any of the British versions. Much of this comes across as a life skills book and makes sense. If I was reading a CV for a bodyguard or someone to provide personal training or to be taught to go into special forces he would be the man. Unfortunately as anecdotes and thrilling reading it did not deliver for me.

[Jules · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, didn't enjoy it. 😑 my first 1-star review and that 1-star is for effort. There were no emotions or feelings. Just facts. Structure. Also his marriage just broke up and he decides to go back into the army even though that may have been the cause? Giving me lessons about life I already know. Explaining the word crosswords and what it means as if the reader doesn't know what happens when you come across a crossroad.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the honesty of self desapline through a well trained individual.

It shows the author's failures and how he learnt from them and used them to improve his next project.

It also showed all the crack he had along the way mixing with a wide array of people from different walks of life.

[Simon Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

When selecting this book I expected more action, detailed descriptions of combat and an exciting ride, especially given the description in the blurb....'In this remarkable book he takes us on an exhilarating journey through his incredible career and draws on the valuable lessons to help all of us deal better with life, whatever the situation'

Sadly, whilst the read is fine, it is only exhilarating towards the end. In the main I felt that I was being preached to, as if I was reading management styles 101

Each to their own but I found this to be disappointing

[Niamh Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed this book. Something very different to what I usually read. I loved the honesty and the lessons that Ray developed over his years. However, I am "The Fuse" and do not think military life would be for me!

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honesty, integrity, professionalism and courage, a lifetime of adventure described with humour and humility. Having worked in the world, I highly recommend this book.

[Domnick Taaffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Excellent.. Very hard book to put down. You simply want to keep reading.Thanks for sharing your story Ray. So much I can relate to.. Well done and best of luck..

[Martin O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enoyable and easy read. Interesting and personal story of the authors life journey told in an engaging way. Filled with wisdom and lessons learned along the way.

[Paddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight

Good insight, as far as he can give.

Intriguing insight into the private security jobs in Afghanistan.

Factory reset.

Push

[David French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well put together, exciting and inspirational. Lessons learned.

[Aisshers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought there'd be more examples of how he built resilience and how he dealt with tough times. Was skipped over a bit especially at the end.

[Nathan Siudak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was interesting at parts but wanted a little more substance of battles and things that we can apply to our lives in the civilian world.

[Nial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Very interesting true story of a life in Irish military

[Hugh HACKETT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great insights into Irish Special Forces and private security. Easy read.

[Julie-Anne Borgias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to hear it from ROI forces.

[Shane Colton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be nearly afraid to not leave a 5 star review! The 'life lessons' bit from the book I felt was quite scarce and very common-sensical. Quite abit of army jargon and acronyms which the back of the book does help but for a complete rookie like me often was difficult to understand. That said, the many anecdotes and experiences from working out in the war torn countries is fascinating and we really have no appreciation for the work our own armies do out abroad. In fact we don't know how lucky to live in a country not ruled by war, factions and gangs.