Ryan became a US Marine in 1989 and served in Operation Desert Shield / Storm. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and held the position of Squad Leader in 8th Tank Bn TOW Company. He was also a Forward Observer with Btry P, 5-14 while in the Reserves. Ryan was a firearms instructor in both of these assignments and taught Handgun, Rifle and Crew-served weapons.

Ryan has been in Law Enforcement since 1993 when he joined the Denver Police Department. While at DPD, Ryan received The Medal of Valor, the Distinguished Service Cross, Three Life Saving Awards, The Police Merit Award and 6 Official Commendations. Ryan was assigned to various Districts of the DPD and received specialized training including SWAT and Motorcycle Operators Course. Ryan was assigned as a Field Training Officer and held that position for five years training 30 new officers as they rotated from the academy to the street.

Ryan left the DPD shortly after the events of 9-11 to become a Federal Air Marshal in early 2002. Ryan became a permanent ground based instructor after four years of conducting Air Marshal Duties on both international and domestic missions. Ryan has several advanced training accomplishments including, Use of Force Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Physical fitness instructor and others.

Ryan has been practicing Jiu Jitsu since meeting Chad Robichaux in 2002.

Rank: Brown Belt