Gunnery Sergeant Michael A. Ryan began his military career in 2005 with active duty service in the United States Air Force as a Communications Technician. He served at the 390th Intelligence Squadron, 55th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, and at the 372nd Training Squadron, Field Training Detachment 12, at Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona.
After completing his initial Air Force enlistment, he transitioned to the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in October 2011. Following recruit training in San Diego, he completed Marine Combat Training and was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of Field Radio Operator (0621).
In May 2011, Private First Class Ryan reported to Delta Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines in El Paso, Texas. In 2013, as a Corporal, he served as the Operations NCO for the Joint Operations Coordination Center with Joint Task Force North, where he supported multiple law enforcement agencies in counter-drug and counter-narcoterrorism operations. He played a pivotal role in the coordination and execution of 80 United States border counter-narcotics missions, assisting in the seizure of 230,000 pounds of illegal drugs. Sergeant Ryan returned to Delta Battery in 2015 as the Communications Chief.
In April 2016, he was assigned to artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he earned the MOS of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Operator (0814). He then returned to Delta Battery, serving as a Gunner and later as a Platoon Sergeant. Promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2018, he was assigned to the 8th Marine Corps District in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving as a Marine Recruiter in Las Cruces and as Station Commander in El Paso West.
In September 2020, upon completing his extended active duty recruiting tour, he transferred to Marine and Family Programs as a Marine for Life Network Representative, where he assisted several transitioning Marines with employment upon their retirement or discharge.
In October 2021, he transferred to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) with Delta Battery, 2/14. He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in 2024 and has since served as the Battery Training Chief and current acting First Sergeant in El Paso, Texas.
Personal Awards include: Joint Service Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Air Force Achievement Medal Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal