Maj. Ryan Barber is a native of Rapid City, South Dakota. He graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. Barber commissioned as a Distinguished Graduate in the Military Intelligence Officer branch detailed to the Chemical Corp in May 2011 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Upon completion of the Chemical Basic Officer Leader Course, he was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he served as a Chemical Officer executing operational support planning and chemical defense training. During his time with 3-7 Cavalry, he also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012 as a Platoon Leader for an armored mounted reconnaissance platoon. His platoon served as the Regional Command-North, CJSOTF, and Regional Command Aerial Quick Reaction Force executing vital maneuver support and area security. Upon returning, he transitioned to 83rd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, where he continued his service as a Platoon Leader for the first Chemical Biological Radiological, and Nuclear Stryker reconnaissance platoon at Fort Stewart executing critical support to the Joint Task Force Civil Support and the Defense Support to Civil Authorities mission.
Barber attended the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course and Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Following his training, he was assigned to the 741st Military Intelligence Battalion and served as the Deputy Branch Chief for Collection and Mission Management within Tailored Sensor Operations-Mission Operations supporting the Nationals Security Agency. He was then selected to serve as a Company Commander for Charlie Company, 742nd MI BN, 704th MI BDE, commanding the brigade’s hybrid military intelligence and signal company enabling information systems and network engineering for worldwide operations. Barber was selected to serve in a second command position as the Headquarters Company Commander of Communications Technology Research Activity focused on the training, development, and execution of technological research across the globe in support of national requirements.
Barber's most recent roles include the 743D Military Intelligence Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer, in which he guided a 362-person strategic Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Military Intelligence Battalion providing Technical SIGINT support to the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado and the National Security Agency Colorado at Buckley Space Force Base. Responsible for the management of all battalion operations, training, and staff support, he also developed the Army's GOHST team focused on Near Real Time support to worldwide Over-the-Horizon Targeting efforts.
Barber's awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and NATO Medal.
Barber is married and has two children.