Ryan Cleckner

Who is Ryan Cleckner?

Ryan Cleckner is a former Army Ranger sniper and instructor with the 1st Ranger Battalion of the US Army. He is currently a law student, and has served as the National Shooting Sports Foundation government relations manager. He is also a competitive shooter.

Cleckner served two tours in Afghanistan. After returning to his hometown of Arizona, Cleckner studied at the Arizona State University obtaining a degree in political science. He then enrolled at Quinnipiac University School of Law.

While studying, Cleckner joined another student, Brian Gregorio, and founded Veteran's Advocacy Group, a student organization dedicated to educating students about civilian-military relations, military careers and veterans' issues. In 2010, Cleckner also founded New Battlefront Foundation, a non-profit organization that aid veterans in their transition from military to civilian life.

In 2011, Cleckner appeared as a trainer in the second season of History Channel's marksmen competition show, Top Shot. In a 2012 video filmed at Colby Donaldson's ranch, Cleckner shot a Barrett M82 while standing up and hit a target 1000 yards away on his first shot.