Colonel Ryan Agee joined the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in July 2023. He continues his career in Special Operations and brings a unique background of joint service, combat experience, and irregular warfare campaigning to the center.
Colonel Agee began his military service upon receipt of a commission in the United States Navy in 2001 and was assigned to the Aegis Cruiser USS Port Royal in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Soon after the attacks on September 11, 2001, he deployed with the USS Stennis Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning to homeport, Colonel Agee realized he could do more for his nation and soon volunteered to serve with Naval Special Warfare. He was assigned to Special Boat Team Twenty in Little Creek, Virginia. He served as Assistant Task Unit Commander for Naval Special Warfare Squadron 7 and 10 during operations in the Central Command area of responsibility. While serving as the Operations Officer in Special Boat Team Twenty, he volunteered for Special Forces in the United States Army.
Colonel Agee was selected to attend the Qualification Course in 2005 and received a commission in the United States Army. Once awarded the coveted Green Beret, Colonel Agee was assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and deployed to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan as a Detachment Commander.
Colonel Agee later commanded Bravo Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and then was selected to stand up the Jedburgh Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Force Group (Airborne). During both commands, he deployed numerous times throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Colonel Agee has served on various staff at several echelons within Special Operations and is fully joint qualified. Additionally, he led a Military Liaison Element integrated within the US Embassy in Bangkok, working within the Joint, Interagency, Inter-Governmental, and Multi-national environment.
Colonel Agee commanded the 1-46 Infantry Battalion at Fort Moore, Georgia, transforming civilian volunteers into Army Soldiers and Infantrymen. His most recent assignment was Deputy Director of Operations for Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) at Camp Smith, Hawaii. He developed Irregular Warfare campaigns to support the Indo-Pacific Command.
Colonel Agee earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the California Maritime Academy and a Master of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.
