Ryan J Herle is no longer employed by Elite Ammunition.
He was fired for stealing company funds, stealing company property both physical and intellectual.
Also his lies concerning his Military, Law Enforcement careers including claimed military Honors he never received brought his integrity as an employee in question.
Her is a short list of his lies. This list is not complete more will be added.
Bottom line up front.
Ryan J Herle, who went by the moniker "Medula Oblongata", misrepresented himself for years on this forum. He lied repeatedly about topics ranging from his birthday to his military service. He fabricated a history for himself, creating a persona older and more qualified than he actually was, while at the same time attacking others for doing the same. A "Critical mass" of conflicting lies was reached and it finally drove some to dig a little deeper. When this came to the attention of the forum staff, the long history of Ryan on the forum and his relationships with users and staff members meant that doubt existed that he could have just "made it all up." However, great pains were taken to verify his background and, unfortunately, it was instead confirmed through a variety of independent sources and background checks that he did, in fact, fabricate most of his claims regarding professional qualifications and history, to include military exploits and rank. A few of his claims which have been proven to be fraudulent are the following:
18 year Army Career
Rank of CW3
Medical retirement as CW3
Numerous awards and decorations he falsely claimed (combat jump wings, ranger tab, sapper tab, etc)
ATF Agent
Service in Gulf War
Service in GWOT
His age (he claimed to have been born in 1970 -- in actuality he was born in 1976 and graduated HS in 1994)
Professional Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Commercial Pilot's License
He also created alternate user IDs and started arguments with himself, in order to make his position appear stronger. Often, "trolls" with which he dealt were his own creations.
Sadly, the only place where he appears to have been honest was on classmates.com, where he described himself as graduating from his HS in 1994, serving a few years in the military and becoming a police officer following his ETS prior to 2000.
Ryan Herle now claims that this is due to psychological problems and that he is being treated for mental illness. Whatever the truth, the forum staff, once it came to light, could not allow him to further create falsehoods. This would be damaging to the forum itself.
Elite Ammunition took whatever steps they felt appropriate, and decisions by the company as a whole were made solely by the owners.
This is being posted due to the fact that Mr. Herle has contacted members of the forum and begun making claims about threats against his life, financial claims, etc.
If this is due to mental problems we sincerely hope Ryan will get the help he needs, however his destructive behavior could not be allowed to continue. It was the hope of the staff that he be allowed to leave without severe disruption of the forum, however his attempts to undermine EA and the forum have made the posting of this information necessary.
Rest assured that weeks were spent, along with a good deal of personal money by members of the staff, to absolutely verify that he did, in fact, lie about these things. The staff would never have taken action without 100% certainty.
As an example, here is Ryan's classmate's page which he took down immediately after being presented with it.
[img]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f275/my3littlewolves06/Ryan%20after/Clasmates.jpg[/img]
This interaction took place in a restricted area of the forum. Ryan was presented with the facts as the staff found them. His reaction was to delete the thread and his own threads and posts en masse. It is released at the request of EA.
The Unanimous Declaration of Removal
When, in the course of Internet events, it becomes necessary for a forum to dissolve the bonds, which have connected them with a member, and to assume among the powers of the forum, a decent respect to the well being of the forum requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all forum members are created equal, that they are endowed by their Forum Staff with certain unalienable right of freedom of speech. That to secure this right, Forum Staff are instituted among members, deriving their just powers from the consent of the owners. That whenever any member becomes destructive and deceitful to these ends, it is the right of the Forum Staff to banish them. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that forums long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that Forums are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by banishing members to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of destruction and deceit, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such member, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of this forum; and such is now the necessity, which constrains them to alter their member list. The history of the present Medula Oblongata is a history of repeated destructions and deceits, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over this forum. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid forum.
Deceptions & Falsehoods
First:
He claims to have been born in 1970.
The Facts:
Background checks and other sources confirm that he was born in 1976.
Conclusion: A false DOB serves as the foundation for a largely fictitious personal history.
Second
He claims: To have received a CHSPE (
The facts: He actually graduated HS in 1994.
http://www.classmates.com/directory/pub ... 8705272293 -- Removed immediately
http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:bCf ... clnk&gl=us -- Cached Classmates.com profile
Contradictions and falsehoods: This affects the entire timeline for his career which he used in order to attempt to garner authority in any discussion or to bring legitimacy to his point of view. Graduating in 1994, he could not have participated in any military operation prior to that time, such as Desert Storm, during which time he has repeatedly claimed to serve. He stated on Classmates.com that he "Served several years in the mid-90s." This is most likely the truth.
Conclusion: He has deliberately lied and created a false identity based upon this fabricated date.
Third
He claims: That DMV altered his DOB on his driver’s license, thereby altering all other records.
The facts: DMV requires at least two (2) forms of identification with one (1) being a birth certificate. Once this information is entered into the system, it is not changed. To alter this information is a class C felony in most states.
Contradictions and Falsehoods: This information is not ‘linked’ to other system so it does not change his date of birth in other federal, state or local records. As a Law Enforcement Officer, he would know this. Also, as anal as he has shown himself to be on the forums with members, it would be shocking had he not immediately, upon issuance of an erroneous operator’s license, returned with his birth certificate and demanded that it be corrected.
Conclusion: He has deliberately lied about his age to facilitate a longer period of time to be in the military. This allows for a more ‘colorful’ military background to impress others.
Fourth
He claims: To have retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He has signed, at least once, "CWO-3 (Ret)".
The Facts: Chief Warrant Officer 3 would actually be written "CW3". While a minor detail, it does raise doubts.
Conclusion: misuse of rank shows possible unfamiliarity and likely fraud.
Fifth
He claims: The following career MOS and training: 911A (nuclear weapons technician), EOD certification, Heavy Demo Master, Qualified Paratrooper/Air Assault Trooper, Qualified RANGER, Combat Engineer, and SAPPER.
The Facts: Many of these are considered a career in and of themselves and require many years, if not a lifetime to master. Most soldiers wait years just to attend one of these schools. Air Assault (a ten day course) and Airborne (~ three weeks) are not really hard to attend and don't mark you for a job. They are however expected of personnel assigned to certain units. Ranger, however, is tough to get, and most wait many years for their shot. But then again so is EOD. Sapper is an interesting school for Engineer MOS personnel. It's very tough, however, one of the interesting things about it is that even if you FAIL to achieve a standard at some point in the training to earn the tab, you are still allowed to complete the training for the experience value.
He claims Engineer as his branch (though he also had the ordnance insignia on his togetherweserved page). This would be a branch qualifying school he would have attended as a WO1 and/or the specific AIT he would have attended as an enlisted man. He talks about serving at Fort Leonard Wood, which IS the training center for Engineers, as well as MPs and Chem.
911A "Nuclear Weapons Technician" is a Vietnam-era MOS.
He has claimed 3 years worth of vertical stripes on his togetherweserved profile as well as 18 years worth of service stripes and a combat jump. Very few units in the last decades have earned the right for their paratroopers to wear combat jump wings, particularly the 173rd Airborne and 75th Ranger Regiment.
Conclusion: Considering his true age, and the amount of time available for him to have been in the military, it is highly unlikely for him to have been able to qualify for, much likely attend the above-mentioned training.
Sixth
He claims: Quote: “The only thick file on me was my disciplinary file.”
The Facts: As a warrant he would have been "blocked" on his OERs by his Senior Rater (who for a warrant in a ground unit would most likely be an O5 or O6) Meaning given Above Center Mass, Center Mass, and Below Center Mass ratings along with "Best Qualified, Fully Qualified, Do Not Promote, and 'other'". In addition, the officer is rated in the formation (i.e. #4 of 7 I rate in this grade). To top it off, at the top of the OER is the rater's recommendation, which is "Outstanding Performance, Must Promote" "Satisfactory Performance, Promote" or "Unsatisfactory Performance, Do Not Promote". The lone wolf, rogue shooter, bad boy bullshit doesn’t do it. It only works in
Conclusion: Pure Bullshit. Or maybe it’s all true and he never made rank. Maybe that’s why he made up the retired Chief Warrant Officer crap?
Seventh
He claims: To have been employed with BATFE.
The Facts: According to BATFE personnel officers, nobody by the name of Ryan Joseph Herle with either DOB in 1970 OR 1976, has ever been in employ by their Department.
Contradictions and Falsehoods: This affects the stories of how you first began interest in reloading the 5.7X28MM round. Although there is no denying your proficiency or knowledge in reloading this round, it does, in fact bring into question any all following LE claims. Federal Law Enforcement, at any level is not something one easily gets into nor do they get into it quickly. Nor is it something someone simply walks away from without good reason.
Conclusion: You have deliberately lied and created a false background in order to give yourself more credibility than deserved.
Eighth
He claims: To have been an AZ State Trooper
The Facts: Unable to verify. However, he was nervous and did not want fatherfoof to mention to the FOP that he was once an AZ State Trooper, although he would not say why.
Contradictions and Falsehoods:
Conclusion: Unable to verify but find unlikely.
Ninth
He claims: To have attended the
The Facts: The
Contradictions and Falsehoods: Although it is possible that he attended the academy, as they have ‘certificate’ programs, there is no way that he could have graduated with a degree from any of those schools. The degree programs are too stringent, however, the ‘certificate’ programs are designed primarily for those who want to pay for the honor of being able to say they’ve attended the school.
Conclusion: Possible. Unlikely, but possible.
Tenth
He claims: To hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering.
The facts: On another forum, he claimed to hold a DD, (Divinity). On our forum, he claimed a PhD in Electrical Engineering. A PhD can be ‘purchased’ from the internet for approximately $250 based on ‘life experiences’, but is not earned through an accredited university.
Contradictions and Falsehoods: Which is it? DD or PhD? Divinity or Electrical Engineering?
Conclusion: He can’t even keep his lies straight.
The list of stories that have been debunked stretches for as long as he’s been on the forums and as long as our collective memories continue to consider and remember. From his claims to have been with the 3rd CAV to his stories involving duty-related shootings, all have now been called into question. The list is far too long to go into here. Suffice to say, what needed proving was proven.
We, therefore, the representatives of the FiveseveN Forum, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these forums, solemnly publish and declare, that this member is, and of right ought to be, banished from the forums, and the forums be absolved from all allegiance to said member. All connection between the forums and the member is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as such, the forums continue to form alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent forums may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Following this post, Ryan deleted the thread.
Cyberfly:
[quote]
You can delete the thread Ryan, but that doesn't make it go away.
It wasn't just something that I threw together. It was signed FiveseveN Staff. It was a compiliation of work from ALL of us. Put together by ALL of us, at an off-site forum over a period of several weeks and performed, if I might say, with the thoroughness of a very professional investigation.
We wanted to make sure we weren't making unfounded allegations, since you were a founding member, and in essence ONE OF US.
Besides, all of it is SAVED.
We were hoping you would have the decency of simply coming clean, apologizing for playing us, and then leaving quietly so we wouldn't have to out you publicly like you insisted we do to Artos.
But if you want to play it like this...we can.
We have it ALL backed up on our personal computers. ALL OF IT. We left no stone unturned.
All we wanted was possibly some sort of explanation. I mean...all of us have something in our lives that sucks. Something we aren't proud of, but we don't go trying to make up THIS level of horseshit to make ourselves out to be something we aren't. We took you at your word and you betrayed that. You were our brother in arms. But now...
Or are you buying time to Google and Wikipedia and Photoshop yourself some credentials and a birth certificate to try to prove us wrong?
It won't work. Too many conflicting stories. Too many criss-crossing timelines. Not enough research before you spouted off.
Besides, you simply aren't old enough.
Give it up and just come clean.
Oh, and before you start threatening to sue me so hard that my mother will feel it, give me the name of your lawyer so my servicing agent will be ready for it. I DO have Pre-Paid Legal. And I'm not afraid to use it.
[/quote]
Medula Oblongata:
[quote]
You wanted me gone, so I left.
I deleted myself and anything pertaining to it.
What more do you want?
[/quote]
Cyberfly:
[quote]
There were a select few that weren't aware of what was going on, but that doesn't matter. They probably know now.
I saw how many had read the post this morning before you deleted it.
I won't name them, but they can post in this thread if they wish. Just in case they actually feel that it needs to be known that they had no hand in outing you.[/quote]
Medula Oblongata:
[quote]
What's your point?
You want me gone, I'm gone. That's that.
[/quote]
Cyberfly:
[quote]
Just an explanation.
A 'why'.
I thought we were friends. Brothers.
I trusted you more than I trust my own. It hurts man.
I know you must be pissed. I probably would be. Right now...I'm not. I thought I would be. Right now I just feel...hurt.
[/quote]
Medula Oblongata:
[quote]
Perhaps its mental illness.
[/quote]
Cyberfly:
[quote]
Did you think that if you were just yourself that your knowledge of reloading would be any less valuable?
Did you think that your jokes would be any less funny?
Did you think that your wit would be any less sharp?
You didn't have to be somebody else. Just you.
[/quote]
Medula Oblongata
[quote]
As I said, I'm being treated for mental illness.
[/quote]
Cyberfly:
[quote]
We all suffer from that. To some degree.
We all want to be something more than we are. I tried like hell to be, but I couldn't cut it. It killed me that I couldn't.
[/quote]
Medula Oblongata:
[quote]
You simply aren't hearing me.
Regardless, I'll leave quietly. I'm not going to do anything.
This forum, my business; they're forfeit. I will simply take my belongings and walk away.
[/quote]
Cyberfly
[quote]
I want to say that its been nice knowing you, but...I don't think I ever knew you.
The parts that I DO know that was you, the real you, I liked. And I'll miss that part. I just wish I could have known the real you.
Just don't do anything stupid.
Think of Catherine. I saw how she looks at you. Don't ever let her down Ryan.. that little girl worships her daddy.
She loves you too much Ryan.
[/quote]
Medula Oblongata:
[quote]
It is what it is.
Like I said, I'll take my belongings and leave.
I'll never do anything to harm anyone on this board or with Elite. If we can all just walk away, that is.
[/quote]
Cyberfly:
[quote]
You can.
I'm sure of it.
I wish you a prosperous and happy life Ryan. I sincerely hope that things work out for you so that you can be with your kids. I'll never forget how your face lit up around them.
I meant it when I said I'll miss you. That part of it you that I know is really you.
Good luck and God bless.
[/quote][/quote]
