574th CSC engage in pre-deployment training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Soldiers of the 574th Composite Supply Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, U.S. Army Alaska engaged in training for a spring deployment at JBER, Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, 2017.

Soldiers trained in aircraft refueling, weapons qualification and familiarization, and trauma treatment, as well as force-protection measures, said Army Maj. Timothy Powlas, 17th CSSB executive officer. This is the 574th CSC’s first deployment since the unit was created.

The training was a joint effort by various units throughout JBER – including the 17th CSSB, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and the Alaska Army National Guard, Powlas said.

“[Soldiers of the 574th CSC are] some phenomenal logisticians,” he said. “They can take some of the muddiest water you can find and make it drinkable. ... But they don’t always have the opportunity to come out and do [this type of training] because of their role within USARAK.”

The unit’s focus is usually on transporting fuel, purifying water and performing warehouse duties, Powlas said.

This will be the sixth deployment for Capt. Charles Rufus, who took command of the 574th CSC in November.

“I’m excited to be going on this deployment,” Rufus said. “We have a lot of new Soldiers in the unit and I believe this will strengthen them. These Soldiers will have the opportunity to do their job outside of Alaska, and they will grow because of it.”

Back home, spouses have the support of the Family Readiness Group, he said. During the deployment the Family Readiness Group ensures spouses and other family members are taken care of. The FRG is there to help with everything from coffee meet ups to helping with child care.

The 574th CSC is deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, and will be there for an unspecified amount of time.