The Nevada Army National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade is set to return home to Nevada after completing its Task Force Warrior mission in the Middle East, marking the end of a successful 10-month deployment.
More than 200 Soldiers from the Las Vegas-based brigade deployed in September 2024 in support of international logistical operations. They transitioned into redeployment phases in early July, with most Soldiers expected to return to Nevada by the end of the month.
This deployment represented the brigade’s first international mission since 2016, during which the unit operated across 21 countries in the Middle East. Notably, the 17th Sustainment Brigade oversaw four subordinate battalions, including the 17th Special Troops Battalion.
As part of U.S. Central Command’s ongoing objectives in the region, the Soldiers from the brigade managed vital supply chains, transportation, maintenance, and medical services. They successfully accomplished over 300 missions and supported various large-scale exercises across 13 countries, providing continuous logistical support to remote bases in the region.
Post-deployment data highlights the brigade’s significant contributions, which include facilitating the movement of more than 1 million kilograms of armaments, distributing over 900,000 cases of bottled water, and managing the delivery of more than 13 million pounds of mail throughout the theater.
The unit also took charge of over $80 million worth of Class I materials in the CENTCOM area, ensuring the operation of seven dining facilities.
Col. Joseph Claros, the brigade commander, praised the Soldiers for their adaptability and effectiveness during the deployment. He emphasized that the brigade’s performance under Task Force Warrior showcased their capacity for flexibility and rapid decision-making.
“The brigade succeeded for two reasons — constant collaboration and communication from the top down,” Claros stated.
He noted the importance of both officers and non-commissioned officers being able to communicate challenges to higher echelons and collaborate with partners throughout the entire CENTCOM theater.
For many Soldiers, this deployment was their first, with approximately 70 percent experiencing their initial international assignment. Soldiers from various regions across Nevada joined the brigade, enhancing its capabilities with their diverse skills and experiences.
Sgt. Rory Rodriguez, a communications specialist in the brigade, described the deployment as a busy yet fulfilling experience.
Rodriguez completed Air Assault School and earned a promotion to sergeant during the mission. He highlighted his pride in representing the 17th Sustainment Brigade during fitness runs and contributing to the unit’s overall mission.
“I know that I made an impact theater-wide,” Rodriguez said.
He expressed satisfaction in supporting medical communications and restoring systems that enabled other units to fulfill their mission objectives.
Throughout their deployment, Soldiers achieved numerous professional milestones, with two earning Legion of Merit awards, 45 receiving Meritorious Service Medals, and 156 garnering Army Commendation Medals. Additionally, 39 Soldiers were awarded Army Achievement Medals, and about 40 were promoted during mobilization.
The brigade remained focused on professional development during their deployment, completing training that included 14 Basic Leader Course graduates, nine Air Assault graduates, one Pathfinder badge, and one Rappel Master tab. Furthermore, 34 Soldiers accomplished the Norwegian Foot March, while 10 earned the German Schützenschnur marksmanship badge.
image source from：army
