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AT THE FOREFRONT

Forging the Future: The Renegade Way
B/230 FMSU

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
These famous words by the late Andy Warhol magnify how important innovation is in a complex,
modern society. Bravo Detachment Renegades, part of the 230th Financial Management
Support Unit out of Fort Carson, deployed to Europe in late 2022. Their initial mission had them
conducting disbursing operations throughout Poland, however, extenuating circumstances
changed the trajectory of their mission in rapid fashion.

With locations in Poland either shutting down operations or way over capacity, there was
no place ready to immediately house the Soldiers. Bravo Detachment leadership worked
diligently to lock in a location, after several tough rejections, their determination and grit paid off
when a location in Wiesbaden, Germany was secured. Wiesbaden is the headquarters for the
Army’s Europe and Africa commands (USAREUR-AF), so it goes without saying, a new set of
unexpected challenges laid in wake for the Renegade Soldiers.

The USAREUR-AF G8 and Detachment leadership collaborated to create an integration
plan for the Soldiers. What came to fruition has potentially been the beginning of an entirely new
mission set for deployed finance units. The Soldiers have integrated into various sections of the
G8 and subordinate USAREUR-AF commands. Some of which include operations with V Corps,
SAG-U J8, Managerial Accounting Division, Financial Execution Branch, Program Analysis &
Evaluation, and 10th AAMDC. The Renegades are auditing thousands of financial transactions,
creating and certifying Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Orders in GFEBS, validating unit
spending requirements to plan the USAREUR-AF budget through FY28, and verifying accuracy
of several reports to aid in eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse across USAREUR-AF.

The Renegades have augmented the G8 in a way the Finance Corps has never seen

before. They are forging the foundation and paving the way for future deployed finance units.
Retired Army LTC Tom Roselius, a prior Finance Corps Officer who is working within the G8,
said, “I was a Major when I first had the opportunity to work hand in hand with finance civilians.
These Soldiers are working with civilians at such an early stage in their career, it gives both
sides a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s Resource Management skills
and abilities. I wish I could’ve had the Resource Management experience these Soldiers are
getting during the beginning stages of my Army career. With the Soldiers’ experience at ground
level, it gives a whole new perspective to
the G8’s mission, it really brings all the
efforts full circle.”

The G8 civilians aren’t the only
ones enjoying the extra assistance, the
Renegade Soldiers are grateful for the
rare opportunity they’ve been presented.
SPC Penuelas, a Renegade Soldier,
stated, “It’s been a great experience so

far. I’m learning about Acquisition and
Cross-Service Agreements, budgeting,
things I normally wouldn’t have a chance
to learn this early on in my career.”
Another Renegade Soldier, SPC Flores,
Bravo 230 Renegades conducting RM training during week 1
th

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