1st Medical Brigade (formerly Group)

• Origins in World War I: The 1st Medical Brigade traces its lineage to the 1st Sanitary Train, which was formed in 1917 to provide medical support for the 1st Expeditionary Division, later the 1st Infantry Division, during World War I. • First of Its Kind: It is recognized as the first permanently organized medical brigade in the United States Army, pioneering the brigade-level medical command structure still used today. • Distinguished Service in World War II: The unit supported the Allied forces across North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Italy, earning campaign participation credits and several unit commendations. • Change to “Group” and Back: After World War II, the unit was inactivated, reactivated, and redesignated multiple times, including as the 1st Medical Group. It returned to its original “Brigade” designation in 1994. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the 1st Medical Brigade was stationed in Germany, providing medical support to U.S. and NATO forces, and played a vital role in contingency planning. • Humanitarian Missions: The Brigade has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including responses to Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. • Support in Modern Conflicts: The 1st Medical Brigade deployed medical units in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The Brigade’s insignia features a maroon cross and a silver scroll, symbolizing its medical mission and readiness to serve in any environment. • “First to Care” Motto: The unit’s motto, “First to Care,” reflects its legacy of rapid response and expert medical care on and off the battlefield. • Continuing Legacy: Headquartered at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, the Brigade continues to provide command and control of deployable medical units, ensuring readiness for any future mission.