3rd MEDCOM

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Branch

U.S. Army

Members

About 3rd MEDCOM

The 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), commonly known as 3rd MEDCOM, was originally constituted in 1942 as the 3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group, providing critical medical support during World War II in the European Theater. Reactivated and redesignated over the decades, the unit played a pivotal role during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, delivering comprehensive medical care to U.S. and coalition forces. Based in Forest Park, Georgia, 3rd MEDCOM is now responsible for command and control of deployed medical units across the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The unit continues to support global contingency missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, ensuring medical readiness and lifesaving care for Soldiers and allies.

Unit Members

William Owens

U.S. Army

3rd MEDCOMView Profile

Virgle Herrin

U.S. Army

3rd MEDCOMView Profile

Photos

Boot Camp

Company C 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Regt. • U.S. Army • 1989

1980

101st airborne division • U.S. Army

U.S. Army

New uniform for wedding

82nd Airborne • U.S. Army • 2018

About 3rd MEDCOM

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), also known as 3rd MEDCOM, traces its lineage to the 3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group, activated in 1942 to provide medical support during World War II. • Role in Operation Desert Storm: 3rd MEDCOM played a vital role in providing medical care to U.S. and coalition forces during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990–1991. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The command’s insignia features a maroon cross (symbolizing medical care) and a scimitar (representing service in Southwest Asia). • Headquarters Location: 3rd MEDCOM is headquartered at Fort Gillem, Georgia, and is part of the U.S. Army Reserve. • Support in Afghanistan and Iraq: The unit has been repeatedly mobilized to provide medical command and control during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. • Joint and Multinational Operations: 3rd MEDCOM regularly operates alongside coalition and host-nation medical units, enhancing interoperability and training. • Mission Scope: The command oversees a wide array of medical units, including hospitals, dental companies, veterinary detachments, and preventive medicine teams. • Humanitarian Missions: 3rd MEDCOM has deployed teams for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical civic action programs in regions such as the Caribbean and Africa. • Nickname "Desert Medics": The unit earned the nickname "Desert Medics" for its extensive service in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. • Training and Readiness: 3rd MEDCOM conducts annual exercises such as Global Medic, simulating real-world medical operations and ensuring readiness for rapid deployment.