The 187th Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia—also called a unit crest or DUI—was approved on 1 February 1988. Its primary colors those of the Army Medical Corps, maroon and white, and it is charged with a Greek cross and the Rod of Aesculaplius, two symbols of healing that have been associated with Army Medicine for over a century. Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. (DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.)
A chevron division of the shield portion of the insignia is a symbol of support, in this case medical training and operations support. Bookending the Rod of Aesculaplius are a castle and a fleur-de-lis, both of which are references to the unit’s World War II campaigns in Central Europe. “Train To Save” is the Battalion’s motto, incorporated after the unit was transferred to U.S. Army Health Services Command at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in July 1987.
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The Battalion was constituted as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 187th Medical Battalion on 14 August 1943 and activated 22 September 1943 at Madison Barracks, New York. It is one of two Battalions that make up the Medical Professional Training Brigade, and its three companies offer distinct curriculum for Army Medical Professionals.
Company A’s focus is on Leader Training, with a Basic Officer Leader Course, Captains Career Course, Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, a Brigade/Division Surgeons Course, and several others with a focus on Strategic and Operational Leadership skills. Company B serves as a Graduate School, with Graduate programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nutrition, Social Work, Pastoral Care, and Health and Business Administration. The Battalion’s Company C provides education and training in tactical combat casualty care, advanced tactical emergency skills, pre-deployment trauma, and all facets of tactical medical leader development.
The 187th Battalion is stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, where it is assigned to the 32nd Medical Brigade.