8th Medical Brigade


The 8th Medical Brigade is a medical brigade of the United States Army Reserve subordinate to the 3rd Medical Command) and headquartered at Fort Wadsworth, New York.

Current organization

The 8th Medical Brigade is a subordinate unit of the 3rd Theater Medical Command. As of January 2026 the brigade consists of the following units:
  • 8th Medical Brigade, at Fort Wadsworth
  • * Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Medical Brigade, at Fort Wadsworth
  • * 439th Medical Battalion , at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst
  • ** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst
  • ** 147th Medical Detachment, at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst
  • ** 315th Medical Detachment Team, at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst
  • ** 327th Medical Detachment, at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst
  • ** 328th Medical Detachment, in Coraopolis
  • ** 329th Medical Company, in Fairview
  • ** 365th Medical Detachment Team, in Coraopolis
  • ** 393rd Medical Company, in Coraopolis
  • * 818th Hospital Center, in Utica
  • ** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, in Utica
  • ** 865th Field Hospital, in Utica
  • *** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, in Utica
  • *** 258th Medical Detachment, in Schenectady
  • *** 322nd Medical Detachment, in Utica
  • ** 912th Field Hospital, in Niagara Falls
  • *** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, in Niagara Falls
  • *** 301st Medical Detachment, in Ashley
  • *** 423rd Medical Detachment, in Niagara Falls
  • ** 1st Medical Detachment Team, at Fort Hamilton
  • ** 691st Medical Detachment Team, in Utica
  • ** 1982nd Medical Detachment Team, in Niagara Falls

    Lineage and Honors

Lineage

  • Constituted 16 July 1976 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Medical Brigade and activated at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York.

    Honors

Campaign Participation Credit

  • None

    Decorations

  • None

    Insignia

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On a maroon octagon 2 1/2 inches in height overall bearing a white Greek cross surmounted by a yellow crown of seven points, all within a 1/8 inch white border.

Symbolism

The Greek cross, a symbol of aid and assistance is used to represent the 8th Medical Brigade. The crown alluding to New York referred to as the "Empire State" was suggested by the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. In numerology the number eight symbolizes regeneration and achievement. The octagon shape furthermore alludes to the numerical designation of the 8th Medical Brigade. Maroon and white are colors used for the Army Medical Department.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 16 July 1976.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall consisting chevronwise of a black embattled partition line above a silver metal wingless caduceus surmounting a maroon Greek cross on a green background and all encircled by a continuous maroon scroll, divided in three folds and inscribed "STRENGTH THROUGH HEALTH" in silver letters.

Symbolism

Maroon and white are the colors used for the Army Medical Department. The cross, a symbol for aid and assistance, symbolizes the basic mission of the Brigade. The caduceus and the color green, a reference to the color of the ancient gowns of medicine, represents the high ideals and traditions of the healing arts. The entwined serpents also simulate the number "8" referring to the organization's numerical designation. The embattled partition line, representing a segment of early coastal fortification, alludes to the early history of Fort Hamilton, the present home area and location of the 8th Medical Brigade.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 13 September 1976.

Combat Service Identification Badge

Description/Blazon

A silver color metal and enamel device 2 inches in height consisting of a design similar to the shoulder sleeve insignia.

History

Upon its establishment in 1976, and for many years afterwards, the 8th Medical Brigade was reputed to be the largest medical brigade in the Army, active or reserve.
The 8th Medical Brigade replaced the 818th Hospital Center, which had served as the major medical command and control headquarters in the northeast, when it relocated to Fort Gillem, Georgia, with an effective date of 15 July 1976. Many members of the brigade's initial staff had been members of 818th before it relocated, and its first commander had once served as the deputy hospital canter commander.
In 2004-2005, the 8th Medical Brigade headquarters sent a detachment to provide command and control over medical units providing support in Kuwait.

Commanders

ImageRankNameBranchBegin dateEnd dateNotes
Brigadier GeneralJoseph P. CilloMC
Brigadier GeneralGregorio BrevettiMC
Brigadier GeneralPaul SkokMCDied in Command
Brigadier GeneralThomas E. PotterMCAssumed command upon Skok's death
Brigadier GeneralFrancis R. Jordan, Jr.MCRetired as a Major General
Brigadier GeneralMelvin R JohnsonMCRetired as a Major General
Brigadier GeneralDuane L. MayMC
Brigadier GeneralRobert J. KasulkeMCRetired as a Major General
Brigadier GeneralStanley Flemming
Colonel
ColonelKevin Pehr
Colonel
ColonelNelson G. RosenMCRetired as a Brigadier General
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel

Historic organization

1978