302nd Forward Support Battalion
The 302nd is a Forward Support Battalion, consisting of a Headquarters Company, Supply Company, Maintenance Company, Medical Company, and a Chemical Company. Each plays an integral role in supporting the 1st Brigade Combat Team and the 2nd Infantry Division. The 302nd FSB is located at Camp Casey.
On order, the unit's mission it to transition to war, occupy Tactical Assembly Area, and provide Combat Service Support to the 1st Brigade Combat Team and attached units. The unit is also tasked with defending the Brigade Support Area and defeat Level I Threats. With the attached 4th Chemical Company, its provides NBC reconnaissance, decontamination and smoke operations for the Division.
The 302nd Forward Support Battalion traces its origin directly from the School of Instruction Hospital Corps, Washington Barracks Washington D.C., which was organized in 1894. In 1904, the school was redesignated as Company A, Hospital Corps. In October 1906, Company A joined the Cuban Expeditionary Brigade as Field hospital #2, and remained in Cuba approximately 2years. In March 1911, the company reorganized and was redesignated, Field Hospital #2, and Ambulance Company.
In November 1917, Field Hospital Company #2 and Ambulance Company sailed for France as part of the 2d Sanitary Train. They joined the 2d Infantry Division at Bourmont, France. The 2d Sanitary Train served with the 2d Infantry Division in France until the Armistice signing on 11 November 1919. In 1921, the 2d Sanitary Train reorganized into 2d Medical Regiment. The 2d medical Regiment was reorganized and designated in October 1939 as the 2d Medical battalion. During WWII the battalion actively participated in 24 battles on the continent and is entitled to full honors for five battle campaigns.
On 10 July 1950, the battalion was alerted for immediate shipment to the Far East Command. Platoons of the Ambulance and Clearing Companies were attached to the three Infantry Regiments in the 2d Infantry Division. The battalion participated in the Korean Conflict from 1950 through the early part of 1954.
The battalion returned to the United States on 20 August 1954 and again was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, until 16 December 1957 when it was transferred, less personnel and equipment, to Department of Army Control pending reorganization.
The battalion was reorganized in June 1958 at Ft. Benning, Georgia, with the transfer of personnel and equipment, from the 105th Infantry Division, which was concurrently deactivated. Since the Battalion's reorganization, the 2d Medical Battalion has provided medical support for the 2d Infantry Division.
The 2d Medical Battalion was Reorganized as the 302d Forward Support Battalion on 17 October 1989 and supports the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division. On 7 November 1991, the 4th Chemical Company was assigned to the 302d Forward Support Battalion.
