Medical Regimental Corps Crest

Criteria: The Medical Regimental Corps Crest is one of the Army’s 14 Regimental Corps Crest insignias. Regimental Corps Crest insignias are worn over the right breast pocket on the Class A uniform signifying each service member’s unique branch of service. The design of the shield is based on the shield of a historical heraldic device probably first used in 1818 by the Army Medical Department. The white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represents the United States flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with the serpent, originating in mythology, is symbolic of medicine and healing. Green was the color associated with the Corps during the last half of the nineteenth century. Symbology of the crest of the coat of arms: The colors Argent and Gules are those associated with the Army Medical Department. The cross and the wreath are adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other enlisted men when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the elements of the organization: Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Army Specialist Corps, and the Enlisted Medical Specialist. The motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission. The insignia was originally approved on April 17, 1986 but the size was changed from 1 1/4 inch to 1 inch on August 28, 1986.