Each lettered Surgical Company consists of 4 Surgical Platoons that provide Role 2 Light Maneuver capabilities consisting of command and control, damage control resuscitation, damage control surgery, limited patient holding, radiology, laboratory and blood banking capabilities and MEDEVAC personnel and equipment.

Typically, the Surgical Companies and Surgical Platoons are task organized to support the full range of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force units.

Activated September 6, 1940 at Quantico, Virginia, as the 1st Medical Battalion and assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade.

Relocated during April 1941 to Quantico, Virginia, and Parris Island, South Carolina.

Elements participated in Operation Border Support, Southwestern U.S., November 2018 - February 2019 and April - September 2019.

Elements attached in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) Crisis Response US CENTCOM participated in Operation Allies Refuge, January - November 2021.