Activated at Camp Butner on 2 September 1942, the unit was attached to Second Army and placed under the jurisdiction of Tenth Detachment Special Troops for administration and training.
A cadre of fifty-three enlisted men originally from the 5th Medical Battalion, Fort Custer, Michigan, reported for duty on 9 September 1942. 1LT Carroll A Bauer reported for duty on 9 September and being the first officer to report, was made the first (temporary) battalion commander. on 29 September, CPT Herbert A. Richardson reported and assumed the duties as battalion commander.
Shortly after the soldiers' arrival, the unit training and mobilization program tests began. By the spring of 1943, they found themselves in a convoy to participate in extensive maneuvers in Tennessee and Kentucky. It was during this time they proved themselves to be capable of rendering the most efficient medical service in combat. Little did they know that in a little more than a year, many of the men would rely heavily on that training.
On 9 October, 476 enlisted men arrived for duty fresh from civilan life with little or no previous military experience. Major Bernard E. Bullock arrived from the Second Division and officially assumed command of the 60th on 26 October 1942.