AR 870-5 — Military History: Responsibilities, Policies, And Procedures
AR 870-5 governs the preservation, preparation, and use of the Army’s history and its historical programs.
- Publication number: AR 870-5
- Title: MILITARY HISTORY: RESPONSIBILITIES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
- Date: 07/08/2024
- Proponent: AASA
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 870-5 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers historical publications, organizational history operations, lineage and honors, Army museums and artifacts, and oral history. It requires annual histories, digital preservation planning, and the collection and maintenance of historical information.
Topics covered
- Annual histories
- Lineage and honors
- Digital preservation strategies
- Oral history materials
- Command history offices
- Army museums and artifacts
Questions and answers
What does AR 870-5 require annual histories to include?
A table of contents is required for all annual histories and follows the preface or foreword. It shows major headings, sub-headings, and page numbers. (paragraph 5)
How should an annual history address major events?
The history should be clear and concise and report all items of major historical significance to the command. (paragraph 6-1)
Can classified material be included in an annual history?
Annual histories are usually unclassified; however, they may include items with a security classification up to the appropriate level. (paragraph 6-1)
Who establishes and maintains Army organization lineages?
By authority of the SECARMY, the CMH is the sole authority for establishing and maintaining the lineages of Army organizations. (paragraph 5-1)
What is required for command history offices?
A CHO will consist of a command historian and based on the needs of the command, one or more additional professional historians and appropriate support personnel, such as archivists and museum personnel. (paragraph 4-3)