COMDTINST 5720.3 — Documenting The 2003 Uscg Operation Enduring Freedom

COMDTINST 5720.3 governs policy, doctrine, and procedures for preserving records of Coast Guard Operation Enduring Freedom operations.

Search COMDTINST 5720.3

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5720.3
  • Title: DOCUMENTING THE 2003 USCG OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
  • Date: 3/19/2003
  • Proponent: CG-092

View COMDTINST 5720.3 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses historical documentation, oral histories, operational experience, and lessons learned from overseas operations. It requires deploying units to designate historians and establishes methods for preparing, preserving, and sending historical material.

Applies to: This Instruction sets out policy, doctrine and procedure for units deploying overseas to preserve the record of their Operation Enduring Freedom operations and incorporate operational lessons learned.

Topics covered

  • Operation Enduring Freedom documentation
  • Operational histories
  • Oral history interviews
  • Unit historians
  • Cutter movements and missions
  • Historical material transmission
  • Classified documents

Questions and answers

Why is a complete historical record of Coast Guard overseas operations important?

A complete historical record of Coast Guard overseas operations in Operation Enduring Freedom is vital to the institutional memory of the Service. (paragraph 4)

What must deploying units designate?

All deploying units must designate a unit Historian. (paragraph 8)

Who does the unit Historian report to?

The unit Historian will report directly to the CO or OIC and, for guidance in fulfilling the requirements of this Instruction, to the Coast Guard Historian (G-IPA-4). (paragraph 8)

How should the unit history be organized?

The unit history should be developed in month-long blocks that detail and summarize: movements, activities and missions of the cutter. (paragraph 9)

How must historical material be sent at the end of the cruise?

At the end of the cruise the historical material should be sent by FedEx to the Coast Guard Historians Office (G-IPA-4). (paragraph 9)

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