Officers holding the ASI 5X are qualified to supervise unit-level historians from battalion to division level or to serve as unit historians themselves.
Personnel holding the 5X ASI are trained to advise the commander and chief of staff on the incorporation of military history operations considerations into
the overall planning process; collect and preserve documents in hard-copy and digital form; collect, catalog, and preserve historically significant artifacts; conduct oral history interviews; plan and conduct battlefield staff rides; and foster an appreciation of the Army's history and heritage among Soldiers.
To be nominated by Army Press for award of the 5X ASI, US Army personnel must:
- Possess a post-baccalaureate degree in history (or a similar field approved by the Center of Military History) from a regionally accredited college or university OR complete a Master of Military Art & Science degree in history during CGSS
- Complete CGSS elective A625 either in residence or via distance learning
- Submit a memorandum of request to the Director, Army Press, including a copy of transcripts
US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and all international military students: completion of the above requirements will our recommendation to your service stating that you have satisfied the US Army's requirements to serve as a field historian, and that your records be annotated accordingly.