Educational Services


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Army Historian - Additional Skill Identifier 5X

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

Military History Classroom Instruction

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:

  1. 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
  2. Complete CGSS elective A625 either in residence or via distance learning
  3. 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.

Army Historian Courses

A625 Army Field Unit Historian (Resident CGSS Elective)

Course Description: A625 is a graduate-level seminar course designed to educate field grade officers on the roles and responsibilities of an Army field historian. It will prepare officers to effectively supervise subordinate officers designated to act as unit historians and military history detachments while deployed. The course will also prepare students to serve as unit historians themselves, from battalion to division level, or as members of a military

history detachment. Instruction includes familiarization with the Army History Program, incorporation of history considerations in the planning process, production of unit historical reports, collection and management of documents and artifacts, planning and execution of staff rides, and oral history techniques. Classroom lessons consist of group discussions, presentations by subject matter experts and practical exercises.

Work Load: Designated readings, class participation, short written products, an oral interview, off-site visits, and in-class presentations on topics selected by the student and instructor.

Prerequisites: None.

Grade Allocations:

  • Attendance, preparation, & participation 30%
  • Oral Interview / Briefing 20%
  • Evaluation of an Article 10%
  • Command History Evaluation 20%
  • Unit Staff Ride Concept / Briefing 20%

Army Field and Unit Historian Course (Distance Learning)

Course Description: This course is designed to educate participants on the roles and responsibilities of an Army historian in both garrison and deployed environments. It will prepare officers to effectively supervise subordinate officers designated to act as unit historians and military history detachments while deployed. The course will also prepare students to serve as unit historians themselves, from battalion to division level, or as members of a

military history detachment. Instruction includes familiarization with the Army History Program, incorporation of history considerations in the planning process, production of unit historical reports, collection and management of documents and artifacts, planning and execution of staff rides, and oral history techniques.

Eligibility: This course is open to military personnel of any grade, service, and component, DoD civilians, and members of allied and friendly military/naval services. Enrollment in resident CGSS or DL versions of Intermediate Level Education/Advanced Operations Warfighter Course is not required.

Restriction: Resident CGSS students will not receive elective credit for taking A625 DL.

Work Load: Designated readings, written products, an oral interview.

Prerequisites: None.

Registration: Click here to register for A625DL (Requires CAC)