Notice: Our website is currently undergoing a migration, and some content may have been moved to a new location, be actively migrated, or be temporarily inaccessible. We appreciate your patience as we continue to add content gradually over time.

Unit History 101

Understanding Your Lineage and Honors

Unit History 101 cover image

CMH Pub 60-17-1
2024

For most soldiers, their unit of assignment represents their home within the larger, more complex organization that is the U.S. Army. While they identify with the institution—its values, and its mission to defend the Constitution, its people, and the territory of the United States—most think of their unit and the role it plays in the Army’s mission when they envision their duty as soldiers. Several offices collaborate to preserve and promote unit history. The historians of the Field Programs and Organizational History Division, U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH), have the primary mission to research and prepare Lineage and Honors Certificates, Special Designation Certificates, and Unit Day Certificates, maintain the Rolls of the Army, research and select appropriate designations for new units, and select historic units for activation in the Regular Army and Army Reserve. This reference book will help to introduce soldiers to the basics of unit history, the offices involved in the process, and the policies and procedures laid out in official Army regulations.

* View this publication online.

Cookie Disclaimer - CMH Online does not use persistent cookies (persistent tokens that pass information back and forth from the client machine to the server). CMH Online may use session cookies (tokens that remain active only until you close your browser) in order to make the site easier to use. CMH Online DOES NOT keep a database of information obtained from these cookies. You can choose not to accept these cookies and still use the site, but it may take you longer to fill out the same information repeatedly and clicking on the banners may not take you to the correct link. Refer to the help information in your browser software for instructions on how to disable cookies.

External Links Disclaimer - The appearance of hyperlinks to external sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army of the linked web site or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of the U.S. Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this web site.

Migration Notice - The Center for Military History has recently completed the initial migration process to a new content management system (CMS). Please note that not all content has been migrated over yet, but it will be gradually transferred over time. If you are unable to find specific content, feel free to send us an inquiry, and our team would be happy to assist you in locating the information you need.

Inquiries - For inquiries related to organizational history, military programs, or research at the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH), please email CMH Answers at usarmy.mcnair.cmh.mbx.answers@army.mil. Due to high correspondence volume, response times may vary. Before reaching out, review the Army Records Master List, FAQs, and Online Bookshelves. On-site research appointments require one week’s notice. For more information, please visit the CMH website at https://history.army.mil/About-CMH/Inquiries-and-Visitor-Policy/.