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Archives Branch: Command Chronology Program

Command Chronology Program Overview

The Command Chronology is a documented report to the Commandant of the Marine Corps covering the significant events of designated Marine Corps organizations. It is retained on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the Archives Branch, History Division. The Command Chronology is vital to documenting the history of the United States Marine Corps.

As mandated by Marine Corps Order 5750.1H, SECNAV Manual M5210.1, and the National Archives and Records Administration, Command Chronologies are defined as permanent records of the United States government.

The purpose of the Command Chronology Program is to:

  1. Generate resources for the evaluation of current plans, policies, and procedures
  2. Develop source materials for historical analysis and transmission of the Marine Corps’ heritage
  3. Create permanent record of the Marine Corps’ experience and achievement

The Command Chronology will:

  1. Provide a concise review of the experiences of the command
  2. Reflect the specific mission and tasks assigned to the command
  3. Document all significant programs, policy decisions implemented and unit readiness
  4. Be presented in sufficient detail to convey the unique and distinctive qualities of the command

Successful execution of this program depends upon the inherent commitment of commanders, staff members, and individuals involved to be sensitive to historically significant developments, to safeguard the history and traditions of the Corps, and to be well versed in the spirit and intent of Marine Corps Order 5750.1H. 

Command Chronologies support the Marine Corps and Marines—active duty and retired—on a number of levels. These documents are used every day by:

  • Department of Veterans Affairs to process benefit claims
  • Marines, including the students of the various schools of the Marine Corps University
  • HQMC 
  • Force Structure Review Groups
  • Military Awards Branch for supporting documentation on awards
  • National Museum of the Marine Corps and History Division
  • Scholars such as historians as a basis for analytical research
  • Veterans
  • Authors of literary publications
  • Students
  • News reporters
  • Genealogists