The modern organization of the army's historical efforts dates from the creation of the General Staff historical branch in July 1943, with Lt. Col. John M. Kemper[2] appointed its first chief, and subsequent gathering of a team of historians, translators, editors, and cartographers to record the official history of World War II.

[3] Working under the direction of former Nazi General Franz Halder, the center's German section became pivotal in the dissemination of the Myth of the clean Wehrmacht in the United States.

Many of these efforts involve new research that ranges from traditional studies in operational and administrative history to the examination of such areas as procurement, peacekeeping, and the global war on terror.

It also conducts and preserves its own oral history collections, including those from the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the many recent contingency operations.

As tangible representations of the service's mission, military artifacts and art enhance the soldier's understanding of the profession of arms.

In this effort, the chief of military history is assisted by a historical advisory committee that includes leading academic historians and representatives of the army school system.

[12] Official priorities permitting, its historians, curators, and archivists advise researchers on military history and stand ready to share their expertise concerning the location of sources.

The army's museums and historical holdings throughout the country and abroad are generally open to the public, and their curators are available to answer reference questions.

As a secured facility, as of 2016[update] requests for an appointment at Fort Lesley J. McNair must be made at least a week in advance.