United States Army Armor Center and Fort Knox. 1996 Annual Command History,

Abstract : The Army History Program became a major part of the Army's institutional memory during World War II. During that conflict the Army began compiling a detailed chronicle of its actions and the rationale for its decisions. This record was to give an account of what was done from the point of view of the command preparing the history, including a candid, and factual account of difficulties, mistakes recognized as such, ... the measures used to overcome them, and the effectiveness of such measures. As initially envisioned the History Program would feed the lessons learned process and help the Army grow. This intent continues to drive the Army History Program today, and it is embodied in the following pages. Command histories possess several intrinsic values. Not only do command histories represent legal public records of activities, they also serve as a reference, feeding current and future activities. Command histories capture information to support or protect the command in the future. Moreover, a sound, readable history increases knowledge within and beyond the command of key events, trends, and forces driving decisions. The 1996 Annual Command History provides an overview of key activities within the Armor Center and links them with broader trends within the military establishment. It is primarily based upon sources provided by organizations on post, the author's notes from interviews conducted and briefings attended, and a review of pertinent Army publications. The depth and breadth of analysis partially reflects the availability of source material that in some cases was unavailable. However, responsibility for the final presentation lies with the author alone.