THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1775
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
11 December 2023

Army Regulation 870–21

Effective 11 January 2024

Historical Activities

The U.S. Army Regimental System

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

RANDY A. GEORGE

General, United States Army

Chief of Staff

MARK F. AVERILL

Administrative Assistant to the

Secretary of the Army

History. This publication is an administrative revision. The portions affected by this administrative revision are listed in the summary of change.

Authorities. This section contains no entries.

Applicability. This regulation applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity's senior legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25–30 for specific requirements.

Army internal control process. This regulation is not subject to the requirements of AR 11–2. It does not contain internal control provisions.

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA FormDA FormDepartment of the Army form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, 105 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310–0105.

Distribution. This regulation is available in electronic media only for the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

*This regulation supersedes AR 870–21, dated 13 April 2017.

AR 870–21 • 11 December 2023

UNCLASSIFIED

Additional regimental assignment Any assignment outside of the battalions, squadrons, companies, batteries, and troops of a Soldier’s affili- ated combat arms regiment.

Affiliation The close and continuous identification of a Soldier with a regiment or corps.

Custodial Unit of the Regiment The element of the regiment that maintains regimental colors and memorabilia, and assumes USARS re- sponsibilities. For combat arms regiments, it is the lowest numbered active battalion or squadron of the regiment or the lowest lettered company, troop, or battery.

Custodian of the Regiment or Chief of the Corps The individual responsible for maintaining regimental colors and memorabilia, and other USARS respon- sibilities. For combat arms regiments, it is the commander of the lowest numbered active battalion or squadron of the regiment or the lowest lettered company, troop, or battery. For corps and special branches, it is normally the senior officer of the corps or the commander of the branch school.

Distinguished Members of the Regiment or Corps Distinguished Members of the Regiment or Corps who are appointed to supplement the ceremonial duties of the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment or Corps. Persons appointed may be active duty or retired offic- ers, warrant officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians who served on active duty in the regiment.

Ethos The distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding belief of a Soldier, his or her unit, and/or the Army.

Honorary Colonel of the Regiment or Corps A distinguished retired officer in the rank of colonel or above who has been appointed for a 3-year term to perpetuate the history and traditions of the regiment or corps.

Honorary Member of the Regiment or Corps Individuals who have made a contribution or provided a service to a regiment or corps, but who are not members of the regiment or corps making the presentation.

Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment or Corps A distinguished retired noncommissioned officer in the rank of sergeant first class or above, with prior ser- vice in a unit of the regiment, who is appointed for a 3-year term.

Honorary Warrant Officer of the Regiment or Corps A distinguished retired warrant officer who has been appointed for a 3-year term to perpetuate the history and traditions of the regiment or corps.

Regiment A single or group of like-type combat arms or training units authorized a regimental color.