Welcome to the ASC History Office

History is being made every day at this command.

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Mission


The ASC History Office exists to preserve the history of the command and its installations. The office collects documents pertaining to almost every facet of the command including its ammunition plant and depot assets, forward commands, Army Prepositioned Stocks, Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), staff, and directorate offices.

Scope


In addition to Army Sustainment Command and the installation served by the command, the ASC History Office fulfills the role of the Rock Island Arsenal's historical section. This involves providing support for public events in the form of lectures, tours, and displays. The ASC History Office functions to tell the Army story, build esprit de corps, and tell the history of supporting our Nation, our Army, and our Communities.

Latest News & Publications


As with most major events in history, the start of the American Revolution can be traced back years before the shooting conflict began. In addition to the commonly discussed causes — such as taxes on commodities and lack of representation — there were deeper reasons and influences. One of the greatest influences on the British colonists’ thoughts and passions was the Enlightenment. This intellectual movement, which found its origins in the development of science and art, challenged the authority of established religion and monarchial regimes, which had long held power over laws and political decisions that affected society.
The year was 1966, and for several years the Soldiers in Vietnam had been using the same howitzer that their fathers had used in World War II. The M101 (known in World War II as the M2) was a 105-mm howitzer that was known for its accuracy and destructive power. So, why, in the middle of a war in the jungle, was the Army changing these well-known and tried-and-true fire breathing monsters with a lighter M102?
When thinking about the Vietnam War, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the sights and smells of napalm or the harrowing scenes in magazines or newspapers. Maybe it is watching the fall of Saigon unfold in dramatic fashion on TV or the massive anti-war protests in the United States. These are all scenes of the same war, but for others the thought travels to sounds. Specifically, the sounds of helicopters.
The 946-acre island in the middle of the Mississippi River is home to many sights and scenes that tell the story of the Army’s resilience, sustainability and manufacturing power. Perhaps one of the most notable of these is the gun display at Memorial Field here, but few guns on display capture as much awe as the M65 Atomic Cannon on display. On April 18, ASC historians had the honor of hosting Marine Pfc. Bill Wieberg (1956 – 1958), a machine gunner, who was stationed on Okinawa following the Korean War.
Many people at Rock Island Arsenal are familiar with the Confederate Prison Barracks that existed here during the Civil War. But far fewer know about the role of Italian prisoners of war who lived and worked on RIA during World War II.
In-Person Lecture
Event is a public lecture held in-person.
Tour
Event is a public tour.
Arsenal-Wide Event
Event is held by joint Arsenal commands.
Online Event
Event will be held online or hybrid.
Museum Event
Event is hosted by the Arsenal Museum.    
Postponed
An event that has been postponed.
Cancelled
An event that has been cancelled.

Army 250th Series Presentations & Newsletters


During 2025, the U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday. The ASC History Office will be observing this celebration all year long with lectures and publications catered to this monumental milestone. Our focus will be on the evolution of logistics from just before the birth of the Nation to the Army of the future. More information can be found in the event list above.  Join the ASC History Office for the lectures at the Rock Island Public Library, Main Branch, or the Davenport Public Library, Eastern Branch.  These programs will also be run at the end of each month at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum.

The ASC History Newsletter will also feature a focus on 250 years of Army logistics, with periodic expanded articles published to army.mil.  Keep an eye out for these upcoming publications and join us as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our U.S. Army.

Newsletter


Current Issue:
Impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution

  DVIDS Digital Archive
  Trivia Answers & Citations
   Read on Army.mil

Third Party Links

These links go to an external site that is not affiliated with the U.S. Army. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD or Army endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

  ASC History Minutes (WQPT)
  Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Other History Resources


AHEC AIH CMH AMC ASC AMCOM CECOM

Contact Information

Army Sustainment Command
AMAS-PCH, History Office
1 Rock Island Arsenal
Building 390
Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, 61299
 

Command Historian: 309.782.5046
Assistant Historian: 309.782.2178
Archivist: 309.782.2139
Archive: 309.782.8149
usarmy.ria.asc.list.history@army.mil
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