Which COMDTINST governs the maintenance transfer and destruction of headquarters records?

• A. COMDTINST M5212.12
• B. COMDTINST M5100.47
• C. COMDTINST M2400.1
• D. COMDTINST M5510.23

Answer: (A)

Handling headquarters records—from creation to final disposition—requires a formal records management policy that covers how records are kept, when they’re transferred, and how they’re destroyed. COMDTINST M5212.12 provides the procedures for the lifecycle of headquarters records, including retention, transfer to appropriate custody (such as archives or records centers), and the approved methods and timelines for destruction. It also designates responsibilities (like the records officer and custodians) and ensures compliance with established schedules and privacy requirements. This focus on the end-to-end treatment of HQ records is why this instruction is the correct one for governing maintenance, transfer, and destruction. The other instructions address different topics and do not specifically govern the lifecycle of headquarters records.