How to Be Military Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 19, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The American Civil War had a direct effect on the development of military history. During the war, tactical and strategic innovations were made by both sides, which provided the groundwork for future military operations. For example, the Union Army advanced the concept of total war, which caused drastic and widespread destruction in order to achieve their objectives.

This concept of total war would be used in later conflicts such as World War I and World War II. the military strategy of Robert E. Lee and his Confederate Army led to the development of maneuver warfare and the concept of winning without fighting which was adopted by many militaries in the years to follow. These innovations and strategies are still studied today by military historians and are still used in modern warfare.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a military historian, you must first earn a bachelors degree in history or a related field, such as political science or international relations. During your undergraduate program, you should take courses that focus on military history and the history of specific wars and conflicts.
Take Graduate Courses. After completing your bachelors degree, you should consider taking graduate courses in military history or a related field. Graduate programs will provide you with a greater understanding of military history and its implications on current events and politics.
Gain Experience. Gaining experience in the field is essential to becoming a successful military historian. You should consider joining the military as an officer and using your knowledge and skills to aid in the development of military strategy. Alternatively, you can volunteer at museums or historical sites that specialize in military history.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations, such as the Society for Military History, will give you the opportunity to network with other historians and gain access to resources and information related to military history.
Pursue Certification and Licensure. Although certification and licensure are not required to practice as a military historian, they can help to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field. Consider pursuing voluntary certification through the American Association for State and Local History or the American Association for Military History.

The increasing prevalence of military history has had a profound effect on our understanding of past events and their implications. By studying the strategies, tactics, and motivations of military forces throughout history, we can gain insight into the decisions that were made and their consequences. Through this study, we can gain a better understanding of the individuals and societies that were involved in those events and the circumstances that led to them.

In addition, military history can provide us with valuable lessons on how to better prepare for and respond to future conflicts. This knowledge is invaluable in helping us to develop better methods of conflict resolution and to more effectively manage our military resources.

You may want to check Battlefield Historian, Social Historian, and Digital Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research military history and prepare reports and presentations on the subject.
Conduct archival research to uncover primary sources and documents related to military history.
Analyze historical data, documents, and artifacts to form conclusions about past military events.
Develop and maintain databases of military historical information.
Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in scholarly journals and other publications.
Teach classes on military history at the university level.
Prepare exhibits, displays, and audiovisual presentations on military history topics.
Respond to public inquiries about military history topics.
Collaborate with other historians and museum professionals on projects related to military history.
Travel to historical sites and battlefields to conduct research.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of military history and culture
Expertise in researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical documents
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to synthesize complex information into easily understood formats
Proficiency in using digital tools and software related to research and data analysis
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with the ethical and professional standards of the field
Ability to think critically and to provide informed and unbiased commentary on military events
Understanding of the socio-political environment in which military actions occur
Knowledge of foreign languages for translation purposes

Military history is a vital skill for any historian as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of warfare and its effects on society. It helps us to better understand the decisions made by leaders, the motivations behind them, and the consequences of their actions. By examining the past, we can gain insight into the current state of affairs and better anticipate future developments.

military history helps us to recognize the importance of strategic planning, diplomacy, and the courage of those who fought. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day conflicts, military history provides a thorough study of war's impact on human life and culture. Understanding military history is essential in order to comprehend the full scope of its influence on the world.

Historical Researcher, Music Historian, and Archaeological Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in military history?
How familiar are you with the major battles and campaigns of World War II?
What techniques do you use to research and analyze military history?
What period of military history do you specialize in?
How would you explain the importance of military history to a layperson?
What steps have you taken to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in military history?
Describe a research project you have conducted on a particular battle or campaign.
How have changes in technology over time impacted warfare?
What challenges have you faced in your work as a military historian?
In what ways has your work as a military historian influenced your views on current events?

Common Tools in Industry

Primary Source Analysis Tool. This tool helps to analyze primary source documents such as diaries, letters, and photos. (eg: analyzing a letter written by a soldier in the Civil War).
Historical Map Analysis Tool. This tool helps to analyze and compare historical maps, such as those created during the Revolutionary War or during the Cold War. (eg: comparing a map of Europe from 1945 to one from 1990).
Visualization Tool. This tool helps to visualize data related to military history, such as troop movements, battle locations, or casualty numbers. (eg: creating an interactive map to trace the path of a particular battle).
Database Tool. This tool helps to store and organize historical data, such as battle information or casualty numbers. (eg: creating a database of information about the battles of World War II).
Digital Preservation Tool. This tool helps to preserve and archive digital records related to military history, such as archival photographs or interviews with veterans. (eg: preserving a digital collection of interviews with veterans of the Vietnam War).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association
National World War I Museum and Memorial
Society for Military History
American Veterans Center
Naval Historical Foundation
Air Force Historical Foundation
Army Historical Foundation
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
American Battle Monuments Commission
Society for the History of Navy Medicine

We also have Religious Historian, Historical Geographer, and Historic Site Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Warfare. the use of military forces in an armed conflict or for the protection of the state.
Conflict. a state of open and often prolonged fighting between two or more opposing groups or nations.
Strategy. a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.
Tactics. the art and science of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat.
Military Organization. the structure of a military force, including its leadership and command structure.
Military Technology. the application of science and engineering to the development and use of military equipment and systems.
Military History. the study of past wars, battles, and campaigns with an emphasis on their causes and effects.
Military Science. the academic field concerned with the study of military organization, strategy, tactics, and technology.
Battle. a combat between two or more armed forces in which each side seeks to gain an advantage over the other.
Logistics. the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to support military operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Military Historian?

A Military Historian is a professional scholar who specializes in the history of warfare and military science.

What type of research do Military Historians conduct?

Military Historians typically research and analyze historical documents, artifacts, and other sources to uncover information about military events, strategies, tactics, and operations.

What are some of the topics studied by Military Historians?

Military Historians may study topics such as ancient and modern warfare, civil-military relations, military technology, arms control, and the causes and consequences of war.

What qualifications are needed to become a Military Historian?

A minimum of a Master's Degree in History, Military History or a related field is usually required for those aspiring to become a Military Historian. Advanced degrees such as a PhD may be preferred or required for some positions.

What skills are needed to be successful as a Military Historian?

Successful Military Historians must have strong research and analysis skills, as well as knowledge of military history and related topics. They should also have excellent writing and communication skills.

Web Resources

Military History | Department of History history.unc.edu
Career Outlook: Military Historian | Norwich University Online online.norwich.edu
Military History Degree | Bachelors | American Military University www.amu.apus.edu