Incorporating the Historian into Unit Operations and Programs

1st Lt Frank Blazich, Jr.Chief Historian (interim)

History

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Overview

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Philosophy and Reality Ideas and Suggestions Examples Utility

Philosophy

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History to educate, evaluate, postulate “Those who cannot remember the past are

condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana “The historian ought to be an educated

person, writing for other educated people about something which they don’t know about, but wish to know about in a way that they can understand.” – John Keegan

Reality

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RealityPerceptions

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Retention of records (textual and non-textual), artifacts, and generator of reports

The interested buff versus the professional Differences and similarities Balance

Intangibles of motivation, resources, training

RealityUtility

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Translation of primary material into historical products

Engagement rather than isolation Researcher and analyst

Working smarter, not harder Maximizing unit resources

ExampleGovernment Relations

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Subject: Congressional Gold Medal Problem: How to strengthen your argument? Solution: Historical publication tailored to unit Purpose: Polished, professional document that can

be tailored for any audience and updated periodically Readily researched from secondary sources,

updated with primary sources

ExampleGovernment Relations

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ExampleEsprit de Corps

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Subject: Unit recognition and pride Problem: Who is who? How to recognize? Solution: Heraldry Guide, Patch Collection, Poster Purpose: Visuals, information, and items that can

be used for cadet activities, recruiting and retention, and AE Poster or collection to attract people to

recruiting or information displays; wing and group recognition, pride and cohesion

ExampleEsprit de Corps

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ExampleAlumni and Support

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Subject: Networking and communication Problem: How to find former members? Obtain

information, support for operations? Solution: Social Media Purpose: Recover records and information,

recruiting, unit support Simple, cost-effective, and convenient way to

reconnect with former unit members and research past activities

ExampleAlumni and Support

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ExampleWorld War II CAP Veterans

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Subject: Location and Communication Problem: How to locate World War II veterans?

Document service and interview? Solution: Social Media and research through past

veterans and family Purpose: Honor predecessors, add them to CGM

database, public relations in community Way to connect past and record for future

generations

ExampleWorld War II CAP Veterans

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ExamplePublic Relations

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Subject: Public presentations Problem: Does the public know of CAP’s civilian

defense / homeland security mission? Solution: Direct engagement at air shows or

history conferences Purpose: Provide blend of detailed and generalized

history to educate public about organization and capabilities then and now Accessibility to explain and clarify history

with direct interaction with public

ExamplePublic Relations

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ExampleOperations

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Subject: Applying Lessons from Operations Problem: How to improve operations and mission

capabilities? Solution: Interview and compile history of event Purpose: Provide leadership with comprehensive

and coherent history of mission to better incorporate lessons learned Oral history, public affairs, coordination with

elements of unit

ExampleOperations

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ExampleRecruiting and Retention

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Subject: Maintaining and growing membership Problem: Why do people leave? How can we

improve retention and recruiting? Solution: Data acquisition and analysis Purpose: Collect information in variety of areas

combined with analysis to marshal limited resources for maximum effort Research, data analysis, oral interviews, and

surveys to produce reports beneficial for policy formulation

ExampleRecruiting and Retention

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Resources are limited Volunteers are the greatest asset Mere records in the file cabinets or gold?

Historian’s skills are multipurpose Not merely work with the distant past

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” – General George S. Patton

Utility

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Philosophy and reality Ideas and Suggestions Examples Utility Making the historian an asset and not an

afterthought gives the commander a powerful resource to assist and promote all aspects of the unit’s operations and activities

Conclusion

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Questions?

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