incorporating the historian into unit operations and programs 1st lt frank blazich, jr. chief...
TRANSCRIPT
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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