Incorporating the Historian into Unit Operations and Programs 1st Lt Frank Blazich, Jr. Chief Historian (interim) History CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES.

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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