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Incorporating the Historian into Unit Operations and Programs 1st Lt Frank Blazich, Jr. Chief Historian (interim) History CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Overview Philosophy and Reality Ideas and Suggestions Examples Utility
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Philosophy CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Reality CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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RealityPerceptions 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
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RealityUtility CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES Translation of primary material into historical products Engagement rather than isolation Researcher and analyst Working smarter, not harder Maximizing unit resources
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Example Government Relations CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example Government Relations CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Example Esprit de Corps CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example Esprit de Corps CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Example Alumni and Support CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example Alumni and Support CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Example World War II CAP Veterans CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example World War II CAP Veterans CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Example Public Relations CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example Public Relations CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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ExampleOperations 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
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ExampleOperations CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Example Recruiting and Retention CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES 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
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Example Recruiting and Retention CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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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 CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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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 CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES
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Questions?
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