For those unfamiliar with
the field, an interest in military history can be more than just a
passion. As an academic degree, military history has many enticing
career prospects. Students who decide to study the history of wars
with its associated transdisciplinary foray into geopolitics,
economy, and foreign affairs, can find a job that is
intellectually-stimulating and even prestigious. What does a
military historian do?
Teach Military History
A military
historian can work as a university professor in an academic
institution that offers such a degree to students. A university professor will explain to
students how nations formed and what led to the state of the world
we witness today. Lessons of military history can involve a
student’s critical thinking, writing and researching skills and
prepare for him for positions of political leadership.
Work for the Government
Many
military history graduates find their skills appreciated and put to
use in government agencies. Their daily tasks might include research
and analysis of
geopolitical events and past military conflicts, but also the
development of new foreign policy. A large majority find employment
with public libraries, archives and research institutes.
Advance to Military Leadership
An
academic-level knowledge of military history can serve well in a
military leadership position as it demonstrates advanced critical
thinking skills and a thorough understanding of geopolitics, armed
conflict, leadership and foreign policy. A military historian who
wants to do active duty will easily fulfill the expectations for a
leadership role.
Work as an Academic Researcher
Some
military historians decide to continue their research with a Ph.D.
and stay in the academic world. As academic researchers, they use
their research and writing skills to analyze and interpret
information related to past and present wars. Their work gets
published in journal articles, academic books, and even mainstream
media outlets if their work is subject to popular or controversial
social and political debates.
Train as an Analyst for Intelligence
Agencies
Many secret
services and other intelligence agencies actively seek out employees
with a background in military history. A military historian who
works for an intelligence agency will conduct regular analysis on
security and diplomacy issues by relying on his education on global
military conflicts. He might be asked to
identify weapons, assess foreign government military resources
or work on war prevention.
Act as an Advisor for Creative and
Media Productions
A military
historian can often find himself employed as a
military advisor for a Hollywood war movie or TV show
production. Similarly, he can consult fiction writers who need
expert information to write a book set in times of war. Many
creative and media productions that refer to war need a specialist
who can ensure that the information is accurate or at least
realistic and plausible.
Educate the Public in a Museum
You can find
military historians in war-dedicated museums and historic sites such
as battlegrounds. Depending on their experience level, they can work
as a museum guide, curator or do work behind-the-scenes in the
archives. They can also serve at a management level or organize
conferences related to military history for the general public as an
event planner.
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