Military Historian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of evolving conflicts and military strategies, the role of military historians has become more crucial than ever.
As the world continues to evolve, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can analyze, interpret, and preserve our military history only grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a military historian?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to grasp the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricate details of military history,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a comprehensive military historian job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Military Historian Duties and Responsibilities
Military Historians study, analyze, and interpret past military events, strategies, and tactics in a broader historical context.
They often consult with military officials or policy makers and may write articles or books about military history.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Researching and studying military history, including battles, strategies, tactics, and the role of the military in larger historical contexts
- Writing and publishing articles, books, or papers on military history
- Analyzing historical documents, photographs, records, and other sources of information
- Presenting findings and interpretations to academic, military, or public audiences through lectures, presentations, or reports
- Consulting with military officials, policy makers, educators, and other professionals on matters related to military history
- Contributing to the development of educational materials and curriculum related to military history
- Collaborating with archivists, librarians, and other professionals to preserve and access historical military documents and artifacts
- Evaluating and interpreting the impact of past military events on present and future situations
Military Historian Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Military Historian to investigate, record, and interpret military history.
The responsibilities of a Military Historian include conducting extensive research, analyzing historical documents, and presenting findings in a clear and compelling manner.
Our ideal candidate has a passion for history, strong research skills, and a deep understanding of military history.
The candidate should also be capable of contributing to scholarly articles and public outreach programs.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth research on various aspects of military history.
- Analyze historical documents, photographs, and other sources.
- Write detailed reports and articles on research findings.
- Present findings in public talks, exhibitions, and educational programs.
- Contribute to the production of educational materials, such as textbooks and online resources.
- Collaborate with other historians, archaeologists, and professionals in related fields.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in the field of military history.
- Advocate for the preservation and promotion of military historical sites and artifacts.
Qualifications
- A degree in History, Military History, or a related field is required, a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
- Proven experience as a historian, preferably in the field of military history.
- Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
- Proficiency in the use of digital research tools and databases.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Military Historian
- Work Environment: Primarily office-based with occasional field visits for research. Some travel may be required for conferences and presentations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Research or History Department Head.
- Salary: Salary is based on candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $51,000 minimum to $73,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Military Historian Do?
Military Historians are specialized researchers who study and analyze the history of warfare, military institutions, and related topics.
They often work in academic settings such as universities and colleges, but they can also be employed by museums, military organizations, and research institutions.
They examine primary and secondary sources, like letters, diaries, official records, and other historical documents, to understand the strategies, tactics, and outcomes of military conflicts.
They also assess the impact of war on society, economy, culture, and technology.
Their work often involves writing and publishing papers, articles, and books on military history.
They may also deliver lectures and presentations, conduct guided tours, and participate in historical reenactments.
Military Historians may specialize in a specific time period, region, or aspect of military history such as naval warfare, air warfare, or the role of women in the military.
They also collaborate with other historians and professionals in related fields, like archaeologists and anthropologists, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past.
In addition, some Military Historians may serve as consultants for film, television, and digital media productions, providing historical accuracy and context.
Military Historian Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Military Historian should have skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:
- Deep understanding and knowledge of military history, warfare, and strategy, and the ability to analyze historical events and trends.
- Strong research skills to gather and assess information from various sources including archives, artifacts, military reports, and first-hand accounts.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to recognize patterns and make connections between historical events and contemporary situations.
- Excellent writing and communication skills to effectively present findings and theories to both academic audiences and the general public.
- Ability to work independently and manage long-term research projects, sometimes under pressure and with tight deadlines.
- Proficient in using various historical research tools and databases, and the ability to maintain and organize a large amount of information.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with various individuals, such as veterans, military personnel, and other historians to gather valuable insights and information.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret historical data, understand its context and draw conclusions.
Military Historian Experience Requirements
Entry-level Military Historians typically have a bachelor’s degree in history, military history, or a related field.
This provides them with a strong foundation in historical research methods, military history, and military theory.
Some aspiring military historians may also gain experience through internships or research assistant roles at historical societies, museums, or other historical institutions.
They may also gain experience by publishing historical articles or papers in academic journals or other professional publications.
Candidates with a master’s degree or PhD in military history or a related field often have 2-3 years of professional experience.
This can be acquired through teaching, working in museums, or consulting in film, television, or video game industries.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field of military history often have a specialized area of expertise, such as a specific era, conflict, or region.
They may also have experience managing large research projects, curating museum exhibits, or lecturing at universities.
Those with more than 10 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.
They may hold senior positions in academic institutions, government agencies, or international organizations.
They may also have a significant portfolio of published work, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and conference papers.
Additionally, any form of military service, particularly in a role that involves historical research or education, can also provide valuable experience for a military historian.
Military Historian Education and Training Requirements
Military Historians typically require a bachelor’s degree in history, military history, or a related field.
This provides them with a broad understanding of historical events, research methodologies, and historiographical debates.
However, a master’s degree or a doctorate in military history or a related discipline is often preferred, especially for positions in academia or at prestigious institutions.
These advanced degrees offer specialized courses on different periods, conflicts, and aspects of military history.
A strong background in archival research, familiarity with various historical sources such as letters, journals, official records, and expertise in using digital databases are essential.
Proficiency in one or more foreign languages may also be required, particularly for those focusing on non-English speaking regions or periods.
Additional training or education in military tactics and strategy, military science, or geopolitical studies can also be beneficial to understand the technical aspects of warfare and its broader implications.
Certification is not typically required for military historians.
However, they need to demonstrate a record of published research in peer-reviewed journals or books to showcase their expertise and contribution to the field.
Professional development and continuous learning are vital in this field, as new historical sources and interpretations constantly emerge.
Participating in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars can help military historians stay up-to-date with the latest research and debates in their field.
Military Historian Salary Expectations
A Military Historian can expect to earn an average salary of $59,120 (USD) per year.
This income can vary based on factors such as experience, education, the specific area of expertise, and geographical location.
Military Historian Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Military Historian need?
A Military Historian should have a robust knowledge of military history and warfare, excellent research and analytical skills, and the ability to clearly convey complex historical concepts.
They should also have strong writing skills as they often publish their findings and theories.
Proficiency in foreign languages can be beneficial, especially when dealing with international sources and documents.
What qualifications does a Military Historian need?
The minimum requirement for a Military Historian is typically a Bachelor’s degree in History, International Relations, or a related field.
However, most positions require a Master’s degree or a PhD in Military History.
Some roles may also require experience in teaching or archival research.
What does a typical day look like for a Military Historian?
A typical day for a Military Historian may include researching primary and secondary sources, teaching at a university or college, writing articles or books, giving lectures, or advising on historical accuracy in media or exhibits.
They may also spend time networking with other professionals in their field, attending conferences, or staying updated with recent research and publications.
What qualities make a good Military Historian?
A good Military Historian is curious, detail-oriented, and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the past.
They should have excellent communication skills to clearly explain and debate complex concepts and theories.
A passion for history, particularly military history, is also crucial, as well as the ability to remain objective when analyzing historical events.
Is it difficult to find job opportunities as a Military Historian?
Job opportunities for Military Historians can be competitive due to the niche nature of the field.
However, opportunities exist in a variety of sectors including academia, museums, military institutions, publishing houses, and media organizations.
It can also be beneficial to consider roles where skills in historical analysis and research are valued, such as policy development or consultancy.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve explored the heart of what it means to be a military historian.
And guess what?
It’s not just about reading old documents.
It’s about weaving the narrative of our past, one historical event at a time.
With our go-to military historian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your strategic tool for creating razor-sharp listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every historical event is a part of a larger narrative.
Let’s unravel that past. Together.
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