Exploring Jobs as a Military Historian

I'm fascinated by history and thinking about a future career as a military historian. What sort of educational background or experiences are important for landing a job in this field?

To enter the field of military history, it's almost necessary to have a strong educational background in history, often requiring at least a master's degree, and in many cases, a Ph.D. in History. This level of education allows you to specialize in areas of military history, such as specific wars, nations, tactics, or developments in weaponry. Additionally, a command of more than one language could be useful, given the international scope of many historical events and sources.

Being a military historian isn't only about writing and research, though there's plenty of that. Teaching is also a common career path, often at the university level. If that's a route you're interested in, gaining experience as a teaching assistant during your graduate studies can be particularly valuable.

Experience in a military or governmental archivist role could also be beneficial. These positions offer firsthand exposure to historical documents and materials that can provide crucial insights into the field of military history.

Finally, keep in mind that soft skills like strong written and oral communication, analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information are also critical in this field.

There's no one right way to become a military historian, so exploring various avenues and gaining a broad range of knowledge and experience can only help to strengthen your position in this fascinating field.