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American Military History Major?

Discussion in 'Information Requests' started by MajorWW2history, Nov 28, 2010.

  1. MajorWW2history

    MajorWW2history Member

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    I have a question and am hoping someone out here has some information they could share. I am beginning school next month and majoring in American Military History. I have thought about this for a long time and this is what really interests me and I have a passion for. Has anyone out there gone to or known someone who has gone to school for this or something similar and found a career dealing with Military History other than teaching? Like working for a museum or for some kind of Historian job? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
    MajorWW2history, Nov 28, 2010
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  2. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I have a MA in History, focusing on US/Japanese Diplomatic Relations Prior to Dec. 8th, 1941. Unfortunately, I'm retired USN, so I never needed a job in the field. However, a friend of mine at NSA recently went from active duty to inactive (he was a Lt.Cdr.) and kept the same job he had based in part on his degree in Military History. (He got his Masters three years ago while on active duty.)

    History prepares you to analyze an event, taking in all available information about that event, and to collate, co-oridinate and evaluate that information in order to make a determination about the event from an objective position. (Simplest case for this would be insurance claims investigator.)
     
    OpanaPointer, Nov 28, 2010
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  3. MajorWW2history

    MajorWW2history Member

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    Well thank you for the input. I will most likely be retiring myself from the Army someday, but in case I get sick of it, the Army is paying for me to go to school so I might as well take advantage of it. Best case scenario for myself would be finishing the degree and finding a good job outside, but we will see.
     
    MajorWW2history, Nov 28, 2010
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  4. A-58

    A-58 Cool Dude

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    What do you plan on doing with your degree, is it for future employment or personal enrichment?
     
    A-58, Nov 28, 2010
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  5. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I agree with OP. I also have an MA in History (although mine is in 18th/19th Century English History). I was a teacher, but more importantly, getting the MA taught me how to organize my thinking, develop advanced research skills, and the ability to bring various points of view together. Those are skills that are translatable to almost any career you choose to pursue. Consequently, I would encourage you to follow through with this, especially if you can get the army to pay for it.
     
    LRusso216, Nov 28, 2010
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  6. Melkc

    Melkc Member

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    I,too, have an MA in History and completely agree with OP and Lou. The analytical and organizational skills gained from the study of history can be useful in a wide range of professions. Though not plentiful, there are positions out there directly related to the major. If it's your passion, it might be a good option to pursue...especially if the Army is paying the tuition.
     
    Melkc, Nov 28, 2010
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  7. A-58

    A-58 Cool Dude

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    Well, I only have a BA in history, so I guess I will have to defer to the experts and agree as well. Show-offs.
     
    A-58, Nov 28, 2010
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  8. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    You're still young, Bobby. There's still time for you to become a member of the elite. Besides, you'll have plenty of time after you retire.
     
    LRusso216, Nov 28, 2010
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  9. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    [​IMG]
     
    OpanaPointer, Nov 28, 2010
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  10. A-58

    A-58 Cool Dude

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    Yeah yeah yeah....
     
    A-58, Nov 28, 2010
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