Air Force Historian Job Description

Air Force historians are found at every level of the Air Force command structure, collecting information within each organization during peacetime and wartime. The higher echelons have formal historian positions, though the smallest units will have a member who has historian work as an additional duty. While once a uniformed military member position, most military units have transitioned this role into a civilian government service position.

Background

In 1943, the US Army Air Force (still under Army command), established the Historical Division under the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Intelligence to gain an accurate and objective account of World War II experiences. Since then, historians have been responsible for creating official records of each echelon of the Air Force, from individual squadrons to the Department of the Air Force.

Duty Position

An Air Force historian can be an airman in uniform or a government-employed civilian. Starting around 2000, most uniformed Historian positions--Air Force Specialty Code 3H0X1--were replaced by civilian service government positions, sometimes held by individuals who previously worked as 3H0X1 while in uniform but then retired or separated. Both types of historian, uniformed and civilian, can be deployed with a unit to continue accurate data collection. Historians have been deployed during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While it was an enlisted position in uniform with no education requirement, the civilian position requires a degree in History, or a similar degree with 18 credit hours in history.

General Responsibilities

Air Force historians are responsible for creating and maintaining the Air Force legacy. During combat operations, they can provide information for current operations and records for when the operation has become a part of history. While obviously useful in recording wartime data, they also record peacetime operations, such as humanitarian relief missions, bringing food and medical supplies to disaster areas, or training events that lead to better mission capabilities.

Higher-headquarters Historian Duties

Higher-headquarters historians help provide historical perspective to assist decision makers and commanders. They can provide data for manning authorization plans, environmental studies or decision-making scenarios. They are also responsible for managing collection and compilation of subordinate unit histories.

Lower-Echelon Historian Duties

At squadron and wing echelons, historians compile perishable information such as combat records and data. They can conduct post-combat mission interviews, document significant achievements or events and prepare studies. They are responsible for creating annual narratives and an official record of the unit's accomplishments.