Restructuring the Oral History Program in Academic Year 1990

Abstract

Abstract : The U.S. Army War College Senior Officer Oral History Program and Division and Corps Lessons Learned Programs provide unique insights into all facets of senior leadership in the Army. The value of the programs can be measured in terms of the educational vehicle it provides for leadership development, as well as the unique historical perspectives gained. With the restructuring of the USAWC curriculum beginning in academic year 1990, students will spend the first several months of the year in core courses. They will not begin advanced courses, such as Oral History, until after the holiday recess in December. As a result, there will be inadequate time to prepare for conducting a senior officer oral history without some realignment. This paper seeks to provide background on the evolution of the current program, to emphasize the value of the Oral History program. and to set forth viable options which can be instituted immediately to ensure preservation of this important part of the U.S. Army War College learning experience.