Launch Your Professional Future: Air Force Historian Internships
Are you a recent graduate with a passion for history and public service? The United States Air Force is offering a unique pathway for early-career professionals through the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program. This is more than just an internship; it is a dedicated pipeline into a permanent, rewarding civilian career with the Department of the Air Force.
Job Responsibilities
As a Historian Intern, you will be immersed in the day-to-day operations of military history management. Your duties will evolve as you progress through your training plan, but generally include:
- Applying historical methodology to real-world Air Force operations.
- Responding to internal and external requests for historical data.
- Managing and organizing archival materials, indexes, and historical catalogs.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams on special research assignments.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive internship, you must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor's degree in History or a related field with at least 18 semester hours in history.
- Eligibility: Completion of degree within the last two years or by August 1, 2024.
- Academic Achievement: Documented Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 2.95 or higher).
- Security: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $49,960 - $115,113/year |
| Program Type | 2-Year Internship (PALACE Acquire) |
| Locations | Barksdale AFB (LA), Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB (TX) |
| Security Clearance | Secret (Special-Sensitive/High Risk) |
Salary and Benefits
Interns receive a competitive salary that increases annually based on performance and tenure. Beyond the paycheck, the federal government offers robust benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement options, and professional mentorship that is rarely found in the private sector.
Application Tips
Success in the federal hiring process requires precision. Keep your resume under two pages and ensure every entry includes your specific dates of employment and average hours worked per week. Furthermore, ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly uploaded to your application profile.
Joining the Air Force as a Historian is a commitment to service and excellence. If you are ready to apply your academic knowledge to the global mission of the Air Force, prepare your documents and submit your application to start your journey.
Why This Historian Job Matters
Begin your professional journey in Air Force history—the PALACE Acquire program offers a fast-track career path with formal mentorship and guaranteed growth.
Historian Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking motivated individuals for the Historian Intern position under the PALACE Acquire program. This two-year developmental internship is designed to provide comprehensive training in historical methodology, archival research, and Air Force institutional knowledge. As an intern, you will contribute to the preservation of Air Force heritage while gaining valuable experience in a professional federal environment. This program features a structured career progression, providing you with a direct path to a permanent civilian career within the Air Force.
Requirements for Historian
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must have completed a Bachelor's degree in History or a related field within the last two years.
- Must have at least 18 semester hours in history.
- Must meet Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) criteria (GPA 2.95+, class standing, or honor society).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must submit an official transcript with the application.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Historian
- Demonstrated ability to perform archival research and manage historical datasets.
- Strong analytical writing skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in utilizing library and historical information services.
- Prior experience or volunteer work in historical preservation or academic settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with yearly increases during the training program.
- ✓Structured two-year formal training plan.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- ✓Permanent career placement upon successful completion of the internship.
💡 How to Apply Historian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Historian Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Register and complete the HireVue assessment via the Air Force civilian careers portal.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages) and all required transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment and hours worked per week for every position.
- Check for typos or formatting errors—keep the font size at least 10 pts.
- Submit your transcripts early to ensure they clear the system's virus scan.
- Clearly label all documents with your full name.
- Use the 'searchable' feature in your USAJOBS profile to get noticed by recruiters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PALACE Acquire program?
It is a centrally managed Air Force civilian internship program that provides on-the-job training and mentorship to recent graduates, leading to a permanent position upon successful completion.
Can I apply if I am currently in my final semester of college?
Yes, if you will complete all degree requirements by August 1, 2024, you are eligible to apply.
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, because this position is designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk), you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training
The U.S. Air Force mission is to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. To support this massive global operation, the Air Force relies on a talented civilian workforce. The History and Museums program plays a critical role in preserving the institutional memory and operational lessons that guide the Air Force of the future.