Core Principles

Our interview methodology is built around several core principles:

• Respect for the veteran's experience – We recognize that each veteran has a unique story and perspective that deserves to be heard and preserved.
• Historical accuracy – While personal narratives are subjective by nature, we strive to place each veteran's experience within accurate historical context.
• Psychological sensitivity – We understand that recounting war experiences can be emotionally difficult, and we approach each interview with appropriate care.
• Minimal intervention – We allow veterans to tell their stories in their own words with minimal direction, focusing on creating space for authentic recollection.

Pre-Interview Process

Before conducting an interview, we engage in several preparatory steps:

1. Background research – We research the specific conflicts, units, and operations in which the veteran participated to understand the context of their service.
2. Preliminary conversation – We speak with the veteran beforehand to establish rapport, answer questions, and determine any topics they may or may not want to discuss.
3. Environment preparation – Interviews are conducted in comfortable, quiet settings (often the veteran's home) with proper lighting and sound conditions for recording.
4. Family involvement – When appropriate and with the veteran's consent, family members may be present to provide support or additional context.

Interview Structure

Our interviews typically follow a chronological structure, though we remain flexible to accommodate each veteran's preferred way of telling their story:

1. Early life and background – Brief discussion of the veteran's upbringing and life before military service
2. Entry into service – How and why they joined or were drafted into the military
3. Training experiences – Their preparation for deployment and initial impressions of military life
4. Combat or service experiences – The core narrative of their wartime service
5. Return home – The transition back to civilian life and reintegration into society
6. Reflections – Thoughts on how their service affected their life and perspective over time

We use open-ended questions designed to elicit detailed responses while allowing the veteran to guide the conversation toward what they feel is important to share.

Technical Approach

Our documentation includes multiple elements:

• Video recording – Primary interviews are recorded in high-definition video with quality audio to capture both verbal and non-verbal expression
• Photography – Portrait photographs of the veteran, often with significant objects or memorabilia from their service
• Document digitization – With permission, we digitize relevant photographs, letters, or documents the veteran wishes to include

All materials are carefully cataloged and stored in multiple secure formats to ensure long-term preservation.

Ethical Considerations

We adhere to strict ethical guidelines throughout the process:

• Informed consent – Veterans provide written consent for their interview to be recorded, archived, and shared
• Respect for boundaries – Veterans may decline to discuss any topic and may pause or end the interview at any time
• Review opportunity – Veterans are given the opportunity to review their interview before it becomes part of the public archive
• Privacy options – Veterans may specify whether certain portions of their interview should be restricted or embargoed for a period of time

Post-Interview Processing

After the interview is complete:

1. Recordings are lightly edited only for technical quality, not content
2. Interviews are transcribed to ensure accessibility
3. Key biographical details and service information are cataloged for searchability
4. Materials are integrated into the digital archive with appropriate metadata