Possible Questions

A few suggested questions that might be helpful to volunteer interviewers, or to those embarking upon a self-memoir, are included below. Only you can determine the appropriate questions for a particular interview subject. The questions below are only for starters. Ask other questions that will paint a comprehensive picture for researchers and scholars who will review your interview. Keep in mind that as a government historical organization we do not seek war stories alone, we primarily seek an account of a Marine’s involvement in the larger picture of great events in our Corps’ history, and in our nation’s history. If all of that involves a war story or two, all the better, but simply relating a personal war story is not our primary goal. Put that war story in the context of a mini-social history. Make your interview relevant to the wider historical context in which so many Marines have gallantly participated. Finally, avoid acronyms and fully identify—on the recording as soon as they are uttered—any acronym the interviewee uses. Sad experience proves that today’s commonly understood acronym is tomorrow’s impenetrable puzzle.

Some suggested areas of research and query:

In what unit did the interviewee serve; in what operational events; where, when, and with whom did he/she serve; what were the names of commanding officers; what duties; what ships; combat experience; who was the enemy; what insights were gleaned from the service; how did he/she live and fight; what difficulties were encountered; what gear, weapons, and equipment worked well and what didn’t; what did he/she eat; where did he/she bed down; did weather affect activities; perspectives on leadership, good and bad.

Here is a standard format for starters:

• Early background: Where born/when? Any special relative, person, or event that led to your interest in the Marines? When did you decide to become a Marine? What made you decide? Your high school and college? Major? Your family: spouse and children?
   
• (Officers) When did you enter the USMC? ROTC/OCC/PLC? Anyone notable in your TBS class (besides yourself)? Specialty follow-on school?
   
• (Enlisted) Your USMC career: When did you enter the USMC? Boot camp location, dates? (Be careful of being sidetracked by boot camp stories.)
   
• (For all) Subsequent duty stations—and billets? Combat assignments (or assignments following boot camp)? Commanding officers? Fellow officers or fellow Marines? Your actions that resulted in combat award(s)? Your involvement in (events of historical interest that make this interviewee notable, such as amphibious landings, famous battles, or otherwise notable deeds)? Your opinion of (the enemy; enemy tactics; your unit’s performance; whatever makes the interviewee of interest to historians; fill in the blank).
   
• End of enlistment/Retirement: Date and post-military activities?