Army History Magazine

Fall 2024 Edition

November 2024

In the Fall 2024 issue of Army History, I am excited to offer two engaging articles, a look at some interesting Army artwork, a visit to a new and unique exhibit at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum, and an excellent selection of book reviews.

The first article, by Ashley Vance, looks at a little-studied aspect of the U.S. Army’s occupation of Germany after World War II, the U.S. Zone Constabulary. Her examination of this important, but short-lived, unit and its postwar role highlights the Army’s improvisation in creating a force that would maintain law and order, secure zonal boarders, and support local German police, all while remaining highly mobile. Although the Constabulary existed for only about six years, its impact cannot be understated as it stood at the forefront of a changing Army during the early years of the Cold War.

The second article, by Matthew Pearcy, examines the history of the General Survey Act of 1824, which authorized Army engineers to conduct road and canal surveys. The act, along with another piece of legislation, the Rivers and Harbors Act, would have long-lasting ramifications for the internal infrastructure of the country. These laws would give birth to a new era of civil works and would reshape the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which still performs many of the duties and activities laid out 200 years ago.

The Art Spotlight in this issue is unique in that it does not focus on finished artwork, but instead looks at a few works in progress and the artist’s process. Army artist Sfc. Jason M. Spencer recently traveled to Normandy, France, for the eightieth anniversary of the D-Day landings. While there, he documented many of the ongoing activities in rough sketch form and watercolors, which he uses as reference works for later pieces. This is an interesting look into the creation of official Army art.

This issue’s Museum Feature takes readers on a visit to a new exhibit at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Titled Opening the Vaults, this exhibit is a collaboration between the three Fort Liberty museums and an Army historical holding: ASOM, the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum, the 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, and the History Office of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. It displays seventy rare and never-before-seen artifacts, each piece with its own unique history.

I continue to encourage potential contributors to submit articles on the Revolutionary War period. With the 250th anniversary of the war quickly approaching, I am very interested in publishing articles dealing with various aspects of this conflict. Please see the Call for Submissions box that appears in the pages of each issue for instructions. I strongly suggest that contributors download and familiarize themselves with Center of Military History Style Guide, which can be download here: https://history.army.mil/about/docs/CMH_Style_Guide_2023.pdf.

I always like to close by thanking the small staff here for their hard work and our readers for their continued support. We are always excited about continuing to provide you with high-quality content.

Bryan J. Hockensmith
Managing Editor