AVAR Conflict Archaeology SChool (ACAS)
Bridging the transition from service to science by fostering technical expertise, professional standards, and veteran camaraderie.
A Revolutionary Approach to Field School
Training the Next Generation of Veteran Cultural Resource Professionals
At the AVAR Conflict Archaeology School (ACAS), we believe elite research and veteran development are inseparable. While ACAS maintains the rigor of a traditional field school, it is unique in its focus on the professional and social competencies required for success in Cultural Resource Management (CRM).
By transforming the battlefield into a classroom, ACAS empowers veterans to bridge the gap between service and science. Here, participants rediscover the mission-driven camaraderie of military service while gaining the confidence to pursue careers in historic preservation. For many, ACAS is more than a field season; it is a vocational turning point where a passion for history becomes a viable civilian career.
More About the ACAS experience
at Historic Camden, South Carolina, USA
Foundational Training: ACAS provides 4 weeks of supervised field experience, typically required for entry-level employment in professional archaeology.
Professional Rigor: ACAS provides expert instruction in systematic metal detection surveys, Phase I & II excavation, geophysical surveys, GIS & spatial mapping, artifact management, and more.
Elite Training Ground: Situated at Historic Camden, South Carolina, the school utilizes the Revolutionary War battlefield and British-occupied colonial townsite as a living laboratory for conflict archaeology.
Industry-Leading Mentorship: ACAS instructors provide dedicated career coaching and expert advising to help veterans navigate the specific pathways into the CRM industry.
ACAS maintains a substance-free environment and provides access to a Mental Health Clinician, creating a safe, productive learning space.
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Who is eligible for ACAS?
ACAS is designed for veterans pursuing careers in archaeology and cultural resource management who are actively enrolled in an academic program or have already completed a bachelor’s program in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field.
More information about applying to AVAR can be found on the Join the Team page.
To apply for future seasons of ACAS:
Please complete our Professional Application and indicate your interest in attending the field school.