American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) conducts expert archaeological fieldwork worldwide by combining the drive and precision of military veterans with academic training and supervision. Bonds made on excavations help veterans work through feelings of isolation, disempowerment, and loss of purpose that often occur when service members transition into the civilian world. Unique in the United States, the AVAR program helps veterans find their future while exploring the past. We describe the enhancement of archaeological fieldwork processes to benefit and develop the participant over the long-term as ‘Rehabilitation Archaeology’.
Archaeology
Training provided by professional archaeologists from major universities.
Ability
Participants are assigned to roles based on ability, regardless of service injury.
Community
Social bonding and shared experiences promote recovery.
