RESEARCH Archaeology: Veterans Preserving History Together

AVAR conducts research-driven archaeology, focusing on conflict sites in the United States and abroad.

Professional Pride & Teamwork

AVAR instills professional pride and teamwork, helping veterans excel in archaeology through shared challenges and expert training.

At AVAR, we believe that excellence in archaeology and veteran development go hand in hand. Our Research Archaeology projects maintain the same high scientific standards as commercial excavations, ensuring that veterans develop technical skills, professional discipline, and confidence in their work.

Through rigorous field training, hands-on learning, and teamwork, veterans experience the transformative power of archaeology—gaining new perspectives on their abilities and career potential. Many veterans who begin as volunteers discover a deep passion for cultural resource management and historic preservation, leading them to pursue further training or professional careers in the field.

By working together in demanding, real-world excavation environments, veterans bond as a team, rediscovering the sense of purpose and camaraderie they experienced in the military. This shared commitment to excellence and hard work is what makes AVAR’s Research Archaeology program truly impactful.

Our Research Projects are Unique Training Opportunities

AVAR provides on-site mental health support and maintains a substance-free environment on research projects, creating a safe and productive space for learning.

Research projects are volunteer opportunities led by AVAR, usually funded through crowdfunding or grants. These initiatives are specifically designed for veterans with a developing interest in archaeology or just entering the field. They represent the highest level of instruction we offer among our projects, with the lowest level of physical difficulty.

Although archaeology is inherently labor-intensive, these projects offer greater flexibility in assigning participants to roles that align with their skill levels and accessibility needs.

Notable Research Projects:

  • Camden Conflict Archaeology School, Camden, SC (2025)—This ground-breaking conflict Archaeology training program included systematic metal detection, geophysical survey, and phase II excavation techniques.

  • Finding Medina Project, San Antonio, TX (2022-2023)—Three seasons of systematic metal detection surveys revealed two sites related to the 1813 Battle of Medina.

Recent Research Archaeology Projects

Hands-On Archaeology for Veterans Seeking Meaningful Engagement

AVAR provides volunteer opportunities for veterans who want to explore archaeology and contribute to historical preservation.

While AVAR is dedicated to helping veterans build careers in archaeology, we recognize that not every veteran is looking for long-term employment in the field. Many veterans seek opportunities to volunteer, engage in historical preservation, and work alongside fellow service members without committing to a full-time career change.

Our Research Archaeology program offers these flexible, hands-on experiences, allowing veterans to participate in excavations at battlefields, historic sites, and culturally significant locations. These projects emphasize scientific rigor, while also fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and personal growth.

To ensure accessibility, AVAR provides free instruction from experts in the field and covers accommodations and meals for volunteers. This allows veterans to engage in these projects without financial barriers.

Building Confidence, Camaraderie, and Scientific Excellence

At AVAR, we believe in the power of archaeology to connect us to our past and provide purpose for our veterans. Our research projects are designed to engage veterans in meaningful archaeological work, contributing to the broader understanding of history while offering personal growth and community.