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Media Learning to Cover War
Friday, November 22, 2002
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

"We believe in this. There has been a lot of discussion about how best to prepare journalists for embedding in a more conventional conflict should the president order us into whatever is next, perhaps Iraq. We want to have journalists with us who are knowledgeable enough to write smartly about the military, get the ranks right, understand the tactics and the equipment and also have enough self-protection and field skills so that they wouldn't endanger themselves or endanger the mission or endanger the Marines."
-- Marine Brig. Gen. Andrew Davis, director of Marine Corps Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
The scene atop Cardiac Hill at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., was somewhat surreal today. A group of about 30 media representatives were poised at the summit waiting to photograph and interview trainees on a road march.

But as the trainees hiked into view, it was quickly apparent this was no ordinary military unit. Nearly 60 reporters in a ragtag mix of military protective equipment and civilian outdoor apparel tromped up the hill with a dozen or so Marines and soldiers offering directions along the way.

CNN correspondent Mike Boettcher (left) watches as Fox News Channel Pentagon correspondent Bret Baier struggles with his protective mask. Smoke in the background simulates a gas attack.
Image Credit: Kathleen T. Rhem -- AFIS.

The media on the march were completing the final leg of the seven-day Joint Military Contingency Training for Media course. They had spent the past week with the Navy and Marine Corps gaining a familiarity for military operations. The last steps of the way was this five-mile road march, carrying 25-pound packs, complete with "ambushes" and a "gas attack."

The media waiting for them atop the hill had been invited to get a taste of the training and interview their counterparts. Most spoke freely of the situation's irony.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan