Media and the War: A Change in Perspective
For many decades, the US military and the US press have not had a close relationship. There are many reasons for this, not least that those in the military tend to be very conservative and the media mostly attracts liberal types. However, the US military has decided to allow and invite the media to cover the war as closely as they dare. While the owners of major media companies are thrilled with this decision, some of the reporters are wondering if this is actually a good idea from a personal perspective. They are now being asked for their blood type in case they are shot or step on a landmine. They are undergoing training on how to put on protective gear in case of a chemical or biological attack. The Salt Lake Tribune wonders whether today's breed of foreign correspondent -- out of shape and more at home in a five-star hotel than an open night on the battlefield -- can hack it on the front lines.

It looks like the military has given this a lot of thought. The Pentagon promises unit commanders will not censor reporting. But because modern technology allows near instantaneous coverage, journalists are required to adhere to basic rules of operational security. In other words, do not publicize pending operations. When operations begin, the news media will be under a blackout for an unspecified period of time. Thus, having the media along should not pose a grave risk to our military. Assuming this assumption is correct, this approach could have benefits. It may give those in the media some respect for the competence and bravery of our soldiers.

With some reservations, I think this could be a good thing. However, I hope the networks carefully consider what they broadcast. I worry that in a race for ratings they could use live war footage as a modern version of gladiator games. It would be criminal for them to use American soldiers in this manner. Imagine if a child at home saw his father killed on live TV? If any of my readers work for a network, or know someone who works for a network, please ask them to carefully consider how they will handle such events before they occur.

It appears that the military's new openness to the media also applies to the foreign press. According to Oliver North, some hostile reporters are already trying to annoy our troops. Never fear, our soldiers can handle it.

...the Pentagon has provided press credentials to a significant number of foreign journalists. Unfortunately, many of the international media appear to have an overt hostility to the subjects they are covering.

One female correspondent from a European news service was overheard asking -- or was it telling -- one of the Marines that she had "never seen so much bravado, machismo or arrogance" in her life. The young NCO listened and appeared to mull over her grievance before replying, "Yes, ma'am, that's why they call themselves U.S. Marines."