By: (AP) The Pentagon is offering to train journalists in the basics of military combat as part of its contingency planning for media coverage of a possible war with Iraq.
Details of the one-week training sessions are being worked out, but Pentagon officials said Wednesday the training would be led by each military service.
Journalists would learn about military customs, ammunitions, basic first aid, and how to protect themselves in the event of nuclear, chemical, and biological attack. They also would learn about the rules of engagement, the U.S. command structure and military customs, according to a memo sent to bureau chiefs in Washington.
In a meeting with news managers Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the training would provide a measure of confidence for commanders that journalists would not hinder their operations. He said the training was not a prerequisite for joining a military unit and neither was it a guarantee of access.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said it was "generally almost always helpful" to provide access for journalists, though he added "there are times when it is not appropriate."
Pentagon officials maintained that U.S. officials have yet to make any decisions about starting any battles with Iraq. But Whitman also said the Pentagon was committed to embedding reporters with military units early, if there is a conflict with Iraq.
"We think this training is an excellent idea. AP journalists will benefit from it, and the commanders will become more comfortable with the media," said Mike Silverman, managing editor of The Associated Press. "If there is a war with Iraq, we hope the Pentagon will allow journalists to move quickly into the theater and embed with military units at the front."
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