I'm trying to dictate this memo while we're on the five-mile tactical road march, dubbed the "Death March" by the physically challenged journalists. I'm not having much success. No, it's not because of the yells of "Gas! Gas! Gas!" and my fumbling with gasmask straps. It's those pesky reporters and television cameramen. Thanks to the Pentagon's penchant for photo ops, I and the 57 other trainees are under the glare of the media spotlight.
"Was simulated war hell?"
"Did you vomit on the LCAC?"
"What's an LCAC, anyway?" The questions never stopped.
But here's my hot wash.
Overall, embedding journalists with troops and on board ships is a good plan. Making sure the journalists are trained on how to act and react under fire is a slam-dunk.
Good Points
The class on donning and wearing gas masks and chemical protective gear was interesting, sobering, and the most important of the week. Map reading was a good intellectual challenge. Combat first-aid class, especially the use of duct tape to treat a sucking chest wound, was first rate. Despite momentarily losing my helmet and glasses during the helicopter-borne assault, it provided a good insight into the visual and aural chaos of a hot LZ (landing zone).
Some Negatives
(Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Victoria) Torrie Clarke and Company were expecting younger people with less war and military reporting experience to fill the boot-camp ranks. That was an error on their part. They should have known editors and news directors would send their most qualified people in the first wave. Let's face it, you don't start a football game with the second string.
Practical lessons about embedding, operational security, unit tactics, and military organization were cursory or examples of death-by-PowerPoint. I've always wondered if commanders can make sense out of a few headlines on a computer screen, even if they're blown up to wall size. Briefers should have spent less time explaining the F-22 Raptor, an aircraft that may be ready for the Iraq war-after-next.
Finally, there was the spectacle of Media Day. While I was seen on many networks, I wish my media brethren had laid off the interviews. Journalists should never be the story.
Will the training secure me a spot with the troops? There is no guarantee. If I am embedded with a front-line unit, am I better prepared? Absolutely.
Mr. Crawley is a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune.