Posted on 11/07/2004 12:28:34 PM PST by Ramonan
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(Nov. 07, 2004) -- With what seems an immenent assault on Fallujah coming in the next few days, media embedded with the Marines are rethinking their rolls in what looks to be the largest assault in Iraq since the end of major combat operations last year.
This isn’t what they expected, said one CNN journalist while finishing up the latest edits about a patrol that took place the night before. Many of the media here have been in combat zones before but this time is different, he said.
The latest display of emotion by such media has come as they have learned more about what role the Marines would play during an offensive on the insurgent hotspot where Marines have been fighting for months.
In one of the only buildings that has electricity in the camp where they are currently living, reporters and photographers from many well-known outlets like LA Times, NY Times and CNN to name a few, have discussions nightly about what may happen to them while they charge their batteries and file their stories about what their units did that day. Some of them are even reconsidering whether they want to carry through with their original plan of moving with a front line unit.
The Marines recently embedded more than 30 media agencies with units that are operating in the Al Anbar province where the well-known towns of Ramadi and Fallujah are located. All were invited, many accepted the offer, but now some have doubts.
The Marines are trained for this, the media is not, continued the CNN reporter who was actually covered other battles including the Iraq invasion during the spring of 2003.
One photographer, who has prided himself since his arrival here, on being in more than 17 conflicts, says he is more worried about this operation than any before. Because of the tactics the insurgents are using there is much more uncertainty, he explained. He went on to say that he did not expect to have this much access or be this involved with the Marines when he arrived.
“What if I get separated, what if I think I’m in a safe place and all of a sudden an insurgent walks in with a gun,” he said.
When asked what they thought they were getting into, many of them explained that they did not expect to have such good access to the Marine units they were embedded with and told how thankful they were for the treatment they received since there arrival. However, many are scared that this “five-star” treatment will not keep them safe from the dangers Marines have been facing daily before any media arrived.
For some, the embed program seemed like a good idea and a good way to be on the forefront of a historical event, but now some aren’t so sure.
The media has some real thinking to do and has some critical decisions to make about whether they should continue with their unit into the face of battle, said an accomplished LA Times photographer.
Their concerns are valid. Just days after their arrival, a fellow embed female photographer who was riding along with the Marines on one of their daily patrols was wounded when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device or an anti-tank mine. After being treated at the Marine’s Bravo Surgical Company here, she was flown to Baghdad for further treatment. Her husband is currently embedded with the Marines.
They all say they know someone in their line of work who has been wounded covering conflicts like the one they are now involved in, but some are wondering if they want to be next.
As artillery and airstrikes continue to pound away at weapons caches and insurgent defenses in the town right outside the relative safety of the camp, the journalists, reporters, and photographers with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force are forced with the decision of how close they want to really be when Marines are called to battle.
Outside their hangout, a makeshift “chow-hall” in a building that Saddam Hussein used not too long ago, they smoke cigarettes and contemplate how important telling this particular story really is, and whether they really need to be at the “front” like many of them originally asked.
They all say this has been a great opportunity and are thankful for the help the Marines have provided. However, some have already changed their plans on how they are going to report the events of what seems will happen any day now.
Meanwhile, Marines and other service members continue to prepare for an operation that will help decide the future of Iraq – media by their side or not.
(Editor’s note – the names of the media representatives were left out of this article as a courtesy because they are doing the Marines, the United States and the world a great service by accurately reporting on the rebuilding of Iraq.)
"Wolf, I'm reporting from under the same table you reported from when the fighting started during the first Gulf War. I can't see anything from here but it sure is loud."
"More importantly, the Marines have big brass balls and the media do not."
It's alot easier to put your pen on the line than it is to be your life on the line. Most journalists see themselves as being so brave but they don't know anything about bravery.
You are very wrong about the case of Tiger beer;I never drink it and I never had any with me, especially during the events of July 5,6 and 7th 1997. Do not believe bullshit rumors spread by people who think or pretend they know me. As for embedding, I did not have to do that when I was in Viet Nam in 1967,68,69,70 and 72 as I was in the U.S.Army. The two years I covered the war in Cambodia,1973 to 75 I was a civilian and there was no such term as "embedding", I just did it. Wasn't exactly embedded when I went to Grenada and yes I hope to become embedded early next year as WW3 has a few more years to go and if I miss this one I deserve to die!!! alrockoff@usa.net
If they're that worried about their sorry hides, they should just leave.
Well, surprised to see you here Al.
Someone did in fact tell me that you offered some Tiger (a case?, a 6 pack?) as a friendly gesture to join one of the Cambodian patrols.
Sorry to repeat the rumor. But I still think your photos were pretty damn ballsy.
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