[ExSoldier]

It’s a war zone, not a tourist destination. Having visitors in those forward areas is dangerous to the visitor as well as the troops in that area, and the troops don’t need any more complications to their already dangerous lives. I am sure there are plenty of grateful troops in the safer zones for those gentlemen to meet with. IMHO

You're kidding right? First off, there is no such thing as a SAFE ZONE anywhere in any zone of conflict. Next, most all of those units have civilian reporters embedded with them. If it was me, I'd sooner dive on a live grenade for Gene Cernan or Armstrong than any one of the slime reporters I'd be forced to lug around. These guys are all military officers and many have Vietnam combat records. It was only with the space shuttle program that they allowed civilian "techs" and teachers to ride along on PR. The Challenger showed how good and safe an idea THAT was. Ollie North rides into battle with the troops. I'll bet if he offers some judicious advice under fire, they listen and listen hard.

[The Louiswu]

Did it read like I was kidding?

It was just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

[Favor Center]

“The Challenger showed how good and safe an idea THAT was.”

There are plenty of non-military astronauts (several before Shuttle) and it has nothing to do with Challenger and nothing at all to do with PR.

“Civilian techs”... bilgewater.