War Correspondent Embedded Journalism

Training and onboarding media officials on ABC of Military Affairs

• War and Conflict Study.

• Military Command Control Authority.

• Defence Budget.

• Defence Technology and BOS.

• Basics of PKO.

• Bangladesh Army.

• Bangladesh Navy.

• Bangladesh Airforce.

Prepare Physically and Mentally for the Role

Embedded journalists has to undergo specialized training to handle the physical, psychological and ethical demands of reporting alongside military units in combat zones. We prepare and train them and our training typically includes the following core areas: 

1. Survival and Safety Training

Journalists must be prepared for the life threatening environments of active war zones. 

• HEMFR (Hostile Environment and Medical First Responding): This is the industry standard for journalists entering conflict areas. It covers basic first aid (e.g., applying tourniquets), vehicle safety, kidnapping survival, and landmine awareness.

• How to operate under hostile bombing, shelling and drone attack. We train Mine Awareness according to UNMAS standard.

• Operational Security: Training on how to protect sensitive information, such as unit locations or future plans, to avoid aiding the enemy.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Instruction on the correct use of body armor and helmets, which journalists are usually required to provide for themselves. 

2. Military Culture and Logistics

Because they live and travel with troops, journalists need to understand the military environment. 

• Military Jargon and Structure: Learning military ranks, slang, and the chain of command to effectively navigate and report from within a unit.

• Ground Rules: Familiarization with the specific "ground rules" issued by the military (e.g., Adjutant General's Branch, ISPR, MI Directorate etc.) which dictate what can be reported and when.

• Life in the Field: Preparing for the physical "stamina" required to keep up with soldiers during patrols, convoys, and long-term stays in outposts. 

3. Ethics and Objectivity

Embedding creates a unique psychological bond between the journalist and the unit, necessitating training to maintain professional distance. 

• Maintaining Objectivity: Training to recognize and combat "Stockholm syndrome" or the natural tendency to become a "cheerleader" for the unit they are dependent on for safety.

• Identifying Propaganda: Learning to distinguish between factual information and military-led narratives or psychological operations (PSYOPS).

• Reporting on Casualties: Understanding strict military protocols for reporting on wounded or killed service members, typically prohibiting identification until families are notified. 

• Training on Refuges, POC, WPS, IHL as per Global Standard. 

• Training on Crimes in War zones and in depth reposrting. 

4. Psychological Preparation

• Trauma Awareness: Training to recognize and manage the symptoms of PTSD and secondary trauma resulting from witnessing combat and death.

• Resilience Training: Exercises to help journalists handle the "fog of war" and make sound decisions under extreme stress. 

5. Technical Skills

• Field Communication: Proficiency with satellite phones and portable broadcasting equipment that can function in remote, high risk areas.

• Digital Literacy: Knowledge of cybersecurity to prevent equipment from being tracked or hacked by opposing forces. 

These guides detail the survival, military culture, ethics, and psychological preparation required for embedded journalism.

YES. We provide Certificates and Recognition Badge.