Center training civilian journalists

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller II
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) --  Air Mobility Warfare Center instructors here began training 60 journalists Jan. 20 during Joint Service Media Orientation and Training.

The course, also known as "media boot camp," is a Department of Defense initiative that puts journalists through a weeklong, hands-on block of classes and field instruction.

The training program teaches reporters from broadcast and print agencies how to work directly with deployed forces without endangering themselves or the lives of military people.

"It's important for the nation to have media on the ground to help (the public) understand what's happening with all the services," said Army Col. David Lowry, installation commander at nearby Fort Dix, N.J.

The intent is to provide physically challenging and rewarding training for participants, said Torie Clarke, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.

This course includes classroom instruction and practical field skills that cover topics like military code of conduct; combat first aid; reaction to direct and indirect fire; and camouflage, cover and concealment techniques.

The students represent various news agencies from around the world. Local and international reporters merged into a class of eager-to-learn beginners. The reporters in the class represent mediums such as the Anatolia News Agency in Turkey, CNN, the Colorado Springs Gazette and Stars and Stripes. Though the prominence of the news agencies range from obscure publications to more high-profile agencies, all the students learned together and endured the New Jersey winter weather.

The first morning began with a vigorous, basic training-style 6 a.m. wake-up call, and an ensured the reporters made it to breakfast for meals ready to eat, or MREs.

After breakfast, the class stopped at the AMWC.

There, Maj. Gen. Chris Kelly, AMWC commander, welcomed the students and stressed the importance of paying attention to the hazards of the cold weather and the rigors of the specialized training, emphasizing that individual safety is paramount.

"We are not about trying to make you (into) soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines," said Kelly. "Nothing we do (here) is so important that anyone needs to get hurt or we need to break anything in order to get it done."

Deniz Enginsoy, a reporter with the Anatolia News Agency said that she has had some camping experience but looked forward to the physical challenge of the week.