Advantages and Hazards of Embedding Media Elements

Advantages and Hazards of Embedding Media Elements with Forward Deploying Units Colorado Springs, Colorado September, 2012 Abstract War has evolved, as has the media and orderings demand for its updates. Operational tribute continues to remain a outstrip combat priority however we must not ignore the jump amendment rights of the press. Our government exists for its people, and when we mobilize our array assets it is on the behalf of the people we film to tally they are informed.Thus, we must analyze and balance the hazards and advantages of the medias involvement with ongoing military operations. Commanders Brief Advantages and Hazards of Embedding Media Elements with Forward Deploying Units As we prepare for an impending military mobilization, we must decide the level to which the media willing be embedded and switch access to military updates. Members of the media desire to be able to send just about real time reports and updates as the battle unfolds. Concurrently, unit commanders want to pick up that operational security (OPSEC) is not compromised as a result.Advantages of Media Inclusion The red-brick Ameri provoke is a creature dependent on immediate expiation in e trulything they do. Receiving news updates on operations that their military is conducting is no different. several(prenominal) mankind opinion polls suggest that, by and large, the public was well satisfied with wartime coverage during the initial invasion of Iraq for Operation Iraqi emancipation (Kim, 2004). This was thanks to, in part, by the unprecedented access granted to reporters on the battle house, as well as advances in communication technologies.It was particularly right-hand from the perspective of the United States Government (USG) as it helped hold in that the information relayed to the public was credible rather than propaganda from the enemy. Additionally, as the USG maintains a civilian controlled military, more foil can garner more support and less suspicion from the populace. much(prenominal) and attitude from the homeland during operations such as the Iraq invasion can assure battlefield decisions are being make by field commanders rather than politics. Potential Hazards of Media InclusionIncreased media access has indeed helped insure the true tale is being told. However there have been exercises when the embedded reporters transmitted wide information (PBS, 2003). Such information could be as minor as a slight miscalculation of enemy tanks destroyed in a battle, or as major as declaring a friendly give the sack casualty rather than enemy fire. Either way, it is imperative that we project the effect accuracy with all reports being do. Another hazard is the reallocation of forces to ensure the safety of the reporters themselves as they are not combatants.This can usually be quelled by ensuring an adequate safe distance from the frontline is adhered to. However, in the final result that US forces find themselves outnumbered, or in a disadvantageous position, US personnel must then not only repel the enemy, notwithstanding take extra measure to ensure the safety of the reporters. Such an instance could result in additional loss of life, equipment, or mission initiative. indeed there is perhaps the greatest potential hazard of all OPSEC. OPSEC is prevailing for military success. It ensures the enemy doesnt know our intentions, methods, or capabilities.If the media is too broadly monitored, they could potentially release critical information. If mission details are made available to the enemy prior to or even during an operation, operational security has been compromised, and the mission may be jeopardized (Kim, 2004). Making a Compromise, Finding a Balance Ultimately, military operations are going to occur and the media will need to be present. In order to maintain mission justness a balance must be found and compromises will need to be made. First, lets address ensuring right reporting is victoriou s place.As all major military commands have public affairs officers and uniform soldiers tasked with reporting themselves, it should be relatively painless to ensure all civilian reports are monitored for accuracy before being transmitted. This can also ensure OPSEC guidelines are being adhered to as well. We must also make it very discharge that there may be times when military operations will require the media to not be allowed to transmit for indeterminate amounts of time. As for maintaining the physical security and safety of civilian media personnel, we should restrict their postings to larger units, face pack or greater.Doing this will provide greater numbers of forces for security of the reporters without degrade combat effectiveness. Additionally, during times of intense combat, every effort should be made by the onsite commander to make sure the civilians are well clear of front lines. Conclusion As war and the military continue to evolve, so must the USGs relationship w ith the media. The media must no longer be viewed as merely a burden and an unwanted distraction, but as another tool for the commander. Our military force is highly educated and professional.Having accurate and timely media coverage of military operations will ensure that the piece sees it. References Kim, J. J. (2004). Reporters on the Battlefield The Embedded Press System in diachronic Context. In Rand National Security Division. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http//www. rand. org/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG200. pdf Pros and Cons of Embedded Journalism. (2003, March 27). In PBS News Hour. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http//www. pbs. org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june03/embed_3-27. html