"Chiron staff worked with us in difficult and dangerous conditions whilst we filmed for the BBC in Kosovo. Because of their inside knowledge of the region, they were able to pilot us safely through allowing us to get on with our jobs all the while knowing we were as safe as any media team could be. They gave us some useful leads to assist us in following up vital stories. Throughout our time together, the Chiron members were very flexible and accommodating - nothing was ever too much trouble for them - it was reassuring to have them with us."
Jane Corbin, BBC Panorama
Embedded journalists gain many advantages over the freelance journalist:
- You can get to many places where normally access would be dangerous.
- The military provide you with guides and protection. Its bad for Public Relations to lose an embedded journalists!
- The military provides all meals and accommodation.
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There are one or two things you should bear in mind:
1. Communicate your intentions to the media Operations Department in the Ministry of Defence to ensure that your aspirations are achieved.
2. Ensure you have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); body armour, helmets etc. For Iraq your PPE must also include 'EyePro' eye protection. (available from PX)
3. Any special requirements should be made known in advance (such as body amour loan etc).
4. You should also ensure that you are provided with a clear brief by the Ministry of Defence prior to departure.
5. Remember that the escorting officers are professional soldiers. They know their job. Listen to them and heed their advice.
6. It makes it easier to all concerned if you are totally honest and open with your escorting officer. For example if you have any medical conditions (weak heart etc) then ensure that he knows about it before you collapse!
7. Finally, remember that soldiers given the task of your protection may have to put their lives in danger to look after you. They will not take kindly if you only think about yourself!
1. Communicate your intentions to the media Operations Department in the Ministry of Defence to ensure that your aspirations are achieved.
2. Ensure you have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); body armour, helmets etc. For Iraq your PPE must also include 'EyePro' eye protection. (available from PX)
3. Any special requirements should be made known in advance (such as body amour loan etc).
4. You should also ensure that you are provided with a clear brief by the Ministry of Defence prior to departure.
5. Remember that the escorting officers are professional soldiers. They know their job. Listen to them and heed their advice.
6. It makes it easier to all concerned if you are totally honest and open with your escorting officer. For example if you have any medical conditions (weak heart etc) then ensure that he knows about it before you collapse!
7. Finally, remember that soldiers given the task of your protection may have to put their lives in danger to look after you. They will not take kindly if you only think about yourself!
In some areas of the world it is safer to get your story by being embedded with the British Military.
It may surprise you to hear that the British Ministry of Defence exercises NO editorial control over over your story or reports.
It may surprise you to hear that the British Ministry of Defence exercises NO editorial control over over your story or reports.
For more information contact the Ministry of Defence Press Office
