Embed with UK Military

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 journalist!

- The military provide all meals and accommodation.

The British Ministry of Defence exercises NO editorial control over your story or reports.

For more information contact the Ministry of Defence Press Office.

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!

Photographs taken supporting BBC, ITN, Sky and CBC in Iraq 2003-2011