Will a writer/reporter attached to a military unit ever be required to fight?

Question

I am currently in college working on a Creative Writing degree (hoping to go on to grad school to continue my studies), but if for some reason I decide to enter a field that would have me attached to a military unit for reporting or archival purposes, is there any reason I would be required to fight? Or would I still be a civilian (and probably restricted from fighting)?

I know it's sort of an odd thing for an aspiring writer to worry about, but, though I would prefer not to live the life of a soldier, I recognize that in the near future there may be a use for my talents to support my country, even if just to help the morale of those back home with truthful reports from afield.

Anyone have answers for an aspiring writer?

Answer 1

well. i seriously doubt you could be with a military unit at all without a certain degree of security clearance, or military training.

Answer 2

When you go out with the US military, you are issued personal protective gear - but no weapon.

That does not mean that the other guy is going to respect you and your pen, which may be mightier than a sword, but worthless against a bullet.

So, while you may care not to fight, you may find yourself about to be overrun.  At which time, you may need to ask yourself:  "Do I feel lucky?"  Also, a sniper does not just shoot officers - he picks the weakest target which may be a journalist.

Most journalist that accompanied me when I was in Iraq were not there to fight.  They protected themselves, and we protected them, but they were not expected to fight.  So, you may luck out.

Just be prepared to fight.  Bullets and causes have a hard time distinguishing between soldier, civilian and journalist.

Answer 3

You can be a combat reporter in the Marine Corps and Army. And a mass communications specialist in the Navy. These are enlisted ranks. You would not be required to be in combat because you'd be trained to report news, not do infantry. I think if you want to write or be a reporter and cover war stories, do it in the military.

If you got hired by the Washington Post, and they sent you to Iraq, you'd have literally no support. At least in the miltiary you have that infrastructure. Many newsporters started in the military, Dan Rather and Walter Croncite come to mind.

Answer 4

You bet...can't write a report on the war if you are standing at the sidelines not participating.  They are called Combat Correspondence.  There is a very important reason that would require you to fight!  Your getting shot at and all you have a is a camera to return the favor, judgment comes to mind!  If your perimeter is about to be overtakened, I'm sure the platoon commander or whoever is in charge will force you to carry a rifle and defend for your life!

Answer 5

No. If circumstances changed, I guess you could be drafted, in which you would go back to your hometown, go through the procedures, etc. But reporters can not do the shooting.

Answer 6

For the Army, you would be considered a "Civilian on the Battlefield" and we will do everything necessary to protect you.  Civilians are not allowed to carry firearms in hostile zones when accompanied by military personnel.

However, for your question, if those soldiers, from any service, were to fall and the enemy were approaching you, would you pick up that rifle next to you and shoot back?  Fear of death and the will of Self preservation can have shocking results on a person.  

Answer 7

Regardless of your "job" in the military you are not required to fight.  Now, explain that to that foreigh fellow getting ready to blow your head off.

Answer 8

Geez...Lets have a reality check here folks..

If you are with a unit that is being over run you best pick up a weapon

and start fighting...or your Dead...and all they will say is..Boy he took some good pictures...LMAO