Best Defense

Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

Overheard at the Pentagon: How to be a war correspondent out there today

Much wisdom here, Little Grasshoppers.

Painted_grasshopper_macro_photography
Painted_grasshopper_macro_photography

 

 

Much wisdom here, Little Grasshoppers:

I know war reporting appears to be an incredibly exciting job but the reality is, it has never been more dangerous. The smallest mistake can lead to the biggest consequences. The mistakes I made in Iraq in 2003 would get me killed in Syria or Libya today. So please don’t drive toward the frontline but learn the language, culture and environment of the region all around you. And then, rather than charge forward, move gently. When you do begin to write, find your voice. Report because you have something to say, not to simply repeat what others are saying.

Photo credit: KELVIN SANTARITA/Wikimedia Commons

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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