The Belgian Army integrates journalists
The Chasseurs Ardennais, preparing for a mission in Mali, invite journalists
for an operational initiation.
On a regular basis civilian press ask to go to military operation zones to make reports. To have things go well, with the highest level of security, certain preparations are required.
The Professional Journalists Association from Belgium and the Belgium Red Cross have required that nine journalists and humanitarian personnel integrate a military unit for two days and one night.
It’s with the Chasseurs Ardennais, from the median brigade of the Belgium Army, who leave for Mali in September, that the civilian team will be following their operational training. The main goals are that the civilians gain understanding of military functions and rules and that the military know how to include within their rows civilians whilst guaranteeing their security.
This type of inclusion is not new, the American and Russian army’s regularly organize formations to prepare their journalists.