Operation Iraqi Freedom Third Infantry Division After Action Report Jul 2003

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• us-oif-3id-aar-2003.pdf (click to view full file)
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281 page post 2003 Iraq war report by the US Army Third Infrantry (Mechanized) Division, dated July 2003 and written at the For Official Use Only level.

Example extract:

                                        Chapter 6

                                  Embedded Media
Introduction

In the wake of the most recent military/media problems during Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM (OEF) in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense decided to implement an
ambitious media embed operation with U.S. military forces. The reasons were several,
including the desire to have media tell the soldiers' story, but also to have the ability to
counter the Iraqi propaganda machine. Prior to deploying in November 2002, the Third
Infantry Division (Mechanized) (3ID [M]) agreed to embed 50 news media
representatives (NMRs) within the division. The division conducted extensive training
exercises during December 02-January-03 where 3ID (M) embedded media in units for
3-4 day periods. Unit leaders and the public affairs section developed extensive tactics,
techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support media in the event media were
embedded for war. By the time the war started, the Marne Division crossed the Iraqi
border with 97 NMRs from more than 60 media organizations.

Observation Synopsis

Embedding is a doctrinal term defined in FM 46-1 as â"...the act of assigning a reporter
to a unit as a member of the unit. The reporter eats, sleeps, and moves with the unit.
The reporter is authorized open access to all sections of the unit and is not escorted by
public affairs personnel. Rather, the unit is the public affairs escort. Reporters file their
stories from unit locations and security is accomplished at the source, by establishing
with the reporter what can be covered and reported on and what cannot be reported on,
or when material can be reported.â" (p 2...

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