Re: New to the list...

["Bradley Sallows" <Bradley_Sallows@ismbc.com>]

>I want to specialize in military reporting, so I thought joining this list
would be a
good way to learn more.
It would be a real breath of fresh air to read and view reportage authored by
people who truly understand how (and why) the military trains and fights, and
fathom its political and social relationship with the nation.  Too often the few
facts presented, while accurate in themselves, provide only a fragmentary view
(the "blind men and the elephant" problem); when these are used for the basis of
"analysis" the conclusions can be frighteningly incorrect.  The military
probably aggravates the problem by jealously guarding information and failing to
educate reporters sufficiently to give them proper contextual background.
This list is not an ideal source of information as the discussions tend to focus
on widely disparate topics.  It would be like trying to learn power mechanics by
eavesdropping on mechanics during their coffee break.
Read Canadian military history and commentary written by Canadian military
historians.
Cultivate relationships with the Public Affairs Officers (PAFFOs) on your beat.
Through them, develop opportunities to observe Canadian soldiers working and
training, whether it be something highly newsworthly like search-and-rescue or
overseas operations, or more mundane such as field exercises or courses
conducted at Gagetown, Kingston, etc.
Consider spending two or three years as a reservist.  It will at least help you
learn the language and a bit about the organization.
Brad Sallows
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