Ground rules for embedded reporters

Excerpts from materials sent by Lt. Col. Paul Fanning:

 ... All local Afghan as well as international, foreign and/or American media representatives must be credentialed by the CPIC and issued a CFC-A Media Badge to cover U.S. Coalition Forces.  Expiration dates will vary depending on length of approved coverage dates and embed periods.

All journalists/media representatives are required to have a CFC-A Media Badge and a CPIC/Public Affairs escort while on Camp Eggers.  This includes credentialed media leaving through the checkpoints.

Journalists who are granted access on Camp Eggers or other installations falling under CFC-A are automatically bound by the CFC-A Ground Rules governing coverage in Afghanistan.  You and your agency must adhere to all rules and accept the risks that exist when covering activities and operations on or around CFC-A installations. ...

....
A weekly joint International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Press Conference is held every Monday at 10 a.m. at the HQ ISAF compound.  Media advisories are issued by ISAF/CFC-A prior to each press conference to confirm time and location.  All media wishing to attend the joint press conference are asked to arrive at HQ ISAF’s main gate no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled press conference to go through security (15 – 20 min).  Commercial ground transportation is limited and traffic can be congested.  Please be aware of the gate schedules and plan accordingly.

We do not have billeting/housing for journalists.  If staying overnight you will be required to make accommodations with a local hotel, unless told otherwise by CPIC personnel.

NOTE:  Alcohol, non-prescription drugs, knives and firearms are not allowed on any CFC-A installation/compound.  Cellular/satellite phones, cameras/photography, video and computer equipment must be inspected and cleared by Force Protection representatives.

Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Media Ground Rules

I, __________________________ of _____________________ understand that I am bound to the
    (print first, middle initial, last name)              (media organization/affiliation)
following CFC-A Media Ground Rules and any violation of these rules will result in the immediate termination of coverage/access to CFC-A units/installations and confiscation of my CFC-A Media Badge.                              (Please initial)  ____________.  CFC-A Media Ground Rules:

    1.    All interviews will be on the record.
    2.    Media will be escorted by a public affairs representative at all times while in coalition areas, at all tactical or field locations and encampments, unless embedded with a unit.  When escorted, media must remain with escorts until released and will follow instructions regarding their activities.
    3.    When embedded with a unit, media must remain with that unit at all times.
    4.    Media will not carry or possess personal weapons, knives, firearms or alcohol.
    5.    The media is responsible for loading and carrying its own equipment at all times.
    6.    Under no circumstances will media take photographs or video of detainees or persons in custody (to include recognizable face, nametag or other identifying feature), detainee or custody facilities or operations in Afghanistan.  No interviews with detainees or persons in custody will be granted.
    7.    Media will not photograph Special Operations Forces or other equipment.  Only photos of personnel in U.S. uniforms will be allowed.
    8.    The following categories of information are not releasable since their publication or broadcast jeopardize operations and endanger lives:
    9.    Specific numerical information on troop strength, equipment or critical supplies (e.g. artillery, tanks, landing craft, radars, trucks, water, etc.) for U.S. or coalition units.
    10.    Names of military installations or specific geographic locations of military units in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, unless released by the Department of Defense.
    11.    Information regarding future operations, current operations or strikes including postponed or cancelled operations.
    12.    Information regarding security precautions or force protection measures at military installations or encampments, to include video or still footage.  CFC-A PAO may allow photography/video on a case-by-case basis if footage is reviewed prior to release.
    13.    Photography that shows level of security at military installations or encampments, especially aerial and satellite photography which reveals the name or specific location of military units or installations.
    14.    Information on intelligence collection activities/operations compromising tactics, techniques and procedures to include targets, methods, analyses and/or results.
    15.    Information and images of special operations units, U.S. or coalition, unless otherwise directed by the CFC-A public affairs or granted prior approval by Combined Joint Special Operation Task Force (CJSOTF).
    16.    Rules of engagement details.
    17.    During an operation, specific information on friendly forces, troop movements, tactical deployments, and dispositions that would jeopardize operational security or lives.  Information on ongoing engagements will not be released unless authorized for release by the on-scene commander.
    18.    Information on effectiveness of enemy electronic warfare.
    19.    Any additional guidelines the CFC-A PAO determines necessary to protect tactical security.
    20.    Photos of local nationals employed by the coalition may not be published without written consent of the individual photographed or the Commander of the unit the individual is supporting.
    21.    Media may terminate coverage and/or embed opportunity at any time and will be offered
        transportation from the area of operations, if the tactical situation permits and/or is available.



Hold Harmless/Release from Liability Statement
 I recognize that covering combat and other military operations carries with it certain inherent risks to life, limb and equipment. I recognize that U.S. military, in pursuing the successful accomplishment of its mission, cannot guarantee my personal safety or the safety of my equipment. I hereby release the U.S. government and the U.S. military of any liability and hold them harmless for any injuries I may suffer or any equipment that may be damaged as a result of my covering combat or any other military operations. I understand that my agreement to this statement is a condition of being credentialed to cover U.S. military operations and receiving assistance for that coverage.
         In consideration of receiving free transportation from the United States Military by land, air or other means that may be reasonably required to cover military operations in Afghanistan, I hereby release the United States Government, including its subdivisions, officers, military personnel, employees, and agents from all liability for any injuries or death that may result to me from this transportation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
           I understand that in transporting me, the United States Government is not acting as a common carrier for hire and does not bear the liabilities attaching to that status.
            I acknowledge that I voluntarily accept such transportation, I incur no obligation toward the United States Government except as imposed by this release.
            I agree that this release not only binds me, but also my family, heirs, assigns, administrators, and executors.