These guys are good enough to go on patrol with!
June 5, 2010 // «Narodna Armiya»
Before the Journalist Day, Defence Intelligence operatives proposed that national Media workers undertake a specialized training course. The event proved interesting, and rather useful, to say the least of it. High risks that reporters face during their work in various flashpoints demand them to be cautious and know how to survive in extreme conditions.
The idea has been around for quite a long time. However, this is the first time that such event takes place in Ukraine. Intelligence professionals prepared a specialized course for reporters to learn particular survival techniques under the scrupulous eye of experienced instructors.
The course consisted of mixed training sessions during which reporters learned how to organize area for rest, orient oneself and move without a map, fire light weapons, make fire, find food and water, administer first aid... And of course, studied hand-to-hand combat techniques.
— This was a very tight schedule under heavy physical and mental pressure, one of the instructors says. Course attendees lived in conditions similar to those that they are likely to face in an emergency: classes took place regardless to heat and frequent showers; journalists lived in shelters they built themselves, ate food they found, and treated their injuries with medical plants.
— First of all, we set up a tent camp, says “Holos Ukrainy” photographer Olexandr Klymenko. – It began raining closer to evening, so some of us had to reset their tents. The survival test turned out to be a pass/fail one. Every day of training was starting with H2H combat lessons, the rest of training went according to schedule. The overall impressions that this three-day course made are very exciting, despite the fatigue. I have something to compare it to because I’ve been to literally every conflict region where our peacekeepers serve.
The operational geography of Ukrainian journalists expanded dramatically over the years of Independence. Ukrainian reporters currently work practically in every crisis region around the globe. Some of them unfortunately have been killed in the line of duty.
The course ended with a comprehensive test. Intelligence professionals pointed out that heir students went through the stress and successfully tackled every challenge. Reporters of Ukraine’s top channels promised to prepare news reports covering their three-day adventures. They all agreed that their opinions about the modern military service filled with physical, mental challenges changed drastically. “Military service has to be given credit, not criticized,” Olexandr Klymenko expressed the common opinion.
Vadym KOVALYOV
