The Defence Forces are providing an instruction course on personal safety and threat awareness designed for journalists who might be sent to report on conflicts. A day-long course is taking place at the instigation of the Defence Forces' press office, which has had to provide assistance for a number of journalists travelling to cover the conflict in the Balkans.
So far this year some 10 journalists have been killed, including two in the Balkans, and the prospect of the war worsening raises the risks for journalists. The organisation Reporters Sans Frontieres has recorded the killing of 500 journalists in the past 10 years and has issued a manual advising journalists of safe forms of procedure in areas of conflict.
The Army is providing briefings on international humanitarian law, mine awareness, stress management, weapons effects, personal security, survival techniques and instruction on recognition of military vehicles and aircraft types. Journalists will also be made aware that they can often contact Irish military personnel serving in peacekeeping forces.
Head of the Army press office Comdt Eoghan O Neachtain said: "The course is designed to make journalists aware that there is another dimension to covering stories in areas of conflict. We have 40 years of peacekeeping experience. Much of that experience we have gained at considerable cost." The course is being held at the Curragh Camp on May 20th.