How we got to go to Iraq
By AcademicElephant Posted in War — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
There has been a great deal of interest, friendly and otherwise, in how Jeff and I got ourselves included in the DoD blogger trip to Iraq. I think it's great that so many bloggers on both sides of the political spectrum want to participate in the conference calls and trips the DoD is hosting in their effort to get more direct information on the war effort into the hands of the American taxpayers who are funding it. And I'm delighted to report that the way to get yourself into the target group is pretty much as easy as pie:
Ask.
It's simple, really. You just contact the Office of Public Affairs, which is part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and you ask. Of course, there is something of a process. You do need to demonstrate seriousness of purpose and a track record of thoughtful writing on the war would probably stand you in good stead, but there is no political litmus test. If you're not overtly hostile to them, they won't be hostile to you. As a matter of fact, I get the sense that OSD-PA is disappointed that they get so few requests from left-leaning sites. They believe that first-hand contact with the commanders briefing from the field and/or a trip such as this one would be in the military's benefit because rather than thinking that they have something to hide, the DoD is eager to tell its story.
So if you're interested, get in touch with Charles Holt who's in OSD-PA as part of the Armed Forces Information Services. His email is Charles.Holt@hq.afis.osd.mil. He'll be happy to work with you.
...they probably haven't read your stuff.
"I should be allowed to think" -- John Linnell