A Battlefield Tourist

90% There

Dec 22 at 6:06pm by David Tate

So, I have to admit that I have done most of the leg work for this trip prior to revealing my intent in my blog.  The main reason for that is the fact that I did not want to tip my hand to some people who may take exception to this trip.  Here are the main hurdles I have had to deal with:

Family - Obviously the number one issue to get past is the family.  While my wife is, and has always been, supportive, it is something that still has to be dealt with on a case by case basis.  The bigger issue in this department is my daughter, Davin.  The last time I went abroad, she was just 2 months old.  Now, she’s 18 months old and can walk, kind of talk and loves the heck out of her daddy… which will make this trip quite different in the homesick department.

Work - Not being able to do this full time forces me to beg my employer for their approval.  The day I told them I wanted to go was the same day our company announced serious budget cuts with more to come.  My timing wasn’t the best and I hope to come home to a job.  I’ve been assured that is the case, but in this financial climate, it worries me regardless. 

The price to pay?  I have to use up all three weeks of vacation and take one week unpaid leave.  More stress for the family, but worth it in the long run.

Finances - To prepare for this trip I will be personally spending $12,000 to upgrade my equipment.  I use Mac Book Pro to edit ($3,000) and Panasonic’s AG-HVX200 HD camera for video ($7,000).  An investor has agreed to give me $5,000 for the trip itself.  In return, we have worked out a deal where he will earn a percentage of my video royalties.

Credentials - This is the hardest part in getting an embed.  Rules stipulate that you must have a “Letter of Accreditation” in order to complete the request packet.  For freelancers like myself, this can be very difficult.  The main reason is that no one wants to be liable for you in the event you are wounded or killed. 

Fortunately, I have two letters coming that will credential me with Getty Images and The Long War Journal.  Now I just need to get the letters sent to the public affairs folks in Afghanistan before they will approve my embed.  I’m 90% there.