Under Fire Off the Battlefield
Feb 26 at 12:12am by David Tate
Wow… I’m starting to take a beating from a few folks, and to be honest, it’s a bummer. Below is an opinion by one MC Mom, with my answers following.
For future attacks, please at least be informed before you launch. Much of this complaint is answered in many places and many ways throughout this blog; which is a blog about how an embedded journalist sees the war he is covering, the problems he has with his life in doing so and how covering said war affects his family. Sacrifices do not come just from those fighting the war.
I would urge all military families to chime in for a full perspective of this particular discussion.
DT
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Did I misread? You need a firefight because those pictures sell well and you need the cash flow? Have you given any thought to the fact that, if engaged in a firefight while on patrol with our military, instead of concentrating on the firefight and keeping themesleves and their brothers alive, these Heros are going to be focused on keeping you alive? (Where was that in the job description for these military men?) Are you sharing the cash flow with the Marines who are providing the material for your “cash flow”? Do you have any idea what their monthly cash flow is? How much money do you estimate you have made off of your photos and how much of that has been sent to the Wounded Warriors or Semper Fi Fund – two organizations to help our wounded and the families of our deceased heros. Thank heavens our men are there for more than the paycheck they receive or none of them would be in the military.
Your blog fails to report the conditions and sacrifices that these men are enduring to protect our country. Do they have blow up mattresses like yours? I read your comment about Cable and Barnett’s “escapade”…while you may have found this amusing, I am sure they were mortified if they saw it in print. Your blog makes this sound like a Boy Scout camping trip (not to offend any Boy Scouts). I would rather you concentrate on reporting the conditions and sacrifices these men are making instead of it being a “poor me, I’m making sacrifices and so is my family in order to make more money off of pictures so send me money to make it worth my while.” Where is the information on the number of these Marines that have been injured or killed in combat? To read your report, I wouldn’t know that there were any casualties.
Your tidbit on the conversation with the Captain…was that an “official” radio? What was the point? That these men don’thave anything better to do than gossip about celebrities? I hope to know better.
The true story is that these Marines and Brits are making sacrifices to protect our freedom – even the freedom to write bad blogs. On average, these men are 19 years of old, away from home for the first time, have yet to meet the children that have been born since they deployed, have yet to live with their wives (because they were getting ready to deploy) and this is either their first combat deployment or first deployment period. Some of these guys haven’t spent any holiday home in five years (the old timers) and the “young Marines” any since they enlisted.
Why do you only focus on who avoids the wag bag facilities and how they achieve it? I would think that a real journalist could find something more substantive to report on.
One last question, since when was the location of these Marines made public? I was shocked when I first read your blog and saw it in print. You have put the security and safety of these men at risk!
If your intent was to focus on nothing of importance to the Marines or the Brits, congratulations. You succeeded.
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Mrs Blott:
I will take the time to reply to your long comment:
“Did I misread? You need a firefight because those pictures sell well and you need the cash flow?” – Yes, you misread. I never wrote that I need a firefight. In fact, just yesterday I wrote that I do not wish for firefights and have encouraged young Marines to do the same. What I did write is the fact that those images do sell better. If I do not make sales, the chances of me coming back shrink. Simple business equation.
Journalists on the battlefield: This is nothing new. Photojournalists have been on the battlefield since the 1850’s. If a Marine is surprised to see a journalist in their midst, then it is simply out of ignorance to the fact that we are, and always will be, in the mix.
Marines protecting me: Before most patrols, I work out a pseudo-plan for “what if” and it never involves Marines catering to me. I am confident that a Marine would save his buddy’s ass long before he batted an eye in my direction. In fact, I have been told by at least two service people over the years that they would do the exact opposite.
Do I share my proceeds? No. In fact, I have yet to make enough at this job to make it a full time situation. Simple business equation. Keep in mind that I am here out of a love for history and the military and not for the paycheck. I’m pretty sure my posts make that clear. I solicit donations from readers because, for most, I am providing a great service to them that costs me a ton of money. Please read previous comments.
“I would rather you concentrate on reporting the conditions and sacrifices these men are making instead of it being a “poor me, I’m making sacrifices and so is my family in order to make more money off of pictures so send me money to make it worth my while.” – I have written more than 25,000 words, in the past three weeks, bringing you stories that do just what you ask. I urge you to take a look at them and not focus on the one tongue-in-cheek story that you constantly refer to. Also understand that I am a videojournalist and this blog is just extra work that I do for free. I do not see anything wrong with getting $15 a year from people who benefit, enjoy or are regular readers of my work. I suppose I could password it and open it to subscribers only. This blog was designed to give interested readers an idea of the ups and downs of getting embedded and staying there. The military view is simply gravy that most others enjoy. This blog is MEANT to be self centered for this reason. MANY other miliblogs provide the reports you are seeking. This blog is unique in this regard.
“Your blog fails to report the conditions and sacrifices that these men are enduring to protect our country. Do they have blow up mattresses like yours?” – Again, I suggest you read the previous posts before sticking your neck out. As for the air mattress: Most do not, but I suggest they get one and have written so in the past. I bought mine based on my experience of wishing I had one on earlier embeds.
“I am sure they were mortified if they saw it in print.” – Actually, Sgt. Cable invited the story into the blog which became the groundwork for this one off color post of hundreds that I have written. I was trying to bring some amusement onto the stage. I accept your disagreement, however (my Dad hates these stories too). As for the 20 second radio conversation: It is the only conversation of that type I heard. I wrote about it because, at the time, it was truly very funny and I wanted to remember it. This is my blog afterall. Post duty can be very long and boring and it was fun to hear the guys break up the boredom with a little humor.
“I would rather you concentrate on reporting the conditions and sacrifices these men are making instead of it being a “poor me, I’m making sacrifices and so is my family…” – Again, I have written extensively about these “conditions and sacrifices”. However, this blog is about being an embedded journalist with the military, not the other way around (although I do write quite a bit about the men I embed with).
“Where is the information on the number of these Marines that have been injured or killed in combat? To read your report, I wouldn’t know that there were any casualties.” – In my extensive number of embedded days, I have only been involved in two incidents in which someone was killed or injured within my embed. Both times, I wrote extensively about it. I do not write about casualties just to write about casualties. You can get that info anywhere else. To add: There were no casualties during my embed this year, however, one Marine was killed in Bakwa shortly after I left and due to embed restrictions, I was not allowed to report on it.
“Why do you only focus on who avoids the wag bag facilities and how they achieve it? I would think that a real journalist could find something more substantive to report on.” – Once again you are focusing on 1% of the words I have written. I would hope you could be more thorough next time you decide to attack me.
“One last question: Since when was the location of these Marines made public? I was shocked when I first read your blog and saw it in print. You have put the security and safety of these men at risk!” – Not only do I not know which Marines you refer to, this statement is completely incorrect. Everything I have reported has been legitimate and in no way have I broken any embedment rules in doing so. Never have I been told not to report general locations, which is what I did. For instance, I do not report specific villages but I do report, in a general picture, of being “in Bakwa District, Farah Province,” as dictated by my embedment rules. If I thought I was putting Marines at risk with certain OpSec disclosures, I would not report it, even if I was given the green light to do so.
Understand that this blog does not generate much income for me. In fact, it simply started as a way for my family to stay closer to me while gone. The fact that it has become popular for military families is residual, albeit welcomed. However, this is my blog, about my travels, and my observations.
While I disagree with a majority of your opinionated, but uninformed letter, I hope I have been able to properly answer your questions and assertions so that have learned a little more today.
Kind Regards and Semper Fi,
DT
ps – I advise that you buy a small, durable air mattress for any Marine you have going on deployment. They weigh less than two pounds and are worth their weight in gold.
11 Responses for "Under Fire Off the Battlefield"
Jennifer Budde
February 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am
1Wow! I would suggest this reader read something else.It is called freedom of speech. I am the proud mom of a marine who’s son has met David Tate on his embed and had nothing but good things to say. I get the fact that he is not there to write the typical story and found it refreshing to read about something outside of the harsh reality! I live with the harsh reality of my son being there every single day.I know what my son is going through over there.Mr. Tate has reported an interesting set of stories that I have enjoyed reading. I am stunned that someone who go off on him in this manner.Well, there is one in every crowd. I am really tired of the minority trying to speak for the world. I truly believe that most people have really enjoyed this blog.God Bless you.
Thanks again David!
KEITH BRIMMER
February 26th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
2david, just started reading your stuff and im happy to say its great!keep it up.as a marine parent,if my son were deployed right now i would love to get any imformation i could get from a embed.the not knowing is what hurts families the most i beleive.
im kinda surprised at the reaction from these people.i in no way saw anything that should upset anyone.if you didnt respect the Marines and what they do i doubt you would be there.
keep reporting history david!dont let the bastards get you down.
F.I.D.O. david
may the lord keep you and all our boys safe
best regards
keith brimmer
feel free to email me.
i have not donated yet but will soon
Kate
February 26th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
3This is the only blog reporting the war in Afghanistan.
What I have learned from this blog.
The conditions are primitive.
The Afghan Army stands up and fights. (good information)
The culture is insurmountable. Archaic allegences and overarching poverty make tribal chiefs play both sides.
Swat was overrun by the taliban but is a beautiful place (if you believe the posters)
The rules of engagement are rediculous and will bite us in the ass in the end. ( no it’s not redundant)
And if you want info on who is where just go to the casualty DOD news releases. You can extrapolate what units are where.
Rett
February 27th, 2009 at 5:23 am
4I would like to say that I have had the privilege of going on patrol with Mr. Tate right here is Afghanistan. Just so everyone knows: It is public that we are located in the areas that we are. Being a journalist isn’t always about writing about killing and fighting. Mr. Tate, or Dave as we called him, has a pretty good understanding of Marines in general. Life comes down to a lot more than fighting here. The simple fact is, he is trying to explain the way we live in a way that few others before him have attempted. It is b/c of some people that this is hindered and your chances of understanding are far less now. This parent that is complaining will NEVER understand what it is like to be here, the bond we have and the stupid little things we do with one another. The time we spend together and the ways we spend it can never be replicated. She will never have any understanding what so ever about what is going on here. The Marines who we have served with that have been injured or killed do not wish to be written about, what can words do for them? The Marines they served with are the only ones that will ever know what happend to them and for what cause. People don’t need to read about that and deff don’t need to write about it. The ones that were there understand what happend and will honor them for a life time. You don’t deserve the prevlidge of that knowledge sitting on your sofa. I would like to thank Dave for the time I spent with him and this blog which has provided support for hundreds of family members back home. Thank you Mr. Tate and you are welcome on patrol with us any day.
Jodi
February 28th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
5Wow! I am the wife of a Marine officer and the mom of a 3/8 Marine and I am blown away by this complaint! The other 3/8 parents that I know LOVE this blog and, in our weekly chat room, it is often discussed and new postings are always excitedly anticipated. My hubby and I LOVED the radio story and the Sgt Cable story and have read them to so many people – it gave the Marines a “human side” that a lot of Americans never get to see! At one point, I was reading the radio story to my 16 year old son’s friends, and after they finished laughing, one of them said, “That’s funny – it’s like they’re just like us!” THAT is exactly what America needs to know! Thank you David!!
Kevin and Connie
February 28th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
6David,
We are the proud parents of a 3/8 marine currently deployed to the NowZad area. We certainly appreciate any information that we can get regarding conditions that our Son faces. We are grateful to your willingness to provide this info regardless of your motivation. In your defense, the woman who attacked your story was simply putting her own perspective on the facts that you presented. In her mind, she is right and in ours, you are not wrong. Keep up the good work. PS–We are picking up air mattresses to send to our guys. We had not thought of that one.
David Tate
March 1st, 2009 at 12:25 pm
7Air mattress: There are very thin, rugged mattresses available at camping outlets. Mine rolls up in a very compact manor, weighs just two pounds and is a lifesaver. Other than being mobile in the event of an overnight patrol, these mattresses can be used on the standard USMC cot as insulation from cold air working up from the floor. It’s a piece of equipment that I go everywhere with. Thanks for reading.
Rodney Van Doren
March 1st, 2009 at 11:09 pm
8Hello Dave,
Wow meeting you in Dubai was a real eye opener. To find a man that is so dedicated that he gives up his yearly vacation time to go to Afghanistan shows me that he truly is interested in what is really going on. I myself spent time in the US NAVY and at 52 years old I am still very interested to hear the REAL STORY as to what is going on over there. Our Men and Women in the service deserve to have someone that is willing to give up there time to tell it like it really is. I watch the NEWS and SEE what The BIG Boy’s want us to see and hear. However it is guy’s like YOU, going out there to see the REAL side of what is happening that help in keeping all the Big News organizations from telling and showing us nothing more then a bunch of propaganda. I Love My Country and I know that our young men and women are spending their time over there for a good reason. We as Americans need to know the Truth about how it really is over there. It is nice to know that these fine young people do more then just shoot to kill. That they are real people with real stories, some not so good and some not so bad. As humans just trying to survive to make it another day until all those days add up to enough time so that they can come back home to the USA. I think it is very good to hear about something other then how many got shot today and how many died today. WE see and here that from the Big News Companies, daily. Thank YOU, Dave, for YOUR efforts. I really believe that you did our troops a great service by going over there. Please keep on going over there and telling us the REAL STORY. Even if some of the stories may be a little embarrassing because they were a silly mistake made by a real person.
David Tate
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 am
9Rodney,
Great to meet you as well. Glad you made it home!
Dave
Paula
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
10I am not even sure where to begin with my feelings and thoughts about all of this. First, let me say that I am the proud mother of an incredible young man serving with the 3/8 India Company. When he decided to sign his mind, body and soul into the Marine Corp I didn’t understand. In his simple explanation he told me it was to assure our freedom. This includes speech. I think as we all wait to hear from our sons, daughters, husbands and wives who are serving we all comb the internet looking for those images or words that give us some insight on how are loved ones are. As we find things to occupy our time while our minds always wonder to how all are fairing. We cling to anything we find. Mr. Tate you have satisfied a craving and given a peace to us that you will never understand. As much as we may not agree or understand how anyone may not see this, they are entitled to their opinions. Yes, they do not have to read your writings, but they are entitled to share their comments, good bad or indifferent. I am sure, like so many of us, sometimes the frustration of all of this becomes overwhelming. I ask that you do not take any of this as a personal attack on you from anyone. It’s simple, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Please, do not change a thing. Removing articles, pictures or thoughts doesn’t make anything go away or the world spin a little easier. It’s a war. Some of us don’t like it, some of us can’t understand it, but we all are very proud and support the lives that are on the line for us. That includes you and what you do to bring us that bit of information we all want to hear. Do not be ashamed to ask for what you need to help with that. Do not be ashamed to say that you sacrifice things in your life to do something you are passionate about. Where would we be if these strong souls didn’t feel that way too. If you have truly offended or someone feels betrayed by things you have said or done, apologize as you have. That is the best any of us can do. I ask that you do not change what you have made your lifes journey. As I sit here and tears stream down my cheeks, I can only say that I am so thankful for what you have shared with me. It goes beyond words and brings such warmth on those days I wish I could turn back time and see my son playing in his sandbox without a care in the world and I could just wrap my arms around him and protect him from the realities of the world. In closing, I hope we all can find some comfort in something we read on our loved ones. If it isn’t these writings, some piece of news that can make each of us happy. Thank you
Russ
March 5th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
11I find it rather ironic that with all the recent and past behavior of the mainstream media, what they chose to report, how they report it and their agenda driven political (embeded) propaganda that any person who has a beef with the media has nothing better to do than go after Mr. Tate; surely there are more worthy targets out there, just pick up any mainstream newspaper or watch any TV show where our boys are vilified as nut cases and killers. Go complain and whine to them if you want to do something positive.
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