If you were an "embedded" journalist what would you carry for self defense?

[jsalcedo]

If you were a journalist on the front lines with the soliders in Iraq
what would you carry for protection?

Remember, you still have to be able to carry on your regular duties as a reporter.


I'm curious to see what one would want to have on hand in case of an ambush or possible capture.

 

[Justin]

I've thought about this from the point-of-view of a camera person.
Either a compact CZ-75 or a compact 1911 of some sort as my first preference. After that, probably something like a Kahr PM9. Probably go with the 9mm because ammo would be (theoretically) easier to get ahold of.
The camera guys are probably already lugging a ton of gear, so I'd want a fairly small pistol that would be unobtrusive during carry.

 

[dude]

A Marine Armored Division (or two)

 

[Tommy Gunn]

Something with style,

Mauser 1896 pistol with the wooden buttstock/holster for use as a carbine when I need extra range.


7.63mm x 25mm Caliber 13.2cm (5.25")Barrel
This is the "FULL SIZE" Notice: The large grips and barrel


7.63mm x 25mm Caliber 13.2cm (5.25")Barrel with Stock

 

[Feanaro]

I'd carry my bags, out of there.

If I had to carry, I'd see if I could... bend the rules a bit and get a Mac11 and a shorty Glock.

 

[El Tejon]

A radio!

 

[DMK]

I'd go with a full size 45ACP like the CZ-97 or an HK USP 45, a bunch of mags and keep it as concealed as possible.

To quote the Master Sergeant Emory "If you needed a rifle, there would be plenty laying around on the ground."

You already have a radio and Marine or Army division there, that's why you're embedded.

 

[El Tejon]

DMK, not if you get separated like those guys from Newsweek. I'll carry the extra one!

 

[Baba Louie]

Probably something in 9mm if that's what the troops I was with had in way of ammo. Preferably with a 30 rd. magazine or two.(j/k)

In all likely hood Beretta 92 or Glock 17.

Adios

 

[280PLUS]

heres a good one...

as a reporter are you ALLOWED to carry a fire arm? do you automatically become a combatant?

not that it matters i guess

hmmm,,

 

[Smoke]

I'm with dude

Nothing less than an M1 Abrahms.

Plus a nice 1911 and a shorty AR. And a few thousand Marines would be nice too.

 

[Feanaro]

But you can't hide those tanks under your coat, like Geraldo.

 

[CWL]

Press Credentials.

Press are not military combattants. Noncombattants bearing arms can be subject to summary execution on the battlefield.

If you want to fight, join the military.

 

[Feanaro]

Rules in war can be ignored. I don't think you can shoot POWs but Iraq did.

 

[George Hill]

Steyr TMP. If I was reporting from our invasion of France - I wouldn't need it. But in the Middle East? Make that TWO, with plenty of spare ammo and for back up? A Colt Pocket Nine in a pocket.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I really dont think I would worry too much about being labelled a "combatant" because you are carrying a gun. The Iraqis have already killed some reporters, and have shot POWs.

Bottom line, the Iraqis already aren't playing by the rules, so I would carry something.

As far as caliber is concerned, I would probably go with a 45 despite the fact that 9mm is more available.

I figure if I had a Glock 21, plus about 4 magazines, I ought to be fairly well covered.

I would think I would either be dead, or shooting a dead Iraqi's AK, before I run out of 45 ACP, so ammo compatibility with coalition forces would seem moot.

Thats the way it looks from this armchair, anyway.

 

[Tempest]

An M-60.

 

[Missouri Mule]

****! A reporter, er uh journalist, with gun!

 

[MJRW]

I wouldn't based on an experience of similar nature. Carrying a pistol in an area where the combatants are using rifles removes your NC status and definitely gets you killed. Anything less than rifle gets you killed in a fire fight, and a rifle gets you labelled as a Combatant. I would and have opted not to carry in a situation of that nature.

 

[Ala Dan]

Along with all my necessary "press credential's", I
would carry a SIG-Sauer P226 with high capacity
magazines, extra magazines, flak jacket, canteen,
high visibility "dust goggle's" and a few packet's
of salt.

*Also, I would have an available M-16 within
immediate access, just in case conditions worsened.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[DMK]

Didn't War Correspondents carry 1911s in WWII?

 

[scotjute]

Some of the reporters appear to be wearing either the same desert camo as the troops or something very similar. That alone would probably cause them to classify you as a combatant. I definitely wouldn't wear anything that looked like military camo.

After what happened to Daniel Pearl, the reporter who was killed in Pakistan, I'd say that if you're a Westener, you are apparently considered fair game. With that assumption, I'd carry 9mm pistol of some sort (maybe even revolver) and a rifle (or at least have rifle in jeep).

 

[rock jock]

If you are going to go armed in a combat zone, anything less than a rifle is a waste of pocket space.

 

[Destructo6]

2pr clean underwear.

Maybe a 9mm pistol of some sort.

 

[Shadowbat]

Press Credentials.

Yup, that'll put the fear of Allah in them. Almost as good as my battery-operated Type II Phaser I picked up at Kmart 25 years ago. I know the newer Next Generation Phasers you can buy at Wally World are more powerful (9volt compared to two AA) but I am a sucker for the former's classic styling.