FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) -
KCTV5 investigative reporter Stacey Cameron is experiencing life in the American military.
He is one of 14 journalists from seven countries taking part in an intensive, week-long workshop designed to help reporters learn more about covering the military.
In return, Cameron will help the military understand how journalists do their jobs in an effort to create a better working relationship when important stories need to be told.
The journalists are splitting their time between Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
His week began and ended on Ft. Leavenworth, the so called "brains of the Army," where he received briefings on Army leadership, the command and legal structure of the Army, as well as seeing an Army-wide stand to promote suicide prevention amongst the troops.
While embedded with the Army, Cameron had access to new recruits, an obstacle course and live-fire practice.
While in Ft. Leonard Wood, for what the Army calls "dirt in the skirt training," he was given the chance to fire weapons like M16s and 50-caliber machine guns on a simulated firing range, watch the intake of new recruits and also watch troops train to detonate IEDs.
Lt. Colonel Jeff Allen said the Army opened it ranks to the media because only 1 percent of the nation will ever serve, and as the country has fought two wars on two fronts the past 12 years, the Army realizes it needs to open its doors so the public better understands the warriors who serve.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
