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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Combat Photography Training
Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 11:53 PM on 08.01.06 |
->> Hello All,
I have always considered Combat Jounalist Training and the recent message topic about Combat Photography rekindled that.
I have no plans to see combat, but I like being prepared for anything. I have taken courses in first aid, orienteering, ropes and rappelling, etc... to become educated and safe.
Fredrik Naumann was good enough to post these links earlier.
http://www.centurion-riskservices.co.uk/
http://www.newssafety.com/training/index.htm
But, they all seem to be in the UK.
Has anyone taken combat training?
What were the costs? Location?
Would you recommend it to any or all photographers?
I see this being a life skill worth having. Situations can happen around the corner as well as around the globe.
Actually... on that note. I turned on my TV this morning to find someone had been kidnapped two blocks away... on a perfectly quiet street in Northern Toronto.... Hmmmm... I wonder if that has anything to do with my sudden interest?
Look forward to the responses.
Chris |
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Jose Carlos Fajardo, Photographer
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Walnut Creek | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 12:28 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> Hi Chris,
I took the Centurion training course two years ago. It's a great course to prepare for the unexpected. It teaches you to depend on yourself. The course also covers medical training in a hostile environment. My company the defunked KRT paid for the training but I never used it because my son came along and I didn't go to Iraq. I don't know how much it costs but it's well worth it. I spent a week living at a Ramada in Virginia while we trained.
Good luck.
Jose |
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Colin Corneau, Photographer
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Brandon | MB | Canada | Posted: 12:56 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> Chris,
A fellow Toronto shooter, Louie Palu of the Globe and Mail, took combat training for journalists. He mentioned as much on an ECNPA thread...he is in Europe at the moment but he has always been gracious about helping his fellow photog; might be worth dropping a line. |
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Nic Hume, Photographer
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Victoria | BC | Canada | Posted: 2:25 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> I've been quite interested in doing something like this myself. A few months ago I made a few very casual inquiries with friends who work in various areas of the media. Several people (all TV camera-men, though I'm not sure if that's relevant) seemed to think that the Canadian Military offered (or HAS offered in the past) training for journalists who would be exposed to combat situations.
My understanding was that the person (or media company) would have to cover the costs of such training, but that it *WAS* in fact available to working media members. I never followed up, as I got busy with some other stuff, but I suspect a phone call to a national-level Media Relations Officer (MRO) or any contacts you might have inside the armed forces would probably help point you in the right direction.
Of course, this is all hear-say from others right now, but I got the same answer from several different people (all of whom have been in the business longer than I've been alive... ) and suspect that it's not entirely innaccurate.
I'd love to hear what sort of results you get looking for this, as I'd be quite interested in doing this sort of training myself.
--Nic |
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Fredrik Naumann, Photographer
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Oslo | Oslo | Norway | Posted: 6:26 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> You may find this inforamtive: http://www.naumann.no/hostile.html
Including this link to Rory Peck Trust (link on my page doesn't work, it's an old page) http://www.rorypecktrust.org/
They sometimes give bursary to freelancers.
Centurion also sometimes do traing in the US, I suggest you check their website or contact them for details. |
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Aaron Suozzi, Photographer
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Fort Wayne | In | USA | Posted: 7:23 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> I also took the Centurion training in the summer of 2004 before I went to Afghanistan. It is a very intense week of first aid training, spotting and avoid land mines and other IED’s (improvised explosive devices), and even a simulated kidnapping. I would defiantly recommend the training. the Brits (instructors) are crazy, they are all ex British Marines who now work private security in hostile environments. I believe they try to hold a class once a month in the U.S. It’s in Woodstock Virginia, which isn’t too far outside of D.C.
It’s worth your time and money if you are going to work in a combat or hostile environment. If anybody has any other questions about it, just send me an email or give me a call. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 8:41 AM on 08.02.06 |
->> Centurion does have training sessions in Northern Virginia but they are not at set times.
Their training site varies from UK and Virginia. Send them an e-mail for the next course.
Centurion is made up of former British special forces. They not only train, but also provide security for many media outlets overseas.
Before the Olympics we were given a quick, one-day awareness and first aid training and one of the instructors from Centurion had recently been working security for one of the networks in Baghdad when a bomb hit the hotel and he described all the steps he took to get out of the building. After hearing that it made you sit up and listen closely to what he had to say.
And, as mentioned, there are other outlets who provide similar training. Centurion is the one I am most familiar with. As Jose said, Centurion did the training for all Knight Ridder journalists and all who went through it have spoken highly of it. |
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Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 8:21 PM on 08.02.06 |
->> Thanks everyone for the great response.
I will contact the Canadian Military in the next couple days and see what they offer. Failing that, I will also see if Centurion is running a North American course in the near future.
I will post my results.
Keep the advice coming everyone.
Chris |
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Chet Gordon, Photographer
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Port Chester | NY | United States | Posted: 11:37 PM on 08.02.06 |
->> Chris,
Has anyone taken combat training?
What were the costs? Location?
Would you recommend it to any or all photographers?
I see this being a life skill worth having. Situations can happen around the corner as well as around the globe.
*To answer your questions:
Yes, Full Combat Training, November 1982 - February 1983.
Costs: 4 years Active Duty & 2 years Active Reserve in the USMC.
Location: Parris Island, South Carolina.
Recommendation to other photographers: Naw, not everyone can wear the green, red & gold.
Seeing it as a life skill worth having...: "Priceless..."
Sorry, couldn't resist answering your points...
Be safe, whatever you decide.
-Chet. |
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Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 2:02 PM on 08.19.06 |
->> Update:
It took a couple weeks, but I got a call from the Canadian Military. They do run courses for Journalists in Meaford, Ontario (near Collingwood, about 2-hours north of Toronto)
The person in charge is away at the moment, but will make contact upon her return.
May I invite any Canadians interested in the course to post a reply. I would like a show of interest if I make a booking and I will keep you all up to date. |
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Aaron Vogel, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Ventura | CA | USA | Posted: 3:29 PM on 08.19.06 |
->> Chris,
Like Chet my hostile environment training came at the expense of a 6-year military contract (Army Reserves), and a yearlong tour in Iraq.
While I'm sure the Canadian Military has a nice course, anything that includes rappelling as a major part of the course is sorely out of touch with the reality of what hostile environment journalists face. When was the last time you heard of a photographer having to rappel to get to safety? And really, weapons handling training is nice and all, but the important thing to have is experience in live fire, when you DON'T have a gun.
You and everyone else would probably do themselves a great favor by checking out the British Academy of Krav Maga - http://www.krav-maga.org.uk - as they seem to offer the kind of knowledge that might actually come in handy: Kidnap Avoidance, Hostage Survival, Urban Security, Risk Assessment, Mines and Booby-Trap Awareness, and of course, Krav Maga self defense.
I'll tell you right now that if you don't know how to have your head on a swivel, and understand what your eyes are seeing then you'll be in big trouble very quickly in any volatile part of the world.
I admittedly have not taken their courses, but it appears that their curriculum is more in line with the reality and not the "playing military" fantasy. Even with my experience I think I would be inclined to take a course or two there before jumping into any danger area.
I hope that helps. I too have considered being a combat photographer (I honestly LOVE the Middle East, I think it's a wondrous place). But it's something you have to be dedicated to and have your eyes wide-open going into.
BTW, my roommate, fellow Brooks student and SS.com member, Ryan Nieto, was also a Marine in Iraq, so feel free to ask him if what I say is true. http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=2000 |
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Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 2:48 PM on 09.24.06 |
->> I completed the Canadian Military Journalism Familiarization Training. I will go over some of the highlights and you can email me if you want more info.
1) You have to be serious about going overseas and have written commitment from a media outlet. The course ended on a Friday and some journalists were leaving for Afghanistan on Saturday!!! (Long story short... as a sports photographer, I got in by mistake and it probably won't happen again)
2) Five Days On-Location in Meaford, Ontario
3) Several hours of classroom theory on combat first-aid, kidnapping, low-level negotiations, military structure, convoy discipline, etiquette and procedures.
4) Even more time in practical situations. Weapon fire demos, rappelling, camouflage training, night vision, orienteering, Mine / IED awareness, and poison Gas.
One journalist with lots of overseas combat experience had just returned from Afghanistan. He had previously taken the Centurion journalist training course and claimed this was superior in most regards. For example, Centurion does not expose people to gas training. This course required us to put our gas masks on while in a CS gas chamber. Ouch!
5) Final day was a fictional scenario. Journalists in groups of 4 would venture out in a car with a map and encounter different situations. This was VERY enlightening. Even though the scenarios were staged, I had never lay face down in gravel while armed men threaten our lives. Totally made me go through ‘what if’ moments in my mind.
6) And finally… the cost. The Canadian Forces are only charging $200 for this!!!! That includes all supplies, food, lodging, etc. Don’t be fooled by the low cost… as I said, another journalist took the $3,000+ course in the UK and he said this was superior!
My final thoughts:
Because I specialize in outdoor wilderness events, I was already familiar with items like rappelling, orienteering, wilderness supplies… and I even have night vision goggles in my car.
However, I did learn a lot and I think everyone should go through this course, let alone journalists going to war.
On the down side, I was shocked by how ill prepared most journalists are. Many had not even camped out or even looked at a compass. Only a handful of participants even had basic first aid. As a contrast, all film production unions require first aid. So, on a film set, the director, the make-up artist and even the guy who gets coffee can perform CPR if required.
A week long course is not nearly enough to truly prepare these people. I made the suggestion that they come with a certain amount of experience… eg. Basic First Aid is a prerequisite. |
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Jeff Mangum, Photographer
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Bullhead City | AZ | | Posted: 3:04 PM on 09.24.06 |
| ->> Hey chris is this training open to non canadians |
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Andrew Spearin, Student/Intern, Photo Editor
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Saskatoon | SK | Canada | Posted: 6:49 PM on 09.24.06 |
->> How was Mudford Chris? ;)
I've had quite a few weeks of my life there, doing my basic and infantry courses along with a few training exercises at Meaford.
Did they put you up in the shacks (barracks) or mods (tents)? Or did you spend your nights out in the field? |
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Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 12:26 PM on 09.25.06 |
->> 4 nights in the Barracks.
One night in the field tent with a 3:00am explosive wake up call. We were all expecting it, but I admit I was not any where near as calm and collected as I expected trying to put on my helmet, kevlar vest and camera with smoke, explosions, flashbangs and the seargent yelling at us!
Jeff, I asked my contact about needing to be Canadian... I will post a reply and contact info shortly. |
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Michael Fagans, Photographer
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Watertown | NY | USA | Posted: 12:37 PM on 09.25.06 |
->> Chris:
As far as I know, the only course that will cover you and your paper with an insurance company is the Centurion course. I covered the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan for my paper and our general policy did not cover me in a war zone. I did have unofficial training with the 10th at the JRTC in Fort Polk, and made sure I asked soldiers about ID'ing land mines and IED's, but from what I have heard other journalists say about the Centurion course is that it is the best all around for what you will need. |
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Chris Halper, Photographer
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Toronto | On | Canada | Posted: 8:00 AM on 09.29.06 |
->> Hello to all interested photographers.
Many of you contacted me for information and I was not able to reply. One of my external hard drives failed and I lost 4-days of email since my last back up.
This course started 5 years ago and runs every August / September.
The course is meant for Canadian Journalists, but they have made concessions for people with good reasons.
I strongly suggest everyone make contact, even if you are deploying overseas soon and may miss the next session.
This is obviously a GREAT opportunity for Canadian Journalists and it should be more widely publicized. Let them know there is a need for this and it must continue.
You can contact:
Captain Julie Misquitta
Public Affairs
32 CBG Headquarters
CSN: 634-2846
Phone: (416) 633-6200 ext 2846
misquitta.jl@forces.gc.ca
http://www.army.gc.ca/32brigade/ |
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