Embedded reporters' satellite phones reportedly allowed troops in Afghanistan to call headquarters when military radios would not work in the mountains. A chat contribution also claims that soldiers sometimes borrowed journalists' vehicles or radios in emergencies. The vehicle claim receives a skeptical response because using press vehicles as cover for soldiers could put journalists at greater risk. The objections concern danger to the press and the dispute such borrowing would cause with news organizations. The vehicle example remains disputed.
Notable Point · 1:23:12-1:24:42
When embedded journalists had the better communications gear
An Afghanistan satellite-phone anecdote prompts a disagreement over soldiers borrowing journalists' vehicles and the risks to the press.