text: Considerations for Stability
  5-52. Most nongovernmental organizations look for trained and experienced individuals with the skill set
  to operate at a remote location. Local hires provide cultural and regional knowledge. However, regarding
  personnel recovery, local hires have benefits and costs. As members of the local community, they can
  support the information and operations security efforts of the nongovernmental organization. Some
  nongovernmental organizations are part of conflicts in the community or connected to adversarial groups.
  NEWS MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS
  5-53. International journalists risk jail, kidnapping, or death, particularly in areas of conflict. The danger
  extends from the journalists to their staffs and families. The dangers and the risk of isolation become acute
  in areas with persistent conflict, such as parts of Latin America and Asia. As joint and Army forces conduct
  global operations, they encounter members of the news media. While not responsible for the protection and
  security for any except those embedded with the military, sometimes Army forces conduct operations to
  recover journalists designated by U.S. authorities. Recovery of journalists provides challenges for joint and
  Army forces.
  5-54. Journalists often have little training in SERE techniques. Even those working for large media
  conglomerates may have had only limited training, such as briefings or informal orientations on how to
  avoid being a target. News media organizations may learn of a journalist’s capture only when the hostage-
  takers issue a ransom demand. Some news media organizations employ private security details, but often
  hostage-takers simply overpower the security force and take the journalist, usually with dire consequences
  for the locally hired security detail.
  5-55. Occasionally a journalist or news media organization collaborates with U.S. forces for protection.
  This is never more than an arrangement of personal security. Per 50 USC 3324, anyone with United States
  or foreign press credentials is prohibited from formally collecting information or intelligence for U.S.
  forces. However, this same section permits journalists to cooperate voluntarily if they realize they are
  providing information to a U.S. intelligence entity. Journalists are never a part of military forces, but they
  can be part of the information network. Journalists generally understand the local situation and can
  volunteer information, including information on their colleagues who are isolated or held hostage.
  5-56. Army forces sometimes allow news media representatives to embed, from field Army to platoon
  levels. Embedded reporters can have a team with camera, sound, interpreter, and security support or be
  single individuals. Most embedded journalists work either alone or in small teams of two or three.
  Embedded journalists range from members of small local newspapers with limited distribution in the
  United States to representatives of large media conglomerates with a global audience. News media
  representatives vary in experience. Some representatives are veterans of multiple worldwide deployments
  with military formations, while others are abroad for the first time. Their readiness for the hazards or field
  operations with military units often correlates with their experience. A few news media organizations
  prepare their representatives with SERE training. Other organizations send their journalists to the field
  untrained, reliant on individuals’ previous military training, or dependant on a unit to provide training.
  5-57. However, every combatant command establishes requirements for embedded journalists, ensuring
  protection and operations security of the military force as well as protection of the journalists.
  Occasionally, a combatant command establishes a basic training course for journalists interested in
  accompanying troops. Generally, higher headquarters require embedded journalists to have media
  credentials, have a visa from the host nation, receive and understand an information packet, and sign a
  “hold harmless” agreement.
  5-58. Commanders establish ground rules (stipulations) that protect information about operations, friendly
  force troop movements, tactical deployments, and dispositions that would jeopardize operations security.
  Journalistic ground rules affect protection and personnel recovery. Joint and Army commanders do not
  permit journalists to jeopardize the safety of their Soldiers, either by what they do or cannot do. The intent
  is to protect Soldiers from the release of information that could potentially threaten their security or safety
  during operations. The most important stipulations are that embedded journalists are physically fit, capable
  of carrying their own equipment, able to withstand the rigors of field operations, and compliant with unit
  requirements for field operations. Unit requirements include noise and light discipline, rules of
  engagement, and any other requirements imposed by the local commander. Stipulations normally include a