The embedding program follows media complaints that reporters were kept too far from the warfront in recent military actions. Pentagon officials, in their guidance paper, said the effort is being made because "we need to tell the factual story -- good or bad -- before others seed the media with disinformation and distortions, as they most certainly will continue to do."

Under the rules set by military officials, reporters will have access to soldiers, sailors and marines and will be allowed to file uncensored reports -- as long as specific details that relate to strategy or the welfare of the troops is not compromised. Journalists' use of some electronic equipment may also be limited on the battlefield. The reporters will not carry firearms, but are responsible for transporting their own gear and bringing their own safety equipment, such as flak jackets, helmets and suits to protect them against chemical and gas attacks. (See the Pentagon's February "public affairs guidance" paper for embedded journalists.)

Reporters may remain with a unit for weeks or months, the Pentagon cautioned, and they are taking the same risks from the "extreme and unpredictable hazards of war" as the members of the military. The reporters are required to be in overall good health -- no pregnant women or people with heart or lung problems or some other chronic diseases are allowed. The government also made voluntary vaccinations for anthrax and smallpox available to all people who were embedding. (See the legal release that embedded reporters had to sign before deploying with troops.)