How to Become a War Correspondent

In times of war, society wants to know what's going on at the battlefield and behind the scenes. Journalists provide the stories by word of mouth, but a war correspondent gets first-hand information. If you become a war correspondent, you'll be in the heat of the action.

Instructions

1. Get a journalism degree. You must be an excellent writer, editor and communicator.

2. Prepare mentally and emotionally for the conditions you must face if you want to become a war correspondent. Reporting news is one thing, but looking death in the face is another. Read memoirs of reporters who became war correspondents so you'll know what to expect.

3. Yearn to know what the real story is behind the scenes of war. You must have an intense desire to know what's going on in the minds of soldiers you travel with and citizens you come in contact with.

4. Consider being a videographer. If you are skilled in shooting spur-of-the-moment scenes, you will increase your chances of being sent to the front lines if you want to become a war correspondent.

5. Work as a researcher for a television network to get your foot in the door. Let your editor know that you want to become a war correspondent and be willing to prove yourself a hard worker who pays attention to details.

6. Take care of any health issues. Once you become a war correspondent and are sent to the front lines, you must be prepared for long journeys.

Tips & Warnings

• Be a team player. Don't complain about living conditions. Be friendly with the soldiers. If the soldiers know you care about them, they will open up to you and you'll write better stories.

• Those who have been to the front lines say that what you see in battle never leaves you. Be prepared to process what happens. Know that you'll face extreme danger on a daily basis.