by DAVID AXE
Bad move, Air Force. Last week, Colonel Kevin W. Bradley, commander of the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, New York, invited media to see the wing’s new MQ-9 Reaper drones. Citing the controversy around lethal drone strikes in Pakistan and Africa, Bradley told his airmen not to give their last names to the reporters. Air Force magazine noted the new policy on Friday.
While it has long been custom for European militaries to deny reporters the last names of military sources, in the U.S. military on-the-record sources usually give their full names. That’s good for journalism, good for the military’s press relations and good for democracy. Reporters want full names because our names keep us accountable. It’s for that reason that all good reporters put their own real, full names in their bylines. Would you trust me the same if I signed all my bylines, “Dave”?
(Photo: Air Force)
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I can understand the point in this particular situation as there’s a sense of security that goes with removing the last names of those who are responsible for firing the rockets from said drones. Though some could make the argument that this is no different than a journalist I would surly feel more threatened if people knew “I” was responsible for firing “that” rocket that killed someone’s son. Those who choose to blog, or write, with no name fall into a different category (IMO)- and I guess it should be said that I for one have very little trust for those who write without being accountable.
now here is a stupid question when they did the interviews did the pilots and crews have the name tapes (last names) on their uniforms? This wouldn’t surprise me in the the least in Pentagonese brainpower.
Foo
So frustrating. I’m a journalist and I wrote to this base a few months requesting an interview. They told me they had no plans to host media in the near future. Seems like they’ve got a thing for secrecy.
Well, in light of what’s happening in Mexico, there a good case for concern over identity. They can go for the relatives as payback.
And also, the commander’s identity is given with his full name and rank: no hiding there.