[Thomas W. Bethe]

I was a broadcast specialist in the Army during the Viet Nam era. I never went into combat but did go through a couple of real simulated Vietnam village raids with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Campbell. I used a UHER 4000L report reel to reel tape machine for my work with it's companion microphone.

Where you are going is much more dangerous than anything I did.

A couple of thoughts,

1. Do know how to fire at least an M-16 and a .45 caliber pistol.

2. Do take extras batteries for everything.

3. Do wear a helmet and body armor if possible.

4. Don't get separated from the rest of the people you are embedded with and try and find someone who can watch your back when you are concentrating on doing the audio recording.

5. Don't pick up anything on the ground it could be a booby trap.

6. Don't get so engrossed in doing audio that you lose your sense of where you are and what is happening around you at all times.

7. Don't go into buildings or caves without having them cleared by the people you are working with.

8. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

9. Before leaving for the war try and get in good physical shape. Lugging equipment and running in the heat can all have negative effects on your well being. If you have meds make sure you have enough supplies for the duration of your time in the war zone.

10. Where you are going is dangerous. Keep your wits about you. Double think everything you do except when someone yells "hit the deck"

While on simulated raids I was "killed" three times. Once by stepping on Punji stakes, once by picking up a camera that had a grenade under it and once by being sniped by a sniper from 200 yards. Luckily this was only practice but where you are going it will be for real.

Best of luck and be safe and keep your head and butt down.