I have an interesting opportunity

[shadowknows69]

TO possibly interview for my website, Several soldiers from our military base who are either being deployed soon or have come back from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now this is supposed to be a kind of feel good, "getting to know our soldiers" piece. I've gone to school for Journalism and I've been an independent journalist for a while but this project scares me. What do you ask men back from war or going to it? I fear I'm going to be expected to put an Army positive spin on it or at least let several GI's make pro-freedom spreading monologues for my camera. I'm willing to bite my tongue on some of the questions I should be asking to get the access because it will be a big feather in my cap and my biz needs a shot in the arm. Judge me as you will. I'm looking for input though. what would you ask. What do you think I can get away with? How do you tactfully ask someone if they're afraid they're going off to die for a fool's cause?

[SoCalDem]

1. Just ask them "leading" questions and let them talk

such as:

When you were in combat, what was your worst fear?
Was the experience what you expected it to be?
Did you have nightmares about what you saw or did?
Would you want YOUR child to be fighting beside you?
Are you making the military a career or getting out ASAP?
..

stuff like that.. get them to start telling you stories.

[shadowknows69]

2. this one might get me punched

"Would you want YOUR child to be fighting beside you?"

Great question none the less. All of them. I think I'd be afraid of the answer some would give.

[SoCalDem]

4. Not necessarily.. If they are gungho soldiers

they might say sure..and if they are anti-war underneath, you might start a dialog:)

[shadowknows69]

8. that's the answer I'm afraid of hearing

it might make me blow my journalist's even, unbiased, demeanor.

[ananda]

3. or

Would you support a draft for this war?
Did you feel that you had a well-defined enemy to fight?
What's it like following a commander in chief and decision makers who are not engaged in battle and/or have never served in combat?

Sue

[Divernan]

5. More possible questions for returning vets

Were you injured? Did you have any close calls?
Are there any changes you would suggest to training for this kind of assignment? How did your family deal with your being in Iraq? Afghanistan?

Did you have any problems with your equipment?
What would you suggest family or friends send to soldiers in Iraq?

How was the food? Water supply?
What did you do to deal with the heat?

As far as the soldiers just leaving for Iraq, find out if it's a second tour for any of them. Who's selecting who you interview, anyway?
If it's the military, I expect there will be pre-screening to limit it to the most gung-ho.

I think it will be emotionally tough to interview people on their way over. When I see these very young, fresh-faced boys and girls in their desert camo uniforms in the airport, knowing they're on their way to hell, I have to choke back the tears. I just pat their arms and say, come home safe, soldier.

[mattclearing]

6. The simplest questions are probably the best.

Do you miss your family? What's it like out there? Scary? Are the Iraqi people friendly to the troops for the most part?

That kinda thing.

[Wickerman]

7. Something about the public opinion shift

and how they feel about their job. They will answer postively, doesn't make you a bad guy. Might get some interesting commentary.

60% of Americans feel we are without direction in Iraq. Not sure of the exact statements, but they are available.

[shadowknows69]

9. excellent questions all

and obvious ones the more I think about it. As I said I'm more interested in seeing what off the record stuff I might learn. The setting for this interview (tonights at least) is a bar so I may catch a soldier or two really off their guard.

<edit>

P.S. thank you for all the help and response. How rude of me I'm sorry.

<second edit>
Of course when I'm finished with this project whatever form it takes I'll give you guys the link if you want.

[Horse with no Name]

10. How about

"what factors do you feel are involved in this war extending long past the original estimate?"