Extremely Hazardous Duty

By Janice Castro

COMBAT REPORTING IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS, BUT YUGOSLAVIA is setting grisly records. While 45 journalists died covering Vietnam over 15 years, for example, at least 27 have been killed in Yugoslavia in just 18 months. To help reduce the casualties, the COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS is distributing an unusual handbook called How to Survive and Still Get the Story. Says Anne Nelson, executive director of the committee: "This conflict is different. Instead of two sides, there are many sides, and often the troops are drunken paramilitaries. They shoot on sight, and they carry grudges against reporters." Among the tips in the handbook: Wear body armor. Never wear anything that looks military-issue (so much for Dan Rather's safari shirts). Never rush up to people with guns. Ask before taking pictures or notes. Carry a supply of sanitary napkins: they make great bandages in emergencies. And memorize this phrase: "Ne pucaj!" (Don't shoot!)