We are an inclusive group that allows membership from active journalists, journalism students, retirees, public affairs officials and others.

So, what do MRE members get for their dues?

The annual conference each fall is where top journalists, military officers, researchers, public officials and educators meet, discuss and learn. Past keynote speakers have included author David Halberstam and retired Gen. Wesley Clark. The convention is great for learning from the best and brightest military journalists. Lessons learned and how-to sessions are educational. In addition, the reception is a great way to meet colleagues, trade war stories and blow off steam.

Bully pulpit. MRE regularly stands up for the rights of a free press and unfettered coverage of the military. The group got its start in 2002 as it lobbied Pentagon officials to set up a program to embed journalists with military units in future military operations. It was a prime mover in the formation of the current embedding process. Since then, MRE has monitored the embedding program and has protested changes in the embedding ground rules to DOD officials.

We reward good works too! The organization's annual journalism contest honors the best coverage of military and defense issues by reporters and photographers. And, the winner of the best of the best is awarded the Joseph Galloway Award for Distinguished Journalism and a $2,000 check.

The group has an attorney who helps the association and its members with First Amendment and access issues relating to military coverage.

Recently, the organization joined in an amicus brief to force the Pentagon to release photographs taken by service members at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Our attorney also has experience in forcing open the door to closed courts martial and Article 32 proceedings.

Do not forget the website. Always a work in progress, www.militaryreporters.org, has aspirations of being a stopping point for journalists interested in covering the military. Through helpful information, such as packing lists for journalists headed to the war zone and PAO contact lists; organization announcements and other useful information, the website is the organization's newsletter and databank. Of course, we are always looking for members to add more to the site.

And, because MRE is a new organization, it has a lot of ideas and plans for the future. Join and make the future happen.

To print out an application, click here.