The term "embedded journalist" first came into use during the Gulf War in 1991, when the U.S. military allowed a small group of journalists to travel with its units. Since then, embedded journalists have been used in a number of other conflicts, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
There are a number of pros and cons to the use of embedded journalists. On the one hand, embedded journalists can provide a more intimate and personal view of events than traditional war correspondents. They can also help to build trust between the military and the media. On the other hand, embedded journalists may be subject to censorship or other restrictions on their reporting. They may also be at greater risk of injury or death than other journalists.
Despite the risks, embedded journalism has become an important tool for covering military conflicts. It allows journalists to provide a unique perspective on events that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to cover.