THIS is what happens to journalists who DO THEIR JOBS!!

Saturday, the newspaper published the story and photos under the headline “Scouring the skeletons of war.” Both also appeared on the Pilot’s Web site.

Monday, a senior Navy officer told both journalists they had broken the rules and could not continue reporting in Kuwait. Kim’s and Hansen’s badges that had allowed them to interview and photograph service members were confiscated.

The reporter and photographer returned to Norfolk on Wednesday.

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“It is in violation of operational security and puts future troops in harm’s way by showing the vulnerabilities of vehicles which the insurgents can use against them,” Army Lt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger wrote in an e-mail to Hansen’s editor Monday from Camp Arifjan.

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That policy is unique to Kuwait. Neither Central Command nor Multi-National Force Iraq forbid journalists from depicting such damage. The Marines have photos of vehicles hit by bombs, mortars and grenades on their Web site; the Army’s Web site has at least two such photos.

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Christenson (Texas journalist), who has reported from Iraq, said he understands some information could put U.S. troops in danger and should be off limits. Yet, he’s concerned that the military’s rules may have broadened as the war has become more politically sensitive.

“It is a violation of our ethics and core values as journalists to be a party to any rule that is designed to suppress legitimate information and/or spin news about conflicts involving U.S. forces.”