Will a writer/reporter attached to a military unit ever be required to fight?

You bet...can't write a report on the war if you are standing at the sidelines not participating. They are called Combat Correspondence. There is a very important reason that would require you to fight! Your getting shot at and all you have a is a camera to return the favor, judgment comes to mind! If your perimeter is about to be overtakened, I'm sure the platoon commander or whoever is in charge will force you to carry a rifle and defend for your life!