Field Video Setup -- Newbie Questions

Let me start by saying that my experience in video production is nil (I am a web nerd), but I am hard working and plan to learn as I go. (I would love to take one of you pros with me, but that's a non-starter.)

My work requires that I deploy to international disaster situations, and I am trying to get together a really lean, light system that will allow me to do rough field edits (think b-roll) of video from the disasters to then send back to my home office in the states and/or directly to media outlets for broadcast use. Eventually, I'd like to be able to do live shots from the disaster.

We will use handheld HD cameras, laptops, and plan take a BGAN, allowing us to get files back and forth when in remote locations. When we are able, I will push video out through broadband. I know I will need a monopod and a mic.

I am lost after that. Software: Do I need to go Premire Pro or Sony Vegas? Or???

What else do I need to consider or purchase? I am not looking to become CNN, but I am hoping that the footage will be used by newscasters. We also hope to use the footage for in-house videos (don't worry, we'll send the raw footage to a pro).

And then how the heck do I upload files to a news network? We're gonna be YouTube-ing, but I know they'd rather have better quality video if it's available.

I know. I need so much help, and I hope I have come to the right place.

RG