It appears you will need to establish yourself as an expert in a particular area/field through competition, experience and/or notoriety. What is your background? What is your education level in the fields of communication, literature, English and etc.? What is your job experience in the such fields as law enforcement, military, outdoor activities (professional guide) and etc.?
Establish yourself as a freelance writer by having article published in various magazines, newspapers and other publications. What have you had published? Have you ever served as an editor or assistant editor on any newspapers or had on the job experience at such jobs? Have you served on school papers, yearbooks and etc.?
I am not one to really know the answer to your question. I suspect it is like most other jobs in life. You will need training, education and experience to reach most senior levels. Writing for major publications will require years upon years of these qualifications.