Army regulations exclude women from combat duty, but that rule was stretched when 771 female soldiers took part in the invasion of Panama, including several MPs who were involved in firefights. One officer, Captain Linda Bray, directed her platoon against a Panamanian garrison at an attack-dog kennel. Though no Panamanians were killed, as was originally reported, shots were exchanged.
No matter, said the Army last week. The women are still not eligible for the coveted combat-infantryman's badge. The reason: regulations. By definition, the combat-infantryman's award is reserved for infantrymen who have been in combat. Still, the women who took fire in...
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