The Army: Combat by Another Name

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 Panama are eligible for medals such as the Bronze or Silver Star. All Panama veterans are also entitled to transfer their unit patches from the left to the right shoulder, signifying combat experience. Bray's champions still applaud her pioneering role. Says Colorado Democrat Patricia Schroeder: "If you may be a soldier, what does it mean? It includes combat duty."