March 5, 2025

Leading the Way: Captain Linda Bray and the Fight for Women in Combat

Leading the Way: Captain Linda Bray and the Fight for Women in Combat

Captain Linda Bray made history as the first woman to lead U.S. troops in combat. She gained national recognition during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 (Operation Just Cause) when she commanded the 988th Military Police Company in an engagement against Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF).

Key Facts About Captain Linda Bray:

  • Historical Role: First American woman to command troops in combat.
  • Operation: Participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama.
  • Engagement: Led her military police company in an assault on a Panamanian Defense Force (PDF) kennel that was suspected of housing enemy forces and weapons.
  • Impact: The battle sparked national debate about the role of women in combat, ultimately influencing future military policies.

Bray's leadership during the operation fueled discussions on gender roles in the military, particularly regarding women serving in direct combat roles. Her actions paved the way for later policy changes, including the eventual lifting of the ban on women in combat roles in 2013.

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