[MikefromOhio]

On April 18, Pfc. Huff's Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Baghdad, and she was killed. Posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, she was buried at Arlington National Cemetery recently. She was 18.

I have a problem right there. Roadside bombs are being considered combat and thick of the fighting. It isn't. I don't know how to totally explain it, but more or less any McDonald's bag or toy or anything of the sort could and probably is a bomb. Chances are you aren't getting shot at nor are there any real threats reported in the area.

what the author is questioning is whether women should even be in Iraq and maybe even the military altogether.

[jocon307]

"Roadside bombs are being considered combat and thick of the fighting. It isn't."

Right, exactly. This young woman (may she RIP) was doing police work, not fighting in combat.

The terrorists in Iraq are blowing up children and housewives and old men, lots of people who would never be considered for combat duty. They basically are killing our military by happenstance in cases like this.

[68skylark]

What the author is questioning is whether women should even be in Iraq and maybe even the military altogether.

I think you're right. The author seems to have an agenda that he doesn't really want to reveal.

[Coldwater Creek]

We are a military family and I seriously question the issue of women in the Military.

[Axhandle]

"Roadside bombs are being considered combat and thick of the fighting. It isn't."

Amen! Dicking around on the MSR is "in harms way." Taking the fight to the enemy is combat. Very few engage in combat. As for her bronze star - for what? Because she died? I know a guy who is being put in for a Bronze Star, because he saved the lives of at least 70 people when he engaged a car bomb and a suicide bomber, before they could attempt to push through the breach, during a major attack against a patrol base. The two do not compare - not even close. Handing out medals in such a loose fashion degrades the accomplishment of people who actually earn them.

My thoughts on women in "combat".

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

Do US women belong in the thick of the fighting?

Hell no!

Women belong in an Indy car driving 200 mph plus.