OPERATION JUST CAUSE: COUPS, DRUGS, AND EQUALITY FOR WOMEN


By bblouin
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft takes off from a landing strip in Panama during Operation JUST CAUSE.

In Panama, 1989, Operation Just Cause came to be after the U.S. military and Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) finally reached a point of no return. The politics and conditions leading up to Operation Just Cause involve decades of political moves, and is yet another example of U.S. involvement in South America. However, the legacies of figures, such as Manuel Noriega and President George H. W. Bush have ties to the events. The events would force a conversion for equality among service members. Operation Just Cause in Panama was a major moment for women serving in the U.S. military. Suggested read: Operation ICEBERG: The Deadliest Battle In History

What Was Operation Just Cause?

Operation Just Cause came when the U.S. invaded Panama between December 20, 1989, and January 31, 1990, after de facto dictator General Manuel Noriega was wanted by America due to his illicit activities. Ultimately, the U.S. was successful in defeating the PDF and getting President-elect Guillermo Endara into office during the aftermath of the conflict. Before Operation Just Cause units were deployed in Panama, the U.S. and Noriega enjoyed a complicated but positive relationship. While he was able to rule from behind the scenes for decades, Noriega’s opposition won an election in 1989. Along with the various illegal drug, money, and gun activity in the region, the American agencies that once worked with Noriega were no longer a fan. The immediate response was for the US to increase military presence within the Panama Canal Zone but things took a turn for the worse. On December 15, 1989, Panama declared war between the nation and the United States. Accelerating the American invasion, a PDF roadblock led to the death of U.S. Marine First Lieutenant Robert Paz. While traveling in Panama City with Marine Captain Richard E. Hadded, Navy Lieutenant Michael J. Wilson, and Army Captain Barry L. Rainwater, their private vehicle came to a stop at a PDF roadblock. Escaping the situation, PDF thought they were conducting recon. Both Panamanian troops and civilians were outraged, the PDF fired, and Paz lost his life. These final straws led to the U.S. invasion of Panama, though some view Operation Lost Cause as having deeper ties to political moves by the Bush administration. In sum, the U.S. had lost 23 troops, with 325 sustaining injuries. Panamanian forces would suffer over 300 deaths and a time period of unrest as a result of the various battles.

Manuel Noriega’s Rise to Power and Downfall

Manuel Noriega was born in Panama City into poverty and rose to power through the Panamanian army, aligning with Omar Torrijos. After Torrijos's death on July 31, 1981, Noriega became Panama's de facto ruler, after collaborating with U.S. intelligence agencies from the 1950s, including aiding them and facilitating illicit activities in Latin America. Eventually, although he survived several coups, his illegal activities caught up with him after various scandals. The eventual declaration of war rubbed Americans the wrong way. Manuel Noriega faced Operation Just Cause after refusing to step down. He was eventually captured, tried, and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Extradited to France and then Panama, Noriega died on Monday, May 29, 2017, leaving a legacy of dictatorship characterized by repression, military expansion, and manipulation of elections. His complex ties with the U.S. earned him the title of both ally and nemesis, likening him to other authoritarian rulers of his time. Though known as a brutal dictator and drug kingpin, some still hailed Noriega as a Panamanian hero. Nevertheless, his actions inadvertently helped bring about equality in the U.S. military for women. Related read: Kristen Griest Made Army History Not Once, But Twice

Operation Just Cause Was a Notable Event for Women in the U.S. Military

It would take until January 24, 2013, before women could fight in combat while serving in the U.S. military, yet Operation Just Cause Veterans understand how the conflict helped build momentum for this decision. During Operation Just Cause, about 600 of the 26,000 U.S. troops were women. They served in non-combat roles such as military police, truck drivers, and helicopter pilots. For example, First Lieutenant Lisa Kutschera and Warrant Officer Debra Mann piloted UH-60 helicopters during the invasion. They even received Air Medals for their actions under heavy gunfire. However, an incident would lead to the need for action during the operation, and Captain Linda L. Bray was there to answer the call. Leading her troops in a firefight against PDF forces, Capt. Bray is the first woman to lead American troops into battle after PDF troops wouldn't surrender a dog kennel. The PDF troops were secretly using the area to store weapons. They refused to give it up before a three-hour firefight broke out. Bray’s role during the fight was controversial throughout the United States. This would lead to discussions in Congress and the national media about the roles women fill in the military. Despite her success, change would not happen overnight. However, her bravery along with the actions of hundreds of women in South America, would help raise the right questions as to why female fighters were being treated differently for no reason. Read next: A Peek Into Project Maven: The Future of Artificial Intelligence


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