FORT BENNING, Ga. — Pvt. Bettie Campbell, one of the US Army's newest infantrywomen in training, believes her story proves that women are just as capable as men when it comes to combat, according to an interview she gave to reporters from the back of a stretcher in a field ambulance.
Campbell, who suffered a stress fracture in both legs during a 15 kilometer tactical road march, says that hearing congresswomen demand an end to a male-dominated military force pushed her toward the infantry.
"I just want to show that woman can make a real contribution, and aren't just some politically-correct burden forced down the military's throat," she explained, as her equipment was being redistributed to the rest of her squad as they marched past the vehicle.
The other members of Campbell's unit were supportive of her decision to join the infantry.