The small Central American country of Panama was invaded by the United States on December 20th 1989 in an attempt to oust its military dictator Manuel Noriega. Noriega had been indicted in the US on charges of drug trafficking and was also accused of suppressing democracy within Panama and endangering US nationals living within its borders. The Panamanian Defense Forces were quickly crushed in the invasion although Noriega himself sought sanctuary with the Vatican nuncio in Panama City before he surrendered himself on January 3rd 1990.

Military men and women (excluding revolutionaries and terrorists) should be treated with dignity and respect as they are authorized by the government to defend their country or to attack other countries perceived to be threats. Although there were some in the military who did not uphold to the duty and honor of being a soldier, we must not judge the entire army based on the actions of a few. Here are some notable scandals that involved the military.