What is the role of women in the book "The Things They Carried?"

Women take on different roles in the book. First there is the Sweetheart of the Tra Bong who's real name was Mary Anne. She was the girlfriend of a soldier who shipped her over to be with him. Because of her exposure to the war, and the harsh reality of killing, she changes from a sweet, innocent blonde, to a killing machine, who wears human tongues as necklaces.

Other women, such as Martha, symbolize things left behind, dreams not realized, or unattainable goals.