SASless,
Let us also remember that this is a 'Rumour' page and as such is the perfect place to add conjecture and speculate.
And yes, I am very aware that there are TA in Afgan and Iraq...I've served with them in both theatres. And no, I would not say the same about them; as Hawkman has just written, there appears to be a difference in the way British and American forces execute they're combat mission, both the reg force types and reservists.
That said, I'm not trying to turn this into an American slagging match. Despite this recent accidents, I've also been witness to some very good and very timely American CAS.
You mentioned the 'fog of war' (in many more words): I agree that it has a massive effect on PDM in the battle space, but if a 'blue on blue' does occur questions, rumour driven or factually based, need to be asked.
By the way, thanks for the book title. I will indeed pick it up.