I suppose we can argue about whether the B-1 is a CAS aircraft and that our current capability of dropping precision munitions is adequate, and that our ROE's are not un-necessarily endangering our Troops, but I would submit that we are continuing to fight a War with no real concern for the reality of the situation.
We are drawing down assets while we still have Troops in contact at very close quarters with a determined enemy which is growing stronger as we are are growing more and more unable to control the Battle Space.
It would seem we would maintain adequate CAS assets in country to grant sufficient assistance to the ground troops. That means helicopters, A-10's, and other Aircraft and Weapons Systems including Artillery so that all of our Ground forces can bring the maximum amount of Firepower onto the Enemy in a very timely manner should they elect to engage our Troops.
How much you want to bet there was no Artillery cover for these Troops?
How much you want to bet there were no Apaches able to promptly assist?
You reckon the investigation will address those kinds of issues or will they just look to see what immediate cause there was for this sad tragedy?
All we are doing now is "Running out the Clock"....and losing good men and women in the process.