Guess my point is from news reports, even this informed civilian who has never been to Afghanistan, knew back when this happened that if the vehicles were coming out of Daikundi province (4th paragraph from end of article), they were probably Hazaras.
Oruzgan/Urozgan troops on the ground like the Dutch previously, and Marines now would know that as well. Shorter term SOF and those not semi- permanently occupying that ground would be less likely to know that. A Predator pilot separated from ground tactical MI and stateside DCGS would be less likely to know that, as well, particularly if he is National Guard. The assumption that a stateside NG officer Predator pilot is superior to an Army enlisted Gray Eagle operator who is actually in theater next to local tactical MI and operations staff/leaders, is possibly flawed.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/0...ystal_030910w/
With an Army ground control station in theater near the SOF command post, the unit would not have needed to rely exclusively on the absent or short-numbered ROVER system and missing JTAC.
In that context, the ideas behind the Biden Plan and Secretary Gates recent West Point speech that downplays the need for future ground troops in theater, does not look overly valid. In addition as I was pointing out, SOF forces as tough as their mission is and as good as they are...appear to have high incidences of collateral damage on their resumes. Just my opinion, humbled by those like you actually on the ground repeatedly in dangerous places.
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