I think it is also a sign that our bombardment caused someone controlling the RG to say,

"Why the hell are we sitting here taking casualties and getting pounded - let's strike before we have nothing left to attack with!"

Of course that's precisely what we wanted - rash action. You are right. A few well placed MOABs or even cruise missiles would get them to bolt in disarray and then the AC130's could pick off the remaining units.

The CIA forces which were in Iraq earliest probably had one primary objective: MAP GPS coordinates for Iraqi highways and likely major combat points throughout Iraq. So when targets move into known positions - they can be pinpointed accurately from distances unheard of in previous combat.

The real question is how do fierce sandstorms effect GPS signals and receivers? How much does high winds play in degradation of accuracy? I can understand why we might be patient to wait for opportune moments such as lulls in the storm.

"Highway of death" II indeed.

SDAI-Tech1