Commander [Layne] McDowell banked and aligned his jet\u2019s nose with the canyon\u2019s northeastern end. Then he followed his wingmen\u2019s lead. He dived, pulled level at 5,000 feet and accelerated down the canyon\u2019s axis at 620 miles per hour, broadcasting his proximity with an extended engine roar.<\/p>\n
In the lexicon of close air support, his maneuver was a \u201cshow of presence\u201d\u009d \u201d\u201d a mid-altitude, nonlethal display intended to reassure ground troops and signal to the Taliban that the soldiers were not alone. It reflected a sharp shift in the application of American air power, de-emphasizing overpowering violence in favor of sorties that often end without munitions being dropped.<\/p>\n
The use of air power has changed markedly during the long Afghan conflict, reflecting the political costs and sensitivities of civilian casualties caused by errant or indiscriminate strikes and the increasing use of aerial drones, which can watch over potential targets for extended periods with no risk to pilots or more expensive aircraft.<\/p>\n