I know the Marines weren't getting
Crusader. I just mentioned it because these are tough times for artillerymen. The Air Force wants to take over the fire support business altogether, the Army wants to convert them to MP's, and now the Marines want to replace howitzers with mortars. Cannoneers are going to be gettin' mighty scarce.
I think the Marines are at least making sure they retain organic all-weather fire support capability. They have always been real big on close air support, but they seem to be resisting the push to make the ETAC the king of the battlefield.
Do not forget that they have organtic fixed and rotary air support at the MEU level. They just want flexibility.