Abandoning Bagram AFB in the dark of night, with no notice to the ANA, so that we now have no way to stage and fly tactical missions into and out of A-stan, other than from Kabul Int'l Airport (now jammed full of evacuees and civilian refugees.)
If we still had Bagram, we could use it to handle tactical fighters and troop transports, enough to keep the Taliban at bay until we evacuated Kabul. Taking off, reloading and landing at Bagram, instead of hours and hours away.
Without Bagram AFB, we are reduced to flying tactical missions from very long range. This gives the Taliban an immense OODA loop advantage. The Taliban now has local air assets (ex Russian Hips, ex U.S. Blackhawks), artillery up to 155mm howitzers, etc. This means they can move troops and artillery around much faster than we can respond with air missions from approx. 1,000 miles away.
Now, the Taliban can shut down Kabul Intl' anytime they choose, using local forces under their control. We are 100% at their mercy. A total debacle. Every general involved should be busted to private and then fired without a pension.
Or shot.
