It is about time that the forward observer was reassigned forward. Staring at a TV screen half a world away may be good for the budget and the wizz-bang this is new guys, but it is ultimately useless for the ground guys.
Where shall I start.... The German observers who spotted the Amiens offensive in the making in 1918, but were ignored. The fantastic FAC's of Vietnam and Korea, who flew routes with such regularity that they could spot garbage cans out of place or potential ambushes by "new growth" on trees. Or the RAF flyers in another Iraq and Afgan "trouble" in 1920-1940, who flew their birds low and slow and kept the peace.
Brave men (and now women) who fly in harms way to protect the troops. their very presance kept the enemy's heads down, for to shot at a FAC in Vietnam meant a ton of bombs on your head from a B-52 you couldn't see or a battleship you never knew existed.
Drones are good for overview, for secret stuff, but the everyday grind needs everyday guys flying milk runs for the grunts on the ground. Seeing what needs to be seen, not grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting in front of a TV.
Sorry Technology is good but the old school seems to prevalle at times like this.
Remember the ones that do the job and Support Them
The risks are many, and the chances slim... But ..Oh the songs they will sing of us in the Hall of Heros ! - Kor, Dahar Master.