Air Force no wanto. Must have F-16, preferably F-22, or maybe OKayee, but just, an F35 drop bombs on four guys with AK’s next to a rock.
Another alternative is to start the Joint Light Attack Aircraft Program. Hundreds of slots for Air Force captains,
Colonels, Generals. Ten years of design studies at the cost of billions, then competition, and then they grunts in the hills can get their support.
Agreed, this is typical USAF brass. Never buy a cheaper plane when a more expensive one will do the job.