is a decision to change that, then obviously that would require additional conversations with the taliban as well. but i don't believe that those conversations have happened at this point. >> as a follow up on the flights by the f-18s, do they have authorization to fire if they come under attack? >> these are not low pass flights. they are overwatch at high altitude. the f-18 flights but other aircraft that general mckenzie and the admiral have at their disposal to provide this kind of overratch. they are not low passes. to your second question i would say as always we have the right to defend ourselves, people and operations. >> how many f-18s are there? was there a specific reason or did you see something that led you to move them or we just