KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - It's early morning as the sun rises over eastern Afghanistan and an American patrol heads outside the wire. Minutes later, as the platoon reaches an open field, they come under attack.

Embedded journalist Mike Jackson asked the Platoon Leader what he thought of the new rules of engagement (ROE) issued by the Department of Defense shortly after they radio "troops in contact."

As the young officer lay behind a low mud wall, flinching from the crack of incoming rounds and attempting to help treat a soldier who'd been wounded, he checks his watch and yells over the sound of the gunfire:

"I sent up the request to shoot back about 20 minutes ago," said 2nd Lieutenant Richard O'Keefe. "Hopefully the President will get back to me soon."