If you are going to put your troops in harms way, then its encumbent on the govt to provide the resources for protection. That may also mean that on ground tactics need to change as well. eg setting clean areas, active patrolling, self protection systems on aicraft etc... i think some of these have been RPG's as well, which means that someone has to get relatively close - that tends to make perimeter control one of the issues.

There are plenty of IR missiles on the market, including relatively cheap weapons from Pakistan, China and South Korea. The Stinger is still reckoned to be the 'Gold' standard in IR man-pack SAMS. The latest versions have improved lock on and better resistance to IRCM. Next is probably the Mistral, although it can only be launched from a pedestal, not shoulder. The SA-18 Igla is an improved version of the SA-7 & SA-14. The Igla has all aspect capabilities, but also a much smaller warhead than the Stinger and Mistral. Compared to the Stinger's estimated 60% or more probability of hitting an aircraft, the Igla has a 50% probability, at best. Igla is, however, far more affordable than either the Stinger or the Mistral. Other small SAMS that are not IR guided are either command guided, such as the Blowpipe and Starstreak, or laser beam riders, like the RBS-70.

Don't forget the new SKor missile. Cheaper than the Mistral for about $150T (maybe 20% less than ?Mistral) and 95% as effective. That makes it about 80-90% as effective as the Stinger for about 60% the price. That should be more efficient than the SA16/18s out there, with the added head ache that the US will probably have some say in who can buy it. Should go into production next year.