The possible recommendation would need to be approved by President Obama who has said that US troops will not being sent on a combat mission. But putting advisers with front line Iraqi troops puts American troops in close range of what is likely to be an intense battle with the terror group.
General Martin Dempsey, the chairman, and General Lloyd Austin, head of CENTCOM, would make that recommendation to President Obama if they determine Iraqi’s need US help and there is no other option for providing it.
He declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation but has direct knowledge of both generals’ thinking.
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As for ISIS’s current strength, the US military assessment continues to be their momentum has been somewhat stalled in Iraq and territory gains in Syria are stagnant, the official said. The US also believes ISIS is stepping up its terror tactics in both areas, including forcing people to fight, because they are having trouble recruiting and paying new fighters, the official said.
