Putting U.S. air controllers with Iraqi forces closer to combat areas so they can identify and direct bombing would improve airstrikes on Islamic State rebel targets and should be "seriously considered," a top U.S. general told lawmakers on Tuesday.
Gen. Mark Milley, nominee for the next Army chief of staff, also told his Senate confirmation hearing he favored providing lethal defensive equipment to help Ukrainian troops counter the artillery of Russian-backed rebels.
Milley, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, was named to replace outgoing Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno, whose four-year term ends in several weeks.