(VOVworld) - America's top military officer raised the possibility Tuesday that US troops could become involved in ground attacks against the Islamic State, despite repeated pledges to contrary from President Barack Obama.

US General Martin Dempsey

General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that it is possible that US troops advising and assisting Iraq's military could be deployed to fight. General Dempsey said if air strikes, weapons supply, and military training fail, he will recommend that President Obama send military advisers to work with Iraqi soldiers. US ground troops could also get involved if a US airplane is shot down and the pilot needs to be rescued.