War on terror

Fighting ISIS: Is Pentagon Using Air Power's Full Potential?

It’s been one year since the United States and partner nations began airstrikes to degrade and destroy the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and the fight is far from over.

Now as Russia ramps up its own offensive, the Pentagon faces accusations that commanders do not have a clear strategy or goal for the campaign.

Some blame the perceived lack of progress on President Obama’s reluctance to use airpower to its full potential. Critics compare Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) to previous air offensives, pointing out that coalition aircraft flew significantly more strike missions each day during Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

But the Air Force is pushing back, arguing that the nature of warfare has shifted drastically over the past few decades. The Pentagon can’t fight this war the same way it fought the last few, top officials say.