Obama Okays More Troops To Iraq

President Obama is authorizing deployment of up to 15-hundred additional U.S. troops to Iraq.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called it an ongoing, non-combat role. The move effectively doubles the U.S. advisory mission to help combat ISIS.

Admiral Kirby told a briefing that the growing U.S. contingent will continue to be involved in training and assisting Iraqi security and Kurdish forces. He said Iraq's government requested the additional deployment. Kirby noted that the new deployments will occur over the coming months.

Kirby insisted that Iraqi security forces are improving and are making some gains against ISIS. He said they need additional help and guidance.  Pressed by reporters, Kirby said the U.S. is not aiming to reinsert combat troops into Iraq.

Meantime, the White House is asking Congress for an additional five-point-six billion dollars to continue the fight against ISIS. That includes ongoing funding for the U.S.-led airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.  (Metro Networks Inc)