Boots on the. Air?

The United States sent helicopters into combat against Islamic State targets west of Baghdad on Sunday, the first time low-flying Army aircraft have been committed to fighting in an engagement.

The helicopters carry two-man crews and, with their missiles and powerful cannons, increase the amount and accuracy of the firepower that the U.S. military can bring to bear against the Islamic State in support of Iraqi ground troops.

But because helicopters fly relatively "low and slow," the Obama administration is taking on greater risk in terms of exposing U.S. forces to casualties.

Jeffrey White, analyst who closely follows developments in Iraq, said the use of helicopter gunships means that U.S. troops effectively are now directly involved in ground battles.

"It's definitely boots in the air. This is combat, assuming U.S. Army guys were flying the helicopters".

Just a thought.