ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br /> <br />The United States is not preparing to unleash a "shock and awe" campaign of overwhelming airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State fighters, the top U.S. military officer said on Tuesday (September 16).<br /> <br />"But it will be a persistent and sustainable campaign," General Martin Dempsey added while testifying before a Senate panel on Capitol Hill.<br /> <br />He also defended President Barack Obama's plan to destroy Islamic State, but said he may suggest boots on the ground at a later date if necessary.<br /> <br />"My view at this point is that this coalition is the appropriate way forward -- I believe that will prove true. But if it fails to be true, and if there are threats to the United States, then of course, I would go back to the president and make a recommendation that may include the use of U.S. military ground forces," he said.<br /> <br />When asked about funding, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the current budget was not enough, but added that "the
