The decision to embed advisors should be made by the commanders on the ground, Odierno said, noting Pentagon officials have not had that discussion yet.

“You have to weigh the risk versus the outcome,” he said.

Odierno warned that a large combat presence is not the solution. “I absolutely do not agree with — right now — us putting U.S.[combat] forces on the ground,” he said. “I am adamant about that. It would not be helpful at all.”

Odierno’s comments follow Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s sobering assessment that the Iraqi military “showed no will to fight” when ISIS forces took Ramadi.