According to the peshmerga soldiers in Gwer, airstrike requests typically take between five to 30 minutes to materialize after the initial call. Sometimes, the soldiers add, their request is denied—likely due to an inadequately precise description of the target or the presence of civilians.

Without laser targeting capability or precise GPS devices, peshmerga soldiers must provide a general description of a target’s location. It can be as simple as describing nearby landmarks like trees or power lines, or even using the color and shape of a structure to guide pilots’ eyes onto a potential target.

Despite the myriad difficulties and potential pitfalls of the airstrike process, coalition commanders tout Operation Inherent Resolve as the most precise air campaign in history.  The peshmerga say airstrikes have been a game-changer on the battlefield, both operationally and as a morale booster.

“Our success depends on the U.S. airstrikes,” Zrar says.

Battle Hardened:

Leaving the front lines you pass two children playing on the side of the road, a boy and a girl. They are only about 3 miles or so from the front; you can still hear the sounds of the war from here.

Yet, they seem oblivious to what the pops, booms, thuds, and jet noise mean. They keep playing as you pass by and the war goes on.

Earlier, as he peered through binoculars at Islamic State positions, Hassan says, “I’m proud of my men and my people.”

Without lifting his gaze from the binoculars, he adds, “If you had given weapons to us instead of Baghdad, we would have taken Mosul by now.”

This piece first appeared in The Daily Signal here.