WASHINGTON - The Pentagon announced Wednesday it was investigating how a claim that the United States was at war with Islam had been used in training course materials for mid-ranking army officers.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, ordered an inquiry "to determine how this material got into the course and what we need to do to move forward," said Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby.

The course, "Perspectives on Islam and Islamic Radicalism" taught at Joint Forces Staff College to lieutenant colonels, has been suspended, he told reporters.

"In some of the course material that was presented to the students in the form of powerpoint slides, there were some inflammatory ideas. One idea, it was presented as an assertion, was that the United States is at war with Islam."

Kirby said the material did not reflect the view of the US military.

"We're at war with terrorism, specifically Al-Qaeda, who have a warped view of the Islamic faith," he said.

"Our concern is that there are some unprofessional things being taught to students in a professional military education curriculum."