Laser and microwave weapons are considered critical elements of layered defense, or having different countermeasures ready to thwart different threats.
Under the latest congressional budget plan, troops E-6 and below could start getting monthly bonuses from the Defense Department to offset low base pay.
The Army will come together with joint partners this summer to tackle how to sustain forces during the first few months of large-scale combat operations.
Just 77 military families have qualified for the Basic Needs Allowance, a stipend that can amount to more than $1,000 a month, under the current rules.