But before it works, the service must break from antiquated acquisition processes that prevent rapid purchases and slow down deliveries to soldiers. Laser and microwave weapons are considered critical elements of layered defense, or having different countermeasures ready to thwart different threats. Lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to comply with federal law so they can take action on systemic suicide risks. Rep. Don Bacon urged the Army to “give serious consideration” to basing armor units overseas after Army Times investigated suicides in tank units. The Center for Strategic and International Studies said the Army should reduce its Europe rotations in favor of permanent bases. 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. Army Times' sources explain why they chose to speak out about elevated suicide rates among tankers and other members of armor brigades. An Army Times data analysis found that armor brigades and tankers experienced higher suicide rates than the rest of the Army. Army Times built its own database of military death records to investigate suicide in armor units. The officer was serving in a support role for the U.S. security staff at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Load More