Avenger was developed with Boeing funds in the mid-1980s in response to an Army request for an inexpensive, lightweight air defense system using the Stinger missile. The Avenger also is adaptable to a variety of missiles and platforms. In production in Huntsville since 1987, more than 880 fire units have been delivered to the Army and Marine Corps. The new assistance line provides counseling and information to callers on how to handle specific harassment or abuse complaints. Callers will also be able to get information on abuse policies and the different reporting channels available.
Operators are available during normal duty hours.
The old hotline received more than 8,300 calls. Some 1,350 of those reports led to criminal investigations. Soldiers and civilians in the Army have a number of ways to report abuse or seek assistance, including the chain of command, the equal opportunity offices and inspectors general. The Army previously had a hotline, operating during normal duty hours, through which soldiers and civilians could report abuse or misconduct or seek help. The new assistance line will be run by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel in the Pentagon.