Noteboom The Law Firm

4 New Suicides at Ft. Hood Demonstrate Need for More Prevention Efforts

October 13, 2010 - Four soldiers took their own lives over a single weekend in Fort Hood, the nation's largest Army base, two weeks ago. All 4 were Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Although veteran suicides have topped headlines over the last year or so, this group of suicides raised red flags as far as the danger level facing active-duty and reservist soldiers specifically in today's military among Texan soldiers. 

Between 2006 and 2009, the rate in which Texan soldiers and/or veterans under 35 years-of-age taking their own lives jumped 40%, according to the Houston Chronicle. Of all Texan veterans under 35, suicides accounted for almost 25% of total deaths. Compared to civilians, this number is more than double. In 2009, 163 Army soldiers took their own lives. Reporting the level of suicides in Reserve and Guard units, however, has just started so there are no official numbers on veteran suicides from these groups. 

The Chronicle's study focused solely on suicides among military personnel in Texas. Multiple deployments and almost 10 years of constant war, however, are taking their toll. Almost 1.7 million veterans live in Texas, and the military must take action sooner rather than later. That amount of veterans lends itself to a lot of potential tragedy.

Soldiers assigned to Fort Hood undergo mandated suicide prevention training. Despite that, this year has brought 11 confirmed suicides to Fort Hood. There are another 5 deaths still under investigation that may unfortunately be declared as suicides as well. It is very apparent there is no single answer to this problem.

Despite the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act mandating personal meetings between returning soldiers and mental health professionals, the military has not implemented the law. Maybe implementing these screenings will help reduce the stigma associated with receiving counseling and make more soldiers open to receiving crucial help.