Noteboom The Law Firm

Army Suicides At An All Time High

July 27, 2010 - Despite the large amount of money, time, and research put into developing suicide prevention programs, the Army reported more soldiers committing suicide in June than any previous month. Army records reflect 32 confirmed suicides in June alone. Should this rate continue, the Army will break its own record, which it set last year, of 244 suicides.

People in the military do not talk about the fast rising rate of suicides among military personnel. This rising rate is not limited to active duty personnel, but for veterans as well. Because of this, many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers have started hosting and running suicide prevention programs. Military suicides are not a new phenomenon; prevention programs have been in place since 2005.  

One thing continually cited to as a chief factor in the increasing amounts of military personnel committing suicide are the recurring and multiple deployments soldiers are forced to undertake. Prior to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, multiple deployments with little time between them was almost unheard of. The stress this puts on young soldiers and their families is incredible.

The military culture is still very much a "drive on," "take care of yourself" mentality. Because of this, it is almost frowned upon for soldiers to seek help from outside sources when they need it. This closed-mouth mentality breeds a very dangerous situation. Not only do soldiers and veterans refuse to seek the help they need, they do not realize they are not alone in needing help.

Most research shows those veterans using VA health care are less likely than those not using VA care to commit suicide. Asking for help is truly a brave act.