U.S. Army Releases 2008 Suicide Data, Highlights Efforts to Prevent Suicide

Jan 29

By Media Relations Division, OCPA

WASHINGTON - The Army released its 2008 data on suicides today and highlighted its efforts to reduce suicides in the force.

"We want the families who have lost loved ones to suicide to understand how deeply we feel their loss and that we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent this tragedy in our Army," said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. "Progress depends on coordinated efforts across our entire Army - across all components, jurisdictions and commands, and on effective work with our government partners - the VA and the National Institute of Mental Health. To ensure the level of leadership and coordination we need, Gen. [George W.] Casey, [chief of staff of the Army], and I have asked Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, to lead our efforts and ensure that we are working together effectively and that we do everything we can as rapidly as possible."

To identify soldiers at risk for suicide and to intervene appropriately, the Army will conduct a stand-down within a 30-day window running February 15 to March 15, 2009. The stand-down will include training for peer-level recognition of behaviors that may lead to suicidal behavior, and intervention at the buddy level. The stand-down will be followed by a chain-teaching program focused on suicide prevention, from March 15 to June 15, 2009.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Army has seen an increase in suicide rates. There were 128 suicides last year in the active Army, with another 15 cases still pending a determination, according to data compiled by Army human resources officials. This was up from 115 suicides in 2007.

Over the past two years, the Army has increased its efforts, and has enhanced resources and initiatives aimed at identifying and mitigating the causes of suicidal behavior. Key to these efforts is eliminating the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. "We need to help our Soldiers and their Families understand that it's OK to ask for help," said Chiarelli.

Additionally, the Army is in the process of implementing a Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program which will enhance resiliency and develop a total fitness program for Soldiers, Families, and civilians to help them thrive in an era of high operational tempo and persistent conflict. Programs are also being offered to help Soldiers deal with difficult situations and circumstances.

The Army's BATTLEMIND training helps prepare Soldiers and their Families for the stressors of war, and also assists with the detection of possible mental health issues before and after deployment. It informs them about the common signs and symptoms they may experience when readjusting after a combat deployment. "Strong Bonds" is a specialized training program for single Soldiers, couples, and Families to assist them with communication tactics to improve relationships and build skills that enhance relationships and strengthen resiliency.

Leveraging the expertise of the NIMH, the Army and NIMH signed an agreement in October 2008 to conduct long-term research to identify factors impacting the mental and behavioral health of Soldiers and to share intervention and mitigation strategies that will help decrease suicides. During the study, which is expected to last five years, the NIMH may interview Soldiers, their Families, and their parents. The study will include Soldiers from each component of the force - Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.