Suicide remains a significant challenge for our Army. The Department of Defense’s Annual Suicide Report for the calendar year 2020 shows the Army has experienced an upward trend in the number of suicides annually over the last five years.
We have a special obligation to make sure we are taking care of our people. Leaders at every level of the Army are committed to identifying approaches that support suicide prevention. While there is no clear understanding of what is causing the increase in suicides, we realize we have to do better in preventing suicide and ensure resources are available and readily accessible. We want our Soldiers to know that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Army’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for Soldiers to get the help they need.
One suicide is too many. Our priority is to do all that we can to build and maintain strong, resilient, and cohesive teams. We need and expect our leaders, who are dedicated to the force and health of our Soldiers, to create an environment where Soldiers are provided the time and space to take advantage of the resources and programs available.
Christine E. Wormuth
Secretary of the Army
James C. McConville
General, Chief of Staff of the Army
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