Army suicides for 2012 surpass last year's numbers

WASHINGTON Ten months into 2012, the number of suspected suicides by active-duty soldiers has surpassed last year's total, even as the Pentagon struggles to stem the persistent problem.

According to the Army, there were 20 possible suicides in October, bringing the total for the year to 166 — one more than the total for 2011. The 20 suspected soldier suicides in October is also a spike, compared to 15 in September.

U.S. Army officials have been worried about the pace of suicides this year and were concerned the numbers would surge higher than last year despite efforts to increase programs and outreach. In late September, the Army ordered a service-wide "stand down" requiring soldiers to put aside their usual duties and spend time discussing suicide prevention, including how to identify signs of trouble with their comrades.

Military leaders have wrestled with ways to identify factors that trigger suicides. While it has been linked to combat stress, many of the suicide victims are soldiers who have never deployed. Other pressures, including marital, financial or health problems, are also known causes of suicides.

Officials have also been puzzled by the rise in suicides after years of working to blunt the problem with new programs such as a regime of resilience training starting at boot camp and the hiring of more psychiatrists and other mental health workers. The questions are compounded by the fact that the pace of combat deployments — often thought to be a trigger — has begun to slow and suicide rates were leveling off for two previous years. Suicides also are rising in the civilian population, officials said.

Suicides among National Guard and Reserve soldiers who are not on active duty are also on pace to surpass last year's numbers. According to the Army, there were 13 potential suicides — nine Army Guard and four Army Reserve — in October, bringing the year's total to 114. The total for 2011 was 118.

"Suicide is preventable, and its prevention is a shared responsibility among all members of the Army family," said Gen. David Rodriguez, head of U.S. Army Forces Command. "We all must take the time to do a self-inventory to assess the presence and impact of stressors in our lives. Of equal importance is the awareness of the needs of others around us. There are no bystanders in our Army family."

The Army is the only military service that issues monthly statistics on suicides.

[cptdeuce]

Such hatred in this Divided Nation. Sad and Pathtic.

[taxchurches]

It's bad when anyone reaches that point of utter despair, it's a tragedy of humanity. Don't give the enemy---whoever he is---the satisfaction.

[joesapper]

This is an EVENT that needs reporting on Sunday !

Crushing facts that must not be allowed to continue .

[nohater]

amazed that individuals still volunteer for military service. there is no reason to volunteer since there is no draft. wonder why individuals can't see that volunteering risks their life and limbs or mental state for life. wars are no longer fought with total victory as the objective like ww2 so volunteers are walking into meat grinders for limited or no victory. life is about choices so individuals should make good choices.

[jSc4r]

I volunteered for this nation's great military and I think it was a very good choice. I knew going into it that I had a very real possibility of losing my life, any number of limbs, or my physical and mental health. It's a selfless decision. Often times young men and women are left without choices and have no options but to join the military. The cost of school is too high and there are limited career opportunities for young adults who do not go to college. The military is a great resource for those looking for stability, education benefits, and resources to live a fulfilling life. The military offers chances for individuals to see parts of the world he/she would never get to see otherwise. It gives soldiers a chance to make a difference in their own lives and in the world. So yes life is about choices and why are you able to make those choices? Because of the sacrifices and dedication of soldiers throughout history and those who choose to fight in the future.

[Americhy]

You will love this song "I Love You, America"
http://americhy.com/i-love-you-america/

USA ALWAYS WINS!

[nohater]

don't ever follow links posted by anyone. but as far as your last line, the USA has not won a war since ww2.

[olddog47]

We need to bring them home, end combat deployments and recover the force! This madness has gone one far to long!