Suicide is reported to be one of the main reasons for soldier deaths, right alongside hostile fire in combat, accidents, and illness. A 2009 report stated that 297 soldiers were killed in Afghanistan and 114 soldiers were killed in Iraq in combat as of November. The number of suicides for armed service men and women stands at 334, startlingly higher then combat deaths in either engagement. With 211 of the 334 deaths, the Army has been the branch of the army hardest hit. Combat, extended periods of separation from friends and family, living conditions, financial and marital problems, and the constant threat of dangers are all contributing factors to the high suicide rate. The intense level of stress, too, is a cause for depression, and untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide. In the case of Spc. Keesling, his family reported that he was going through marital difficulties and serious depression.
Lawmakers have been greatly concerned with the increasing rate of suicide in the military. Congress has held hearings, passed bills, and approved billions of extra dollars to improve the overall mental health of armed forces. Additional psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals have been hired. New screening measures have also been instituted to address and gauge the mental health of troops. Training and education programs are held to teach all troops how to recognize mental health problems in themselves and others. It is largely agreed that mental problems should be treated just as seriously as physical problems, and soldiers are encouraged to use all resources available to them.
But even though these training programs exist, it does not mean people will take advantage of them. A stigma exists that prevents many soldiers from seeking help. Often, members of the military do not wish to appear weak and will not talk about their problems with others. Keesling’s family reported that their son struggled with members of his unit who joked about troops who committed suicide. Such a mindset amongst armed service personnel is a huge detriment. Suicide prevention programs encourage all soldiers to get to know those serving with them. It is extremely important for people to develop and maintain personal relationships to help fight stress and depression and, subsequently, prevent suicide. During his second deployment, Keesling was separated from his original comrades and stationed with a group he only had two months of training with. Without camaraderie, morale suffers, creating an unhealthy environment. The best way to recognize suicidal tendencies in someone is to know that person personally. When soldiers are trained to be more aware of the indicators of depression and suicidal tendencies, and then proceed to report it, there will be a significant drop in the rate of suicide in the military.
With two ongoing wars, our soldiers need as much support as possible. The Army is taking an aggressive approach to suicide prevention, through increased periodic screening, education, and aid to troops. But only time will tell how much success these actions will have in preventing anymore needless deaths.
Suicide Prevention in the Military
- an article discussing the dangers of depression and stress in the military, along with ways to combat it; the site itself also has detailed resources regarding suicide prevention, awareness, and support
White House policy: No letter to families of military suicides
- CNN’s report on Spc. Chancellor Keesling’s death and the action his family has taken
Families of Military Suicides Seek White House Condolences
- a New York Times article on the White House’s policy against sending condolence letters to families of suicide victims in the military
Rising military suicides: The pace is faster than combat deaths in Iraq or Afghanistan
- a report on the rate of suicide in the military in 2009 and the action being taken to help stop the increase
Military suicide rate: Army suicide rate highest in two decades
- a 2008 report on the rate of suicide in the military
Alexander Booth is a 24-year-old graduate of St. John’s University, currently living in Long Island, and a frequent VM contributor. His educational background is in legal studies and creative writing. He can be contacted at Zanderbooth@gmail.com.