SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide corrodes unit readiness, devastates troop morale, and causes profound and often lifelong suffering and guilt for the families, friends, and leaders of the suicide victim.
Leaders can help decrease the number of suicides by stressing suicide prevention.
The Army Chief of Staff has said:
“It is our responsibility as leaders to help our soldiers and civilians understand how to identify at–risk individuals, recognize warning signs and know how to take direct action”.
With the appropriate action, the majority of suicides can be prevented.
In the past, suicide prevention training has been targeted at junior enlisted soldiers. While 85% of Army suicides are committed by younger soldiers who tend to be white, male, E-4, and single, some alarming statistics highlight the need to train ALL soldiers in suicide prevention.
The average age of soldiers committing suicide has risen. Senior NCOs in crisis have become proportionally one of the Army’s high at–risk groups.
Senior leaders need to recognize the need to attend suicide awareness training. In addition to the information presented here, it is very important that you read the information on the Suicide Prevention Information page.
RESOURCES
Official Army Suicide Prevention Program
ASPP Checklist (Leaders)
Suicide Prevention Information Page
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