The Increase Of Service Member Suicides - 954 Words

In discussion of suicide, one controversial issue has been the increase of service member suicides. The Department of Defense: Suicide Event Report, states that 269 active and reserved military personnel have committed suicide in 2014. Majority of these incidents found that most victims were Caucasian male, under the age of 30, with a High School diploma and a rank between E1-E9. The most common methods used were by firearm (68.3%) and by asphyxiation/hanging (24.9%). The Department of Defense states that majority of the firearms used were not military-issued. In addition, 1,126 service members attempted suicide. Unlike others, the majority of these members attempted suicide by alcohol and drug overdose. Furthermore, the suicide rate of active service members in 2014 were 19.9 per 100,000 and 21.9 per 100,000 with reserved service members. In comparison with 2012, the year 2014 saw a 3% decrease for active service members. However, in 2014 reserve service members had a rate 21.9, whe reas in 2012 reserve service members had a rate 19.3, a 2.6% increase. 252 of these members were male and only 17 were female. 93 of these suicides were between the ages of 20 and 24 and steadily decreased with age. 174 only attained a high school diploma. 141 of these service members were married and 104 were never married. Out of 269 suicides, 116 were done in their own residence. The Department of Defense reports that only 74 service members spoke to someone regarding their suicidal thoughtsShow MoreRelatedThe Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention For American Veterans Act Essay1523 Words   |  7 PagesOn February 12, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (Clay Hunt Act) that will work towards expanding and allowing for greater efficiency and coherence within The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services and suicide prevention programs. 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