War is hell, and no one knows this better than the infantryman or Marine who are sent to kill others. This main mission undoubtedly would place stresses on anyone of us. Are the stresses high enough to expect suicides to rise?
The number of suicides in America for white males in their 20’s is approximately 24 per 100,000. Would you expect those in war to be higher?
99 soldiers committed suicide 2006. This is almost 18 suicides per 100,000 soldiers.
88 occurred the preceding year. Twenty five percent of the suicides occurred in Iraq. This is the highest rates since the Persian Gulf War in 1991 when 102 suicides occurred.
For women soldiers, almost 50% of their suicides occurred in Iraq.
Reasons for the suicides were:
• Stress of war
• Failed Relationship problems
• Financial Situation
Although the suicide rates are lower in the Army than the normal population, the concern among responsible officials is that it is rising. Something needs to be done immediately to care for those who are bearing the brunt of this battle.
"We have a serious problem with suicides," Gen. Eric K. Shinseki wrote in a message published in the latest issue of Soldiers, an Army magazine. The matter is urgent, he said, adding, "We must take better care of our people." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2000). Yes, General, you do have a serious problem, and it is now 7 years later and our suicide rate is growing worse.
There was some evidence to suggest that the increased suicides may be due to multiple deployments to Iraq. Brief notes have also reported the Marines have even a higher level of suicides per number of Marines deployed. The Army is currently strategizing on improving mental health to soldiers who have been involved in a war that has lasted longer than expected.
One of the strategies will be to reduce the stigma related to seeking mental health services. The military is a macho institution," one Army official said. "There is the perception that if I let them know I'm weak they won't want me around.”
Sources
Burns, Robert: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 13, 2000
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