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Suicide prevention in a deployed military unit
Christopher H Warner1, George N Appenzeller, Jessica R Parker
1USA Commander and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.
Objective:
Military suicide and parasuicidal behaviors have been increasing over the last several years, with rates highest in the deployed environment. This article presents a deployment cycle-specific suicide prevention plan utilized during one U.S. Army division's 15-month deployment to Iraq.
Methods:
Education, identification, and intervention programs were implemented at each phase of the deployment cycle based on the specific unit activities and predicted stressors.
Results:
During the deployment, there was an annual suicide rate of 16/100,000 within the trial cohort, compared to a theater rate of 24/100,000. Peaks in suicidal ideation and behaviors occurred during months two, six, and twelve of deployment.
Conclusions:
A deployment cycle prevention program may decrease rates of suicide in the combat environment. This program may serve as a model for other suicide prevention programs.
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