“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem that doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.”
Statistically, we will see 90+ of our Brothers and Sisters in Arms make the wrong decision in the upcoming year. Take some time this UTA and be a Leader. Talk to your fellow Soldier or Airman and find out how they are doing after the Holidays. It is more important than anything you can possibly do on a computer or the paperwork on your desk.
Thirty-two National Guard members killed themselves during the third quarter of last year, according to the Pentagon’s latest report released Monday. The Quarterly Suicide Report shows five Air Guard members and 27 Army Guard troops committed suicide during the three-month period of July, August and September 2015.
During that same period in 2014, the numbers were four for the Air Guard and 24 for the Army Guard. In the second quarter of 2015, the figures were five for the Air Guard and 23 for the Army Guard.
With statistics still waiting to be compiled for the final three months of 2015, the Guard suicide figure for the year seems likely to top that of 2014, when 91 Guardsmen killed themselves. After nine months in 2015, the figure was at 89, with 18 citizen-airmen and 71 citizen-soldiers taking their own lives.
Throughout the military, the latest report shows 142 suicides in the third quarter of 2015, with 72 in the active component and 70 in the reserve component, up from 105 for the same period in 2014. The biggest increase for the years was in the Army Reserve, which endured 42 suicides in 2014, but had reported 48 after nine months in 2015.
The military reported 443 suicides in 2014. The figure was at 383 after nine months in 2015.
The Defense Department’s report includes information about the Military Crisis Line, which operates 24/7. It can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. Press 1 to speak to someone informed about the military.