A tragedy of military suicides

No one knows exactly why, but there has been an alarming jump in the number of suicides among members of the U.S. military. Some experts have suggested stress from multiple deployments to war zones may be a contributing factor, but the fact that not all suicides involve combat veterans makes the issue more complex. The high deployment operations tempo puts stress not only on those who deploy, but also those who are left back in the unit to continue the in-garrison mission. This, coupled with financial and family stresses, puts great pressure on our military.

Whatever the cause, the numbers have jumped to record highs despite efforts by all branches of the military to bring about a reduction. Between 2007 and 2008, suicide rates per 100,000 personnel have increased in every branch of the service: from 16.8 to an estimated 20.2 in the Army; from 11.1 to 11.6 in the Navy; from 16.5 to 19 in the Marine Corps; and from 10 to 11.5 in the Air Force.

More Than A Number

These are more than just statistics to me. Each number marks a life filled with potential but cut short by personal torment.

Each number marks a family confronted by loss and grief.

Each number marks the sad end of an American who nobly served our country to preserve the freedoms we all cherish.

Each number marks the responsibility we all have to our men and women in uniform to help those who are troubled so they don't become the tragedies of tomorrow.

As an American I am saddened by these deaths. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee I have a responsibility to try and do something about it.

Hearings to Investigate

More than a year ago, we held a Personnel Subcommittee Hearing wherein the incidence of suicide was discussed and I expressed my concern about what appeared to be a rising rate. We were told at that time that action was being taken by the military to combat suicides. Despite the services' efforts, more must be done because the numbers have continued to go up.

We do know that there is a need for more mental health providers -- and we know that there is a shortage of mental healthcare providers for the military and in the United States. We also know there is a stigma that lingers in the military, and in our culture for that matter, against seeking mental help. We must eliminate that stigma so that those needing help will not feel shame or dishonor for seeking help.

The Personnel Subcommittee is committed to serving our service members and their families. We will continue to push for action from the military, we will seek to fund more positions for healthcare providers, and we will continue to advocate for and demand action that strives for the overall wellness of our force. Wellness of our force -- including both physical and mental heath -- is of the highest priority in the military and must be reflected in the care provided for our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen.

A Personal Tragedy

Referring to military suicides, General Peter Chiarelli, Army Vice Chief of Staff, said, "Each of these losses is a personal tragedy that is felt throughout the Army family." It is my belief that all Americans feel a tragic sense of loss when a service member takes his or her own life. The escalating numbers illustrate the urgency and seriousness of the problem and has heightened our sense of tragedy for losing those who have provided our country with so much.