MISSION: Improve readiness by minimizing suicidal behavior on Soldiers, their families, and Department of the Army civilians

ARMY SUICIDE RATES:
2003 (12.4 per 100K Soldiers)
2004 (10.8 per 100K Soldiers)
2005 (12.8 per 100K Soldiers)
2006 (17.3 per 100K Soldiers) - 2006 rate includes two cases pending final determination by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

ARMY SUICIDE NUMBERS:
Total number of suicides:
2006 (99)
2005 (87)
2004 (67)
2003 (79)

Total number of deployed suicides*:
2006 (30)
2005 (25)
2004 (13)
2003 (26)
* Figures include both OIF and OEF

MAIN INDICATORS LEADING TO SUICIDE FOR CY06:
Failed relationships, legal/financial issues, and occupational/operational issues.

ONGOING INITIATIVES:
o Continuation of multidisciplinary task force to integrate and synchronize efforts at HQDA level.
o Increase the number of BH caregivers in those units deployed for more than six months.
o Provide training materials to installation commanders in Suicide Intervention Training. o Continue to emphasize leadership involvement to create healthy environments where Soldiers are encouraged to seek help, use the battle buddy system and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care.
o Development of tactical Suicide Prevention Training.
o Continue to enrich and develop lasting relationships for both married and single personnel through the use of relationship building seminars and workshops. o Development of tailored Suicide Awareness briefings for leaders and Soldiers emphasizing training to be conducted at lowest level possible.
o Provide lessons learned to leaders through the Composite Risk Management module of the Combat Readiness Center website
o Emphasize use of Community Health Promotion Council, Installation Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Suicide Prevention Coordinators to identify trends, actively coordinate with efforts of major subordinate units and adopt Army key strategies for suicide prevention.

2005 TYPICAL SOLDIER SUICIDE PROFILE:
o Component: Regular Army
o ACOM: FORSCOM
o Rank: PVT - SPC
o Age: 21 - 30 years old
o Race: White
o Gender: Male
o Method: Firearms
o MOS: 11 Series