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Commandant Speaks On Suicide In the Corps

Features, On Target  //  September 12th, 2012  //  By Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos

As the Marine Corps continues to fight for America’s freedom for the eleventh consecutive year, suicide and suicide attempts continue to take their toll on the force. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos speaks to Marines about their responsibility to look out for one another and ensure each Marine is mission-ready. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian Lautenslager)

The key to preventing suicide among our Marines is engaged leadership, from small unit leaders all the way up through the chain of command.  Our noncommissioned officers are our first line of defense when it comes to recognizing the warning signs of personal distress. Suicide exacts a tremendous toll on our Marines, their families and our mission readiness.  Every Marine is responsible for establishing a personal and professional relationship with their Marines such that they can see warning signs and intervene before the issue escalates.

| More: How suicide shattered one Marine mom’s world |

We must make suicide awareness, prevention and intervention a priority. Marines may not want to discuss personal issues for fear of appearing to be weak. We have to make it very clear it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. I charge all leaders to pay attention to their Marines. Pay attention to every aspect of their lives so there are no ‘surprises.’  You are accountable to foster an environment in which asking for help is okay; where it’s seen as a strength and not a weakness. Learn to ask the hard questions: What’s going on?  Are you thinking about killing yourself? What can we do to help?

This is the tough part of our business of leading Marine — but it’s a necessary part.

We all have an obligation as Marines to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Marines. As Marines, we pride ourselves in taking care of our own; we never leave a Marine behind on the battlefield — ever. And we will not do it in our daily lives either.  Continue aggressively promoting suicide awareness and prevention at all levels. We absolutely need your help if we are to continue reducing the number of suicides within our Corps. A single suicide is one too many. I need every Marine in full battery, ready for the next fight!

—

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide call the DSTRESSLINE at 1-877-476-7734 or visit the Real Warriors website.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Arthur-Cuelho/100000559846616 Arthur Cuelho

    You can join if not a US citizen, call a recruiting office in the US or contact the local embassy they should be able to help.

  • Sunstar21

    Yes our Marines are not disposable, especially combat veterans not only do they know what they are doing, they need to be there to train young Marines. Every suicide is a terrorist who just took that life. Get real and help your fellow Marines.

  • http://www.thenation.com/user/183288 Huldah1776

    Why not fight in your own military?

  • Anonymous

    If you’re legit in wanting to join, try going to there is info there including how to get in contact with a recruiter.

  • Barb Christianson

    General Amos, God bless you Sir! I agree with you. I pray that the Marine leaders do follow through with learning to recognize the signs, and letting our soldiers know that asking or seeking help is ok. I am the mother who the Stress and Suicide in the Corps article is about. While losing my Son is the most painful thing in my life, you Sir have made me happy. I was hoping the article would at least save one Marine and their family from this horrible tragedy. With your help, Sir the pain of reliving the story will be worth it.

  • Echo 2/5. KD

    It breaks my heart to hear that any Marine has taken their own life. The VA has got to do a better job of protecting our Veterans from Lables being put on them when they ask for help. I would also be quiet if I knew that I could loose my Second Admendment rights for trying to just talk about any combat experience and ways someone could help. It’s not right because if anyone has earned their bill of rights it’s our proud Veterans. SIMPER FI

  • Andrew

    You must be a United States citizen and at least 17 years of age.

  • AME Gonzales
  • FuriousP

    I don’t think you can if your not American.

  • CY

    TRY THIS MY FELLOW MARINES. LONGER PERIOD OF TIME BETWEEN ROTATIONS BACK TO A COMBAT AREA. BRING BACK THE DRAFT AND GIVE THESE MEN A BREAK. SEMPER FI…………………………………………………………….

  • Kim

    I would recommend that nince you want to join the military, try signing up or getting information on joining your countries military.You will need to be an american to joing the American military.

  • cristian

    how can i join the marines…am 16 and nigerian..i really need to do this pls.

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This entry was posted on September 12th, 2012 at 2:10 pm and is filed under the Features, On Target category. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.