Why are some US Army soldiers committing suicide?

Question

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,146097,00.html

Answer 1

It's called.....

Depression.




g-day!

Answer 2

Does war lead to suicide or does suicidal behavior lead to war? The latter seems more likely to me. Put any lipstick on this pig you want, but the majority of the soldiers who joined the army in the first place already had some issues to begin with. A military career is an excellent way to mask these problems, especially in time of war. The government is only too willing to aid and abet the servicemen in this regard in order to exploit their own goals for power and profit. Maybe John Kerry was right about doing good in school. Also interesting to note that the suicide rate peaked in 1981, (26 years) the year Reagan beat Carter, Iran released the hostages and the U.S. negotiated nuclear reductions with Russia.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, this tends to happen when our country is in a conflict. Having been called to the Middle East twice in three years, I can tell you that there is tremendous pressure on US soldiers.
It is a difficult place to be- a battle zone. And a soldier's home life doesn't go on hold or get better when he leave, often it get's worse. Some soldiers come back from a conflict zone to find that loved ones have moved onto someone else.
Post traumatic stress disorder is also another factor in soldier suicide. And even soldiers who have not been in a battle zone face difficulties.
I never had to go out on patrol, but for a while after I got back, I could hear the sound of mortars and rockets going off, like they did some nights while I was in Iraq.
It's a difficult time and it doesn't end when a soldier comes home. Often, it just begins. That is when they finally have the time to process all of what has happened to them. And this can often be the hardest part.

Answer 4

Usually depression leads to suicide.

Soldiers while no more likely to take their own life than general civilian populace, still are under tremedous strain in combat zones and prone to cracking where weakest.
Money love, parental pressure, you name it just like anyone.

We expect the rate to be lower so if there is a spike people take notice. Remember we are only talking in the 10's for a year spike.

Ret. USAF SNCO

Answer 5

Statistically, you will get suicides in a military as big as the US Armed Forces. But to be more specific, I'd have to say depression is the biggest factor.

There's a lot of stress in a military lifestyle, a lot of unpleasant experiences especially if you go overseas. Compound that with certain opportunities to possess firearms and live ammunition, and people will feel more empowered to kill themselves cleanly.

Answer 6

They always have had this. My grandfather told me about it from the Korean War, My Dad said some did it in Basic Training during Vietnam. It is just now that there is a lot of publicity. It used to be covered up. Now it is just another journalism blip.

Answer 7

Good question. Let's see.

No jobs to return home to.

Repeated tour after tour after tour.

The effects of DU upon both body and mind.

A little bit of hopelessness left unaddressed can go very far under such circumstances as these soldiers' needless deaths testify.

Living under inhuman conditions taking part in completely inhumane actions. Perhaps they are part of some hideous affair, as so many are, and suddenly SEEN and felt guilt are overwhelming remorse.

How about knowing your government has been feeding you poisoned filthy water from the Euphrates, courtesy of Halliburton, as proof of how highly they value you and your services?

As to those who thumb me down for telling the truth, read these stories from American newspapers about the REAL young men and women who commit this final act of desperation in a despicable situation. I may condemn war but I do NOT condemn these poor souls!

http://majikthise.typepad.com/majikthise_/2006/11/american_soldie.html
American soldier refused to torture, committed suicide

http://storiesinamerica.blogspot.com/2007/08/another-american-soldier-commits.html
Another American soldier commits suicide

http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2440
I am Sullied-No More ~ Faced with the Iraq war's corruption, Col. Ted Westhusing chose death before dishonor

http://www.stopsuicide.org/do/Home
The Stop Suicide Org.

"Suicide is a serious public health problem in the today. On average, 85 Americans die from suicide daily. Today, it’s the eighth leading cause of death in the and is responsible for approximately 31,000 deaths annually. As of 1996, there were 3 suicides for every 2 homicides committed in the . Every year, there are approximately 500,000 suicide survivors who visit emergency hospital rooms across the country, seeking medical help for unsuccessful attempts."

http://www.stopsuicide.org/do/Home

Why? The reasons are too numerous to list. I have lost a partner to this horror and it is a pain I would wish on no one, neither the one who suffered to that point, or those left behind pondering the inevitable but soul wracking "what if's".

Answer 8

Why are people in general commiting sucide??

Obvious they cant handle the problems life throws up at them. Its not just generic to the military.

The highest suicide rate in the world is for the people who work as Air Traffic Control, just remember that the next time you fly dude!!

Answer 9

Because they are human just like anybody that commits suicide. What does the army have to do with it .

Answer 10

Because they are Americans and as a whole Americans are getting weaker, physically and mentally.

Its sucks, Im a proud American but to see some of the stupid stuff I see from my people pisses me off.