Accession Number:

ADA589734

Title:

Increased Suicides in the United States Army: Improving the Effectiveness of the US Army's Suicide Prevention Program

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Coker, Sheila L.

Report Date:

2013-06-14

Pagination or Media Count:

99.0

Abstract:

The purpose of the US Army Suicide Prevention Program is to improve readiness and minimize suicidal behavior. Despite their best efforts, the US Armys leadership has not identified a means to reduce suicide throughout its ranks. The objective of this study was to explore the program in order to determine whether or not it is effectively preventing suicide, or if the program needs to be revised or replaced by another program that is more effective at achieving its goals. This thesis is solely based on gathered data and personal analysis of research that has already been completed and cited. Through collection and analysis of data, the intent is to provide information to assist in determining an understanding of where the disconnect lies if there is one between the Armys Suicide Prevention Program and the rising rate of Soldier suicide. There is no absolute way to determine if the suicide rates would have been as high or even higher had the Army not implemented the Suicide Prevention Program. The rates have, however, continued to increase and have not decreased therefore, one cannot declare the program as successful.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY PERSONNEL
• *SUICIDE
• ARMY
• CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
• DEMOGRAPHY
• DRUG ABUSE
• GENETICS
• MENTAL DISORDERS
• MILITARY RESERVES
• NATIONAL GUARD
• POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
• STATISTICS
• TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
• VETERANS(MILITARY PERSONNEL)

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE