Military suicides rose in 2023, continuing a disturbing trend

Military suicides has increased again in 2023, continuing the steady and concerning increase in self-inflicted deaths among military personnel in recent years. more than a decadeThis is evident from statistics released by the Ministry of Defense on Thursday.

Pentagon officials downplayed the significance of the 6% increase in suicides from 2022 to 2023 (the most recent data available), calling the increase not statistically significant. But they acknowledged “an increasing long-term trend in suicide rates” for active-duty troops, despite years of focus on combat prevention efforts.

“Going forward, our commitment is to really invest in following these efforts and finding those things that are most effective,” says Dr. Timothy Hoyt, deputy director of the Office of Force Resiliency.

“We are making an unprecedented investment in things that work, and our intention is to ensure that we can demonstrate that these programs have received sufficient support to truly be implemented at scale.”

Military researchers recorded 523 suicides in 2023, the highest number since 2020. The number of troops on active duty stood at 363, up from 331 a year earlier.

The Marine Corps had the highest suicide rate, with about 35 cases per 100,000 people in 2023. The Army had just under 33 cases per 100,000.

The Air Force (about 21 per 100,000) and the Navy (about 19 per 100,000) had lower rates. But all four services have seen a steady increase since 2011, when the ministry began formally monitoring the issue.

The Space Force reported two suicide deaths in 2023, a figure too small for statistical analysis of force trends.

Officials said the numbers generally align with similar civilian trends, taking into account how the military is younger and more male than the general population.

And while Hoyt said the latest increase does not indicate the problem of suicide in the ranks is worsening any time soon, officials also could not point to evidence that previous suicide prevention efforts have helped improve the situation.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin two years ago created a new Independent Review Commission on Suicide Prevention and Response to generate new ideas on improvements in mental health and quality of life to address the problem of military suicide. Early last year, that group released its report, which included gun safety measures for all military personnel.

Since then, Pentagon leaders have launched a new campaign to address suicides, which includes recommendations — but not mandates — for the safe storage of firearms and gun safety. Officials also plan to hire more than 2,000 new mental health professionals focused on suicide prevention over the next four years.

The results of those programs won’t be reflected in suicide rates for several years, researchers warned.

In a statement accompanying Thursday’s report, Austin said the latest findings “demonstrate the need for the department to redouble its work in the complex areas of suicide prevention and postvention.”

“Our efforts are focused on meeting the military community where they are in their personal and professional lives – whether it is strengthening financial preparedness and support, building healthy relationships, improving mental health, or supporting them through life transitions.”

Service members, veterans or family members in need of emergency assistance can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and selecting option 1 after connecting to reach a VA representative. In addition, individuals can also text 838255 for assistance or drop by VeteranCrisisLine.net for help.