U.S. Army Suicide Report
August 20, 2007
The U.S. Army released its 2006 Suicide Event Report (ASER) on August 16.
The Wall Street Journal (opens in a new window, free one time registration may be required) notes that the 2006 figures represent the highest suicide rate in 26 years for the Army.
The article suggests that strains on personal relationships, finances, length of deployment and stresses of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan may be factors in the increase.
Some surveys of American troops have shown that 20% of American soldiers exhibit signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Officials also report that 35% of soldiers are seeking some form of mental health treatment after their return home.
