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MORE U.S. SOLDIERS COMMIT SUICIDE THAN DIE IN ACTION - PENTAGON
PanARMENIAN.Net
June 8, 2012 - 17:59 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Suicide is on the rise in the U.S. military,
averaging almost one every day, according to statistics, AP said.
In the first 155 days of 2012 there was 154 suicides among
active troops, around 50% more than the number killed in action in
Afghanistan, according to Pentagon statistics obtained by Associated
Press. This is the highest number in 10 years.
The numbers reflect the burden of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan,
according to experts. The military is also struggling with increased
sexual assaults, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and other problems.
Suicides had levelled off in 2010 and 2011, but this year's surge
has caught officials by surprise.
Studies have pointed to combat exposure, post-traumatic stress,
misuse of prescription drugs and personal financial problems as
possible reasons for the increase.
Army data suggest soldiers with multiple combat tours are at greater
risk of killing themselves, although a substantial proportion of the
deaths are among soldiers who have never been deployed.
The unpopular war in Afghanistan is winding down with the last combat
troops scheduled to leave at the end of 2014. But this year has seen
record numbers of soldiers killed, and there also have been several
scandals involving military misconduct.
The total of 154 suicides so far this year compares to 130 in the
same period last year, an 18% increase. This year's January-May total
is up 25% from two years ago, and it is 16% greater than in 2009,
which ended with the highest yearly total so far.
Suicide totals have exceeded U.S. combat deaths in Afghanistan in
other years, including 2008 and 2009.
The numbers are rising despite years of effort to encourage troops to
seek help with mental health problems. Many in the military believe
that seeking help is a sign of weakness and a potential threat to
promotion.
PanARMENIAN.Net
June 8, 2012 - 17:59 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Suicide is on the rise in the U.S. military,
averaging almost one every day, according to statistics, AP said.
In the first 155 days of 2012 there was 154 suicides among
active troops, around 50% more than the number killed in action in
Afghanistan, according to Pentagon statistics obtained by Associated
Press. This is the highest number in 10 years.
The numbers reflect the burden of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan,
according to experts. The military is also struggling with increased
sexual assaults, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and other problems.
Suicides had levelled off in 2010 and 2011, but this year's surge
has caught officials by surprise.
Studies have pointed to combat exposure, post-traumatic stress,
misuse of prescription drugs and personal financial problems as
possible reasons for the increase.
Army data suggest soldiers with multiple combat tours are at greater
risk of killing themselves, although a substantial proportion of the
deaths are among soldiers who have never been deployed.
The unpopular war in Afghanistan is winding down with the last combat
troops scheduled to leave at the end of 2014. But this year has seen
record numbers of soldiers killed, and there also have been several
scandals involving military misconduct.
The total of 154 suicides so far this year compares to 130 in the
same period last year, an 18% increase. This year's January-May total
is up 25% from two years ago, and it is 16% greater than in 2009,
which ended with the highest yearly total so far.
Suicide totals have exceeded U.S. combat deaths in Afghanistan in
other years, including 2008 and 2009.
The numbers are rising despite years of effort to encourage troops to
seek help with mental health problems. Many in the military believe
that seeking help is a sign of weakness and a potential threat to
promotion.