Highest quarterly rate since quarter 2 of 2021.
The Defense Suicide Prevention Office reported that suicides among active-duty military personnel increased to 94 in the first quarter of this year compared to 75 during the same time frame in 2022. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy,” the report stated. “Data includes all known or suspected suicides (both confirmed and pending) as of March 31, 2023.”
The Army experienced the largest increase in suicidesm, with 49 service members taking their lives in the first three months of 2023 compared to 37 in the same period the previous year. The Army is still awaiting its suicide prevention regulation while working diligently to complete the process.
The Marine Corps experienced an increase from eight suicides in 2022 to 14 in 2023, while the Space Force and Navy reported no changes. The Air Force had 17 suicides in 2023 compared to 16 in 2022. This marks the highest number of suicides in a three month period since the second quarter of 2021, when 97 active-duty service members took their lives.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Army officials as they seek to complete the suicide prevention protocols.
- For the secretaries of each branch of the military to ensure access to mental health support for U.S. military personnel.
- For active-duty troops to seek assistance when grappling with suicidal ideations.
Sources: Military Times, Stars and Stripes
