Military suicides increased once again in 2023, continuing a troubling trend that has persisted for over a decade. The Defense Department reported 523 suicides, marking the highest total since 2020, with 363 of those cases occurring among active-duty personnel. While the Pentagon downplayed the 6% rise in suicides from the previous year, they acknowledged an ongoing, long-term increase in suicide rates despite numerous prevention efforts. Dr. Timothy Hoyt, deputy director of the Office of Force Resiliency, emphasized the department’s commitment to refining its approach and investing in effective programs to combat this issue.
The suicide rates varied among the military branches, with the Marine Corps experiencing the highest rate at around 35 per 100,000 people, followed closely by the Army at nearly 33 per 100,000. The Air Force and Navy reported lower rates, but all services have shown an upward trend since 2011. Officials pointed out that while military trends generally align with civilian suicide patterns, demographic differences—such as a younger, more male population—need to be considered. Despite the rise in suicide numbers, there has been little evidence to suggest that past prevention programs have significantly improved the situation. The Pentagon has since launched new initiatives, including a suicide prevention campaign, and plans to hire more mental health professionals to address the crisis. However, the impact of these efforts may not be seen in the data for several years.
Peoplesmind
