The Army's newest antisuicide strategy focuses less on high-risk soldiers
and instead combines teaching and awareness on the part of all service
members, said Col. Elspeth Ritchie, MC, psychiatry consultant to the Army
surgeon general.
Mandatory training about suicide throughout the service is coupled with
getting platoon mates, sergeants, and officers to recognize the signs that
fellow soldiers are in psychological distress (see Dramatic Increase Found in
Soldier Suicides).
"Suicide can be a preventable tragedy for soldiers, families,
civilians, and communities," said an all-Army message from the deputy
chief of staff's office in August. "Every effort must be made to
understand and inform our Army personnel of the risk factors involved, and to
provide training, education, and awareness of professional help at every
level."
Among other materials, a series of pocket cards warns soldiers and officers
about signs of suicidal behavior and offers tips on what to say and how to act
if they appear.
One card reads in part: "Be a good friend. Listen. Don't leave your
buddy alone! Secure any weapons. Take your buddy immediately to the chain of
command or to medical care!"