REPORT: Shocking New Data From the Pentagon Reveals that U.S. Service Members are 9X More Likely to Die by Suicide Than in Combat
SUMMARY
In a groundbreaking new study, the Pentagon has published new data showing that suicide is now the leading cause of death among active-duty U.S. soldiers, with service members being nearly nine times more likely to die by suicide than by enemy fire.
STORY
Pentagon Study
This finding comes from a Pentagon study conducted by the Defense Health Agency, which examined the period from 2014 to 2019.
The study, published in May of this year, found that 883 active-duty soldiers died by suicide during the five-year period. In comparison, 814 soldiers died in accidents, making it the second leading cause of death, while only 96 died in combat.
These suicide figures predate several Army and Pentagon initiatives aimed at combating suicide, including programs that address issues such as alcohol abuse and mental health, which can directly contribute to suicide.
The study's author noted;
"Evaluation of various public health suicide prevention programs and services, and a greater emphasis on firearm storage and safety, may be needed to reduce suicide,"
Leading Causes of Death Among Active-Duty Soldiers
- Suicide: 883 deaths
- Accidents: 814 deaths
- Combat: 96 deaths
Trends in Suicide Rates Among U.S. Soldiers
- 2019: 28.8 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2020: 36.2 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2021: 36.1 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2022: 28.9 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2023: 36.6 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2024: 31.8 suicides per 100,000 soldiers
- 2024 YTD: 55 soldiers have died by suicide
Comparison to General U.S. Population
- Suicide rate has climbed 37% since 2000.
- 2021: General U.S. population suicide rate was 14.1 per 100,000 people.
