Washington– Fewer US service members will die by suicide in 2024, with the number of deaths falling 11% to 471 compared to the previous year, according to a new report. Pentagon report Released Tuesday.
The suicide rate per 100,000 service members also fell that year compared to 2023, the report said. The decline emerged under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the Biden administration and came on the heels of a… The number of military suicides will increase in 2023.
Despite the decline in 2024, suicide rates among active-duty forces overall still rose gradually between 2011 and 2024, while the National Guard and Reserve remained largely stable, the report said.
Military statistics generally reflect suicide rates in society as a whole, when adjusted according to age and gender, because the majority of workers in the military are young and male. The overall trend in suicide rates among active duty service members “reflects the increase in suicide rates in the U.S. population over time,” the report said.
“It remains to be seen whether the short-term declines observed in 2024 in the active ingredient will signal a change in long-term trends,” the report said.
Suicide prevention has become an increasing focus in the military in recent years, with Austin declaring it a priority during his tenure. Senior leaders at the Pentagon and across the military services have worked to develop programs to increase mental health assistance for troops and enhance education on gun safety, locks and storage.
Brandon’s LawThe law, which was passed in 2021 after the suicide of a Navy sailor, also allows service members to confidentially seek help “for any reason, at any time, in any environment,” the report noted.
Most service members who died by suicide in 2024 were enlisted men under 30, the report said. The number of active duty personnel who died by suicide that year was 302, while 64 were reservists and 105 were in the National Guard.
According to the report, nearly half of active duty service members who died by suicide in 2024 had a mental health diagnosis such as alcohol use disorder, depression or anxiety. A third had difficulties in the workplace, while 45% had problems in intimate relationships.
“Recognizing that every death by suicide is a tragedy, the Department will continue to take action to support our men and women in the military and their families, promote the well-being and resiliency of the force, and take steps to prevent suicide in our military community,” the Pentagon said in a news release after the report was released.
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The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.