Last year, 523 U.S. service members died by suicide, a nine percent increase over the previous year, according to the Annual Report on Suicide in the Military released today.
Suicide rates have gradually increased since 2011, and most suicides are among young, enlisted men.
In addition to the service members, 146 family members, including 93 spouses and 53 dependents, also died by suicide in 2022.
Firearms were the primary method of suicide death for military service members (65 percent) and family members (61 percent for spouses and 43 percent for dependents.).
The report showed 91 National Guard and 69 Reserve members also died by suicide in 2023. Enlisted males under the age of 30 accounted for 46 percent of suicides. For the Reserve and Guard, the change from year to year was statistically not significant, according to the report.
Of those who died by suicide, the report found many were experiencing health or life stressors.
“The findings urgently demonstrate the need for the Department to redouble its work in the complex fields of suicide prevention and postvention, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in a statement. “One loss to suicide is one too many.”
Austin said the department is focused on long-term, sustained efforts to prevent suicide.
“Our efforts aim to meet the military community where they are in their personal and professional lives — whether through bolstering financial readiness and support, building healthy relationships, improving mental health or supporting them through life transitions,” he said.
The department is currently implementing reforms based on an independent review committee’s recommendations.
“We continue working hard to improve the delivery of mental health care, bolster suicide prevention training and educate people about lethal means safety,” said Austin.
“There’s still much more work to do, and we won’t let up.”
“The department mourns our teammates whom we’ve lost to suicide. And through our actions — by taking care of our people, and prioritizing the health, well-being and morale of our force — we honor their memories.”
Annual Report on Suicide in the Military: Stressors found
- 42 percent had one or more mental health diagnoses
- 44 percent reported intimate relationship problems
- 29 percent faced administrative/legal problems
- 24 percent reported workplace difficulties
- 12 percent reported financial difficulties
- 12 percent experienced abuse before age 18
- Five percent identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual
- Two percent reported assault or harassment
Annual Report on Suicide in the Military: Attempt data
In addition to those who died by suicide, there were 1,370 suicide attempts in FY2023, according to the report.
- Air Force: 436 suicide attempts
- Army: 383 suicide attempts
- Navy: 287 suicide attempts
- Marine Corps: 264 suicide attempts
- Space Force: Three suicide attempts
- 71 percent of attempts were by male service members; 29 percent of attempts were by female service members
A veteran and military crisis line is available to those in crisis by calling 988 (press 1), texting 838225 or chatting online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net
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Crystal Graham
