US EditionMilitary Suicides Fell in 2024 but Long-Term Rate for Active Duty Troops Still Rising, Pentagon Says
Firearms remained the leading method, and nearly half of active-duty deaths involved a mental health diagnosis, workplace trouble or relationship problems.
- A Pentagon report released Tuesday found 471 service members died by suicide in 2024, down from 531 in 2023. The total force suicide rate decreased by around 11% compared to the previous year.
- Enlisted males under 30 accounted for 64% of suicides, consistent with previous years. While active component rates decreased by around 16%, the National Guard suicide rate increased by around 13%.
- Firearms remained the most common method of suicide across the force. Regarding underlying issues, 45% of service members who died by suicide experienced intimate relationship problems, while one-third faced workplace difficulties.
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin prioritized suicide prevention, overseeing implementation of 27 of 83 committee recommendations as of November. The department expanded telehealth and mental health services under the Brandon Act.
- The department continues to promote the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 as a key resource for troops and veterans. Officials noted it remains to be seen whether short-term decreases signal a change in long-term suicide trends.
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Pentagon Reports Decrease in Military Suicides in 2024
Pentagon Reports Decrease in Military Suicides in 2024 The Pentagon has disclosed an 11% decrease in the number of military suicides in 2024, marking a reversal from the previous year's rise. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's tenure saw the implementation of prioritizing suicide prevention, contributing to this reduction.Despite the decline, the report reveals that suicide rates among active duty members have gradually increased since 2011. Meanw…
Associated Press News
Military suicides fell in 2024 but long-term rate for active duty troops still rising, Pentagon says
The Pentagon says fewer American service members died by suicide in 2024. The number of deaths fell by 11% to 471 from a year earlier.
Military Times
Fewer service members died by suicide in 2024 than year prior, report finds
The report on 2024 suicides found a decrease in the total force suicide rate, though active component rates have steadily increased from 2011 to 2024.
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