An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AFOSI: Most suicides enlisted, male

  • Published
  • By Maj. Kendra Ohlson
  • SAF/IGX
WASHINGTON --  Suicide ranks as one of the most emotionally painful and stressful situations a family or unit can face. Airmen make the unfortunate decision each year to end their lives early. As many commanders and senior leaders relate, they often feel caught off-guard by these tragic events. To better educate our senior leaders, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations has provided the following statistical profile of 2013 active duty suicides. (One should note that information is subject to change, as some suicide investigations are ongoing and thus new information may be become available.)

Trends show the vast majority of Airmen who take their lives are Enlisted (92 percent) males (92 percent). While most are single, married Airmen comprise a significant portion of this group as well. Investigations have revealed 54 percent of suicides in 2013 appear to have been connected to marital or relationship issues. Legal issues also contributed to suicides, with 24 percent showing signs of such problems, followed by depression at 16 percent. Of 50 active duty suicides in 2013, 20 left some form of suicide note.

2013 showed itself to be on par with 2012 suicides (51). Career fields, with most suicides numerically were as follows: Maintenance, Cyberspace Support, and Civil Engineering. One should note these numbers do not necessarily represent a predisposition [due to career field] of Airmen likely to commit suicide.

Military and civilian specialists continue to scrutinize suicide trends in an effort to better understand what leads to these decisions. In the Journal of the American Medical Association 2013 article, "Risk Factors Associated with Suicide in Current and Former US Military Personnel," authors studied current and former military personnel to better determine risk factors for suicide. The article stated, "...the risk factors associated with suicide in this military population are consistent with civilian populations, including male sex and mental disorders." To mitigate suicide risk, the article recommended, "...screening for mental and substance use disorders, and early recognition of associated suicidal behaviors combined with high-quality treatment."

While our Air Force must contend with these terrible events when they occur, commanders and senior leaders should remember there are many resources available. Chaplains, First Sergeants, mental health professionals, healthcare providers and Military OneSource, among others, offer services--both before a potential tragedy and in the aftermath of a suicide--that can be tailored to meet the needs of those affected.