Military Suicides Rise Up to 20 Percent During Pandemic

Military suicides have soared by as much as 20 percent this year compared to the same period in 2019.

Some violent behavior incidents have also increased as members struggle under the COVID-19 pandemic, war-zone deployments, national disasters, and civil unrest.

Reports said that the data is still incomplete, and the causes of suicide are complex.

However, Army and Air Force officials believe that the pandemic adds stress to an already strained group.

Senior Army leaders say they have seen about 30 percent jump in active-duty suicides so far this year.

Senior Army officials also said that they are looking at shortening combat deployment, according to a report.

This move would be part of the effort to make the wellbeing of soldiers and their families a top priority.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has refused to provide 2020 data or discuss the issue.

The Army officials said discussions in Defense Department briefings show that there has been a 20 percent spike in overall military suicides this year.

The tally varies by service.

The active Army's 30 percent spike pushes the total to the top due to its largest service.

From 88 from the same period last year to 114 this year, the Army Guard is up about 10 percent going to 78 from last year to 86 this year.

The Navy total is seen to be lower this year.

Army officials said that they could not directly point the increase to the virus.

However, the timing coincides.

"I can't say scientifically, but what I can say is - I can read a chart and a graph, and the numbers have gone up in behavioral health-related issues," Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy was quoted in a report.

McCarthy added that they could not say it is definitely because of COVID. However, he said a direct correlation was when COVID started as the numbers actually went up.

Initial data for the first three months of 2020 show an overall dip in military suicides across the active duty and reserves, compared last year.

Those early numbers gave hope to military leaders who have long tried to drop suicide rates.

However, in the spring, the numbers started spiking.

Gen. Charles Brown, the Air Force chief, admitted that COVID adds stress.

Brown added that from a suicide perspective, they are on a path to be as bad as last year.

"And that's not just an Air Force problem; this is a national problem because COVID adds some additional stressors - a fear of the unknown for certain folks," Brown was quoted.

As of Sept. 15, active duty, Air Force, and reserves had 98 suicides as of Sept. 15, which is unchanged from the same period last year.

Air Force suicide rates last year was the worst in three decades.

Officials expected a decrease in the year would continue.

Navy and Marine authorities refused to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, the civilian suicide rate has risen in recent years.

However, 2020 data is not available, making it difficult to compare with the military.

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