Revealed: 13 US soldiers’ suicide

Times of Oman ^ | 17 October 2003

[EggsAckley]

My BS meter just exploded.

[My2Cents]

What are we suppose to conclude from this article? That today's soldiers are wussies and emotional basketcases compared to those who served in Vietnam, Korea, post-war Europe, and World War 2? I refuse to believe that morale is any worse in Iraq than in other post-war foreign duty.

[semaj]

Marines are most happy when engaging in what they do best..."locate, and engage the enemy."

[Britton J Wingfield]

The Army and Navy annually average about 11 suicides per 100,000 personnel, the Air Force about 9.5 per 100,000 and the Marines about 12.6 per 100,000.

Sounds like 13 is about normal, then, especially in a more stressful environment.

[A Navy Vet]

According to my father (WWII European combat) there were many suicides and desertions during WWII. Some just can't handle combat or adverse conditions. Fact of life and humanity.

[A Navy Vet]

"...and that nearly half did not plan to re-enlist."

That means over 50% retention. Pretty good for such "adverse" conditions. I was a Navy Recruiter for my last duty.

[SJSAMPLE]

Scientific studies have shown that long term exposure to fear (stress) creates a chemical process which destroys portions of the brain. Many feel that this might be responsible for the most severe symptoms of Delayed Stress Syndrome.

Add that to the stress of a young boy, away for home, in a dangerous environment.

[cookcounty]

This is the same recycled illogical garbage that USA TODAY put on its front page the other day.

Please note: "The Army and Navy annually average about 11 suicides per 100,000 personnel,..

What does this tell you? After 7 months, with 150,000 people in country, one would "normally" expect 8.8 suicides. Instead there are 13. You tell me what it says about the seriousness of journalistic ethics at USA Today and this Omaha rag.

[Conservababe]

And you have just set off my Bull Shit meter.

[A Navy Vet]

I believe that is the hormone cortisol. It also negatively impacts the heart.

[verity]

Pure BS.

[cookcounty]

Actually, it's slimmer than that. (11X 1.5) X 7/12= 9.625.

These people are totally desperate for bad news to smear our boys.

[Diverdogz]

Exactly. The higher incidence is easily explained by the unpleasant circumstances they find themselves in. No doubt life for a US Soldier in Iraq is difficult. But the suicide rate hardly rises to epidemic proportions.

[Saundra Duffy]

Did they get "dear john" letters? What's up with this story.

[paul51]

Times of Oman?

[cookcounty]

Actually it's worse than that. you'll notice that the Omaha story says "about" 11 per 100,000."

The slightly more accurate USA TODAY story says "11-13" per 100,000. Which would mean that there is ABOUT 1 (one) more than the "norm."

These people hate our boys almost as much as they hate the President.

---A soldier's Dad

[cookcounty]

"Times of Oman?"

Oman! I got so blindly mad, I couldn't finish a five-letter word! Virtually the same story was on the front page of USA TODAY earlier this week, above the fold, right hand column.

[CarolAnn]

"My BS meter just exploded."

I used to work for the Marine Corps, and one of my duties was processing death vouchers. Believe me, suicide is not that uncommon.

I had one former Marine tell me that when he was in boot camp, his DI told them that if they were going to do themselves, to go to the head to do it so the mess would be easier to clean up. Kind of callous, but you get my point.

[the lone wolf]

Clearly our troops are in danger. What they need is gun control, of course. Everyone knows that the mere presence of a firearm is life threatening. It is not surprising that there is an epidemic of suicide among all of these troops, given that they have so many guns.

They must all turn in their firearms at once. If it saves even one life it will be worth it.