Suicide Awareness

Naval Health Research Center studies have found that regardless of duty station, deployment, or duty status, the primary stressors associated with Marine suicides are problems in romantic relationships, physical health, work-related issues such as poor performance and job dissatisfaction, and pending legal or administrative action.  This is consistent with other Services and civilian findings.  Multiple stressors are usually present in suicide.

In November 2008, the Marine Corps reviewed our suicide awareness and prevention program and directed the development of a leadership training program targeted at noncommissioned officers.  As in combat, we will rely upon our corporals and sergeants to chart the course and apply their leadership skills to the challenge at hand.  This program includes high-impact, engaging videos, and a web-ready resource library to provide additional tools for identifying their Marines who appear at risk for suicide.  Further, during March 2009, we required all of our commanders to conduct suicide prevention training for 100 percent of the Marines under their charge.  This training educated Marines on the current situation in our Corps; it taught them how to identify the warning signs; it reinforced their responsibility as leaders; and it informed them of the resources available locally for support.

The Marine Corps will continue to pursue initiatives to prevent suicides, to include reevaluating existing programs designed to reduce the stressors most correlated with suicidal behavior; developing and distributing new prevention programs; and refreshing and expanding training materials.