Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by
Sgt. Mallory VanderSchans/Released

Suicide prevention begins with leadership and requires engagement from all parts of the military community.¹ In many ways, line leaders are in the best position to reduce the stressors that can lead to suicidal behaviors. Supervisors and unit leaders can establish a supportive command atmosphere by fostering a culture of engagement with subordinates and peers that encourages service members to ask for help and seek treatment when needed.¹

Identifying Those at Risk

As a leader, you know those under your command best, and you might recognize early warning signs of distress that sometimes precede suicidal behaviors. You might also recognize potential risk factors by asking yourself some questions about your service members’ behavior. Have your troops experienced or exhibited any of the following signs?^{2, 3}

• Previous suicide attempt or self-destructive behavior
• Significant relationship, financial, medical or work-related problem
• Current or pending disciplinary or legal action
• Substance misuse (e.g., excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs)
• Problems with a major life transition (e.g., retirement or discharge)
• Loss of a close buddy or member of the unit
• Setbacks in military career
• Sense of powerlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
• Isolating him/herself from friends and family members
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Decrease in personal hygiene

If you recognize any risk factors or warning signs exhibited by a service member, do not hesitate to intervene using the “ACE” method:⁴

• ASK if he/she is thinking about taking his/her own life
• CARE for those at risk for suicide by showing that you are concerned for their safety
• ESCORT those at risk for suicide to the appropriate behavioral health professional for help

Do’s and Don’ts as a Line Leader

A strong leader protects those serving under his/her command and takes action if someone is at risk. If concern is raised about a service member, remember the following:³

DO:

• Take any discussion of suicidal feelings seriously, no matter how casually they are expressed
• Evaluate the immediate danger that the service member is in (i.e., access to weapons or a specific suicide plan)
• Separate the service member from the means of any self-harm and ensure that items they may use for self-harm are secured and out of their reach (request the help of security staff if necessary)
• Express concern to the service members about his/her safety
• Show the service member that help is available by escorting him/her to appropriate professional help

DO NOT:

• Leave anyone alone if you believe the risk for suicide is imminent
• Assume the service member would never be the one to commit suicide
• Act shocked in any way at what the service member tells you
• Engage in moral discussions that may stir up feelings of guilt or embarrassment
• Refrain from approaching the service member with your concerns

The loss of any warrior’s life is a tragedy, whether in combat or in a different type of battle. You must use your skills as a leader to take decisive action if someone in your unit or under your command is at risk.

Additional Resources

• DoD/VA Suicide Outreach
• Army Suicide Prevention
• Navy & Marine Corps Suicide Prevention
• Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Program
• Air Force Suicide Prevention Program
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Suicide Prevention Information
• Military OneSource

Sources

¹ Dr. Alan Berman and others. “The Challenge and the Promise: Strengthening the Force, Preventing Suicide and Saving Lives,” [PDF 5.54MB] Task Force on the Prevention of Suicide by Members of the Armed Forces, Department of Defense. Published August 2010.
² Suicidal Behavior, Leaders Guide for Managing Marines in Distress. U.S. Marine Corps. Last accessed October 26, 2011.
³ First Line Leaders Guide to Suicide Prevention & Response, [DOC 28KB] U.S. Army. Last accessed October 26, 2011.
⁴ Suicide Prevention, U.S. Army Public Health Command. Last accessed October 26, 2011.