By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The number of suicides in the U.S. military rose in 2023, continuing a trend the Pentagon has struggled to reverse despite efforts to increase mental health resources and gun safety measures. While the rise was not statistically significant, it represents a setback after a slight decline in 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has declared suicide prevention a priority, but many initiatives are still in development, and the department has not implemented key gun safety recommendations from an independent commission. Despite these challenges, the Department of Defense is working to enhance suicide prevention programs and address the stigma surrounding mental health support within the military.
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Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend. It’s a trend that seems particularly shocking when you consider the fact that these are the people we rely on to defend our country.
The reasons for this increase are complex, but they boil down to a combination of factors, including the stress of military service, the prevalence of bullying and sexual assault within the ranks, and the lack of adequate mental health support for service members.
There’s a disconnect between the military’s supposed commitment to its personnel and the reality of service life. The military invests billions of dollars in new equipment, but many soldiers live below the poverty line and rely on food stamps. It seems like the focus is on building shiny new weapons rather than taking care of the people who use them.
The military’s response to the suicide crisis has been inadequate. While the Department of Defense has launched campaigns to address the issue, they have refused to implement key firearm safety measures recommended by an independent committee. This includes raising the minimum age for service members to buy guns, requiring registration of firearms in military housing, and restricting the possession of firearms in barracks and dorms.
The military’s failure to take these measures is a clear indication that they are not serious about addressing the problem. It’s as if they’re deliberately turning a blind eye to the epidemic of suicide in their ranks.
It’s not just the suicide crisis that’s alarming; the military is failing to address the epidemic of sexual assault. While the military claims to be working to reduce the number of assaults, an independent study has revealed that the actual number of assaults is significantly higher than the DOD estimates.
The military’s response to sexual assault is riddled with problems, including a culture of silence and a lack of accountability. This leads many victims to fear reporting assaults, fearing retaliation by their superiors.
The military needs a complete overhaul in terms of culture and leadership. The “suck it up and shut up” mentality of previous generations is not working. There is a need for empathy and respect, along with a modern approach to leadership. This includes acknowledging the unique pressures that service members face, providing adequate mental health support, and holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable.
It’s clear that the military is not doing enough to protect its personnel. We owe it to our service members to create a culture that prioritizes their well-being and provides them with the support they need. If we can’t afford to take care of our veterans, then we can’t afford to send them into harm’s way.
The military is a powerful and important institution, but it has a long way to go before it can be considered a truly safe and supportive environment for its members. This is a call to action for the military leadership to prioritize the well-being of its personnel and to make real changes that will ensure the safety and mental health of those who serve our country.