The Invisible Wounds of War: Number of Soldiers Committing Suicide Reaches Record High

[marmar]

Published on Aug 21, 2012 by democracynow

DemocracyNow.org - The month of July set a record high for the number of suicides in the U.S. military. An Army report reveals a total of 38 troops committed suicide last month, including 26 active-duty soldiers and 12 Army National Guard or reserve members — more soldiers than were killed on the battlefield. The reasons for the increase in suicides are not fully understood. Among explanations, studies point to combat exposure, post-traumatic stress, misuse of prescription medications and personal financial problems. Army data suggest soldiers with multiple combat tours are at greater risk of committing suicide. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addressed the issue in June at the annual conference on suicide prevention in the military, saying, "Despite the increased efforts, the increased attention, the trends continue to move in a troubling and tragic direction." We speak with Marguerite Guzmán Bouvard, whose new book is called, "The Invisible Wounds of War: Coming Home from Iraq and Afghanistan."

[Mnemosyne]

1. K&R

[Remember]

2. Tours

To many tours, using national guard sometimes instead of army, etc. Losing belief in what you are fighting for. Vietnam all over again, less we forget.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Exactly what my cousin said in 2003 when we invaded Iraq

We never learned the lessons of Vietnam. He's a graduate of West Point and his Dad served in Vietnam.

Welcome to DU, Remember! We're glad to have you with us!

[midnight]

3. K&R...