Army sees significant rise in January suicides

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Troubling increase
Army investigates why suicides climbed in January


Army sees significant rise in January suicides
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 5, 2009 15:57:13 EST

Seven soldiers committed suicide in January and the cause of death in 17 other cases is still pending, Army officials announced Thursday, marking a significant increase in soldier suicides from the same time period in previous years.

Last month’s numbers are six times higher than those from January 2008 and eight times higher than in 2004. There were two confirmed and two pending cases in January 2008 and no confirmed cases but three pending cases in January 2004.

“Each of these losses is a personal tragedy that is felt throughout the Army family,” Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli said in a statement. “The trend and trajectory seen in January further heightens the seriousness and urgency that all of us must have in preventing suicides.”


Article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/army_suicides_020509w/%2e