Defense Department's annual report on military suicides

U.S. Military Suicides Rise to 523 in 2023, 30 More Than 2022, Driven by Army and Air Force Spikes

Nov 15, 2024, 01:51 AM

The U.S. military experienced a significant rise in suicides in 2023, with 523 reported cases, up from 493 in 2022, according to a Defense Department report. This marks the highest total since 2020, continuing a troubling trend that has persisted over the last decade. The increase in suicides was primarily driven by spikes in deaths among Army and Air Force personnel, while the Marine Corps and Navy reported a slight decrease. Despite ongoing prevention efforts by the Pentagon, the upward trajectory in military suicides highlights the challenges faced in addressing mental health issues within the armed forces. The report also noted that the number of active-duty troops increased to 363, compared to 331 the previous year.