July Worst Month Ever for Army Suicides - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

The Army released suicide data on August 16th for the month of July 2012. 

During July 2012, among active-duty soldiers, there were 26 potential suicides.  Army officials has confirmed one as suicide while 25 remain under investigation.  Among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, 12 cases were noted as potential suicides (nine Army National Guard and three Army Reserve).  One case has been confirmed as suicide, and 11 remain under investigation.

For 2012, there have been 116 potential active-duty suicides:  66 have been confirmed as suicides and 50 remain under investigation.  The active-duty suicide number of suicide cases for 2011 amounted to 165 confirmed as suicides, with no cases remaining under investigation.

In reserve components of the Army, for 2012, there have been 71 potential not on active-duty suicides (44 Army National Guard and 27 Army Reserve).  Of those, 54 have been confirmed as suicides while 17 remain under investigation.  The not on active-duty suicide numbers for 2011 amounted to 118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve) confirmed as suicides, with no cases remaining under investigation.

Senior Army officers maintain they have placed emphasis on the issue for commanders at all levels.  "Suicide is the toughest enemy I have faced in my 37 years in the Army.  And, it's an enemy that's killing not just soldiers, but tens of thousands of Americans every year,"  said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, vice chief of staff of the Army.  "That said, I do believe suicide is preventable.  To combat it effectively will require sophisticated solutions aimed at helping individuals to build resiliency and strengthen their life coping skills, " he continued.