Military Suicides

Here’s another fantastic post by guest blogger, J. Doug Settle.

Brigadier General Stephen J. Townsend, senior commander for the 101^st Airborne at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, recently communicated with his troops about the problem of suicide. He encouraged those who may be struggling with mental or emotional or spiritual issues to seek medical attention. It seems that the suicide rate at Fort Campbell is the highest in the Army. A recent article reported that there have been 11 suicides since the beginning of this year.

The General is reported as saying, “…remember this—suicidal behavior in the 101^st on Fort Campbell is bad…It’s bad for soldiers, it’s bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our army and our country, and it’s got to stop now…” Gee. You think so?

It seems that Fort Campbell is not the only military installation to be experiencing the problem. Some studies suggest that, “Sixty-four potential active-duty suicides” have occurred in the Army ranks this year.

I can only imagine the frustration and concern General Townsend must be feeling. He is right to try and address the problem. It would be wonderful if his talk alone would produce the desired effect. But we know that it won’t.

The problems associated with contemplating suicide require answers that go very deep; including the realms of the mind, soul, and spirit. Though the military recognizes the seriousness of the problem, I don’t see them as always recognizing the kind of support needed to provide a lasting remedy.

Part of the problem is that the military chaplaincy has been hindered from performing a legitimate role as the ministers and shepherds of God’s Word. Their hands have been tied spiritually. They are forced to operate within very limited parameters. Our warriors are being shortchanged, all in the name of political correctness. It should be about the truths and teachings necessary that could bring about change and stability in the lives of the troops!

I was a light weapons combat infantryman who actively served in the Republic of South Vietnam from July 1970  through July 1971. Since returning from my tour-of-duty, having also been plagued with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, I determined to do as much research as possible until I discovered legitimate answers for dealing with the malady, including answers for managing suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Forced to deal with stressors from the past and present, I have sought ways to handle the inner turmoil and pain. It has been a real struggle. I must add that for me, the practical answers, extracted from God’s written revelation, provided the promises, principles and provisions I needed to continue in life. The answers discovered in God’s Word can best help alleviate the pain, suffering and inner turmoil in the lives of our nation’s warriors.

Consider closely what Jesus Christ had to say: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10b).

When lives are rightly aligned with God’s Word and Will, God provides the practical wisdom needed, regardless of the difficulties one may be facing.

Some of my brothers have not survived their personal struggle with daily and delayed stress; deciding instead to take matters into their own hands. They have taken a giant leap into the dark. All they knew was that they were experiencing excruciating pain and suffering. They simply wanted the pain to stop and there seemed no way out of their stress predicament. What they did not know is that there was a better way, a sure way, a way which would allow them to work through the inner stressors. The abundant life that Jesus Christ promised could have overcome and overridden their problems in living. Leaping into the darkness, taking one’s own life, is never a viable option.

General Townsend exhorted the warriors to seek help if they were having problems. The warrior, at best, is hesitant to go forward due to the labeling and additional problems that could occur. The warrior could be construed as being weak, cowardly, unstable, unfit for service, a threat to the unit’s safety, etc. Seriously, who would want to go forward? It could prove to be a career ending decision. Future promotions could be negatively affected. The warrior understands only too well the pitfalls and feels compelled to try hanging in there the best way he knows how–gut it out!

The warrior, in some cases, will not be able to handle the severity of his problems on his own. Yes, he does need help, but little lasting help is assured. General Townsend also wanted others, who see a warrior struggling with suicidal symptoms, to turn those individuals in. Though a sincere proposal, the negative side effects of such action could develop into another shooting incident, such as was witnessed recently at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

When I finally removed from the battlefield in Vietnam, I became a counselor at “Project Help” in the Americal Division HQ. The Project was a program the warrior could contact with complete anonymity if choosing. No one could interfere with the process nor could negative repercussions ensue. Of course there were certain limitations to insure the safety of others. Under current circumstances, that project might be one General Townsend and the Army might want to consider implementing again.

I stand wholeheartedly by God’s answers. Why? Because I have been there! I am one who has personally struggled with PTSD. I have learned to manage suicidal tendencies. I understand the inner dynamics at play and the help that God has made available. I was fortunate to discover God’s answers; the same answers that He promises others. I would hope that the ministers, chaplains, those who desire to stand on the Judeo-Christian foundation this country was founded on, would be allowed to share the wisdom and direction from God’s Word with struggling soldiers who would desire that kind of direction. It is time to provide some real help to our wounded warriors.

J. Doug Settle
Author of From Stress to Faith Rest
www.jdougsettle.com