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This comprehensive guide addresses the critical issue of suicide prevention within military settings, particularly emphasizing cadet experiences. It highlights the alarming Army suicide rate of 20.2 per 100,000 in 2008 and stresses the importance of situational awareness, self-care, and fostering relationships within teams. The article outlines actionable steps such as the ACE Card approach for assessing and assisting individuals in distress. With resources for professional help and a focus on community and personal support, it empowers service members to confront challenges, eliminate stigma, and never leave a comrade behind.
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Situational Awareness • Army Suicide Rate • 20.2 per 100,000 during CY 2008 • Cadet Command Experience • 21 gestures / attempts since Feb 2009 • 3 suicides • Holiday Period Risk • Lower during holidays • Rises after New Year
Command Emphasis • Self-Care • Who has my back? • Develop & foster relationship with team • Battle Buddy • Cover their back • Develop trust & communication • Leaders • I am involved • Train & mentor Soldier care by example
ACE Card Review • Ask • Calm & direct questions • Care • Remove dangerous items • Keep them talking • Escort • Stay with them • Escort to help
ACE Card Review • Contacts • Two contact numbers affixed to ACE card • Trusted battle buddy • Cadre member
Emphasize and Empower • Be Aware • Tune into your personal feelings • Changes in others: behaviors or comments • Be Courageous • Have personal courage to confront - Confront your own demons - Confront your buddy • Don’t be afraid due to embarrassment • Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
Emphasize and Empower • Take all threats seriously. • Ask the person to tell you what is wrong. • Offer Support. • Remove anything that could be lethal. • Don’t leave the suicidal person alone. • Be positive and emphasize choices. • Get professional help.
Emphasize and Empower • Resources available for help • The person next to you • Chain of command - Cadet CoC - Cadre • Campus and community mental health resources • Military One Source 1-800-342-9647 - Contracted Cadets and National Guard are eligible - DEERS-enrolled DoD dependent • Dial 911 if you can’t reach anyone else
Emphasize and Empower • Resources available for help • National Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255 • United States National Suicide - 1-800-784-2433 • Employee Counseling and Referral Service - 1(800) 222-0364 • Chaplain or Local Religious Leader • USACC Web Page - http://www.rotc.monroe.army.mil/soldier/Suicideprev.asp
NEVER ALONE • It’s our Army Values • It’s our Creed - Never accept defeat - Never quit - Never leave a fallen comrade • Someone is there for you 24/7 • You are there for someone 24/7