The Department of War released its seventh Annual Report on Suicide in the Military for Calendar Year 2024 today. The Department remains steadfast in our commitment to suicide prevention, and takes a comprehensive, integrated approach to suicide prevention efforts to strengthen the health, safety, and wellbeing of our warriors and their families and advance force readiness.
This report presents recent suicide data for service members and — where available — their families and describes efforts underway to combat suicide across the Department. It contains the most comprehensive, accurate data available, and meets the highest standards of quality and integrity in support of our military community.
Across the Total Force, 471 service members died by suicide in CY 2024, which is less than in CY 2023, when 531 service members died by suicide. Suicide rates for service members in CY 2024 are as follows, as compared to CY 2023:
- The Total Force suicide rate decreased by approximately 11%.
- The Active Component suicide rate decreased by approximately 16%.
- The Reserve suicide rate decreased by approximately 14%.
- The National Guard suicide rate increased by approximately 13%.
Over time, for the Active Component, suicide rates have gradually increased from calendar year 2011 to calendar year 2024. For the Reserve Component, including the National Guard, suicide rates have remained stable over the same period.
After accounting for age and sex, military suicide rates have been similar to those of the U.S. population in most years between calendar year 2011 and calendar year 2024. Firearms continue to be the primary method of death by suicide.
Recognizing that every death by suicide is a tragedy, the Department will continue to take action to support our men and women in uniform and their families, promote the wellbeing and resilience of the force, and take steps to prevent suicide in our military community. The Department continues to develop its support services, in part, by expanding the availability and accessibility of clinical services, such as telehealth. As part of The Brandon Act, Service members can also self-refer for mental health evaluations. Ongoing research ensures the Department remains responsive to the evolving needs of Service members and their families.
Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Service member or veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans/Military Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 988 and Press 1, text 838225, chat online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net.
The Annual Report on Suicide in the Military is posted at: https://www.dspo.mil/.
