Army Suicides Climb; Rate Highest in 26 Years

99 active-duty soldiers took their own lives in 2006

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Aug 16, 2007 10:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – American soldiers are killing themselves at the highest rate since the Persian Gulf War, the AP reports. Statistics out today show 99 active-duty soldiers committed suicide in 2006, both the highest single number and the highest rate per deployed since 1991. The problem was worst in Iraq, the most common deployment location for attempts and suicides.

More than a quarter of the suicides took place in Iraq or Afghanistan. Firearms were the leading cause of death. There was significant correlation between suicides and length deployed in foreign countries, and " limited evidence to support the view that multiple ... deployments are a risk factor for suicide behaviors," the report says.

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Army Suicides Climb; Rate Highest in 26 Years

99 active-duty soldiers took their own lives in 2006

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Soldier Suicides at Record High

Long deployments are raising stress levels, experts warn

Troops Bomb Ethics Test

Pentagon: troops are out of line with "soldier's rules"

Little Left for Fiancée of Fallen Soldier

Unmarried loved ones have no standing, get nothing from Army

Army Lapses Led to Suicide of Mentally Ill Soldier

Rate at all-time high in Iraq, Afghanistan

Army Can't Sustain Troop Demand in Iraq

Not enough soldiers to support surge through spring

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Army Suicides Climb; Rate Highest in 26 Years

99 active-duty soldiers took their own lives in 2006

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

Iraq • Afghanistan • military • suicide • depression • mental health • US Army • soldier • Gulf War • suicide rate • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Soldier Suicides at Record High

Long deployments are raising stress levels, experts warn

Troops Bomb Ethics Test

Pentagon: troops are out of line with "soldier's rules"

Little Left for Fiancée of Fallen Soldier

Unmarried loved ones have no standing, get nothing from Army

Army Lapses Led to Suicide of Mentally Ill Soldier

Rate at all-time high in Iraq, Afghanistan

Army Can't Sustain Troop Demand in Iraq

Not enough soldiers to support surge through spring

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?