Left of the Leaders Guide banner
   
Home | Key Term Index | Resources & Guidance | MCCS  
Top of the Leaders Guide banner
 The Leaders Guide banner
lower of the Leaders Guide banner
 
General
Information
 
Marine
Seems Suicidal
 
Marine has Made a
Suicide Attempt,
Gesture or Threat
Suicide
in the Unit
 

Suicidal Behavior

Cpl. Anthony Sarmienta, infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment from Ennis, Texas was one of the Marines from E Company that repelled an ambush by insurgents in the Korengal Valley. 'During the initial volley I thought for sure that I was going to get hit because there were so many rounds flying all around, and we were taking fire from every direction. I could see impacts all around me and hear rounds screaming by,' said Lance Cpl. Erick Gutierrez, infantryman with 2nd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment from Los Angeles, Calif.
Photo by: Sgt. Robert M. StormSuicide is the second leading cause of death in the Marine Corps. Even one death by suicide is too many. It is a tragic and preventable loss, causing untold grief to loved ones and units, and is of highest concern to the public, legislators, the Commandant, and all Marines. In addition, suicide and suicidal behavior at all levels can take a tremendous toll on the readiness and resources of the unit involved. For all these reasons, suicide awareness, prevention, and intervention must be of highest priority to all Marines, and especially Marine leaders.

 

Lt. Cmdr. Eric E. Cunha serves as a clinical psychologist with the Marine Corps' 1st Force Service Support Group, where he talks with service members who show signs of combat stress at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, on Sept. 3, 2004. About 1 percent of troops show signs of combat stress during a mandatory assessment of all Marines and sailors with the I Marine Expeditionary Force headed home after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for those individuals, mental health specialists are on hand to talk. Doctors expect some troops to suffer from various levels of combat stress due to the constant threat of enemy attack, but numerous programs are in place, both in Iraq and at Navy hospitals in the United States, to help warriors transition from the combat zone to the home front. Cunha is a 42-year-old native of San Jose, Calif.
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Bill Lisbon

For more information on this topic to include definitions, risk factors, why Marines may not seek help, and prevention, please select the general information tab above. If you are looking to solve a specific problem please select one of the specific problem tabs above. Under each specific problem you will find an overview that discusses the specific problem as well as what to look for, what to do, what to avoid, what to expect after taking action, and troubleshooting.

 

 
 
Click for additional down loads