Command and Leader Tools

Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Instruction and Orders

As the identified suicide prevention program officer you have been tasked with developing the program for your unit.  A strong suicide prevention program can be broken down into 4 areas, Training, Tracking, Treating, and Transcribing. These four areas follow the AIRS Checklist used during IG inspections. 

Training

The training aspect of your program includes briefs, videos, handouts, and whatever other methods you chose to educate your Marines in suicide awareness and prevention.

Tracking

Tracking follows training. Once Marines have gone through the required training it must be noted in MCTFS for tracking purposes.  

Treating

Treatment involves having the proper resources in place and available for Marines should they need help. Treatment also includes making sure that any Marine who attempts suicide recieved immediate attention and follow up care. The medical treatment facility should keep the command updated on the Marines status and needs. Once the Marine is discharged from the hospital the command needs to ensure that the Marine is receiving and attending follow up care. List of Helping Agencies.

Transcribing

Transcribing involves reporting to Headquarters Marine Corps through a Personnel Casualty Report that an incident has happened and any follow up information. (See MARADMIN 147/08) In the event of a suicide the command must complete the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DODSER).  Please contact HQMC Suicide Prevention for the DODSER. 

Tips/ Creating a strong foundation

• Make sure that all parties involved in suicide prevention are on the same page
• Get to know everyone involved in suicide prevention
• Get connected.
• Find out who the mental health professionals are
• Get to know the chaplains
• Talk to your installations Semper Fit Health Promotion Coordinator and determine what they have to offer in terms of briefs and unique training.
• Find out how suicide prevention training is tracked.
• Find out  what needs to happen in the event of a suicide.
• Gather everyone together and talk about suicide prevention at your installation.

When everyone is connected they will know:

• When training is done it needs to be recorded and tracked.
• If a Marine needs help everyone  will know who the Mental Health Professionals and Chaplains are and that they are providing any treatment necessary.
• Should a Marine attempt, gesture or die by suicide you will know what reports need to be filled out, when to fill them out, and who to contact for questions.
• Guidance provided by the Marine Corps can answer questions you may have including how to report a suicide or attempt, what programs are involved in suicide prevention and training standards.

Suicide prevention is a group effort in which everyone must participate.