More Suicides Than Combat Deaths In Military

As we approach 10 years of continuous war without accomplishing any of our goals or even getting to a point where the end of those wars are in sight, American soldiers are still dying (although that is seldom reported by the mainstream media any more). Last year, 462 American military personnel were killed in combat. But while that is a tragedy, it is only the tip of the iceberg.

The website Congress.org is reporting that the deaths of soldiers in combat is actually exceeded by the number of people in the United States Military who commit suicide. This has been true for two years in a row now (2009 and 2010). In 2010, there were 468 military suicides reported. The figure is probably even higher than that, since the Air Force and the Marines do not report the suicides of those in the reserves not on actual combat duty. The figure also does not report the suicides of those who have left the military and re-entered civilian life.

This is an indictment of the state of continuing war our country is engaging in. It also shows the inadequacy of the mental health services offered to both our active duty soldiers, reserves and veterans. These men and women are heroes and our government is failing them. There is simply no excuse for military suicides to outnumber combat deaths. There is also no excuse for continuing wars that accomplish nothing but to continue the sacrifice of American lives.

Isn't it time to bring ALL of our soldiers home from Afghanistan and Iraq?