How does the suicide rate among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan compare to that among veterans of earlier wars?

2015-05-20T15:03:40-04:00

The VA reports that there are an average of 22 to 23 suicides among veterans. This may include veterans of all wars but the implication seems to be that it predominantly involves those of the wars in the Gulf and Afghanistan. It seems to me that it would be instructive to know how this breaks out by war. For example, Vietnam Vets suffered a far greater incidence of abuse upon return and yet I have not heard our suicide rate discussed so fervently. However, the author of the attached article that appeared in Military Times seems to think that the adjustment to civilian life is a major cause of the problem. Sadly, I can't find a breakout of this information. Has anyone had any better luck?

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/opinion/2015/05/19/stopping-veteran-suicide/27533823/

Commentary: Halting vet suicides requires culture change

In April, my Army unit that served in Afghanistan passed a dark milestone: We've now lost more men to suicide than we lost in combat. During a

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 20 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-05-20T15:06:53-04:00

I have not seen a breakout for earlier wars. Interesting question --- I will be staying tuned to this one CPT Jack Durish.