What advice do you have on handling a suicidal soldier, after multiple approaches have already been tried?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 08:52:17 -0500

So, this is a little bit of a long story so ill try to shorten it: A soldier i recently took responsibility for (Was given after an APFT and height/weight failure) has had issues with disrespect towards junior and senior NCOs, has been late for work almost everyday, has had multiple FTRs for assigned duties, etc... almost everything you can name a bad soldier does he has done it. Since taking over as his first line and NCO, i have counseled him on all of this. I gave him verbals the first offense, then put it on paper and it actually got his attention. After this last counseling he got upset and started yelling and essentially told me he wants to kill himself, and not only that but he wants to do it in front of senior leadership so they can see how bad he is hurting. I reported it up the chain, he was on suicide watch until BH facilities were open then admitted to the hospital. He spent the weekend being evaluated and was released. After release and return to work, he jumped the chain of command and asked that i not be his supervisor, although i am still my shifts NCOIC and he is on my shift. They agreed and now we are in a situation where he does not reply to my text messages or phone calls, and he goes on leave for 30 days so i will not see him until he returns. My question is what else can be done with this soldier? I have already suggested he be moved, and that all of his weapons be removed from his home, (which was not done) and he blames not only the unit but the leadership for his behavior and actions. I guess i'm just looking for advise or a "what would you do in my situation"?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 24 at 2019 12:42 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 12:42:33 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member he was treated and released by BH? Then he is not a threat to himself or others. If he were they would be obligated to hold and treat. He is very likely still in distress. He has been removed from your supervision? Who is supervising him? Are they up to speed on his condition? Your command put him on leave. Your command team evidently believe he is safe enough to take leave. They have also elected not to follow your recommendation on POWs. If you disagree, Recommend you write a MFR on what your recommendations were and when and what the outcome was and who directed it. Mail a copy to yourself and leave it in the sealed, post marked envelope.

There are no absolutes in mental health. It is also not a one stop shop. He may have to be evaluated multiple times for the providers to establish there is more going on and he needs to stay longer. As an NCO, If you see something, you need to report it to the chain of command and his official supervisor. If there is an immediate threat to the individual or others you need to use your general military authority to take action.

What did the command tell you is their expectation for supervising this individual?

Response by SPC Dejan Smaic made Feb 26 at 2019 6:17 AM

SPC Dejan Smaic — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 06:17:00 -0500

A couple of things: he obviously wants to be heard | listened to since he is seeking attention, and secondly, he needs to own his own behavior. I can't really go beyond the obvious.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 26 at 2019 1:17 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:17:13 -0500

I think this is now beyond you. I suggest that you take yourself out of the equation and ask that he be put on another shift. My guess is that he is probably going to be administratively discharged anyways. He doesn't sound like he is in any condition to continue serving. What you absolutely do not want to do is make life any worse for him. It sounds like your leadership isn't taking this problem seriously enough. You might need to take this situation all the way up to a commander level. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take situations like this seriously, very seriously. He needs to be discharged.