FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conducted annual suicide prevention training at Fort Stewart, Georgia, 29 June, 2016.
“The purpose for this class is to help prevent suicides, to help reduce the stigma associated with asking for help, and to try to meet the commander's intent to conserve our fighting strength of the battalion,” said Sgt. 1st Class Micah Smith, HHC, 3-7 Inf. medical platoon sergeant.
In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ study on veteran suicide concluded that 22 veterans take their own lives daily.
In order to raise awareness, HHC, 3-7 Inf. conducted this class as a way to educate Soldiers on the number and impact of suicide throughout the Army.
“Suicide is a problem in our ranks,” Smith said. “I hope that people do notice the signs, but more importantly I hope that I have empowered these Soldiers to actually ask the question, if considering suicide, and know how to help.”
Common risk factors associated with suicide are financial issues, relationship problems, combat stress, and/or consistently being away from family for long periods of time. When suicidal signs are apparent, actions must be taken with initiative and without hesitation according to the Soldiers of HHC, 3-7 Inf.
“As a medic, I would personally escort them to behavioral health and make sure they get the help they need,” said Spc. Joshua Kindell, HHC, 3-7 Inf. platoon medic. “From my perspective, this course brought awareness to the ranks of suicide and how we can prevent it. The class served as a refresher on how to help our battle buddies and get them the help they need, when they need it.”