Department of Defense Suicide Event Report

(DoDSER)

CALENDAR YEAR 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence 

for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)

DoDSER CY 2008

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the first calendar year (CY) summary of Department of Defense (DoD) Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) data. 

This report summarizes data collected on DoD suicide events for Calendar Year (CY) 2008 as reported and 

submitted by 15 April 2009. The report presents DoD combined suicide data, as well as statistics for Servicespecific (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) data that are presented in individual annexes. 

Purpose:

The DoDSER is a surveillance program designed to gather standardized risk and protective factor information for 

suicide events across multiple domains. The DoDSER standardizes data collected on suicide events and allows for 

detailed statistical reports on suicide events that can be aggregated across the Services. The DoDSER is an integral 

part of the DoD’s suicide prevention efforts. 

Method: 

A DoDSER submission was required for military suicide deaths that occurred in CY 2008. DoDSERs are submitted by 

behavioral health providers (psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, or social worker), health care providers, 

supervised designated technicians, or a command appointed representative. DoDSER responses are derived from 

a review of all relevant records, and interviews are conducted in some cases. DoDSER data are submitted via a 

secure website. 

Summary of Results:

There were a total of 268 Service Member suicides in CY 2008, including cases pending final determination but 

strongly suspected to be suicides (Army = 140; Air Force = 45; Navy = 41; Marine Corps = 42). DoDSERs were 

received for 90% of confirmed CY 2008 suicides as of 15 April 2009. The majority of CY2008 suicide cases were 

males (95%). Individuals who were White/Caucasian, under the age of 25, junior enlisted (E1-E4), and had a 

GED/less than high school education were at increased risk for suicide relative to their respective demographic 

comparison groups. Although the suicide rate among married persons was similar to never married persons, 

divorced persons were 74% more likely to die by suicide than married persons. The majority of suicides were 

completed by Active Duty personnel (88%, n = 235) and the suicide rate for Regular Active Duty personnel was 31% 

higher than Reserve and National Guard combined. For all Services, non-military firearms were the most frequently

reported suicide method (41%, n = 98). There was no association between calendar month of the year and suicide. 

Of the 268 confirmed suicides, 35 (13%) occurred in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and 7 (3%) in Operation 

Enduring Freedom (OEF). Thirteen percent of Service Members who died by suicide had a history of multiple 

deployments to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. History of experiencing direct combat operations was reported for 15% 

(n = 37) of individuals who died by suicide. Failed marital/intimate relationships were reported for 51% (n = 123) of 

Service Members who died by suicide. The most common legal problems were Article 15 proceedings (15%) and 

civil legal problems (13%). Fourteen percent of Service Members that died by suicide had a known history of prior 

self-injurious behavior and 30% of individuals who died by suicide (n = 72) were known to communicate their 

potential for self-harm prior to the event. The majority of suicides (64%) did not have a diagnosed psychiatric 

disorder reported. Eleven percent (n = 26) had been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, including 4% diagnosed 

with PTSD (n = 10). Forty-nine percent of decedents reportedly received medical, behavioral health, substance 

abuse, family or chaplaincy services within 30-days prior to the death. A total of 27% of submitted DoDSERs

reported alcohol and/or drug use during the event. Conclusions and interpretations regarding noted patterns must

be made cautiously, as it is not possible in most cases to statistically determine if a given DoDSER variable is a true 

risk factor for suicide. 
DoDSER CY 2008

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Preparation of this report was supported by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) Suicide Risk 

Management & Surveillance Office (SRMSO) research team, including Debi Harris, Anton Sirotin, Emily Lindsay, and 

Melinda Metzger-Abamukong. SRMSO acknowledges the contributions of several individuals to the development 

and design of the DoD Suicide Event Report. We thank Colonel Robert Ireland, M.D. whose years of leadership 

chairing the Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction Committee (SPARRC) made the development of the DoDSER 

possible. Commander Aaron Werbel, Ph.D. (Marine Corps SPPM), Lieutenant Colonel Steven Pflanz, M.D. (former 

Air Force SPPM), Commander Anthony Doran, Psy.D. (former Navy SPPM), and Mr. Walter Morales (Army SPPM) 

were instrumental in the development of the DoDSER items and program. In addition, we thank Lieutenant 

Commander Bonnie Chavez, Ph.D., Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Bobenrieth, M.D. (former Air Force SPPM), and 

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kindt, Ph.D., (Air Force SPPM) for their support of the DoDSER development effort. We 

are indebted to Commander Janet Hawkins, MSW, the current SPARRC Chair. T2 is especially grateful to Lynne 

Oetjen-Gerdes and Naval Captain Joyce Lapa, M.D., MPH, of the Mortality Surveillance Division of the Armed 

Forces Medical Examiner System. Their notification of confirmed suicides, provision of the demographic data 

presented in this report, and general support for the DoDSER project have been key to the project’s success. 

DoDSER data would not be available without the hard work of the respondents across the Services. T2 is also very 

grateful to Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton, M.D., Director of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological 

health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), for her leadership and support. 

Authors: Mark A. Reger, Ph.D., David D. Luxton, Ph.D., Nancy A. Skopp, Ph.D., Jocelyn A. Lee, Ph.D., 

Gregory A. Gahm, Ph.D.
DoDSER CY 2008

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................4

BACKGROUND .........................................................................................................................................5

METHOD...................................................................................................................................................5

RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................................9

Dispositional/Personal Factors ..........................................................................................................9

Situational/Contextual Factors ........................................................................................................15

Clinical/Symptom Factors................................................................................................................16

Historical/Developmental Factors....................................................................................................20

Deployment Factors.........................................................................................................................23

SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................................................25

ANNEX 1: Army-DoDSER .........................................................................................................................26

ANNEX 2: Air Force-DoDSER....................................................................................................................87

ANNEX 3: Navy-DoDSER........................................................................................................................100

ANNEX 4: Marine Corps-DoDSER ..........................................................................................................116

REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................................132

APPENDIX A: Acronym List...................................................................................................................133

APPENDIX B: DoDSER 2008 Web Form Items.......................................................................................134

APPENDIX C: Feedback and Suggestions ..............................................................................................160
DoDSER CY 2008

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BACKGROUND

This report presents results from the first calendar year of data collection for the DoD Suicide Event Report 

(DoDSER). The DoDSER is a new suicide surveillance program that is intended to standardize retrospective suicide 

surveillance efforts across the Services. Historically, the Services have collected suicide surveillance data through

separate processes. The Army used the Army Suicide Event Report (ASER), the Air Force utilized the Suicide Event 

Surveillance System (SESS), and the Navy and Marine Corps have used the Department of the Navy Suicide Incident 

Report (DONSIR). A major limitation of these disparate systems was that aggregate DoD-level analyses were not 

possible since the same data points were not collected with standardized items. In addition, each system had its 

own strengths and limitations; for example, not all of the Services benefitted from an automated, web form data 

collection process. 

The DoD’s Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction Committee (SPARRC) provides a venue for collaboration among 

the Services’ Suicide Prevention Program Managers (SPPMs) and other stakeholders in the DoD’s suicide 

prevention mission. A standardized DoD suicide surveillance system was identified as a key goal. SPARRC 

developed a collaborative plan to synchronize surveillance efforts across Services while also seeking to maintain 

flexibility to address Service-specific needs. A web-based data collection process was identified as a key goal, and 

in 2007, a project plan was collaboratively developed with suicide surveillance program managers of all Services 

(Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps). An effort was made to develop a DoD system that built on the best 

characteristics from each of the Service-specific programs while also mapping, where possible, to the Centers for 

Disease Control’s (CDC’s) National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) to facilitate comparisons between 

military and civilian data. The resulting DoDSER uses an epidemiological data collection form to collect 

standardized data on suicide behaviors among Service Members. The DoDSER was launched 1 January 2008. All 

the Services are collecting DoDSERs on military suicide deaths [4]. The Army is also collecting DoDSERs on non-fatal 

suicide behaviors (see Annex B). 

This report provides statistics for Calendar Year (CY) 2008, with detailed tables presented for DoDSER items. 

Annexes and Appendices include a copy of the DoDSER 2008 items, Service-specific data summaries, and additional 

analyses conducted on deployment status (Army only). 

METHOD

DoDSER Items

Development of the current DoDSER content evolved from structured reviews of the Services’ historical 

surveillance items, a number of committee meetings with representation from all Services, including the SPPMs, 

and a systematic review of the literature. Feedback from the Services’ historical efforts to develop the best 

possible item content was also available during the development process. For example, feedback on item content 

from nationally recognized civilian and military (e.g. Mental Health Advisory Team) experts was available. In 

addition, past suggestions from senior leaders and other stakeholders were provided by some workgroup 

members. The complete DODSER 2008 can be found in Appendix B. 

For a theoretically meaningful presentation, risk variables are organized into categories. While multiple 

alternatives were available for this organization, a relevant prototype successfully implemented in the violence risk 

assessment literature [1] was selected. Categories are organized as follows: (1) dispositional or personal factors 

(e.g., demographics), (2) historical or developmental (e.g., family history, prior suicide behaviors, life events), (3) 
DoDSER CY 2008

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contextual or situational (e.g., access to firearms, place of residence), and (4) clinical or symptom factors (e.g., 

post-traumatic stress disorder, other psychiatric disorders or symptoms). These factors were combined with a 

section on deployment history and a comprehensive set of questions related to the event to form the current 

DoDSER. 

Data Collection Process 

The DoDSER is a web form that is available via the Internet and submitted via a secure website. The DoDSER data 

presented here are a descriptive compilation of DoDSERs as they have been completed and submitted by DoDSER 

respondents across the DoD. DoDSER data included in this report are for suicide behaviors that occurred in CY 

2008 as reported and submitted by 15 April 2009. This date was selected with an acknowledgement that there is a 

tension between the competing values of timely reporting and complete data collection. Consideration has been 

given to extending this date to obtain additional DoDSERs, as it may take as long as one year to determine a suicide 

as cause of death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has addressed this with longer timeframes for reporting 

(about a two year delay) [2]. However, the DoD represents a much smaller population, and the vast majority of CY 

suicides are determined by 1 April of each year (about 90%). The April date was established to maintain 

consistency with guidance provided by the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) which requires 

90 days between the end of the calendar year and calculation of CY suicide data [3].

DoDSERs are submitted for all Active component, Active Guard Reserve, and activated Reserve and Guard suicides 

in the DoD. In addition, consistent with requirements for standardized DoD suicide rate calculation [3], DoDSERs 

are submitted for deaths when a Service’s SPPM strongly suspects suicide, but the case is still awaiting final 

determination. This is intended to provide leaders and preventionists the most up-to-date information possible. 

Since up to 90% of suicides are confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) by the April 

deadline, the risk of overestimation is low. Variation between final confirmed and suspected suicides is generally 

1-2 cases per year, DoD-wide. DoDSERs are also submitted for some non-fatal suicide behaviors. In CY 2008, the 

Army was the only Service to collect this data, although several Services are implementing similar procedures for 

non-fatal suicide behaviors.

DoDSERs are submitted by behavioral health providers (psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, or social 

worker), health care providers, or a command appointed representative. Technicians may submit DoDSERs under 

the supervision of one of the aforementioned professionals. 

DoDSER responses are derived from a review of all relevant records. In addition, interviews are conducted in some 

cases. Following a suicide, respondents review medical and behavioral health records, personnel records, 

responsible investigative agency records, and records related to the manner of death. Information is also often 

collected from co-workers, the responsible investigative agency officer, and other professionals or family members 

(for some Services). For non-fatal suicide behaviors (Army only for CY 2008), DoDSER respondents frequently 

conduct an interview with the Soldier to collect some of the required information.

The process for identifying cases and obtaining DoDSERs is similar across the Services. DoDSER program managers 

coordinate closely with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) at the Armed Forces Institute of 

Pathology to maintain an official list of suicides. In the Army, a DoDSER and Command POC at each medical 

treatment facility (MTF) are notified when a Soldier's death is confirmed as a suicide and requested to complete a 

DODSER within 60 days. In the Air Force, the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), is the primary data collection 

agency. In the Navy and Marine Corps, the SPPMs' office contacts the local Command and requests an appropriate 

POC to meet the requirement. 
DoDSER CY 2008

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Calendar Year 2008 was the first year of DoDSER collection, and the program was initiated quickly. Therefore, 

some Services were still refining data collection procedures as the DoDSER program was launched. In an effort to 

contribute to the shared DoD goals of the DoDSER initiative, some Services implemented special procedures this 

year to collect their data. For example, the Navy SPPM completed a minority of their DoDSERs internally. The Air 

Force's SPPM leveraged their existing SESS data collection system to transfer data to the DoDSER system. 

Inconsistencies in the data points collected in these systems resulted in missing AF DoDSER data. 

Data Quality Control Procedures

Four primary quality control procedures are conducted. First, the data submission website has been developed to 

minimize the possibility of data entry errors. The software utilizes form field validation to request user clarification 

when data is not logically possible (e.g., impossible dates). Radio buttons and checkboxes are utilized to further 

reduce the chances of data entry errors. 

Second, each submitted DODSER is individually reviewed to ensure that it is face valid. The DODSER website is a 

secure site (HTTPS). However, in order to maximize access for DODSER respondents, the website does not 

currently require user authentication for data submission. (Changes to improve user authentication are being 

finalized at the time of this writing). Therefore, each submitted DoDSER was reviewed to identify erroneous 

submissions. These are extremely rare; in the history of SRMSO, only three such cases have been identified.

Third, DoDSERs are analyzed for incorrect data entry. Individuals make a variety of data entry mistakes (such as 

transposing years) and these are corrected when identified. A conservative approach is taken to correcting errors 

such that only clear mistakes are corrected. 

Fourth, all DoDSERs are reviewed to ensure that two or more DoDSERs were not submitted for the same event. 

When duplicates are identified, the local DoDSER respondent is contacted in an attempt to determine which 

submission represents the most complete data, and this DoDSER is used in analyses.

Statistical Analysis

DoDSER Submission Compliance

DODSER submission compliance rates were calculated for each Service. In the DOD, suicides are officially defined 

by the AFMES in collaboration with the SPPMs. The number of DODSER submissions for each Service is compared 

to the number of AFMES-confirmed suicides. 

Demographic Risk Factors

The DoDSER collects data on a variety of demographic variables. However, since DoDSERs are not available for 

100% of cases, demographic data was obtained from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). This also 

provided the opportunity to analyze demographic variables as suicide risk factors with the use of DMDC population 

data. Procedures for calculating rates followed standard DoD reporting procedures [3]. DMDC rates were based 

on September end strength reports from DMDC and were obtained by the Mortality Surveillance Division of the 

AFMES. Unknown counts in gender were excluded. Race data in the DMDC report is obtained from a self-report 

source. This report reflects the most current data available at the time of writing, but some data is subject to 

variation over time due to updates from the various sources used to populate the database. In most cases, DMDC 

data is used in this report for demographic analyses. In a few analyses where DMDC data was not available (e.g. 

non-fatal suicide-related behaviors in the Army Annex), DoDSER demographics were used. Suicide rates based on 
DoDSER CY 2008

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fewer than 20 cases may be unstable and are therefore suppressed. Suicide rate ratios (RR), based on population 

rates provided by DMDC data, are calculated to compare groups based on demographic characteristics.

Interpretive Considerations

The purpose of this report is to provide a broad presentation of DoDSER items to support a wide variety of possible 

needs. Therefore, exploratory analyses were conducted without corrections for multiple comparisons. This 

increases the probability of finding statistically significant results by chance, even when no real difference exists.

Most DoDSER data should be considered descriptive. That is, with a few exceptions, it is not possible to 

statistically determine if a given DoDSER variable is a risk factor for suicide. In order to determine risk, additional 

data is required about the rate of the variable in the population. For example, it is not possible to determine if 

owning a firearm is a risk factor for suicide without examining the rate of owning a firearm in the military 

population. A pilot study to collect control DoDSER data is underway, and similar efforts to improve the 

interpretive value of the DoDSER data are being pursued. 

When interpreting the results, it is also important to note the effect of the “Don’t Know” option that is provided 

for many DODSER items. The information required to answer some DoDSER items may only be available for some 

respondents who benefitted from detailed medical records or interviews with knowledgeable persons familiar with 

the decedent’s history. Therefore, “Don’t Know” responses are expected for some items. Percentages were often 

calculated based on the total number of responses, including “Don’t Know” responses. If one group has a higher 

“Don’t Know” response rate than comparison groups, it affects the way the data appear. For example, a group 

that is really 50% male would show about a 40% male rate (and 40% female rate) where a 20% “Don’t Know” 

response rate is observed and randomly distributed.

Interpretation of the results should take into account the nature of the item of interest. Some DoDSER items are 

highly objective, while others are more subjective. Some results are likely very reliable, while others may present

the best data available on a topic that is difficult to study, by a respondent who is knowledgeable about the case. 

Reliability and validity of DoDSER items is not known at this time. Standardized coding guidance was available to 

respondents for many DoDSER items, and a more detailed coding manual is currently under development for 

future years.

Despite the best efforts of the multi-Service DoDSER development team, a few DoDSER items have been identified 

in this first year of the program with Service-specific terminology. This may have affected response patterns for 

some Service’s POCs. These will be corrected in future years of the program.

Analyses with small sample sizes should always be interpreted with caution due to random error or potential 

outlier biases inherent in small samples. Further, analysis results that are not statistically reliable because of 

limited statistical power do not necessarily indicate the absence of an association between variables or group 

differences. 
DoDSER CY 2008

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RESULTS

DoDSER Submissions and POC Compliance

There were a total of 268 Service Member suicides in CY 2008 (Army = 140; Air Force = 45; Navy = 41; Marine 

Corps = 42). This includes 12 Reservists and 21 National Guard members on Active Duty (Army = 24; Air Force = 6; 

Navy = 1; Marine Corps = 2). The total of 268 cases includes cases that are pending final determination by the 

AFMES but are strongly suspected to be suicides by the DoD’s Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction Committee 

(SPARRC). 

In CY 2008 there were a total of 239 DoDSERs submitted for suicides (Army = 121; Air Force = 35; Navy = 41; 

Marine Corps = 42). DoDSER submission compliance was calculated based only on the number of AFMES

confirmed suicides at the time data collection was closed for analysis (15 April 2009) because some Services do not 

require a DoDSER until a case is confirmed as a suicide death. As of 15 April 2009, there were a total of 260 AFMES

confirmed suicides (Army = 135; Air Force = 45; Navy = 39; Marine Corps = 41). Therefore, the overall DoDSER 

submission compliance rate for completed suicide events that occurred in CY 2008 was 90% with 89% compliance 

rate for Army, 78% for Air Force, 100% for Navy, and 100% for the Marine Corps. There were a total of 4 additional 

DoDSERs pending AFMES confirmation. All suspected suicides pending AFMES determination were included in 

analyses described in this report, as described in the Methods. 

Table 1. CY 2008 DoDSER AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DoDSERs SUBMITTED

Total DoDSERs 

Received

Total AFMES

Confirmed and 

Pending Suicides

AFMES Confirmed 

Suicides (as of 15 

April 2009)

DoDSER Submission 

Compliance (as of 

15 April 2009)

Additional 

DoDSERs 

Pending AFMES

Confirmation

ARMY 121 140 135 120 (89%) 1

AIR FORCE 35 45 45 35 (78%) 0

NAVY 41 41 39 39 (100%) 2

MARINE CORPS 42 42 41 41 (100%) 1

Total DoD 239 268 260 235 (90%) 4

CY 2008 Suicide Rates

The DoDSER is not used to calculate DoD suicide rates. Suicide rates are maintained by the AFMES. However, 

these data were provided for inclusion in this report to provide a context for interpreting DoDSER data. The total 

Active Duty crude suicide rate (including Active Duty Guard and Reserve) was 15.8 per 100,000. CY 2008 crude 

rates by Service were Army = 18.5, Navy = 11.6, Marine Corps = 19.5, and Air Force = 12.1. 

Dispositional/Personal Factors

Demographics

Table 2 displays CY 2008 suicide demographic data based on DMDC data provided by AFMES as described in the 

Methods. Ninety-five percent (n = 255) of suicides were completed by males. Although the number of female 

suicides was too low for calculation of a stable rate, exploratory examination suggested that the risk of suicide was 

higher for males. The majority of suicides were completed by Whites/Caucasians (76%, n = 204), followed by 

Black/African Americans (12%, n = 33). Whites/Caucasians were 46% more likely to die by suicide compared to 

Black/African Americans (RR = 1.46). It was not possible to compare other race groups due to the small cell sizes. 

Suicide was more common among persons under age 25 (53%, n = 142). The group that was under the age of 25 

had a 50% higher risk of suicide compared to all other age groups combined (RR = 1.50). On average, most suicides 
DoDSER CY 2008

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(51%, n = 138) were completed by junior enlisted (E1-E4) personnel followed by middle to senior (E5-E9) enlisted 

personnel (38%, n = 102). Junior enlisted (E1-E4) personnel were 36% more likely to die by suicide compared to 

more senior enlisted personnel (RR = 1.36). Also, enlisted personnel (E1-E9) were 70% more likely to die by suicide 

than officers, (RR = 1.70). The highest level of education for the majority of decedents in CY 2008 was high school 
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Table 2. CY 2008 DoDSER ALL SERVICES MILITARY DEMOGRAPHICS

ARMY AIR FORCE NAVY MARINE CORPS DoD TOTAL

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Rate

Total 140 100% 45 100% 41 100% 42 100% 268 100%

GENDER Male 132 94% 43 96% 40 98% 40 95% 255 95% 18.2

Female 8 6% 2 4% 1 2% 2 5% 13 5% N/A

RACE American Indian/ Alaskan Native 3 2% 4 9% 2 5% 0 0% 9 3% N/A

Asian/Pacific Islander 7 5% 1 2% 3 7% 0 0% 11 4% N/A

Black/African American 20 14% 4 9% 7 17% 2 5% 33 12% 11.9

White/Caucasian 109 78% 30 67% 28 68% 37 88% 204 76% 17.4

Other/DK 1 1% 6 13% 1 2% 3 7% 11 4% N/A

AGE RANGE Under 25 70 50% 20 44% 21 51% 31 74% 142 53% 20.1

26 – 29 22 16% 4 9% 6 15% 6 14% 38 14% 13.7

30 – 39 30 21% 11 24% 9 22% 3 7% 53 20% 12.1

40 + 18 13% 10 22% 5 12% 2 5% 35 13% 15.7

RANK Unknown Enlisted 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% N/A

E1 – E4 78 56% 15 33% 18 44% 27 64% 138 51% 20.1

E5 – E9 46 33% 23 51% 20 49% 13 31% 102 38% 14.8

Officer 13 9% 7 16% 3 7% 2 5% 25 9% 10.2

Warrant Officer 2 1% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2 1% N/A

Cadet/Midshipman 1 1% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 1 < 1% N/A

EDUCATION Below HS 4 3% 0 0% 2 5% 3 7% 9 3% N/A

GED 22 16% 0 0% 1 2% 1 2% 24 9% 24.1

HS graduate 81 58% 27 60% 29 71% 33 79% 170 63% 16.4

Some college/tech, no degree 0 0% 0 0% 4 10% 0 0% 4 1% N/A

College degree/tech cert < 4 yrs 15 11% 8 18% 0 0% 2 5% 25 9% 25.1

Four-year degree 10 7% 5 11% 3 7% 2 5% 20 7% 9.8

Master’s degree or greater 8 6% 5 11% 2 5% 1 2% 16 6% N/A

Don’t Know 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% N/A

MARITAL STATUS Never married (Single) 54 39% 12 27% 15 37% 19 45% 100 37% 15.2

Married 77 55% 26 58% 23 56% 18 43% 144 54% 15.9

Legally separated 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% N/A

Divorced 8 6% 7 16% 3 7% 3 7% 21 8% 27.6

Widowed 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% N/A

Don’t Know 1 1% 0 0% 0 0% 2 5% 3 1% N/A

COMPONENT Regular 116 83% 39 87% 40 98% 40 95% 235 88% 16.9

Reserve 8 6% 1 2% 1 2% 2 5% 12 4% N/A

National Guard 16 11% 5 11% N/A N/A N/A N/A 21 8% 14.4

NOTE: Rates are per 100,000. Suicide rates were not calculated for cell sizes less than 20.
DoDSER CY 2008

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graduate (63%, n = 170). The risk for suicide for persons with less than high school education (GED/below HS) was 

77% higher compared to persons with a high school education (RR = 1.77). As can be seen in Table 2, most suicides 

(54%, n = 144) were completed by married persons. Although the suicide rate among married persons was similar 

to never married persons (RR = 1.04), divorced persons were 74% more likely to die by suicide than married 

persons (RR = 1.74). The majority of suicides were by Active Duty personnel (88%, n = 235) and the risk for suicide 

for Regular Active Duty personnel was 31% higher compared to Reserve and National Guard combined (RR = 1.31). 

Comparisons were not conducted within individual Services because the vast majority of cell sizes were too small 

to permit calculation of stable suicide rates.

Event Setting

Table 3 below displays the settings in which the suicides occurred. Suicides occurred most commonly in the 

decedents’ personal residences (including their military place of residence; 57%, n = 137). Nine percent (n = 22) 

occurred at places of work/job sites. The “Other” category included a variety of settings ranging from outdoor 

locations (e.g. countryside), to hotels, to other residences. 

Table 3. CY 2008 DoDSER EVENT SETTING

Total DoD

Count Percent

Residence (personal) 137 57%

Residence (friend/family) 17 7%

Work/jobsite 22 9%

Automobile (away from residence) 15 6%

Inpatient medical facility 1 <1%

Other 47 20%

Total DoD 239 100%

Event Method

Figure 1 displays the differential methods of suicide by Service Branch. For all Services, non-military firearms were 

the most commonly reported method for completed suicides (DoD Total = 41%, n = 98). Military firearms were 

used in 21% (n = 51) of suicides with higher incidence in the Army and Marines Corps compared to the Air Force 

and Navy. Twenty-two percent (n = 52) of suicides were by hanging, strangulation or suffocation. Additional 

methods utilized in 2008 suicides included overdose (5%, n = 11 for drugs; .4%, n = 1 for alcohol), vehicle exhaust 

(3%, n = 6), jumping (1%, n = 3), use of a sharp or blunt object (.8%, n = 2), lying in front of a moving vehicle (.4%, n 

= 1), drowning (.4%, n = 1), crashing a motor vehicle (.4%, n = 1), fire/steam (.4%, n = 1), other (2%, n = 4), and 

“Don’t Know” (3%, n = 6). 
DoDSER CY 2008

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Figure 1. CY 2008 DoDSER SUICIDE METHODS

NOTE: Other = Jumping, motor vehicle crash, drowning, poisoning by exhaust, poisoning by utility gas, poisoning 

by substance, lying in front of moving vehicle, sharp/blunt object, fire/steam, and “don’t know”.

Additional Event Details

In addition to method, location, and motivation associated with the suicide event, detailed information is gathered 

as to whether alcohol or other drugs were used during the event (not necessarily as a method for self-harm), 

whether the Service Member intended to die, and whether the decedent communicated potential for self-harm. 

Additional items in this section pertain to evidence of death-risk gambling such as Russian roulette or walking 

railroad tracks, planned or premeditated acts, and whether suicide events were performed in areas or under 

circumstances in which the behavior is likely to be observed by others. 

Substance Use During the Event 

A total of 27% of submitted DoDSERs reported that alcohol and/or drugs were used during the event (see Figure 

2)

1

. This percentage is likely an underestimate, as a significant number of cases did not have access to information 

about substance use, presumably because autopsy results were not available at the time of the DoDSER

submission. This is the first year of the DoDSER program, and this rate of “Don’t Know” responses suggests that 

procedural improvements may be needed to ensure that DoDSER respondents have access to autopsy results. 

Alternatively, a closer collaboration with the AFMES may be needed to improve data quality for this topic. After 

excluding cases containing “Don’t Know” responses in order to calculate a “valid” percentage, 43% of DoDSERs 

submitted for a suicide reported alcohol and/or drug use during the event.

 

1 Six suicide cases used both drugs and alcohol during the event. Six of the total 17 drug-use cases reportedly represented over-the-counter (n 

= 2) or prescription medication (n = 4) use “without overdose.” The intent of this response is ambiguous, as the DoDSER item does not 

differentiate between appropriate therapeutic drug use and drug abuse. Given the wording of the item (“During the event, were drugs used?”), 

these cases were included in the numbers reported above. 

Hanging Firearm 

(Military)

Firearm 

(Non-Military) Other

Army 17 29 38 11

Air Force 26 3 49 22

Navy 27 7 44 22

Marine Corps 29 29 41 1

Total DoD 22 21 41 16

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Percent of Cases
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 14 of 165

Figure 2. CY 2008 DoDSER SUBSTANCE USE DURING EVENTS

Suicide Completions by Month

Figure 3 displays CY 2008 suicide counts by month for the combined Services. The highest number of suicides was 

observed in November (n = 25), followed by January, July, and August (each n = 22). The lowest number of suicides 

occurred in February (n = 15). There was no association between month and suicide (p = .97).

Figure 3. CY 2008 DoDSER SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH

Alcohol Drugs Both None Don't Know

Army 18 7 2 30 43

Air Force 17 0 9 43 31

Navy 20 2 2 42 34

Marine Corps 24 2 0 33 41

Total DoD 20 4 3 34 39

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Percent of Cases

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

25

20

15

10

5

0

Count

18

25

19 19

22 22

18

20

21

18

15

22
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 15 of 165

Additional Event Information

DoDSERS also include information to indicate whether potential for self-harm was communicated prior to the 

event, or whether there was evidence that the suicide was planned. As can be seen in Table 4, DoDSER 

respondents judged that 70% of decedents (n = 167) intended to die, with an additional 24% of respondents 

unable to determine this based on the evidence from the case. Thirty-eight percent (n = 91) showed evidence that 

the event was planned or premeditated. Suicide notes were found in 23% of suicides (n = 54). Evidence of death 

risk gambling (e.g., Russian roulette) was fairly rare (2%). Nineteen percent (n = 45) of suicides were performed 

under circumstances where it would likely be observed and intervened in by others. 

Table 4. CY 2008 DoDSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

Total DoD

Count Percent

INTENT TO DIE Yes 167 70%

No 15 6%

Don't Know 57 24%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 4 2%

No 167 70%

Don't Know 68 28%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 91 38%

No 64 27%

Don't Know 84 35%

OBSERVABLE Yes 45 19%

No 141 59%

Don't Know 53 22%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 54 23%

No 110 46%

Don't Know 75 31%

The majority of decedents had no known history of communicating their potential for self-harm prior to the event. 

Thirty percent of individuals who died by suicide (n = 72) were known to communicate their potential for self-harm

prior to the event. At least 20 Service Members who died by suicide (8%) reported their potential to multiple 

people. However, these percentages are probably an underestimate, as DoDSER POCs responded “Don’t Know” to 

28% of completions (n = 67). In addition, false-negative response errors are likely. Of the 72 cases known to 

communicate their potential for self-harm prior to the 

event, 52 (72%) communicated the message verbally.

Examination of the type of individuals with whom

decedents shared their potential for self-harm may be 

helpful for informing suicide prevention efforts. Service 

Members most commonly shared their potential for selfharm with Spouses, Other, and Friends (see Table 5). The 

majority of the “Other” responses reflected a variety of coworkers and family members.

Table 5. CY 2008 DoDSER COMMUNICATED INTENT

Total DoD

Count Percent

FRIEND 19 8%

MENTAL HEALTH STAFF 11 5%

SUPERVISOR 7 3%

SPOUSE 28 12%

CHAPLAIN 4 2%

OTHER 26 11%

Note: Not all cases communicated intent, thus the percentages 

do not add up to 100%.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 16 of 165

Situational/Contextual Factors

Situational Factors

These items pertain to the individual’s current situation, such as place of residence, current living situation, and 

factors that are subject to change over time. As can be seen in Table 6, Service Members that died by suicide most 

frequently resided in off-post family housing (39%, n = 93). An additional 29% (n = 69) of Service Members that 

died by suicide resided in barracks or other shared military housing. Five percent (n = 13) of decedents lived in 

Bachelor Enlisted Quarters or Bachelor Officer Quarters (BEQ/BOQ), and 2% (n = 5) were on a ship. Four percent 

(n = 10) resided in on-base family housing. Eight percent lived in “other” housing. Twenty-four percent (n= 57) of 

decedents lived alone. Thirty-two percent of decedents (n = 77) reportedly had minor children; the majority of 

those did not live with their children at the time of the event. A gun was present in the home or immediate 

environment for 54% (n = 130) of suicide cases. 

Table 6. CY 2008 DoDSER SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

Total DoD

Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks or other shared military 69 29%

BEQ/BOQ 13 5%

On-base family housing 10 4%

Off-base family housing 93 39%

Ship 5 2%

Other 18 8%

Don't Know 31 13%

Total 239 100%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 52 22%

Separated, relationship issues 30 13%

Separated, other 23 10%

Don't Know 12 5%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 57 24%

No 146 61%

Don't Know 36 15%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 77 32%

No 113 47%

Don't Know 48 20%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 32 13%

No 43 18%

Don't Know 3 1%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT Yes 130 54%

No 36 15%

Don't Know 73 31%

NOTE: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent 

was married or had children.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 17 of 165

Duty Status/Environment 

As shown in Table 7, Garrison was the most frequently reported duty environment for decedents (36%, n = 86), 

followed by Deployed (18%, n = 42), and Leave (11%, n = 26). Additional information regarding deployment status 

is provided in each Service annex.

Table 7. CY 2008 DoDSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT

Total DoD

Count Percent

GARRISON 86 36%

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 1 <1%

LEAVE 26 11%

MEDICAL HOLD 5 2%

TDY 4 2%

IN EVAC CHAIN 1 <1%

AWOL 6 3%

UNDER CMD OBS 1 <1%

DEPLOYED 42 18%

OTHER 14 6%

TRAINING 8 3%

NOTE: Options are not discrete and respondents selected options that 

applied; thus percentages do not add up to 100%.

Clinical/Symptom Factors

Diagnoses 

Thirty-six percent of suicide cases (n = 86) had a history of at least one mental disorder. Eighteen percent (n = 44) 

had been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder in the past, including Major Depression (n = 13), Dysthymic Disorder (n 

= 3), and Other Mood Disorders (n = 21). Eight of these cases were diagnosed within 30 days prior to the suicide 

event. Eleven percent (n = 26) had been diagnosed with any Anxiety Disorder, including 4% diagnosed with PTSD 

(n = 10). Three of the PTSD cases were diagnosed within 30 days prior to the suicide event. One percent (n = 2) 

were diagnosed with a Psychotic Disorder. In addition, 5% (n = 12) were diagnosed with a Personality Disorder, 

and 20% (n = 47) had a history of Substance Abuse. 

Table 8. CY 2008 DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS

Total DoD

Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 44 18%

No 139 58%

Don't Know 56 23%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 3 1%

No 169 71%

Don't Know 67 28%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 13 5%

No 162 68%

Don't Know 64 27%

Note: Table continues on next page
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 18 of 165

Table 8. CY 2008 DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS (CONT.)

Total DoD

Count Percent

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 3 1%

No 170 71%

Don't Know 66 28%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 21 9%

No 151 63%

Don't Know 67 28%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 12 5%

No 170 71%

Don't Know 57 24%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 2 1%

No 182 76%

Don't Know 55 23%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 47 20%

No 131 55%

Don't Know 61 26%

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 26 11%

No 159 67%

Don't Know 54 23%

 DX PTSD Yes 10 4%

No 167 70%

Don't Know 62 26%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 3 1%

No 172 72%

Don't Know 64 27%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 4 2%

No 172 72%

Don't Know 63 26%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 4 2%

No 173 72%

Don't Know 62 26%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 8 3%

No 167 70%

Don't Know 64 27%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated 

that the decedent had a mood or anxiety disorder.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 19 of 165

Treatment

Table 9 displays the history of visits to treatment programs and clinics prior to the event. Of suicide cases, 40% (n 

= 95) had been seen at a medical treatment facility (MTF) within three months prior to the event and 30% within 

30 days prior to the death. Individuals who died by suicide had an Outpatient Mental Health visit within 3 months 

prior to the event in 22% (n = 53) of cases; 17% (n = 40) had an outpatient mental health visit within 30 days of the 

event. Eleven percent of suicide cases had visits to Substance Abuse Services (SAS). History of an Inpatient Mental 

Health stay was reported in 4% (n = 9) of suicides and 4% received inpatient services within 30 days of the event. 

Forty-nine percent of suicide cases (n = 118) had been seen in at least one of the programs/clinics within 30 days 

of the event; 62 of these cases had sought broadly-defined mental health resources (i.e., Substance Abuse 

Services, Outpatient Mental Health, Inpatient Mental Health, Family Advocacy Program, Chaplain visits) 30 days 

prior to completed suicides.

Table 9. CY 2008 DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 125 52%

 Within 30 days 71 30%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

95 40%

No 62 26%

Don't Know 52 22%

SEEN BY SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 27 11%

 Within 30 days 10 4%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

15 6%

No 159 67%

Don't Know 53 22%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 15 6%

 Within 30 days 8 3%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

9 4%

No 165 69%

Don't Know 59 25%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 33 14%

 Within 30 days 19 8%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

25 10%

No 100 42%

Don't Know 106 44%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 80 33%

 Within 30 days 40 17%

 Within 90 days 

 (inclusive)a 53 22%

No 120 50%

Don't Know 39 16%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” 

Therefore, summing the two time frames sums to more than the total number of cases in some instances. 

NOTE: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; FAP = Family Advocacy Program; OP MH = Outpatient Mental 

Health; IP MH = Inpatient Mental Health.

Note: Table continues on next page
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 20 of 165

Table 9. CY 2008 DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT)

Total DoD

Count Percent

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 24 10%

 Within 30 days 9 4%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

12 5%

No 162 68%

Don't Know 53 22%

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 49 21%

No 124 52%

Don't Know 66 28%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 49 21%

No 132 55%

Don't Know 58 24%

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 34 14%

No 106 44%

Don't Know 99 41%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” 

Therefore, summing the two time frames sums to more than the total number of cases in some instances. 

Note: IP MH = Inpatient Mental Health.

History of psychotropic medication use was reported for 21% (n = 49) of individuals who completed suicide. Of 

those, 17% (n = 41) had taken antidepressants; 7% (n = 16) anti-anxiety medications; 3% (n = 6) anti-psychotics; 

and 2% (n = 5) anti-convulsants. Ten percent (n = 24) of suicides had reportedly taken psychotropic medication 

within 30 days of the event. 

History of prior self-inflicted injury was documented for 14% (n = 34) of decedents. Thirty-one cases had a known 

history of one such event, and 3 cases had a history of two or more prior self-injurious behaviors. The mean age of 

the first self-injurious event was 22 with a standard deviation of 8 years.

Mental Health Resources Within 30-days of Death 

Additional analyses were conducted to describe the group of 62 cases that obtained mental health resources 

shortly before the suicide. Although it is arguable whether Chaplain visits should be included in this grouping, they 

were included because of the culture that exists around Chaplain use in at least some of the Services. 

The mean age for these Service Members was 29.0 (SD = 8.7). The majority were male (94%; n = 58), and four were 

female (6%). Sixty-six percent were White (n = 41), 21% were African American (n = 13), 3% (n = 2) were Hispanic, 

5% were Asian/Pacific Islander (n = 3), and 5% were identified as “Other” or “Unknown (n = 3). The majority were 

married (60%; n = 37), 27% (n = 17) were never married, 7% (n = 4) were legally separated, and 5% (n = 3) were 

divorced. 

Military (21%; n = 13) and non-military (32%; n = 20) firearms, followed by hanging (25%; n = 16), were the most 

commonly reported method for suicide completions. Ten percent (n = 6) of the suicides were reported to be 

attributable to drugs, 2% to alcohol (n = 1), 3% to automobile exhaust (n = 2), and 2% to jumping (n = 1).

As expected for a group with mental health treatment history, diagnoses of mental disorders were fairly common. 

Diagnoses included 42% (n = 26) with a mood disorder, and 26% (n = 16) with an anxiety disorder, including 12.9% 

(n = 8) with PTSD. Thirty-nine percent (n = 24) had a history of substance abuse, and 15% (n = 9) had been 

diagnosed with a personality disorder. Forty-eight percent (n = 30) were reported to have been taking psychotropic 

medications.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 21 of 165

Historical/Developmental Factors

Family & Relationship History

Failed marital/intimate relationships were reported for 51% (n = 123) of individuals who died by suicide. In 

addition, other failed relationships (non-intimate) were reported for 14% (n = 33) of suicide cases. Ten percent (n 

= 23) of decedents reportedly had a history of both intimate and other failed relationships prior to the death. 

Most of these failed relationships occurred close in time to the suicide behaviors. For suicide cases, 32% (n = 76)

of the total sample had a failed intimate relationship within 30 days of the suicide. Similarly, other failed 

relationships occurred within 30 days of the events in 5% (n =13) of suicides. 

There was also a reported history of recent spousal or family death in 7% (n = 17) of suicide cases. There was a 

reported history of a chronic spousal or family severe illness in 5% (n = 11) of decedents. Family history of mental

illness or suicide was reported for 9% (n = 21) of individuals who died by suicide. These rates are probably 

underestimates, as “Don’t Know” responses were fairly common for all of these risk factors.

Table 10. CY 2008 DoDSER FAMILY HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 123 51%

No 58 24%

Don't Know 58 24%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 33 14%

No 104 44%

Don't Know 102 43%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 174 73%

Don't Know 65 27%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 11 5%

No 117 49%

Don't Know 111 46%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 3 1%

No 120 50%

Don't Know 116 49%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 17 7%

No 114 48%

Don't Know 108 45%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 12 5%

No 98 41%

Don't Know 129 54%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 11 5%

No 108 45%

Don't Know 120 50%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 21 9%

No 45 19%

Don't Know 173 72%
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 22 of 165

Administrative & Legal History

History of Article 15 proceedings were reported in 15% of decedents (n = 35). Civil legal problems were reported 

among 13% of completions (n = 31). Six percent of decedents (n = 14), were reportedly the subjects of 

administrative separation proceedings and 5% (n = 13) were subjects of AWOL/Desertion proceedings. Other 

administrative and legal risk factors were less commonly reported as shown in Table 11.

Table 11. CY 2008 DoDSER ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 3 1%

No 196 82%

Don't Know 40 17%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 35 15%

No 161 67%

Don't Know 43 18%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 14 6%

No 177 74%

Don't Know 48 20%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 13 5%

No 180 75%

Don't Know 46 19%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 9 4%

No 182 76%

Don't Know 48 20%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 31 13%

No 149 62%

Don't Know 59 25%

Abuse History

Of suicide cases, 4% (n = 10) had a reported history of Physical Abuse, 3% (n = 6) had a history of Sexual Abuse, and 

5% (n = 11) had a history of Emotional Abuse. History of Sexual Harassment was not reported for any suicide 

cases. Abuse in which the decedent was the perpetrator was not frequently indicated, although DoDSERs for 5% 

(n = 13) of decedents reported alleged or confirmed Perpetration of Physical Abuse and 4% (n = 9) for alleged or 

confirmed Perpetration of Sexual Abuse in the past. See Table 12 for CY 2008 DoDSER abuse history.

Table 12. CY 2008 DoDSER ABUSE HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 10 4%

No 112 47%

Don't Know 117 49%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 6 3%

No 119 50%

Don't Know 114 48%

Note: Table continues on next page
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 23 of 165

Table 12. CY 2008 DoDSER ABUSE HISTORY (CONT)

Total DoD

Count Percent

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 11 5%

No 110 46%

Don't Know 118 49%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0%

No 123 51%

Don't Know 116 49%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 13 5%

No 114 48%

Don't Know 112 47%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 9 4%

No 122 51%

Don't Know 108 45%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 8 3%

No 120 50%

Don't Know 111 46%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 3 1%

No 127 53%

Don't Know 109 46%

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

Excessive debt or bankruptcy was reported for 10% (n = 24) of completed suicides. History of job problems were 

reported for 18% (n = 42) of decedents. Additional information related to job or employment difficulties are 

presented below. 

Table 13. CY 2008 DoDSER ADDITIONAL HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 24 10%

No 123 51%

Don't Know 92 38%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 42 18%

No 148 62%

Don't Know 49 21%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 25 10%

No 134 56%

Don't Know 80 33%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 26 11%

No 143 60%

Don't Know 70 29%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 1 <1%

No 156 65%

Don't Know 82 34%
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 24 of 165

Deployment Factors

Deployment History

The DoDSER 2008 gathered detailed information pertaining to the Service Member’s most recent three 

deployments. Fifty-three percent of decedents (n = 126) had a history of at least one deployment. The following 

table summarizes this information for the most commonly reported deployment locations: Afghanistan, Iraq, and 

Kuwait. Iraq was the most common deployment location reported for suicide decedents (36%, n = 85), followed by 

Kuwait (7%, n = 16), and Afghanistan (5%, n = 11). Thirteen percent of decedents (n = 32) reportedly had histories 

of multiple deployments to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. See the individual Service annexes for additional information 

on suicide and deployment data.

Table 14. CY 2008 DoDSER HISTORY EVER DEPLOYED TO OIF/OEF

Total

Count Percent

AFGHANISTAN 11 5%

IRAQ 85 36%

KUWAIT 16 7%

NOTE: Respondents did not indicate that all cases reported deployment to OIF/OEF, 

thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.

Suicides During OIF-OEF Deployment 

Table 15 shows counts and percentages of suicides that occurred during OIF-OEF deployment in CY 2008. There 

were a total of 38 DoDSERs submitted for OIF-OEF suicide deaths (32 for Army and 6 for Marine Corps). Since 

DoDSERs were not received for 100% of suicides, quality control procedures were conducted by cross-checking 

DoDSER data with the AFMES’ data. That Office showed a total of 42 OIF-OEF suicides (0 for Air Force, 34 for 

Army, 1 for Navy, and 7 for Marine Corps). There were 35 suicides that occurred in OIF and seven that occurred in 

OEF.

Table 15. CY 2008 OIF-OEF Suicides

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

SERVICE ARMY 106 76% 34 24%

AIR FORCE 45 100% 0 0%

NAVY 40 98% 1 2%

MARINE CORPS 35 83% 7 17%

Total DoD 226 84% 42 16%

Days Deployed

Suicides completed in OIF or OEF were analyzed to determine whether there was a relationship between number 

of days deployed and suicide. Deployment start date was subtracted from the DoDSER event date to determine 

days deployed prior to event. 

Figure 5 shows the results of this analysis. When suicides were grouped in 30-day bins, expected cell sizes were too 

small for analysis. Therefore, completion frequencies were grouped by quarter (90-day bins). Despite the visual 

trend, the obtained frequencies did not statistically differ from what would be expected by chance. However, 

power to detect effects was limited. In the future, multiple years of data will be available to analyze this 

relationship. 
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 25 of 165

Figure 5. CY 2008 DoDSER Days Deployed

Combat History 

History of experiencing direct combat operations was reported in 15% (n = 37) of decedents. The percentages of 

Service Members for whom specific combat experiences were reported were generally low. However, these 

numbers reflect both the response rate and the fact that the denominator includes those with and without any 

combat experiences.

Table 16. CY 2008 DoDSER COMBAT HISTORY

Total DoD

Count Percent

EXP DIRECT COMBAT Yes 37 15%

No 120 50%

Don't Know 82 34%

SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 21 9%

INJURED IN COMBAT 7 3%

WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 19 8%

SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 16 7%

KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 8 3%
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 26 of 165

SUMMARY

This annual statistical report of the DoDSER provides statistics and analyses for DoD suicides that occurred in CY 

2008. 

There were a total of 268 Service Member suicides in CY 2008 (Army = 140; Air Force = 45; Navy = 41; Marine 

Corps = 42). A total of 239 DoDSERs were received in CY 2008 for a DoDSER submission compliance rate of 90% 

(based on 260 suicides confirmed when data collection was closed for this report). Individuals who were 

White/Caucasian, under the age of 25, junior enlisted (E1-E4), and had a GED/less than high school education were 

at increased risk for suicide relative to demographic comparison groups. Divorced individuals were 74% more 

likely to die by suicide than married persons. There was no association between calendar month of the year and 

suicide. 

Across Services, non-military firearms were the most frequently utilized method for suicide (41%, n = 98). Military 

firearms were used in 21% (n = 51) of suicides with higher incidence in the Army and Marines Corps compared to 

the Air Force and Navy. Eighteen percent of cases occurred in a deployed environment, including 16% (n = 42) that 

died in OIF/OEF. Eleven percent occurred while Service Members were on leave. Thirteen percent of Service 

Members who died by suicide had a history of multiple deployments to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. A history of 

direct combat operations was reported for 15% (n = 37) of decedents. Forty percent of Service Members (n = 95) 

had been seen at a military treatment facility within three months prior to suicide (30% within 30 days of the 

suicide).

Failed marital/intimate relationships were reported for 51% (n = 123) of suicide cases and other failed 

relationships (non-intimate) were reported for 14% (n = 33) of decedents. The most common legal problems were 

Article 15 proceedings (15%) and civil legal problems (13%). Fourteen percent of Service Members that died by

suicide had a known history of prior self-injurious behavior. Thirty percent (n = 72) communicated their potential 

for self-harm prior to the event. Most decedents (64%) did not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder reported. A 

total of 27% of decedents reportedly used alcohol and/or drugs during the event. A history of job problems was

reported for 18% (n = 42) of decedents.

This was the first year of the DoDSER; therefore it was not possible to make comparisons to previous years. Future 

DoDSERs will provide such analyses; many DoDSER items were comparable to Army items used for their Service 

last year, so 2007-2008 Army comparisons are provided, where possible, in Annex 1. Most of the results described 

in this report are descriptive and do not permit conclusions about suicide risk. Additional data about base rates of 

DoDSER variables would be needed to improve analytic approaches. 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 27 of 165

ANNEX 1: Army DoDSER

CALENDAR YEAR 2008 REPORT

National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence

For Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 28 of 165

ANNEX 1: Army DoDSER

This Annex presents a summary of CY 2008 Army DoDSER data. Most of the methods used to collect this data are 

summarized in the main report. However, several Army-specific methodological details are described below. 

DoDSERs Submitted for Non-fatal Suicide Events (Army Only for CY 2008)

In addition to suicides, Army DoDSERs were collected for any suicide-related behavior that resulted in 

hospitalization and/or evacuation from theater. Army DoDSER data are presented separately for suicide attempts, 

self-harm without intent to die, and suicidal ideation only. While there is debate regarding what types of events 

should be classified as a suicide attempt, the Army DoDSER process has adopted the following definition: "A selfinflicted potentially injurious behavior with a non-fatal outcome for which there is evidence (either explicit or 

implicit) of intent to die." A suicide attempt may or may not result in injury.[1] Therefore, this category includes 

behaviors where there is evidence that the individual intended to die, but the event resulted in no injuries. For 

example, if someone wrestled a gun away from a Soldier with intent to die, this would be classified as a suicide 

attempt even though there were no injuries. Self harm without intent to die is defined as a self-inflicted, 

potentially injurious behavior for which there is evidence (either implicit or explicit) that the person did not intend 

to kill himself/herself (i.e. had no intent to die). Persons engage in these self-harm behaviors when they wish to 

use the appearance of intending to kill themselves in order to attain some other end (e.g. to seek help, punish 

others, to receive attention, or to regulate negative mood). Suicidal ideation only (without an attempt/self-harm) 

is defined as any self-reported thoughts of engaging in suicide-related behaviors.[1]

Data collection processes following a suicide are described in the Method section of the main report. Data 

collection processes for Army DoDSERs following a non-fatal suicide event differ somewhat. The data sources used 

to complete an Army DoDSER for a non-fatal event include medical and behavioral health records, and an 

interview with the patient is frequently used to collect the required information. 

For Army events submitted on the basis of a non-fatal suicide behavior, the reporting process requires the Army 

DoDSER POC for each MTF to track these events and ensure DoDSER submission. A DoDSER POC is required to 

submit monthly reports on suicide-related hospitalizations for each MTF by the 5th working day of the following 

calendar month to identify the number of hospitalizations or evacuations for that MTF. DoDSERs are then 

expected for events based on these reports. This generally involves coordination with inpatient psychiatric 

personnel and outpatient behavioral health clinic(s) personnel. Appendix A displays the Army DoDSER Command 

POC list.

Army DoDSER Annex Compared to Other Services’ DoDSER Annexes

The Army Annex is significantly longer and more detailed than the other Services’ Annexes. This is due to two 

factors. First, the Army’s old system, the ASER, was already collecting information on non-fatal suicide behaviors. 

Thus, this system was seamlessly transferred to the new DoDSER, providing significantly more data to analyze. 

Second, many of the ASER items were selected for inclusion as DoDSER items. This provided a unique opportunity 

to compare Army DoDSER results for this year to ASER 2007 results wherever those items are comparable. Other 

Services will benefit from such a comparison in CY 2009 after a second year of data collection.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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RESULTS

Data are presented in detail by event type: Suicides, Suicide Attempts, Self-Harm Without Intent to Die, and 

Suicidal Ideation only. Statistical comparisons among these categories must be interpreted with caution, as 

DoDSER compliance rates are not necessarily randomly distributed, and analyses of such patterns are difficult to 

interpret with no event base rates determined for non-fatal suicide behaviors. In addition, the different data 

collection methods described above for suicides and non-fatal suicidal behaviors may impact the results. Enough 

data are provided to allow the reader to calculate some comparisons, when of interest. 

Army DoDSER Submissions and POC Compliance

2008 Reported Suicide Events

A total of 2104 Army DoDSERs were submitted for CY 2008. Of these, 121 (6%) were submitted for Suicides, 570 

(27%) for Suicide Attempts, 410 (20%) for Self-harm Without Intent to Die, and 1003 (48%) for Suicidal Ideation 

only (see Table 1). 

Table 1. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSERS SUBMITTED

Count Percent

Suicide 121 6%

Suicide Attempt 570 27%

Self Harm (W/O intent to die) 410 20%

Ideation Only 1003 48%

Submission Rates

Table 2 displays the number of AFMES confirmed Army suicides and the compliance rate for Army DoDSER 

submissions at the time of this report. As shown in the table, 135 suicide cases were confirmed by the AFMES as of 

15 April 2009, with five additional cases pending confirmation. A DoDSER was received for one of the pending 

cases. DoDSER submission compliance was calculated as described in the main report above. The compliance rate 

for AFMES confirmed suicide in CY 2008 was 89% (Table 2).

Table 2. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER SUBMISSIONS

AFMES Confirmed Suicides as of 

15 April 2009

Cases Pending AFMES Confirmation as 

of 15 April 2009

Male 127 5

Female 8 0

Total Suicides 135 5

DoDSERs Received 120 1

Compliance Rate 89% -

Hospitalization/Evacuation 

There is not a “gold standard” for tracking non-fatal suicide-related behaviors. Therefore, it is not possible to 

calculate a true response rate for this DoDSER category at this time (e.g. some may go unreported or undetected). 

However, submissions were compared to reported MTF hospitalization and evacuation data, as described above. 

These CY 2008 compliance rates by MTF are also presented in Army Appendix B.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Dispositional/Personal Factors

Demographics 

Table 3 displays demographic data for Suicide Attempts, Self-Harm Without Intent to Die, and Suicidal Ideation 

Only for CY 2008 (demographic characteristics of Army suicide cases are available in the main report above). In 

general, similar proportions of demographic characteristics were observed across categories of non-fatal suicide 

events. Additional details are summarized in Table 3. 

Table 3. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER DEMOGRAPHICS FOR NON-FATAL EVENTS

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

GENDER Male 432 76% 303 74% 810 81%

Female 138 24% 107 26% 193 19%

RACE American Indian/Alaskan Native 7 1% 8 2% 11 1%

Asian/Pacific Islander 12 2% 7 2% 27 3%

Black/African American 74 13% 45 11% 125 12%

White/Caucasian 402 71% 293 71% 699 70%

Hispanic 42 7% 29 7% 72 7%

Other 14 2% 10 2% 22 2%

Don't Know 19 3% 18 4% 47 5%

AGE RANGE Under 25 367 64% 285 70% 643 64%

25-29 100 18% 82 20% 172 17%

30-39 79 14% 36 9% 144 14%

40 + 24 4% 7 2% 44 4%

RANK E1-E3 310 54% 248 60% 569 57%

E4-E6 221 39% 151 37% 377 38%

E7-E9 17 3% 6 1% 29 3%

Officer (Includes Warrant Officer) 19 3% 5 1% 20 2%

Cadet/Midshipman 1 <1% 0 0% 5 <1%

EDUCATION GED 105 18% 53 13% 145 14%

HS graduate 229 40% 209 51% 435 43%

Some college/tech, no degree 102 18% 76 19% 201 20%

College degree/tech cert < 4 yrs 25 4% 10 2% 37 4%

Four-year degree 26 5% 6 1% 23 2%

Master's degree or greater 7 1% 3 1% 11 1%

Don't Know 69 12% 46 11% 137 14%

MARITAL STATUS Never married 253 44% 197 48% 472 47%

Married 246 43% 167 41% 419 42%

Legally separated 20 4% 9 2% 28 3%

Divorced 36 6% 26 6% 55 5%

Widowed 4 1% 3 1% 2 <1%

Don't Know 11 2% 8 2% 27 3%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Event Setting 

Both Suicides and Suicide Attempts occurred most commonly in the Soldiers’ personal residences (60%, n = 72 and 

79%, n = 452, respectively; Table 4). Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only also most commonly 

occurred in the Soldiers’ residences. Additional data on Event Setting across Event Types are also shown in Table 4.

Table 4. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER EVENT SETTING

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

Residence (personal) 72 60% 452 79% 351 86% 726 72%

Residence (friend/family) 9 7% 27 5% 11 3% 25 2%

Work/jobsite 11 9% 22 4% 16 4% 129 13%

Automobile (away from residence) 6 5% 18 3% 7 2% 18 2%

Inpatient medical facility 1 1% 4 1% 0 0% 7 1%

Other 22 18% 47 8% 25 6% 98 10%

Data from 1/1/2008 through 12/31/2008 as of 4/14/2009

Figure 1 displays the differential methods used by type of event. Firearms were the most commonly reported 

method for completed suicides (29%, n = 35 for Military Firearm; 38%, n = 46 for Non-military Firearm; 67%, n = 81

for Total Combined), followed by Hanging (17%, n = 20). Additional methods utilized in 2008 suicides included

Overdose, Vehicle Exhaust, Jumping, Fire/Steam, and Unknown.

Overdose (58%, n = 326 for Drugs; 3%, n = 18 for Alcohol) and Cutting (12%, n = 66) were the most common 

methods for attempted suicides (Figure 1). Attempted suicides also utilized means such as Hanging (9%, n = 53), 

and Firearms (6%, n = 38). Other methods used for suicide attempts not displayed in the figure include Crashing a 

Motor Vehicle (1%, n = 6), Jumping (1%, n = 6), and “Other” methods not listed (6%, n = 35).
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Figure 1. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER EVENT METHOD

* Other = Overdose, Vehicle Exhaust, Jumping, Fire/Steam, and “Unknown.”

Event Motivation 

The Army DoDSER POCs are asked to subjectively identify the patient or decedent’s primary motivation for 

performing the self-harm event after reviewing all relevant records and conducting appropriate interviews. 

Although this item attempts to document what might have motivated Army suicide behaviors, it is important to 

note that in doing so it simplifies an extremely complex behavior. Due to the subjectivity of the content, results for 

this item should be interpreted with caution. These data are summarized in Table 5.

For Suicides, 20% (n = 24) reported Emotion Relief (e.g., to stop bad feelings, self-hatred, anxiety relief), 12% (n = 

14) reported Avoidance /Escape, and 10% (n = 12) reported Hopelessness as the primary Event Motivation. For 

30% (n = 36) of the completed suicides, the motivation was unknown or unreported. Proportions and frequencies 

for the remainder of the primary Event Motivations for completed suicides are displayed in Table 5. 

Event Motivation for Suicide Attempts, in order of frequency, was reported as follows: Emotion Relief, 31% (n = 

175), Depression 15% (n = 87), Hopelessness, 11% (n = 63), Avoidance/Escape, 8% (n = 47), Impulsivity, 8% (n = 43), 

Interpersonal Influence, 6% (n = 35), Individual Reasons, 3% (n = 17), Other Psychiatric Symptoms, 3% (n = 17), and 

Feeling generation < 1% (n = 2). Collectively, “Other” or “Unknown” was cited as the primary motivation for 14% 

of the attempts (Table 5).

Event Motivation for Self-Harm Without Intent to Die are also presented in Table 5. As seen in the Table, Emotion 

Relief (39%, n = 158) was the most commonly reported motivation for Self-Harm Without Intent to Die. Impulsivity 

(14%, n = 56) and Avoidance/Escape (9%; n = 38) were the next most commonly cited motivations for the self harm 

event. The remainder of proportions and frequencies for primary motivation for Self-harm Event Without Intent to 

Die are displayed in Table 5.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 5. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER EVENT MOTIVATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt Self Harm (W/O intent to die)

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

Emotion relief 24 20% 175 31% 158 39%

Interpersonal influence 3 2% 35 6% 42 10%

Feeling generation 0 0% 2 <1% 2 <1%

Avoidance/escape 14 12% 47 8% 38 9%

Individual reasons 3 2% 17 3% 12 3%

Hopelessness 12 10% 63 11% 6 1%

Depression 5 4% 87 15% 26 6%

Other psychiatric symptoms 3 2% 17 3% 15 4%

Impulsivity 10 8% 43 8% 56 14%

Other 11 9% 40 7% 32 8%

Don't Know 36 30% 39 7% 20 5%

Post-Event Actions

The Army DoDSER asked respondents to indicate actions taken as a consequence of the current event. Table 6 

displays the proportions of Soldiers who were hospitalized, evacuated, or referred to outpatient services following 

Suicide Attempts, Self-Harm Without Intent to Die, and Ideation Only. As shown in the table, the majority of 

Soldiers exhibiting these behaviors were hospitalized. DoDSERs submitted for non-fatal behaviors may be 

completed shortly after the event. Therefore, it is very likely that more patients were referred for outpatient 

services after a hospitalization. 

Additional Event Details

In addition to motivation associated with the suicide event, detailed information is gathered as to whether the 

Soldier intended to die or communicated the potential for self-harm. Other items in this section pertain to 

evidence of death risk/gambling such as Russian roulette or walking railroad tracks, planned or premeditated acts, 

and whether suicide events were performed in areas or under circumstances in which Soldiers are likely to be 

observed by others. These data are presented in Table 7. 

As shown in Table 7, 83% of suicide cases (n = 101) showed evidence to suggest intent to die. Forty-three percent 

of completed suicides showed evidence that the event was Planned or Premeditated (n = 52). Suicide notes were 

found in 27% of suicides (n = 33). Twenty-two percent (n = 27) of the suicides were reported to have been 

completed through means that are typically observable by others. There was only one report of a suicide related to 

Death Risk/Gambling.

A significant subgroup of suicide attempts appeared to represent dangerous behaviors with a high possibility of 

death, as evidence of Intent to Die was noted for 65% (n = 369) of attempt cases. Suicide notes were not common 

among those Soldiers who attempted suicide (15%, n = 85). In contrast, 41% (n = 229) of reported attempts were 

Table 6. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER POST-EVENT ACTIONS 

Suicide Attempt Self Harm (W/O intent to die) Ideation Only

HOSPITALIZED 534 (94%) 386 (94%) 960 (96%)

OUTPATIENT 33 (6%) 15 (4%) 25 (3%)

EVACUATED 37 (7%) 27 (7%) 33 (3%)
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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performed under circumstances where it would likely be observed and intervened in by others. Evidence of Death

Risk/Gambling (e.g., Russian roulette) was rare (1% of attempts) resulting in 8 non-fatal events. This figure is likely 

an underestimate, as a number of such attempts probably went undetected. 

Table 7 also summarizes data for Self-Harm Events Without Intent to Die. Over half of the Self-Harm Events 

Without Intent to Die were reported to have occurred under circumstances that would typically be Observed by 

others (52%; n = 213) and a very small proportion of cases were reported to have left a Suicide Note (2%; n = 10). 

Very few Self-Harm Events Without Intent to Die were reported to have involved Death Risk/Gambling.

Table 7. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt Self Harm (W/O intent to die)

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

INTENT TO DIE Yes 101 83% 369 65% 15 4%

No 7 6% 75 13% 323 79%

Don't Know 13 11% 121 21% 69 17%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 1 1% 8 1% 12 3%

No 97 80% 520 92% 374 92%

Don't Know 23 19% 37 7% 21 5%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 52 43% 151 27% 42 10%

No 39 32% 311 55% 320 79%

Don't Know 30 25% 103 18% 45 11%

OBSERVABLE Yes 27 22% 229 41% 213 52%

No 81 67% 250 44% 139 34%

Don't Know 13 11% 86 15% 55 14%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 33 27% 85 15% 10 2%

No 59 49% 410 73% 363 89%

Don't Know 29 24% 70 12% 34 8%

Substance Use During the Event 

The DoDSER collects information as to whether alcohol or other drugs were used during the event (not necessarily 

as a method for self-harm). In 27% of the suicide cases, alcohol and/or drugs were reportedly used (i.e., 18% 

alcohol, 7% drugs, 2% both). Two suicide cases used both drugs and alcohol during the event. One of the total 11 

drug-use cases reportedly represented “Over-the-Counter” use “Without Overdose.” The intent of this response is 

ambiguous, as the DoDSER item does not differentiate between appropriate therapeutic drug use and drug abuse. 

Given the wording of the item (“During the event, were drugs used?”), these cases were included in the numbers 

reported above. For 30% of the suicide cases, neither drugs nor alcohol were reported to have been used. This 

percentage might be an underestimate, as 43% of the cases did not have access to information about substance 

use, presumably because autopsy results were not available at the time of the Army DoDSER submission. 

For suicide attempts, drugs were reported to have been used in 44% of the cases. Both alcohol and drugs were 

reported to have been used in 16% of the cases. In 25% of the attempt cases, no substances were reported to have 

been used during the event, and in a minority of cases, there was no information available (5%). Reported data 

reflects the fact that 89 cases reportedly used both drugs and alcohol during the event. There were 13 cases of 

“Illicit/Illegal” drug use, 39 cases of “Prescription” drug use, and 20 cases of “Over-the-Counter” drug use “Without 

Overdose.” There were similar concerns regarding the Army DoDSER POC’s intent here, but these cases were 

included. 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Suicide Completions by Month

Figure 2 displays CY 2008 Suicide Completions by Month. As shown in the figure, August had the highest number of 

reported suicides for the entire year (n = 14), followed by April (n = 12). Eleven suicides occurred each month in 

February, June, September, and November. The lowest number of suicide completions occurred in January (n = 5).

There was no association between calendar month and suicide (p = .91).

Figure 2. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH

Communication of Intent 

The majority of Soldiers did not communicate their potential for self-harm prior to the event, as displayed in Table 

8. Thirty-one percent of Soldiers who attempted suicide (n = 174), and 39% of Soldiers who completed suicide (n = 

47) were known to communicate their potential for self-harm prior to the event. At least 11 Soldiers who died by

suicide (9%) reported their potential for self-harm to multiple people. These percentages may be an 

underestimate, as it is possible that some Soldiers did communicate their potential for self-harm, but this 

information might not have been available to the DoDSER POC. In almost all cases, information about potential for 

self-harm was communicated verbally (109 of the attempts and 30 of the completions).

Suicide decedents most commonly shared their intent with their Spouses (12%, n = 15) and Friends (7%, n = 9). 

“Other” (7%, n = 8) individuals with whom decedents communicated their intent included, “police”, “mother”, 

“roommate”, “911”, and “sister.” One decedent was reported to communicate suicidal intent to a bar employee.

Soldiers who attempted suicide most commonly shared their potential for self-harm with Friends (8%, n = 47) and 

Mental Health Staff (6%, n = 37), Supervisors (5%, n = 26), and Spouses (4%, n = 25). Self-Harm Without Intent to 

Die cases most commonly communicated intent to Mental Health Staff (6%, n = 24), Supervisors (4%, n = 16), and 

Friends (3%, n = 14). Additional details are summarized in Table 8.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

25

20

15

10

5

0

Count

18

25

19 19

22 22

18

20 21

18

15

22
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 36 of 165

Table 8. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt Self Harm (W/O intent to die)

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

FRIEND 9 7% 47 8% 14 3%

MENTAL HEALTH STAFF 7 6% 37 6% 24 6%

SUPERVISOR 5 4% 26 5% 16 4%

SPOUSE 15 12% 25 4% 11 3%

CHAPLAIN 3 2% 10 2% 5 1%

OTHER 8 7% 29 5% 5 1%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases communicated intent, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.

Situational Factors

Items pertaining to the individual’s situation at the time of the event, such as residence, living situation, presence 

of minor children in the home, and firearms in the immediate living environment are shown in Table 9. For the 

majority of suicides (47%, n = 57) and attempts (67%, n = 380), Soldiers resided in barracks or similar shared 

military housing. Off-base Family Housing was the second most prevalent response for both groups (36%, n = 44, 

and 21%, n = 117, for suicides and suicide attempts, respectively). Twenty-seven percent (n = 33) of suicide cases 

and 28% (n = 157) of suicide attempt cases resided alone at the time of the event. Smaller proportions of suicide 

and suicide attempt cases were reported to have resided with their spouses at the time of the event (19%, n = 23, 

and 17%, n = 99, respectively). One third of decedents (n = 40) and 31% of the attempt cases (n = 178) reportedly 

had minor children; the majority of those did not live with their children at the time of the event. A gun was 

present in the home or immediate environment for 63% (n = 76) of completed suicides and 18% (n = 100) of 

attempts. 

A similar pattern was observed for Self-harm Events Without Intent to Die and Suicidal Ideation, as displayed in 

Table 9. Consistent with suicide attempt data, guns were present in the immediate environment in a minority of 

the reported Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Suicidal Ideation cases.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 37 of 165

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was married or had children.

Duty Environment 

Data pertaining to the duty environment is provided in Table 10. Garrison was the most commonly reported duty 

environment for both suicides (49%, n = 59) and suicide attempts (65%, n = 372). Deployment was the second 

most common duty environment for decedents, with 24% (n = 34) of suicides having been reported as occurring 

during a deployment. 

For suicide attempts, the second most commonly reported duty environment was Training (16%, n = 93), followed 

by Deployment (14%, n = 79). For Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Suicidal Ideation Only, Garrison was also the 

most commonly reported duty environment, and Training was the second most commonly reported duty 

environment, as shown in Table 10.

Table 9. CY 2008 DoDSER ARMY SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Suicide 

Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks, other shared military 57 47% 380 67% 264 64% 633 63%

BEQ/BOQ 0 0% 7 1% 3 1% 5 <1%

On-base family housing 4 3% 26 5% 30 7% 58 6%

Off-base family housing 44 36% 117 21% 93 23% 210 21%

Ship 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

Other 9 7% 18 3% 10 2% 39 4%

Don't Know 7 6% 22 4% 10 2% 58 6%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 23 19% 99 17% 88 21% 197 20%

Separated, relationship issues 15 12% 49 9% 30 7% 85 8%

Separated, other 16 13% 94 16% 47 11% 108 11%

Don't Know 2 2% 5 1% 2 <1% 31 3%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 33 27% 157 28% 95 23% 195 19%

No 70 58% 350 61% 286 70% 718 72%

Don't Know 18 15% 63 11% 29 7% 90 9%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 40 33% 178 31% 87 21% 271 27%

No 56 46% 348 61% 286 70% 624 62%

Don't Know 25 21% 44 8% 37 9% 108 11%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 13 11% 62 11% 25 28% 100 10%

No 26 21% 115 20% 62 15% 166 17%

Don't Know 1 1% 3 1% 1 <1% 8 1%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE 

ENVIRONMENT

Yes 76 63% 100 18% 55 13% 137 14%

No 13 11% 337 59% 272 66% 638 64%

Don't Know 32 26% 133 23% 83 20% 228 23%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 38 of 165

Table 10. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O intent to 

die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

GARRISON 59 49% 372 65% 281 69% 665 66%

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 1 1% 4 1% 1 <1% 4 <1%

LEAVE 12 10% 18 3% 7 2% 13 1%

MEDICAL HOLD 3 2% 24 4% 12 3% 24 2%

TDY 0 0% 0 0% 3 1% 1 <1%

IN EVAC CHAIN 1 1% 2 <1% 0 0% 2 <1%

AWOL 2 2% 6 1% 3 1% 16 2%

UNDER CMD OBS 1 1% 5 1% 7 2% 7 1%

DEPLOYED 34 24% 79 14% 36 9% 63 6%

OTHER 9 7% 31 5% 19 5% 50 5%

TRAINING 3 2% 93 16% 69 17% 195 19%

Note: Respondents selected options that applied to each case. Thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.

Clinical/Symptom Factors

Diagnoses

Forty percent (n = 48) of decedents had a history of at least one mental health disorder. As shown in Table 11, 25% 

(n = 30) of the decedents were reported to have been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder, including Bipolar Disorder 

(n = 3), Major Depression (n = 10), Dysthymic Disorder (n = 2), and Other Mood Disorders (n = 17). Twelve percent 

of suicides (n = 15) had been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, including with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 

(PTSD), 7% (n = 8). One suicide case had reportedly been diagnosed with a Psychotic Disorder (diagnosed within 30 

days of the suicide). Seven percent (n = 8) of suicide cases were identified with a Personality Disorder, and 22% (n 

= 27) had a history of Substance Abuse. 

Of suicide attempts, 58% of submissions (n = 333) had a history of at least one mental disorder. Forty-one percent 

(n = 236) of Soldiers who attempted suicide had been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder, including Bipolar Disorder 

(n = 29), Major Depression (n = 162), Dysthymic Disorder (n = 10), and Other Mood Disorders (n = 62). Twentythree percent (n = 133) had been diagnosed with any Anxiety Disorder, including 15% diagnosed with PTSD (n = 

84). Of these cases, 5% (n = 29) were diagnosed within one month of the suicide attempt. Two percent (n = 12) 

were diagnosed with a Psychotic Disorder (8 within one month of the suicide attempt). In addition, 8% (n = 44) 

were diagnosed with a Personality Disorder, and 27% (n = 155) had a history of Substance Abuse. Symptom factor 

information regarding Self-Harm Events Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only is also displayed in Table 11. 

Symptom factor information regarding Self-Harm Events Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only is also displayed 

in Table 11. As shown in the table, the largest reported diagnoses for these cases were Mood, Anxiety, and 

Substance Abuse Disorders. The proportion of diagnoses for each of the diagnostic categories was similar across 

Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only cases. 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 11. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDERa Yes 30 25% 236 41% 150 37% 339 34%

No 65 54% 261 46% 218 53% 523 52%

Don't Know 26 21% 73 13% 42 10% 141 14%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDERb Yes 3 2% 29 5% 33 8% 53 5%

No 90 74% 444 78% 326 80% 791 79%

Don't Know 29 24% 100 18% 54 13% 163 16%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSIONb Yes 10 8% 162 28% 76 19% 201 20%

No 85 70% 324 57% 284 69% 643 64%

Don't Know 27 22% 89 16% 51 12% 162 16%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDERb Yes 2 2% 10 2% 9 2% 22 2%

No 92 76% 462 81% 345 84% 816 81%

Don't Know 28 23% 101 18% 57 14% 168 17%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDERb Yes 17 14% 62 11% 46 11% 93 9%

No 76 63% 408 72% 314 77% 750 75%

Don't Know 29 24% 104 18% 50 12% 164 16%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 8 7% 44 8% 41 10% 62 6%

No 83 69% 428 75% 315 77% 787 78%

Don't Know 30 25% 98 17% 54 13% 154 15%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 1% 12 2% 8 2% 19 2%

No 93 77% 482 85% 356 87% 844 84%

Don't Know 27 22% 76 13% 46 11% 140 14%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 27 22% 155 27% 103 25% 247 25%

No 65 54% 336 59% 256 62% 618 62%

Don't Know 29 24% 79 14% 51 12% 138 14%

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDERa Yes 15 12% 133 23% 66 16% 199 20%

No 79 65% 352 62% 295 72% 655 65%

Don't Know 27 22% 85 15% 49 12% 149 15%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 11. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

 DX PTSDb Yes 8 7% 84 15% 36 9% 108 11%

No 5 4% 45 8% 26 6% 84 8%

Don't Know 2 2% 6 1% 5 1% 12 1%

 DX PANIC DISORDERb Yes 2 2% 13 2% 3 1% 26 3%

No 10 8% 107 19% 57 14% 164 16%

Don't Know 3 3% 14 3% 7 2% 12 1%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDERb Yes 0 0% 27 5% 10 2% 51 5%

No 11 9% 93 16% 52 13% 138 14%

Don't Know 4 3% 14 3% 6 2% 13 1%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDERb Yes 1 1% 6 1% 2 1% 8 1%

No 10 8% 109 19% 59 14% 178 18%

Don't Know 4 3% 19 3% 6 2% 16 2%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDERb Yes 6 5% 33 6% 25 6% 54 5%

No 5 4% 85 15% 39 10% 140 14%

Don't Know 4 3% 16 3% 4 1% 8 1%

a. “Any Mood Disorder,” “Any Anxiety Disorder,” and specific mood and anxiety diagnoses are not mutually exclusive.

b. Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had a Mood or Anxiety Disorder.

Treatment

Table 12 displays the history of visits to treatment programs and clinics prior to the event. The table displays the 

number of Soldiers who had ever been seen in a program or clinic (i.e., “Yes/No”), had been seen within 30 days of 

the event, and had been seen within 90 days of the event. DoDSER POCs were instructed to select all categories 

that apply, thus they are not mutually exclusive. 

As shown in Table 12, 50% (n = 61) of completed suicide cases were seen in MTFs within 90 days of the completion 

(40%, n = 48, within 30 days). Twenty-nine percent (n = 35) of suicide cases were seen in Outpatient Mental Health 

within 90 days of the suicide (21%, n = 25, within 30 days). For Soldiers with suicide attempts, 41% (n = 231) were 

seen in MTFs within 90 days prior to the event (33%, n = 186, within 30 days). Nearly half (48%, n = 273) of suicide 

attempts were seen in Outpatient Mental Health within 90 days of the event (40%, n = 228, within 30 days). 

Likewise, similar proportions of Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only cases were seen in MTFs and 

Outpatient Mental Health within 90 and 30 days the events. Table 12 also summarizes information about visits to

the other programs and broadly-defined mental health resources (i.e., Chaplain, FAP, ASAP, and Inpatient Mental 

Health) within 30 and 90 days across all categories of suicide events. 

Prior history of Self-Injury and Physical Health Problems are also summarized in Table 12. Twenty-five percent (n = 

30) of suicide cases had a history of a Physical Health Problem, compared to 18% (n = 104) for suicide attempts. 

Seventeen percent (n = 21) of suicide cases, and 37% (n = 210) of suicide attempt cases had a history of Self-Injury. 

Additional analyses showed that for suicide cases, 9 cases (7%) had a known history of one self-injury event, and 

12 cases (10%) had known histories of two or more prior self-injury events. Eighty-nine suicide attempt cases (16%) 

had a known history of one self-injury event, and 118 (21%) had known histories of two or more self-injury events. 

The mean age of the first self-injurious event for completed and attempted suicides was 23.3 (SD = 9.2) and 18.41 

(SD = 7.0), respectively. Information on prior Self-Injury and Physical Health Problems for Self-Harm Without 

Intent and Ideation Only are summarized in Table 12.
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Table 12. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm 

(W/O intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 73 60% 252 44% 176 43% 480 48%

 Within 30 days 48 40% 186 33% 135 33% 321 32%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

61 50% 231 41% 168 41% 415 41%

No 24 20% 262 46% 195 48% 416 41%

Don't Know 24 20% 56 10% 39 10% 107 11%

SEEN BY ASAP Yes 19 16% 95 17% 65 16% 127 13%

 Within 30 days 8 7% 45 8% 30 7% 52 5%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

12 10% 61 11% 46 11% 80 8%

No 77 64% 412 72% 303 74% 762 76%

Don't Know 25 21% 63 11% 42 10% 114 11%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 8 7% 25 4% 23 6% 43 4%

 Within 30 days 4 3% 7 1% 9 2% 21 2%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

4 3% 14 2% 16 4% 29 3%

No 88 73% 473 83% 341 83% 816 81%

Don't Know 25 21% 72 13% 46 11% 144 14%

SEEN BY 

CHAPLAIN

Yes 18 15% 95 17% 59 14% 149 15%

 Within 30 days 13 11% 60 11% 42 10% 112 11%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

14 12% 79 14% 52 13% 133 13%

No 41 34% 324 57% 240 59% 456 45%

Don't Know 62 51% 151 26% 111 27% 398 40%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 53 44% 340 60% 230 56% 600 60%

 Within 30 days 25 21% 228 40% 152 37% 429 43%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

35 29% 273 48% 187 46% 502 50%

No 54 45% 195 34% 162 40% 322 32%

Don't Know 14 12% 35 6% 18 4% 81 8%

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 19 16% 144 25% 89 22% 245 24%

 Within 30 days 7 6% 56 10% 30 7% 115 11%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)a

9 7% 90 16% 54 13% 166 17%

No 86 71% 383 67% 295 72% 666 66%

Don't Know 16 13% 43 8% 26 6% 92 9%

HX PHYSICAL 

HEALTH PROBLEM

Yes 30 25% 104 18% 61 15% 181 18%

No 70 58% 405 71% 311 76% 701 70%

Don't Know 21 17% 61 11% 38 9% 120 12%

HX PRIOR SELFINJURYYes 21 17% 210 37% 146 36% 258 26%

No 60 50% 285 50% 218 53% 593 59%

Don't Know 40 33% 75 13% 46 11% 152 15%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” Therefore, summing the two time frames 

sums to more than the total number of cases in some instances. 

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; FAP = Family Advocacy Program; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health; IP MH = Inpatient Mental Health
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Historical/Developmental Factors

Deployment History 

The Army DoDSER 2008 gathered detailed information pertaining to the Soldier’s most recent three deployments. 

The following table summarizes this information for the most frequently reported deployment locations: 

Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. History of an Iraq deployment was the most common location reported for both 

suicides and suicide attempt cases (49%, n= 59, and 40%, n = 228, respectively). Fifty-five percent of suicides (n = 

67) and 49% of Soldiers with a suicide attempt (n = 280) reportedly had a history of at least one OIF-OEF 

deployment. Deployment information for Self-Harm Without Intent and Ideation Only are also summarized in 

Table 13.

Table 13. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER HISTORY EVER DEPLOYED TO OIF/OEF

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt Self Harm (W/O intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

AFGHANISTAN 10 8% 35 6% 21 5% 73 7%

IRAQ 59 49% 228 40% 155 38% 345 34%

KUWAIT 2 2% 11 2% 8 2% 13 1%

Suicides during OIF-OEF Deployment

Information is also gathered about suicides and attempts that occurred during deployment. Data for suicide cases 

were presented in the main report above (n = 34, 24%); 116 (12%) of the suicide attempts occurred during OIF-OEF 

deployment. Appendix C represents analyses of DoDSER items by location of event (OIF-OEF, Non-OIF-OEF).

Number of Deployments

Among suicide cases 45% (n = 54) had never deployed, 36% (n = 44) had been deployed once, 13% (n = 16) had 

deployed twice, and 6% (n = 7) had three or more deployments. As shown in Table 14, very similar proportions 

were observed for Suicide Attempts, Self-Harm Without Intent to Die, and Suicidal Ideation.

Table 14. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O intent 

to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

NO. OF 

DEPLOYMENTS

0 54 45% 290 51% 228 56% 592 59%

1 44 36% 202 35% 147 36% 283 28%

2 16 13% 51 9% 21 5% 84 8%

3 or more 7 6% 27 5% 14 3% 44 4%

Days Deployed

Suicides completed in OIF or OEF were analyzed to determine whether there was a relationship between the 

number of days deployed and suicide. Deployment start date was subtracted from the Army DoDSER event date to 

determine the days prior to the event. When grouped by month, the expected cell sizes were too small for 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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analysis. Thus, frequencies were grouped in 90-day bins, as displayed in Figures 3 and 4 below. Data from the ASER 

2007 was available to combine with this 2008 data to improve the ability to detect an association. 

Results of goodness of fit tests indicated that obtained frequencies for suicides and attempts did not statistically 

differ from what would be expected by chance. However, power to detect effects was limited. 

Figure 3. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER Figure 4. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER

Days Deployed and Suicide Completions Days Deployed and Suicide Attempts

Provider’s Opinion on the Role of Deployment

After reviewing all available records and conducting appropriate interviews, the Army DoDSER POC was asked to 

provide a subjective opinion as to whether the event was related to a deployment. This is subjective data that 

likely has poor inter-rater reliability. Thus these results should be interpreted with caution. However, it provides 

exploratory pilot data on an important question. Providers indicated that 11% (Figure 5) of suicides were related 

to a deployment. The majority of these were judged to be related to a current deployment, rather than an 

anticipated or prior deployment. 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Figure 5. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER Figure 6. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER

Provider’s Opinion of the Role of Deployment 

in Suicides

Provider’s Opinion of the Role of Deployment in 

Attempts

As shown in Figure 6, providers indicated that 21% of suicide attempts were judged to be related to a deployment. 

Very few Army DoDSERs indicated that an attempt was related to an anticipated deployment (2%), thus, the 

majority of providers did not deem pending deployment to be a factor in most suicide attempts. 

Combat History for Attempts and Completions

As shown in Table 15, history of experiencing direct combat operations was reported in 18% (n = 22) of suicides, 

and 22% (n = 128) of attempts. The percentages of Soldiers for whom specific combat experiences were reported 

were low across event types. However, these numbers reflect both the response rate and the fact that the 

denominator includes those with and without any combat experiences.

Table 15. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER COMBAT HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

EXPERIENCED DIRECT COMBAT Yes 22 18% 128 22% 69 17% 178 18%

No 62 51% 367 64% 242 59% 628 63%

Don't Know 37 31% 75 13% 99 24% 197 20%

 SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 11 9% 83 15% 46 11% 124 12%

 INJURED IN COMBAT 3 2% 34 6% 13 3% 45 4%

 WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 7 6% 80 14% 44 11% 123 12%

 SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 8 7% 78 14% 51 12% 127 13%

 KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 1 1% 48 8% 23 6% 63 6%

Relationship History 

Table 16 reports Relationship History Factors. Failed marital/intimate relationships were reported for 53% (n = 64) 

of suicide cases and 46% (n = 264) of attempted suicide events. In addition, other Failed Relationships (nonintimate) were reported for 13% (n = 16) of suicides and 12% (n = 68) of attempts. Thirteen percent of 

completions and 9% of attempt DoDSERs reported both intimate and non-intimate failed relationships. 
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There was also a history of recent Spousal or Family Death in 10% (n = 12) of suicides, and 16% (n = 90) of 

attempts. There was a history of a Chronic Spousal or Family Severe Illness in 5% (n = 6) of suicides, and in 12% (n 

= 67) of attempts. Family history of Mental Illness or Suicide was reported for 12% (n = 14) of individuals who died 

by suicide, versus 36% (n = 203) of individuals who attempted suicide. These rates may be underestimates, as 

“Don’t Know” responses were fairly common for some of these risk factors, especially for suicide cases.

Relationship History Data for Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only are also summarized in Table 16.

Table 16. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER FAMILY HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE 

RELATIONSHIP

Yes 64 53% 264 46% 175 43% 352 35%

No 30 25% 253 44% 196 48% 525 52%

Don't Know 27 22% 52 9% 39 10% 126 13%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 16 13% 68 12% 36 9% 97 10%

No 55 45% 410 72% 317 77% 738 74%

Don't Know 50 41% 91 16% 57 14% 167 17%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0% 2 <1% 1 <1% 2 <1%

No 98 81% 512 90% 376 92% 879 88%

Don't Know 23 19% 55 10% 33 8% 121 12%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 6 5% 39 7% 17 4% 42 4%

No 66 55% 457 80% 349 85% 815 81%

Don't Know 49 40% 73 13% 44 11% 145 14%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 2 2% 37 7% 23 6% 46 5%

No 69 57% 450 79% 339 83% 801 80%

Don't Know 50 41% 82 14% 48 12% 155 15%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 12 10% 90 16% 41 10% 131 13%

No 61 50% 404 71% 321 78% 723 72%

Don't Know 48 40% 75 13% 48 12% 148 15%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 8 7% 68 12% 29 7% 97 10%

No 54 45% 419 74% 330 80% 743 74%

Don't Know 59 49% 82 14% 51 12% 162 16%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 6 5% 67 12% 34 8% 110 11%

No 58 48% 426 75% 318 78% 727 73%

Don't Know 57 47% 76 13% 58 14% 165 16%

HX FAMILY MENTAL 

ILL/SUICIDE

Yes 14 12% 203 36% 134 33% 298 30%

No 30 25% 247 43% 194 47% 482 48%

Don't Know 77 64% 120 21% 82 20% 223 22%

Administrative and Legal History 

As displayed in Table 17, history of Article 15 proceedings were reported among 19% of decedents (n = 23) and 

18% of attempts (n = 104). Civil legal problems were also fairly common; DoDSERs for 20% of suicide cases (n = 24) 

and 8% of attempts (n = 44) reported such problems. In eleven percent of attempts (n = 62) and 7% of suicides (n = 
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9), Soldiers were reportedly the subjects of Administrative Separation Proceedings. Other administrative and legal 

risk factors were less commonly reported. Similar proportions were observed for Self-Harm Without Intent to Die 

and Ideation Only, as summarized in Table 17. 

Table 17. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 2 2% 12 2% 10 2% 30 3%

No 95 79% 484 85% 359 88% 832 83%

Don't Know 24 20% 74 13% 41 10% 141 14%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 23 19% 104 18% 79 19% 164 16%

No 71 59% 395 69% 286 70% 681 68%

Don't Know 27 22% 71 12% 45 11% 158 16%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 9 7% 62 11% 45 11% 96 10%

No 90 74% 429 75% 320 78% 743 74%

Don't Know 22 18% 79 14% 45 11% 164 16%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 8 7% 35 6% 26 6% 92 9%

No 93 77% 474 83% 347 85% 786 78%

Don't Know 20 17% 61 11% 37 9% 125 12%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 5 4% 50 9% 34 8% 58 6%

No 100 83% 457 80% 341 83% 808 81%

Don't Know 16 13% 62 11% 35 9% 137 14%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 24 20% 44 8% 33 8% 68 7%

No 66 55% 449 79% 317 77% 755 75%

Don't Know 31 26% 77 14% 60 15% 180 18%

Abuse History

Of suicide cases, 6% (n = 7) had a reported history of Physical Abuse, 5% (n = 6) Sexual Abuse, and 7% (n = 8) 

Emotional Abuse. History of Sexual Harassment was not reported for any suicides. Of attempts, 19% (n = 108) had 

a reported history of Physical Abuse, 12% (n = 69) Sexual Abuse, 21% (n = 119) Emotional Abuse, and 5% (n = 27) 

Sexual Harassment. Abuse in which the Soldier was the perpetrator was not commonly indicated, although 

DoDSERs for 7% (n = 8) of completions and 4% (n = 25) of suicide attempts reported alleged or confirmed 

Perpetration of Physical Abuse in the past. This data, along with the data for Soldiers reporting Self Harm Without 

Intent to Die and Ideation Only, can be found in Table 18.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 18. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER ABUSE HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O intent 

to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 7 6% 108 19% 75 18% 184 18%

No 61 50% 367 64% 268 65% 631 63%

Don't Know 53 44% 95 17% 67 16% 187 19%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 6 5% 69 12% 46 11% 123 12%

No 63 52% 401 70% 294 72% 698 70%

Don't Know 52 43% 100 18% 70 17% 181 18%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 8 7% 119 21% 70 17% 186 19%

No 59 49% 348 61% 266 65% 634 63%

Don't Know 54 45% 103 18% 74 18% 182 18%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0% 27 5% 4 1% 29 3%

No 66 55% 434 76% 327 80% 763 76%

Don't Know 55 45% 109 19% 79 19% 210 21%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 8 7% 25 4% 18 4% 42 4%

No 58 48% 450 79% 321 78% 765 76%

Don't Know 55 45% 95 17% 71 17% 196 20%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 7 6% 5 1% 4 1% 12 1%

No 62 51% 465 82% 334 81% 798 80%

Don't Know 52 43% 100 18% 72 18% 193 19%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 8 7% 14 2% 10 2% 12 1%

No 59 49% 451 79% 328 80% 786 78%

Don't Know 54 45% 105 18% 72 18% 205 20%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 1% 2 <1% 3 1% 4 <1%

No 65 54% 468 82% 333 81% 800 80%

Don't Know 55 45% 100 18% 74 18% 199 20%

Financial and Workplace Difficulties 

As shown in Table 19, Excessive Debt or Bankruptcy was reported for 7% (n = 9) of decedents and 11% (n = 62) of 

attempts. Additional information related to job or employment difficulties are presented below. History of 

employment problems or co-worker difficulties were relatively common for both attempted and completed 

suicides and were also the most frequently endorsed items of this section. Table 19 also provides a summary of 

Additional History items for Self-Harm Without Intent to Die and Ideation Only.
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Table 19. CY 2008 ARMY DoDSER ADDITIONAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide Suicide Attempt

Self Harm (W/O 

intent to die) Ideation Only

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 9 7% 62 11% 51 12% 114 11%

No 63 52% 398 70% 283 69% 692 69%

Don't Know 49 40% 109 19% 76 19% 196 20%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 23 19% 148 26% 136 33% 305 30%

No 71 59% 335 59% 220 54% 553 55%

Don't Know 27 22% 87 15% 54 13% 145 14%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 17 14% 136 24% 129 31% 277 28%

No 69 57% 330 58% 220 54% 564 56%

Don't Know 35 29% 103 18% 61 15% 161 16%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 16 13% 84 15% 98 24% 198 20%

No 70 58% 373 66% 240 59% 618 62%

Don't Know 35 29% 112 20% 72 18% 186 19%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 1 1% 22 4% 14 3% 26 3%

No 81 67% 432 76% 316 77% 771 77%

Don't Know 39 32% 115 20% 80 20% 205 20%

Comparing 2007 and 2008 Army DoDSER Results (Appendix D)

A number of DoDSER items were adopted from the Army Suicide Event Report (ASER), which was used by the Army 

in 2007. Since the business process for the Army’s DoDSER data collection process was essentially identical to the 

ASER program, there was an opportunity to compare some 2007 and 2008 Army results. This comparison will be 

possible for other Services in next year’s annual report.

Very few differences were identified across suicides that occurred in CYs 2007 and 2008. A higher proportion of 

Soldiers with suicides were reported to have been seen in MTFs in 2008 (60%; n = 73), as compared to 2007 (41%; 

n = 51; p < .04). In addition, a greater proportion of Soldiers with suicide completions were deemed by 

respondents to have had an intent to die in 2008 (83%; n = 101, p < .0001), as compared to 2007 (71%; n = 78 p < 

.0001). This difference may be attributable to a change in format that required that this item be completed. Given 

that a large number of multiple comparisons were made, it is important to note that these reported differences 

may be attributable to chance findings.

HISTORY OF PRIOR NON-FATAL SUICIDE BEHAVIORS

The Army’s ASER database (2005 – 2008) was searched to determine the number of CY 2008 suicide cases that had 

prior documented non-fatal suicide behaviors. It is important to note that there is no “gold standard” system 

available to determine how many non-fatal suicide behaviors went undocumented by the ASER-DoDSER processes. 

In addition, Soldiers with documented non-fatal suicide behaviors may leave military service faster than average 

Soldiers; Soldiers who died by suicide after they left active duty service would not be captured by this analysis. 

Thus, these analyses should be considered only exploratory. 

A total of 5656 non-fatal ASERs and DoDSERs were examined for matches to CY 2008 suicides. Seven 2008 suicide 

cases were identified with a documented prior non-fatal suicide behavior. Five of these prior events were suicide 

attempts (71%) and two were DoDSERs submitted for suicidal ideation (29%). 
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All seven cases were males who were primarily married, and enlisted. In two cases, the prior events occurred 

within 30 days of the suicide. Three cases occurred between three to seven months prior, and three occurred more 

than one year prior. Six of the seven cases were previously diagnosed with a mood disorder and two were 

diagnosed with PTSD. As would be expected with a prior documented non-fatal suicide behavior, 100% had been 

seen by outpatient mental health providers, 86% had taken psychotropic medications, and 71% reported physical 

health problems. Seventy-one percent also reported failed spousal or intimate relationships. Legal concerns were 

additionally reported, with four of seven indicating an Article 15 proceeding, three with Administrative Separation 

Proceedings, and four with Civil Legal Problems. Four cases were reported to have a history of job concerns. 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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SUMMARY

This annual statistical report of Army DoDSER provides statistics and analyses for Army suicide events occurring in 

CY 2008, with detailed tables presented for Army DoDSER items broken down by event type. 

There were a total of 140 Soldier suicides in CY 2008, including cases pending final determination but strongly 

suspected to be suicides. DoDSERs were received for 89% of confirmed CY 2008 Army suicides as of 15 April 2009. 

An additional 1983 Army DoDSERs were received for non-fatal Army suicide events. Suicide behaviors were most 

common for young, White/Caucasian, junior enlisted Soldiers. The slight majority of suicide cases were reported to 

have been married.

Firearms and hanging were the most common method for suicides, and overdoses and cutting were the most 

common methods of non-fatal suicide-related behaviors. The majority of events occurred in a garrison duty 

environment, although 24% of suicides occurred in a deployed environment. It was not uncommon for individuals 

to have had prior self-injurious events, past psychiatric diagnoses, and/or prior outpatient or other mental health 

care, although most suicide cases (60%) did not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder reported. The most 

frequently reported stressors included failed intimate relationships, work-related problems, Article 15 proceedings 

and civil legal problems. Histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were present in nearly 20% of all suicide 

attempts, self-harm and suicidal ideation cases.

Of the 140 suicides, 34 (24%) occurred in OIF-OEF. One hundred sixteen suicide attempts (12%) were reported to 

have occurred in OIF-OEF. Nineteen percent of Soldiers with completed suicides, and 14% of Soldiers with suicide 

attempts, had a history of multiple deployments to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Of suicide events reported as 

occurring in theater, the majority were reported to have occurred in Iraq.

Results from Army DoDSERs submitted for suicides in CY 2008 were generally consistent with patterns observed in 

2007. Conclusions and interpretations regarding noted patterns must be made with caution until data are 

available for a comparable group of Soldiers that is demographically similar.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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APPENDIX A

ARMY DoDSER AND COMMAND POC LIST

REGION MTF POST DoDSER POC Command POC

ERMC Landstuhl RMC CPT Shawn Gallagher COL Brian Lein

ERMC Heidelberg AH LTC Rebecca Tomsyck COL Kyle D. Campbell

ERMC Weurzburg AH Mr. Brian Olden COL Theresa Schneider

GPRMC Brooke AMC Ft. Sam Houston Ms. Caprice Antwine COL Carlos Angueira

GPRMC Darnall AMC Ft. Hood LTC Ben Phillips COL Casper P. Jones III

GPRMC W Beaumont AMC Ft. Bliss COL Benjamin Page COL James M. Baunchalk

GPRMC RW Bliss AHC Ft. Huachuca Dr. Timothy Berigan COL William T. Humphrey

GPRMC Evans ACH Ft. Carson COL George T. Brandt COL Kelly A. Wolgast

GPRMC Irwin ACH Ft. Riley MAJ Brian Lewis COL Dawn Smith

GPRMC Munson AHC Ft. Leavenworth Mr. Don Cook COL Carmen L.C. Rinehart

GPRMC GL Wood AHC Ft. Leonard Wood (BT) MAJ Theresa McKay COL Theresa M. Sullivan

GPRMC Reynolds ACH Ft. Sill (BT) Mr. Mat Kappel COL Ellen E. Forster

GPRMC B-Jones ACH Ft. Polk MAJ Rodney Charl.es COL George Giacoppe

NARMC Dunham AHC Carlisle Barracks Ms. Ginger Wilson-Gines COL Kenneth Trzepkowski

NARMC Barquist AHC Ft. Detrick LTC Jeffrey Leggit LTC Jeffrey Leggit

NARMC Guthrie AHC Ft. Drum Ms. Deanna Carter COL Jerome Penner III

NARMC DeWitt ACH Ft. Belvoir Dr. Stephen Thornton LTC Mark D. Harris

NARMC Ireland ACH Ft. Knox (BT) MAJ Sarah Mason COL Rhonda L. Earls

NARMC Womack AMC Ft. Bragg COL Edward Crandell COL Terry Walters

NARMC Kenner AHC Ft. Lee Dr. Michael Jefferies COL Donna Diamond

NARMC Kimbrough ACC Ft. Meade Dr. Jonathan T. Walker COL Laurie Cummings

NARMC Walter Reed AMC Washington, DC MAJ Gary H. Wynn COL Charles W. Callahan

NARMC McDonald ACH Ft. Eustis MAJ Tam L. Fish COL James M. Francis

NARMC Keller ACH West Point LTC Paul M. Morrissey LTC Michael E. Doyle

NARMC DiLorenzo TS HC Pentagon Dr. Joan Barnett COL Dale K. Block

NARMC Kirk AHC Aberdeen PG Mr. Joseph C. O’Rourke LTC James Nold

NARMC A Rader AHC Ft. Myer Dr. Michael Wiener COL Louis Smith III

NARMC Patterson AHC Ft. Monmouth MAJ Alyson M. Delaney LTC Sylvia Dennis

PRMC Tripler MAJ Wendi Watts CAPT Christopher M. Culp

PRMC USAMEDDAC-J Camp Zama LTC Jennifer Humphries COL Marilyn D. Brew
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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REGION MTF POST DoDSER POC Command POC

SERMC L Joel AHC Ft. McPherson Dr. Robert Daniell COL Morakinyo Toney

SERMC Rodriguez AHC Ft. Buchanan, PR Mr. Ruben Rivera COL Margarita Aponte

SERMC Winn ACH Ft. Stewart MAJ Scott W. Smith COL John P. Collins

SERMC Lyster ACH Ft. Rucker Ms. Betty McCain COL Michael S. Kaminski

SERMC Martin ACH Ft. Benning (BT) MAJ Melissa Messina COL Harry L. Warren

SERMC Moncrief ACH Ft. Jackson (BT) MAJ Denita DeRamus COL James A. Mundy

SERMC Eisenhower AMC Ft. Gordon LTC Samuel Payne BG Donald Bradshaw

SERMC Fox AHC Redstone Arsenal Dr. Victoria Serbia COL Robert Noback

SERMC Blanchfield ACH Ft. Campbell MAJ Tangeneare W. Singh COL Richard W. Thomas

WRMC Madigan AMC Ft. Lewis Dr. Dan Christensen COL Ronald J. Place

WRMC Bassett ACH Ft. Wainwright Ms. Sheri Petrie COL Leo Bennett

WRMC Weed ACH Ft. Irwin Mr. William P. Gates COL Judith A. Bock

WRMC POM USAHC Presidio of Monterey Dr. David Fittante CPT Weston C. Goring

KOREA 121 Gen Hosp MAJ Christopher T. Perry COL Ronald E. Smith

IRAQ LTC Steve J. Lewis

KUWAIT CDR John Lyszczarz

AFGH LtCol Karen J. Smith

(BT) indicates a basic training location, and were coded based on reported Sponsor Location Station (Item 30) and/or City (Item 31) and/or POC 

identification information
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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APPENDIX B

ARMY DoDSER Submissions – CY 2008 Compliance

Suicide Completions
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

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SERMC BACH EAMC FAHC L Joel AHC RAHC Winn ACH LACH Martin ACH Moncrief ACH

# Confirmed Suicides 6 2 0 2 0 6 0 2 0

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GPRMC BAMC BJACH CRDAMC WBAMC GLWACH Munson AHC RWBliss ACH Evans ACH Irwin ACH RACH

# Confirmed Suicides 4 3 10 5 4 1 0 6 4 3

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 2 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

NARMC McAHC WAMC Keller ACH WRAMC Barquist AHC GAHC DeWitt ACH Kenner AHC KACC DiLorenzo HC Kirk AHC Rader AHC PAHC IRACH Dunham AHC

# Confirmed Suicides 0 9 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 6 1

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

WRMC MAMC Bassett ACH Weed ACH POM AHC

# Confirmed Suicides 10 1 0 0

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0 0 0 0

PRMC TAMC MEDDAC-J

# Confirmed Suicides 0 0

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0 0

ERMC LRMC USAMH USAMB

# Confirmed Suicides 0 2 0

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0 0 0

KOREA 121 CSH

# Confirmed Suicides 1

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0

OIF Iraq Kuwait

# Confirmed Suicides 27 0

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 1 0

OEF Afgh

# Confirmed Suicides 7

Total # DoDSERs Overdue 0

Number of confirmed suicides shows AFMES notifications received by the Suicide Risk Management and Surveillance Office (SRMSO) for events occurring in CY 

2008. Cutoff date for data included in this report was 15 April 2009.

Zero ASERs overdue results in status of Green. ASERs one to three months overdue result in status of Amber. If a site has ASERs for completed suicide events 

that are four months or more overdue, their status is Red.

Green = No ASERs overdue

Amber = ASERs 1-3 months overdue

Red = ASERs 4 months or greater overdue

Report indicates total number of DoDSERs submitted by each MTF for suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation only. Data is for CY 2008 as of 1 April 2009.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 55 of 165

APPENDIX C

ARMY DoDSER CY 2008

COMPARING EVENTS THAT OCCURRED IN OIF-OEF TO ALL OTHER EVENTS

Risk factors for suicide behaviors were compared between events that occurred during OIF-OEF deployments and 

other events. In order to improve the feasibility of the analyses (i.e., increase small cell sizes), Army DoDSERs 

submitted for events during 2008 were combined with ASERs submitted for 2007 events where items were 

comparable. When cell sizes were still too small, attempts were made to combine cells into super-ordinate 

categories, as discussed in the Methods. Although the analyses included a number of potentially confounded 

variables, chi-square analyses were performed in an exploratory manner to examine potential differences in risk 

factors between Soldiers with suicide behaviors on deployment, and Soldiers with suicide behaviors elsewhere. 

Alpha was set at .05 for all analyses. 

Significant differences for clearly confounded variables are not discussed in the text. For example, combat 

exposure is obviously expected to be higher for OIF-OEF events, since many Soldiers with non-OIF-OEF events have 

never deployed. However, the full data tables are presented below for the reader. 

In the 2007 ASER, suicide attempts and self-harm behaviors without intent to die were combined into a single 

event type. In order to examine suicide-related behaviors in this combined 2007-2008 dataset, 2008 suicide 

attempts and self-harm events were combined. For the purposes of this Appendix, this combined group will be 

referred to as “non-fatal suicide behaviors”. There were 66 Army DoDSERs submitted for OIF-OEF suicides, and 204 

DoDSERs submitted for non-OIF-OEF suicides (2007-2008 events). There were 218 DoDSERs submitted for nonfatal suicide behaviors that occurred in OIF-OEF, and 1721 for non-OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors. 

Since analyses combined 2007 and 2008 cases, DMDC data were not available for all cases. Therefore, Army 

DoDSER demographic data were used. Marital status demonstrated differential results for completions and nonfatal suicide behaviors. After combining item options into Married or Not Married, Soldiers who completed suicide 

during an OIF-OEF deployment showed a significantly higher percentage of marriage compared to Soldiers with 

Non-OIF-OEF events 61% vs. 38%, respectively. This suggests that marriage may not be protective against suicide 

completion during an OIF-OEF deployment as compared to other duty environments. In contrast, Soldiers with 

non-fatal suicide behaviors during an OIF-OEF deployment showed a significantly higher percentage of marriage 

(61%) than those who were not deployed to OIF-OEF at the time of the non-fatal suicide behavior (38%). This 

provides some evidence that marriage may be less protective against non-fatal suicide behaviors during an OIFOEF deployment. However, marriage rates for deployed and non-deployed populations are needed to clarify 

interpretation. The same pattern was observed in relation to having children for non-fatal suicide behaviors. For 

non-fatal suicide behaviors, OIF-OEF cases more frequently had minor children (38% compared to 23% in non-OIFOEF cases). 

OIF-OEF suicides and non-fatal suicide behaviors also differed from non-OIF-OEF events with regard to suicide 

method. Firearms were more frequently used during suicides in OIF-OEF compared to other event locations (94% 

vs. 52%, respectively. This same pattern was true for firearms used during non-fatal suicide behaviors in OIF-OEF 

compared to other event locations (23% vs. 3%, respectively). We explored a subset of 52 of the suicide attempts 

that occurred in Iraq to help inform the nature of these events. In 8 cases, the Soldiers shot themselves (chest, 

shoulder, hand, mouth) but did not die; 11 cases struggled with others; 9 cases pointed a firearm at themselves in 

front of a witness but did not fire (no known struggle); 6 cases reportedly involved a weapons malfunction; 8 cases 
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 56 of 165

represented self-reported, non-witnessed events; and 11 cases had no additional details available. While the 

increased use of a military firearm in OIF-OEF is not surprising, it highlights the importance and challenges of 

carefully evaluating options to limit access to weapons during periods of increased risk for individuals. 

As might be expected, the use of alcohol and drugs were significantly less frequent during the events for OIF-OEF 

suicides and non-fatal suicide events. Some other event details also differed by location of the suicide; OIF-OEF 

suicides were less frequently judged to be planned/premeditated by DoDSER respondents. Additionally, OIF-OEF 

suicides were reportedly less frequently performed under circumstances where it would likely be observed and 

intervened in by others, and fewer decedents in OIF-OEF were known to have communicated potential for selfharm prior to the suicide (15% for OIF-OEF cases; 28% for non-OIF-OEF cases). 

Last year’s ASER trends suggested that mood disorders and a history of physical health problems were significantly 

less common among OIF-OEF completions compared to non-OIF-OEF completions. This year, there were no 

significant differences found for mood disorders, however, there was a significant difference found for physical 

health problems. This might be expected given that Soldiers with significant health problems are not deployed.

OIF-OEF non fatal suicide behavior showed similar results for physical problems (21% vs. 12%). However, 

personality disorders were more common in patients with OIF-OEF suicide non-fatal suicide behaviors compared 

to non-OIF-OEF cases (15% vs. 9%, respectively). 

Outpatient mental health visits for Soldiers with OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors were more frequent 

compared to Soldiers with non-OIF-OEF events (65% vs. 56%). Consistent with this pattern, psychotropic 

medication use was also reported at a higher rate for OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors. 

The prevalence of some traditional stressors/risk factors trended lower for Soldiers who died by suicide in OIF-OEF 

compared to Soldiers who completed suicide in other locations. For example, a failed spousal/intimate 

relationship was reported for 56% of non-OIF-OEF suicides, but only 44% of OIF-OEF completions. A history of civil 

legal problems was reported in 20% of non-OIF-OEF events, but only 6% of OIF-OEF completions. The notable 

exception was a history of supervisor or co-worker problems (29% for OIF-OEF suicides as compared to 9% in nonOIF-OEF suicides). 

A similar pattern was noted for OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors. Significantly lower rates of Administrative 

Separation proceedings, AWOL/desertion proceedings, Medical Evaluation Boards, and history of friend suicide 

were reported for non-fatal suicide behavior during an OIF-OEF deployment compared to other non-fatal 

behaviors. Similar to suicide cases, OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors showed higher rates of supervisor or coworker problems.

Lower rates of stressors and traditional risk factors for OIF-OEF events may be confounded by deployment status in 

some cases. For example, deployed Soldiers are paid more and may therefore be less likely to have significant 

financial problems. Other findings may reflect a “healthy worker effect.” That is, since Soldiers with a variety of 

physical and behavioral health problems are not deployed, any factor that correlates with non-deployable 

conditions will likely show lower rates in the deployed sample. Base rate information is required for both 

populations to assist interpretation. 

It is possible that OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors represent higher risk behaviors than non-OIF-OEF non-fatal 

behaviors. Firearms were more often used during OIF-OEF non-fatal suicide behaviors and completions. Suicide 

notes were also more frequently left for OIF-OEF non-fatal suicidal behaviors (13% in OIF-OEF vs. 8% in non-OIFOEF non-fatal suicide behaviors).
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 57 of 165

Data tables displaying the frequencies and percentages for Army DoDSER items by location of the event follow.

ARMY DoDSER SUICIDES

Table 1. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT SETTING

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (personal) 133 65% 34 52%

Residence (friend/family) 19 9% 1 2%

Work/jobsite 2 1% 12 18%

Automobile (away from residence) 13 6% 1 2%

Inpatient medical facility 1 < 1% 0 0%

Other 35 17% 18 27%

CY 2007 and CY 2008 as of 4/14/2009

Table 2. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT METHOD

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT METHOD Overdose 18 9% 3 5%

Poisoning by substance 3 1% 0 0%

Poisoning by exhaust 8 4% 0 0%

Poisoning by utility gas 1 <1% 0 0%

Solvents, other agri chems 0 0% 0 0%

Hanging 54 26% 1 2%

Drowning 2 1% 0 0%

Firearm/gun, military 8 4% 62 94%

Firearm/gun, nonmilitary 98 48% 0 0%

Fire, steam 1 <1% 0 0%

Cutting/piercing instrument 2 1% 0 0%

Jumping 3 1% 0 0%

Lying in front of moving vehicle 1 <1% 0 0%

Motor vehicle crash 0 0% 0 0%

Other 2 1% 0 0%

Don't Know 3 1% 0 0%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 58 of 165

Table 3. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT MOTIVATION

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

MOTIVATION Emotion relief 39 19% 9 14%

Interpersonal influence 5 2% 3 5%

Feeling generation 0 0% 0 0%

Avoidance/escape 19 9% 6 9%

Individual reasons 6 3% 2 3%

Hopelessness 14 7% 8 12%

Depression 6 3% 3 5%

Other psychiatric symptoms 4 2% 1 2%

Impulsivity 19 9% 2 3%

Other 21 10% 2 3%

Don't Know 71 35% 30 45%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 59 of 165

Table 4. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: OTHER EVENT INFORMATION

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 62 30% 0 0%

No 61 30% 45 68%

Don't Know 81 40% 21 32%

DRUGS USED Yes 30 15% 3 5%

No 82 40% 40 61%

Don't Know 92 45% 23 35%

INTENT TO DIE Yes 160 78% 46 70%

No 19 9% 9 14%

Don't Know 7 3% 4 6%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 1 <1% 0 0%

No 160 78% 56 85%

Don't Know 43 21% 9 14%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 81 40% 18 27%

No 63 31% 28 42%

Don't Know 58 28% 20 30%

OBSERVABLE Yes 44 22% 5 8%

No 132 65% 55 83%

Don't Know 27 13% 6 9%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 49 24% 16 24%

No 106 52% 32 48%

Don't Know 49 24% 18 27%

COMMUNICATED INTENT Yes 58 28% 10 15%

No 91 45% 43 65%

Don't Know 55 27% 13 20%

RELATED TO DEPLOYMENT Yes 14 7% 23 35%

No 131 64% 10 15%

Don't Know 59 29% 33 50%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 60 of 165

Table 5. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks, other shared military 48 24% 65 98%

Non-military shared 4 2% 0 0%

BEQ/BOQ 10 5% 0 0%

On-post family housing 82 40% 0 0%

Off-post family housing 19 9% 0 0%

Other 22 11% 1 2%

Don't Know 18 9% 0 0%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 57 28% 4 6%

Separated, relationship issues 32 16% 2 3%

Separated, other 12 6% 18 27%

Don't Know 6 3% 1 2%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 67 33% 8 12%

No 100 49% 54 82%

Don't Know 36 18% 4 6%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 85 42% 20 30%

No 87 43% 35 53%

Don't Know 31 15% 11 17%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 32 16% 3 5%

No 34 17% 17 26%

Don't Know 19 9% 0 0%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE 

ENVIRONMENT

Yes 95 47% 55 83%

No 31 15% 4 6%

Don't Know 78 38% 7 11%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was married or had children.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 61 of 165

Table 6. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: DUTY ENVIRONMENT

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

GARRISON 124 61% 1 2%

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 2 1% 0 0%

LEAVE 25 12% 0 0%

MEDICAL HOLD 7 3% 0 0%

TDY 0 0% 0 0%

IN EVAC CHAIN 0 0% 1 2%

AWOL 7 3% 0 0%

UNDER CMD OBS 1 <1% 0 0%

DEPLOYED 3 1% 66 100%

OTHER 35 17% 0 0%

Note: Operations are not discrete and respondents selected options that applied; thus percentages do not add up to 100%.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 62 of 165

Table 7. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: SYMPTOM FACTORS

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 52 25% 13 20%

No 99 49% 34 52%

Don't Know 53 26% 19 29%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 3 1% 0 0%

No 44 22% 12 18%

Don't Know 2 1% 1 2%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 26 13% 4 6%

No 24 12% 8 12%

Don't Know 1 <1% 1 2%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 7 3% 1 2%

No 36 18% 11 17%

Don't Know 5 2% 0 0%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 22 11% 6 9%

No 25 12% 6 9%

Don't Know 7 3% 0 0%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 11 5% 1 2%

No 142 70% 42 64%

Don't Know 50 25% 23 35%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 2 1% 0 0%

No 152 75% 46 70%

Don't Know 49 24% 20 30%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 48 24% 9 14%

No 101 50% 36 55%

Don't Know 54 26% 21 32%

Note: Table continues on next page.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 63 of 165

Table 7. OIF-OEF SUICIDES COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF SUICIDES: SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 38 19% 7 11%

No 120 59% 40 61%

Don't Know 46 23% 19 29%

 DX PTSD Yes 16 8% 3 5%

No 11 5% 1 2%

Don't Know 7 3% 2 3%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 2 1% 0 0%

No 26 13% 3 5%

Don't Know 5 2% 3 5%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 2 1% 1 2%

No 25 12% 3 5%

Don't Know 6 3% 2 3%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 1 <1% 0 0%

No 23 11% 3 5%

Don't Know 8 4% 3 5%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 14 7% 4 6%

No 17 8% 1 2%

Don't Know 5 2% 2 3%

SEEN BY MTF Yes 126 62% 23 35%

No 43 21% 26 39%

Don’t Know 35 17% 16 24%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 17 8% 12 18%

No 70 34% 28 42%

Don’t Know 117 57% 26 39%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 92 45% 23 35%

No 91 45% 36 55%

Don’t Know 21 10% 7 11%

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 70 34% 13 20%

No 89 44% 35 53%

Don’t Know 45 22% 17 26%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 47 23% 7 11%

No 106 52% 41 62%

Don’t Know 51 25% 18 27%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had a Mood or Anxiety Disorder.

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 64 of 165

Table 8. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: FAMILY HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 115 56% 29 44%

No 41 20% 23 35%

Don't Know 48 24% 14 21%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 27 13% 11 17%

No 100 49% 27 41%

Don't Know 76 37% 28 42%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0% 0 0%

No 162 79% 56 85%

Don't Know 42 21% 10 15%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 6 3% 1 2%

No 103 50% 38 58%

Don't Know 95 47% 27 41%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 4 2% 0 0%

No 103 50% 36 55%

Don't Know 97 48% 30 45%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 12 6% 1 2%

No 98 48% 37 56%

Don't Know 94 46% 28 42%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 9 4% 4 6%

No 87 43% 32 48%

Don't Know 108 53% 30 45%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 9 4% 2 3%

No 101 50% 32 48%

Don't Know 94 46% 32 48%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 21 10% 7 11%

No 46 23% 13 20%

Don't Know 137 67% 46 70%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 65 of 165

Table 9. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 2 1% 2 3%

No 161 79% 51 77%

Don't Know 40 20% 13 20%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 29 14% 11 17%

No 127 62% 41 62%

Don't Know 48 24% 14 21%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 13 6% 2 3%

No 151 74% 52 79%

Don't Know 39 19% 12 18%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 14 7% 2 3%

No 156 76% 53 80%

Don't Know 34 17% 11 17%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 16 8% 1 2%

No 157 77% 53 80%

Don't Know 31 15% 12 18%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 41 20% 4 6%

No 110 54% 47 71%

Don't Know 53 26% 15 23%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 66 of 165

Table 10. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: OTHER HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 21 10% 4 6%

No 97 48% 40 61%

Don't Know 86 42% 22 33%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 39 19% 18 27%

No 106 52% 34 52%

Don't Know 59 29% 14 21%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 18 9% 19 29%

No 116 57% 33 50%

Don't Know 70 34% 14 21%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 19 9% 10 15%

No 118 58% 40 61%

Don't Know 67 33% 16 24%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 2 1% 5 8%

No 136 67% 39 59%

Don't Know 65 32% 22 33%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 67 of 165

Table 11. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: ABUSE HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 16 8% 3 5%

No 96 47% 29 44%

Don't Know 91 45% 34 52%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 7 3% 2 3%

No 100 49% 29 44%

Don't Know 96 47% 35 53%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 16 8% 5 8%

No 91 45% 28 42%

Don't Know 96 47% 33 50%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0% 0 0%

No 108 53% 32 48%

Don't Know 94 46% 34 52%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 12 6% 0 0%

No 97 48% 35 53%

Don't Know 94 46% 31 47%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 10 5% 1 2%

No 100 49% 36 55%

Don't Know 93 46% 29 44%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 9 4% 1 2%

No 94 46% 36 55%

Don't Know 100 49% 29 44%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0% 1 2%

No 105 51% 36 55%

Don't Know 98 48% 29 44%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 68 of 165

ARMY DoDSER NON-FATAL SUICIDE BEHAVIORS

Table 1. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: DEMOGRAPHICS 

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

GENDER Male 1275 74% 163 75%

Female 446 26% 55 25%

RACE American Indian/Alaskan Native 21 1% 3 1%

Asian/Pacific Islander 31 2% 8 4%

Black/African American 223 13% 34 16%

White/Caucasian 1240 72% 151 69%

Hispanic 110 6% 14 6%

Other 31 2% 0 0%

Don't Know 53 3% 5 2%

AGE RANGE Under 25 1190 69% 137 63%

25-29 288 17% 45 21%

30-39 200 12% 31 14%

40 + 43 2% 5 2%

RANK E1-E4 1444 84% 161 74%

E5-E9 231 13% 46 21%

Officer 35 2% 8 4%

Warrant Officer 4 <1% 1 <1%

Cadet/Midshipman 4 <1% 0 0%

COMPONENT Regular 1577 92% 187 86%

Reserve 59 3% 15 7%

National Guard 78 5% 15 7%

EDUCATION GED 297 17% 32 15%

HS graduate 757 44% 98 45%

Some college/tech, no degree 317 18% 34 16%

College degree/tech cert < 4 yrs 54 3% 9 4%

Four-year degree 57 3% 7 3%

Master's degree or greater 16 1% 3 1%

Don't Know 201 12% 30 14%

MARITAL STATUS Never married 869 50% 69 32%

Married 661 38% 133 61%

Legally separated 48 3% 3 1%

Divorced 93 5% 12 6%

Widowed 10 1% 0 0%

Don't Know 34 2% 1 <1%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 69 of 165

Table 2. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT SETTING 

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (personal) 1436 83% 155 71%

Residence (friend/family) 75 4% 0 0%

Work/jobsite 43 2% 33 15%

Automobile (away from residence) 47 3% 0 0%

Inpatient medical facility 6 <1% 0 0%

Other 106 6% 29 13%

Table 3. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT METHOD 

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT METHOD Overdose 960 56% 106 49%

Poisoning by substance 63 4% 0 0%

Poisoning by exhaust 11 1% 0 0%

Poisoning by utility gas 2 <1% 2 1%

Solvents, other agri chems 16 1% 1 <1%

Hanging 102 6% 10 5%

Drowning 2 <1% 0 0%

Firearm/gun, military 9 1% 51 23%

Firearm/gun, nonmilitary 30 2% 1 <1%

Fire, steam 4 <1% 1 <1%

Cutting/piercing instrument 334 19% 33 15%

Jumping 20 1% 0 0%

Lying in front of moving vehicle 0 0% 0 0%

Motor vehicle crash 19 1% 0 0%

Other 120 7% 11 5%

Don't Know 18 1% 1 <1%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 70 of 165

Table 4. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: EVENT MOTIVATION 

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

MOTIVATION Emotion relief 611 36% 58 27%

Interpersonal influence 122 7% 22 10%

Feeling generation 8 <1% 1 <1%

Avoidance/escape 148 9% 32 15%

Individual reasons 53 3% 7 3%

Hopelessness 151 9% 23 11%

Depression 195 11% 17 8%

Other psychiatric symptoms 44 3% 8 4%

Impulsivity 158 9% 23 11%

Other 124 7% 11 5%

Don't Know 96 6% 16 7%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 71 of 165

Table 5. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: OTHER EVENT INFORMATION 

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 456 26% 7 3%

No 1057 61% 193 89%

Don't Know 183 11% 15 7%

DRUGS USED Yes 999 58% 111 51%

No 593 34% 100 46%

Don't Know 120 7% 7 3%

INTENT TO DIE Yes 690 40% 93 43%

No 735 43% 70 32%

Don't Know 110 6% 22 10%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 25 1% 6 3%

No 1586 93% 205 94%

Don't Know 96 6% 5 2%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 374 22% 57 26%

No 1119 65% 120 55%

Don't Know 218 13% 39 18%

OBSERVABLE Yes 798 46% 108 50%

No 675 39% 88 40%

Don't Know 230 13% 21 10%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 140 8% 29 13%

No 1393 81% 167 77%

Don't Know 173 10% 20 9%

COMMUNICATED INTENT Yes 341 20% 63 29%

No 1098 64% 123 56%

Don't Know 264 15% 31 14%

RELATED TO DEPLOYMENT Yes 227 13% 149 68%

No 1280 74% 41 19%

Don't Know 212 12% 27 12%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 72 of 165

Table 6. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks, other shared military 1135 66% 209 96%

Non-military shared 23 1% 1 <1%

BEQ/BOQ 63 4% 0 0%

On-post family housing 255 15% 0 0%

Off-post family housing 128 7% 0 0%

Other 50 3% 6 3%

Don't Know 66 4% 2 1%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 301 17% 19 9%

Separated, relationship issues 153 9% 13 6%

Separated, other 183 11% 95 44%

Don't Know 17 1% 3 1%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 439 26% 32 15%

No 1144 66% 165 76%

Don't Know 139 8% 20 9%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 394 23% 82 38%

No 1177 68% 123 56%

Don't Know 146 8% 13 6%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 141 8% 3 1%

No 249 14% 78 36%

Don't Know 9 1% 1 <1%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT Yes 159 9% 165 76%

No 1184 69% 30 14%

Don't Know 369 21% 20 9%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was married or had children.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 73 of 165

Table 7. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: DUTY ENVIRONMENT

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

GARRISON 1172 68% 28 13%

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 5 <1% 1 <1%

LEAVE 38 2% 0 0%

MEDICAL HOLD 55 3% 0 0%

TDY 8 <1% 0 0%

IN EVAC CHAIN 3 <1% 2 <1%

AWOL 20 1% 0 0%

UNDER CMD OBS 11 1% 11 1%

DEPLOYED 25 1% 206 94%

OTHER 76 4% 4 2%

Note: Options are not discrete and respondents selected options that applied; thus percentages do not add up to 100%.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 74 of 165

Table 8. CY 2008 DoDSER-ARMY SYMPTOM FACTORS

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 682 40% 79 36%

No 856 50% 112 51%

Don't Know 176 10% 25 11%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 106 6% 6 3%

No 416 24% 49 22%

Don't Know 48 3% 8 4%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 412 24% 45 21%

No 192 11% 23 11%

Don't Know 28 2% 4 2%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 43 2% 8 4%

No 472 27% 39 18%

Don't Know 58 3% 15 7%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 194 11% 23 11%

No 355 21% 29 13%

Don't Know 51 3% 18 8%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 149 9% 32 15%

No 1326 77% 144 66%

Don't Know 225 13% 35 16%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 35 2% 1 <1%

No 1475 86% 180 83%

Don't Know 185 11% 25 11%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 450 26% 39 18%

No 1065 62% 139 64%

Don't Know 191 11% 34 16%

Note: Table continues on next page.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 75 of 165

Table 8. OIF-OEF NON-FATAL EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 318 18% 43 20%

No 1188 69% 138 63%

Don't Know 197 11% 31 14%

 DX PTSD Yes 177 10% 24 11%

No 105 6% 14 6%

Don't Know 15 1% 1 <1%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 31 2% 2 1%

No 210 12% 26 12%

Don't Know 25 1% 4 2%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 80 5% 2 1%

No 174 10% 27 12%

Don't Know 22 1% 4 2%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 15 1% 0 0%

No 220 13% 25 11%

Don't Know 34 2% 7 3%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 84 5% 11 5%

No 171 10% 16 7%

Don't Know 25 1% 8 4%

SEEN BY MTF Yes 800 46% 64 29%

No 750 44% 126 58%

Don’t Know 156 9% 28 13%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 286 17% 41 19%

No 998 58% 122 56%

Don’t Know 416 24% 52 24%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 962 56% 144 66%

No 662 38% 65 30%

Don’t Know 94 5% 8 4%

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 598 35% 103 47%

No 942 55% 103 47%

Don’t Know 166 10% 8 4%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 327 19% 24 11%

No 1207 70% 175 80%

Don’t Know 180 10% 18 8%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had a Mood or Anxiety Disorder.

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 76 of 165

Table 9. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: COMBAT HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EXP DIRECT COMBAT Yes 267 16% 75 34%

No 1147 67% 100 46%

Don't Know 256 15% 32 15%

SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 181 11% 42 19%

INJURED IN COMBAT 64 4% 9 4%

WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 173 10% 48 22%

SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 182 11% 41 19%

KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 104 6% 23 11%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 77 of 165

Table 10. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: FAMILY HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 730 42% 102 47%

No 815 47% 93 43%

Don't Know 174 10% 22 10%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 208 12% 31 14%

No 1258 73% 150 69%

Don't Know 246 14% 36 17%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 4 <1% 0 0%

No 1537 89% 205 94%

Don't Know 165 10% 11 5%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 109 6% 10 5%

No 1384 80% 179 82%

Don't Know 216 13% 28 13%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 139 8% 4 2%

No 1338 78% 179 82%

Don't Know 232 13% 31 14%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 233 14% 21 10%

No 1259 73% 167 77%

Don't Know 216 13% 28 13%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 188 11% 18 8%

No 1284 75% 165 76%

Don't Know 237 14% 34 16%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 172 10% 28 13%

No 1307 76% 161 74%

Don't Know 231 13% 28 13%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 589 34% 74 34%

No 802 47% 102 47%

Don't Know 329 19% 40 18%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 78 of 165

Table 11. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 48 3% 5 2%

No 1475 86% 196 90%

Don't Know 190 11% 9 4%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 323 19% 41 19%

No 1196 69% 159 73%

Don't Know 197 11% 13 6%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 195 11% 12 6%

No 1316 76% 186 85%

Don't Know 204 12% 14 6%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 131 8% 3 1%

No 1407 82% 204 94%

Don't Know 172 10% 4 2%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 126 7% 1 <1%

No 1412 82% 201 92%

Don't Know 170 10% 9 4%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 128 7% 11 5%

No 1356 79% 181 83%

Don't Know 224 13% 18 8%

Table 12. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: OTHER HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 215 12% 17 8%

No 1214 71% 162 74%

Don't Know 279 16% 36 17%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 482 28% 60 28%

No 1000 58% 139 64%

Don't Know 231 13% 17 8%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 409 24% 68 31%

No 1035 60% 127 58%

Don't Know 264 15% 20 9%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 319 19% 35 16%

No 1098 64% 153 70%

Don't Know 292 17% 27 12%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 61 4% 8 4%

No 1344 78% 162 74%

Don't Know 296 17% 44 20%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 79 of 165

Table 13. OIF-OEF EVENT COMPARED TO NON-OIF-OEF EVENT: ABUSE HISTORY

Location of Events

Non-OIF-OEF Event OIF-OEF Event

Count Percent Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 340 20% 44 20%

No 1091 63% 134 61%

Don't Know 271 16% 34 16%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 241 14% 29 13%

No 1173 68% 145 67%

Don't Know 285 17% 37 17%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 359 21% 48 22%

No 1055 61% 129 59%

Don't Know 288 17% 37 17%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 64 4% 2 1%

No 1308 76% 160 73%

Don't Know 317 18% 48 22%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 81 5% 11 5%

No 1352 79% 169 78%

Don't Know 285 17% 35 16%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 24 1% 0 0%

No 1404 82% 179 82%

Don't Know 290 17% 37 17%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 48 3% 4 2%

No 1365 79% 176 81%

Don't Know 301 17% 36 17%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 7 <1% 1 <1%

No 1411 82% 178 82%

Don't Know 295 17% 37 17%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 80 of 165

ARMY DoDSER APPENDIX D

COMPARING CY 2007 to CY 2008

ARMY DoDSER SUICIDES 

Table 1. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: EVENT SETTING

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (personal) 69 62% 72 60%

Residence (friend/family) 8 7% 9 7%

Work/jobsite 3 3% 11 9%

Automobile (away from residence) 5 5% 6 5%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0% 1 1%

Other 25 23% 22 18%

Table 2. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: EVENT METHOD

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

EVENT 

METHOD

Overdose 7 6% 10 8%

Poisoning by substance 1 1% 1 1%

Poisoning by exhaust 5 5% 1 1%

Poisoning by utility gas 0 0% 1 1%

Solvents, other agri chems 0 0% 0 0%

Hanging 24 22% 20 17%

Drowning 1 1% 0 0%

Firearm/gun (military) 32 29% 35 29%

Firearm/gun (nonmilitary) 37 33% 46 38%

Fire, steam 0 0% 1 1%

Cutting/piercing instrument 1 1% 0 0%

Jumping 1 1% 2 2%

Lying in front of moving vehicle 1 1% 0 0%

Motor vehicle crash 0 0% 0 0%

Other 1 1% 1 1%

Don't Know 0 0% 3 2%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 81 of 165

Table 34. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: EVENT MOTIVATION

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

MOTIVATION Emotion relief 17 15% 24 20%

Interpersonal influence 4 4% 3 2%

Feeling generation 0 0% 0 0%

Avoidance/escape 9 8% 14 12%

Individual reasons 4 4% 3 2%

Hopelessness 6 5% 12 10%

Depression 3 3% 5 4%

Other psychiatric symptoms 1 1% 3 2%

Impulsivity 8 7% 10 8%

Other 8 7% 11 9%

Don't Know 51 46% 36 30%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 82 of 165

Table 4. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: OTHER EVENT INFORMATION

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 28 25% 24 20%

No 45 41% 46 38%

Don't Know 38 34% 51 42%

DRUGS USED Yes 14 13% 11 9%

No 53 48% 52 43%

Don't Know 44 40% 58 48%

INTENT TO DIE Yes 78 75% 101 94%

No 15 14% 7 6%

Don't Know 11 11% 0 0%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 0 0% 1 1%

No 89 81% 97 80%

Don't Know 21 19% 23 19%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 34 31% 52 43%

No 39 36% 39 32%

Don't Know 36 33% 30 25%

OBSERVABLE Yes 15 14% 27 22%

No 81 74% 81 67%

Don't Know 14 13% 13 11%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 24 22% 33 27%

No 59 53% 59 49%

Don't Know 28 25% 29 24%

COMMUNICATED INTENT Yes 26 23% 31 26%

No 58 52% 58 48%

Don't Know 27 24% 32 26%

RELATED TO DEPLOYMENT Yes 21 19% 13 11%

No 52 47% 68 56%

Don't Know 38 34% 40 33%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 83 of 165

Table 5. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks, other shared military 46 42% 57 47%

Non-military shared 4 4% 0 0%

BEQ/BOQ 3 3% 4 3%

On-post family housing 22 20% 44 36%

Off-post family housing 18 16% 0 0%

Other 9 8% 9 7%

Don't Know 8 7% 7 6%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 29 26% 23 19%

Separated, relationship issues 12 11% 15 12%

Separated, other 11 4% 16 13%

Don't Know 4 7% 2 2%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 28 25% 33 27%

No 68 62% 70 58%

Don't Know 14 13% 18 15%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 45 41% 40 33%

No 52 47% 56 46%

Don't Know 13 12% 25 21%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 16 14% 13 11%

No 19 17% 26 21%

Don't Know 10 9% 1 1%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE 

ENVIRONMENT

Yes 60 54% 76 63%

No 17 15% 13 11%

Don't Know 34 31% 32 26%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was married or had children.

Table 6. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: DUTY STATUS

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

ACTIVE 96 87% 108 89%

AGR 9 8% 4 3%

IET 2 2% 3 2%

MOBILIZED 2 2% 5 4%

ADT 1 1% 1 1%

IDT 0 0% 0 0%

OTHER 2 2% 2 2%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 84 of 165

Table 7. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: DUTY ENVIRONMENT

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

GARRISON 47 12% 59 49%

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 1 1% 1 1%

LEAVE 8 7% 12 10%

MEDICAL HOLD 3 3% 3 2%

TDY 0 0% 0 0%

IN EVAC CHAIN 0 0% 1 1%

AWOL 4 4% 2 2%

UNDER CMD OBS 0 0% 1 1%

DEPLOYED 34 31% 33 27%

OTHER 15 14% 9 7%

TRAINING 5 5% 3 2%

Note: Options are not discrete and respondents selected options that applied; thus percentages do not add to 100%.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 85 of 165

Table 8. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: SYMPTOM FACTORS

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 24 22% 30 25%

No 53 48% 65 54%

Don't Know 34 31% 26 21%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 0 0% 3 2%

No 21 19% 25 21%

Don't Know 0 0% 3 2%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 13 12% 10 8%

No 10 9% 20 17%

Don't Know 0 0% 1 1%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 4 4% 2 2%

No 14 13% 27 22%

Don't Know 1 1% 2 2%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 9 39% 17 14%

No 12 52% 11 9%

Don't Know 2 9% 3 2%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 2 2% 8 7%

No 75 68% 83 69%

Don't Know 33 30% 30 25%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 1% 1 1%

No 77 70% 93 77%

Don't Know 32 29% 27 22%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 18 16% 27 22%

No 55 50% 65 54%

Don't Know 37 34% 29 24%

Note: Table continues on next page.
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 86 of 165

Table 8. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 21 19% 15 12%

No 61 55% 79 65%

Don't Know 29 26% 27 22%

 DX PTSD Yes 7 6% 8 7%

No 6 5% 5 4%

Don't Know 4 4% 2 2%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 0 0% 2 2%

No 13 12% 10 8%

Don't Know 3 3% 3 2%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 3 3% 0 0%

No 11 10% 11 9%

Don't Know 2 2% 4 3%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 0 0% 1 1%

No 11 10% 10 8%

Don't Know 4 4% 4 3%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 9 8% 6 5%

No 8 7% 5 4%

Don't Know 2 2% 4 3%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had a Mood or Anxiety Disorder.

Table 9. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: COMBAT HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

EXP DIRECT COMBAT Yes 29 26% 22 18%

No 39 35% 62 51%

Don't Know 42 38% 37 31%

SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 18 16% 11 9%

INJURED IN COMBAT 2 2% 3 2%

WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 17 15% 7 6%

SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 19 17% 8 7%

KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 7 6% 1 1%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 87 of 165

Table 10. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: TREATMENT HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 51 46% 73 60%

No 38 35% 24 20%

Don't Know 21 19% 24 20%

SEEN BY ASAP Yes 10 9% 19 16%

No 80 72% 77 64%

Don't Know 21 19% 25 21%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 9 8% 8 7%

No 78 70% 88 73%

Don't Know 24 22% 25 21%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 10 9% 18 15%

No 45 41% 41 34%

Don't Know 56 50% 62 51%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 45 41% 53 44%

No 56 50% 54 45%

Don't Know 10 9% 14 12%

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 8 7% 19 16%

No 83 75% 86 71%

Don't Know 20 18% 16 13%

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 29 26% 40 33%

No 52 47% 57 47%

Don't Know 29 26% 24 20%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 17 15% 30 25%

No 60 54% 70 58%

Don't Know 34 31% 21 17%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 88 of 165

Table 11. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: FAMILY HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 58 52% 64 53%

No 29 26% 30 25%

Don't Know 24 22% 27 22%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 16 15% 16 13%

No 55 50% 55 45%

Don't Know 39 35% 50 41%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0% 0 0%

No 91 82% 98 81%

Don't Know 20 18% 23 19%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 1 1% 6 5%

No 57 51% 66 55%

Don't Know 53 48% 49 40%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 1 1% 2 2%

No 54 49% 69 57%

Don't Know 56 50% 50 41%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 1 1% 12 10%

No 56 50% 61 50%

Don't Know 54 49% 48 40%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 4 4% 8 7%

No 50 45% 54 45%

Don't Know 57 51% 59 49%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 2 2% 6 5%

No 58 52% 58 48%

Don't Know 51 46% 57 47%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 10 9% 14 12%

No 23 21% 30 25%

Don't Know 78 70% 77 64%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 89 of 165

Table 12. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 2 2% 2 2%

No 90 82% 95 79%

Don't Know 18 16% 24 20%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 13 12% 23 19%

No 75 68% 71 59%

Don't Know 23 21% 27 22%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 4 4% 9 7%

No 88 79% 90 74%

Don't Know 19 17% 22 18%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 7 6% 8 7%

No 88 79% 93 77%

Don't Know 16 14% 20 17%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 8 7% 5 4%

No 86 77% 100 83%

Don't Know 17 15% 16 13%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 11 10% 24 20%

No 73 66% 66 55%

Don't Know 27 24% 31 26%

Table 13. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: OTHER HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 9 8% 9 7%

No 59 53% 63 52%

Don't Know 43 39% 49 40%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 25 23% 23 19%

No 54 49% 71 59%

Don't Know 32 29% 27 22%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 17 15% 17 14%

No 61 55% 69 57%

Don't Know 33 30% 35 29%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 11 10% 16 13%

No 68 61% 70 58%

Don't Know 32 29% 35 29%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 4 4% 1 1%

No 72 65% 81 67%

Don't Know 34 31% 39 32%
Army-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 90 of 165

Table 14. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: ABUSE HISTORY

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 8 7% 7 6%

No 50 45% 61 50%

Don't Know 52 47% 53 44%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 2% 6 5%

No 52 47% 63 52%

Don't Know 56 51% 52 43%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 9 8% 8 7%

No 47 43% 59 49%

Don't Know 54 49% 54 45%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0% 0 0%

No 57 52% 66 55%

Don't Know 52 48% 55 45%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 2% 8 7%

No 56 51% 58 48%

Don't Know 52 47% 55 45%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 3 3% 7 6%

No 55 50% 62 51%

Don't Know 52 47% 52 43%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 2 2% 8 7%

No 54 49% 59 49%

Don't Know 54 49% 54 45%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0% 1 1%

No 57 52% 65 54%

Don't Know 53 48% 55 45%

Table 15. CY 2007 Compared TO CY 2008: HISTORY EVER DEPLOYED TO OIF/OEF

Year

2007 2008

Count Percent Count Percent

AFGHANISTAN 9 8% 11 9%

IRAQ 59 53% 59 49%

KUWAIT 12 11% 12 10%
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 91 of 165

ANNEX 2: Air Force DoDSER

CALENDAR YEAR 2008 REPORT

National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence 

for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 92 of 165

ANNEX 2: AIR FORCE DoDSER

RESULTS

Air Force DoDSER Submissions and POC Compliance 

2008 Reported Suicide Events 

A total of 35 Air Force DoDSERs for CY 2008 were analyzed. All 35 suicides were confirmed by the AFMES. There 

was a total of 45 suicides, thus, as shown in Table 1 the compliance rate was 78%. Additional demographic 

characteristics of Air Force suicide cases are available in the main report above.

Table 1. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER DEMOGRAPHICS

AFMES Confirmed Suicides

DoDSERs Received that are 

Pending AFMES Confirmation

Male 43 0

Female 2 0

Total Suicides 45 0

DoDSERs Received 35 0

Compliance Rate 78% -

Dispositional/Personal Factors

Event Setting

Suicides were most commonly reported as having occurred in Service Members’ personal residences (57%; n = 20), 

and two suicides were reported as having occurred at the jobsite (6%; n = 2), as displayed in Table 3. “Other” 

responses included public areas (n = 4), Don’t Know (n = 8), and a temporary residence (n = 1).

Table 2. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER EVENT SETTING

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

EVENT 

SETTING

Residence (personal) 20 57%

Residence (friend/family) 0 0%

Work/jobsite 2 6%

Automobile (away from residence) 0 0%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0%

Other 13 37%

Suicide Method

The majority of the suicides involved Non-Military Firearms (49%) and Hanging (26%). A significant minority (22%) 

completed suicides via “Other” means, including Utility Gas, Vehicle Exhaust, and Jumping. In three of the suicide 

cases, there was no information available on the event method.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 93 of 165

Figure 1. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER METHOD OF SUICIDE COMPLETION

* Other = Jumping, poisoning by exhaust, poisoning by utility gas.

Suicide Completions by Month

Figure 2 displays CY 2008 Air Force suicide completions by month. As shown in the figure, July had the highest 

number of reported suicides for the entire year (n = 6), followed by October and November, with 5 suicides 

occurring each month. The next highest months were January, April, and September (n = 4, for each month). The 

lowest recorded suicides occurred in March, May, and August (n = 1 for each month). These data should be 

interpreted with caution, given the low number of total cases.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 94 of 165

Figure 2. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH

Other Suicide Details

Detailed information is also gathered as to whether alcohol or other drugs were used during the event (not 

necessarily as a method for self-harm), whether the Service Members intended to die, and communicated the 

intent for self-harm. Additional items in this section pertain to evidence of death risk/gambling such as Russian 

roulette or walking railroad tracks, planned or premeditated acts, and whether suicides were performed in areas 

or under circumstances in which Service Members are likely to be observed by others. 

Substance Use During the Event 

A total of 26% of submitted Air Force DoDSERs indicated that the suicides involved the use of alcohol and/or drugs 

during the event (17% alcohol only; 9% alcohol and drugs). This percentage is likely an underestimate as 31% of the 

cases did not have access to information about substance use, presumably because autopsy results were not 

available at the time of the DoDSER submission. No substance use during the event was reported for 43% of the 

cases.

Other Suicide Information

Information is collected to help characterize the nature of the suicides such as intent to die, whether it involved 

death risk/gambling, appeared to have been planned or premeditated, involved a method that would be likely to 

have been observed by others, and whether the suicide decedent left a suicide note. Much of this information was 

not available for the Air Force Annex. As displayed in Table 3, of the reported data, 34% (n = 12) of the cases were 

classified as having exhibited an Intent to Die, and 17% (n = 6) of the suicides were classified as having been 

Planned/Premeditated.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Event Month

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Count

5 5

4

1

6

2

1

4

1

2

4
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 95 of 165

Table 3. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

INTENT TO DIE Yes 12 34%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 23 66%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 6 17%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 29 83%

OBSERVABLE Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

Communication of Suicide Intent

The type of individuals with whom decedents shared their potential for self-harm was examined. Decedents were 

known to communicate their potential for self-harm prior to the event in 12 cases (35%). As displayed in Table 4,

6% (n = 2) communicated their potential to a Friend, 3% (n = 1) to Mental Health Staff or a Supervisor, and 23% (n 

= 8) to persons designated as “Other,” including other family members (n = 5), other helping services (n = 2), and 

one unspecified..

Table 4. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

FRIEND 2 6%

MENTAL HEALTH STAFF 1 3%

SUPERVISOR 1 3%

SPOUSE 0 0%

CHAPLAIN 0 0%

OTHER 8 23%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases communicated intent, thus the percentages do not add 

up to 100%. In addition, respondents can check multiple responses for each case.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 96 of 165

Situational/Contextual Factors

Situational Factors 

The items in this section pertain to the individual’s current situation, such as place of residence, current living 

situation, and factors that are subject to change over time. As shown in Table 5, off-post housing was the most 

common location for the suicides, however, information about residence was not available in the majority of the 

suicide cases. In addition, 13% of the decedents (n = 15) were reported to be residing with a spouse, whereas, 17% 

were reported to be living alone. The proportion of decedents with minor children was reported to be 34% (n = 

12), and nearly all (n = 11) were reported to be living with their children. In addition, a gun was reported to be in 

the immediate environment in 34% of the cases.

Table 5. CY 2008 DoDSER-AIR FORCE SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks or other shared military 0 0%

BEQ/BOQ 0 0%

On-base family housing 2 6%

Off-base family housing 11 31%

Ship 0 0%

Other 1 3%

Don't Know 21 60%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 15 13%

Separated, relationship issues 1 3%

Separated, other 0 0%

Don't Know 4 11%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 6 17%

No 17 49%

Don't Know 12 34%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 12 34%

No 3 9%

Don't Know 20 57%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 11 31%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 1 3%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE 

ENVIRONMENT

Yes 12 34%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 23 66%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was 

married or had children.

Duty Environment 

Twenty-seven (77%) of the suicide cases were reported to have taken place in a “garrison” duty environment, one 

was reported to have occurred when the Service Member was on leave, and seven were reported to have occurred 

in “other” non-deployed locations.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Clinical/Symptom Factors

Diagnoses 

Limited information was available on mental health diagnoses among the Air-Force Annex suicide decedents. As 

shown in Table 6, there were 5 cases of reported mood disorder, 2 reported cases of personality disorder, 1 

reported case of psychotic disorder, and 7 reported cases with a history of substance abuse. In addition, four 

decedents were reported to have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, and there was 1 reported case of PTSD.

Table 6. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 5 14%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 14 40%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 19 54%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 0 0%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 19 54%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 19 54%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 1 3%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 18 51%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 2 6%

No 19 54%

Don't Know 14 40%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 3%

No 20 57%

Don't Know 14 40%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 7 20%

No 14 40%

Don't Know 14 40%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had a mood disorder.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 6. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 4 11%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 13 37%

 DX PTSD Yes 1 3%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 16 46%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 17 49%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 17 49%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 17 49%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 17 49%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent

had an anxiety disorder.

Treatment

Table 7 summarizes the history of visits to treatment programs and clinics prior to the suicide completions. The 

table displays the number of Service Members who had been seen prior to the event (i.e., Yes/No), including 

within 30- and 90- days of the event. DoDSER respondents were instructed to select all categories that apply, thus 

they are not mutually exclusive. As shown in the table, 20% (n = 7) were seen in a Medical Treatment Facility 

within 90 days of the completion, and 23% (n = 8) were seen by Outpatient Mental Health. Additional treatment 

history data are summarized in Table 7.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 7. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY

Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 17 49%

 Within 30 days 3 9%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 7 20%

No 6 17%

Don't Know 12 34%

SEEN BY SAS Yes 2 6%

 Within 30 days 1 3%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 1 3%

No 19 54%

Don't Know 14 40%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 3 9%

 Within 30 days 1 3%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 2 6%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 14 40%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 3 9%

 Within 30 days 1 3%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 3 9%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 14 40%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 9 26%

 Within 30 days 7 20%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 8 23%

No 12 34%

Don't Know 14 40%

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 0 0%

 Within 30 days 0 0%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 0 0%

No 12 34%

Don't Know 23 66%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 6 17%

No 8 23%

Don't Know 21 60%

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 3 9%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 32 91%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” Therefore, summing the two time frames 

sums to more than the total number of cases. 

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; FAP = Family Advocacy Program; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health; IP MH = Inpatient Mental Health
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Historical/Developmental Factors

Family and Relationship History

Items pertaining to contextual factors at the time of the suicide, such as relationship status, are displayed in Table 

8. Also displayed in Table 8 are family history variables. As shown in the table, 40% of the decedents were known 

to have had a failed intimate or spousal relationship prior to the death, and 20% were reported to have a history of 

a failed non-intimate relationship. Information was not available on the family history variables. History of Family 

Death prior to the suicide was reported in one case (3%).

Table 8. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER FAMILY HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 14 40%

No 6 17%

Don't Know 15 43%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 7 20%

No 7 20%

Don't Know 21 60%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 1 3%

Don't Know 34 97%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 1 3%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 34 97%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 1 3%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 34 97%
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Administrative and Legal History

There were no reports of involvement of court-martial proceedings among any of the Air Force suicide decedents, 

however information was unavailable for nearly half of the decedents. There were two reports of Article 15 

proceedings, and one report of Civil Legal Problems. Much of the data on administrative and legal history were 

unavailable. All data are summarized in Table 9.

Table 9. CY 2008 AIR FORCE DoDSER ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 19 54%

Don't Know 16 46%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 2 6%

No 18 51%

Don't Know 15 43%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 10 29%

Don't Know 25 71%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 9 26%

Don't Know 26 74%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 4 11%

Don't Know 31 89%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 1 3%

No 16 46%

Don't Know 18 51%

Abuse History 

The DoDSER collects information on the suicide decedent’s history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or 

sexual harassment. However, this information was not available for the Air Force DoDSER cases.

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

As displayed in Table 10, excessive Debt/Bankruptcy was reported for 20% of the decedents. Work-related 

problems were reported for 8 of the decedents (23%), and 2 had a history of a poor work performance review or 

evaluation.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 10. CY 2008 DoDSER-AIR FORCE ADDITIONAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 7 20%

No 8 23%

Don't Know 20 57%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 8 23%

No 11 31%

Don't Know 16 46%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 2 6%

No 3 9%

Don't Know 30 86%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0%

No 0 0%

Don't Know 35 100%

Deployment Factors

Data were gathered on information pertaining to the Air Force Service Members’ most recent three deployments. 

This data relates to historical deployment data, and not cases that died in theater. Only one Service Member was 

reported to have been deployed; this Service Member was reported to have been deployed to Iraq. There were no 

reported combat histories among the suicide decedents.
Air Force-DoDSER CY 2008

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SUMMARY

This annual statistical report of the Air Force DoDSER provides statistics for Air Force suicide events that occurred

in CY 2008. A total of 35 Air Force DoDSERs were submitted for suicides for CY 2008. Of the 45 AFMES confirmed 

suicides, an Air Force DoDSER was received for 35 of the events for a submission compliance rate of 78% in CY 

2008. 

Suicides were most common for young, White, married, enlisted Service Members. Non-military firearms and 

hanging were the most common methods for suicide. The majority of events were reported to have occurred in 

off-base housing, however, data on location of suicide was unavailable in 60% of the cases. Twenty-six percent of 

the suicide decedents were reported to have been using drugs or alcohol during the event, which might be an 

underestimate, given some missing data. Reported psychiatric histories were low in frequency, however, data 

were unavailable for some cases. Of the reported psychiatric diagnoses, mood and anxiety disorders were most 

commonly diagnosed. The most frequently reported stressors included failed or failing relationships (especially 

intimate/spousal) and excessive debt and job related problems. Only one of the suicide decedents was reported to 

have been deployed, and the operation location was Iraq. None of the decedents reported combat history. 

Conclusions and interpretations regarding noted patterns must be made with caution given the low number of 

total cases available for analysis. 
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 104 of 165

ANNEX 3: Navy DoDSER

CALENDAR YEAR 2008 REPORT

National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence 

for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 105 of 165

ANNEX 3: NAVY DoDSER

RESULTS

Navy DoDSER Submissions and POC Compliance 

2008 Reported Suicide Events 

A total of 39 Navy DoDSERs for CY 2008 were analyzed. All 39 suicides were confirmed by the AFMES. There was a 

total of 39 suicides, thus, as shown in Table 1, the compliance rate was 100%. Additional demographic 

characteristics of Navy suicide cases are available in the main report above.

Table 1. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER DEMOGRAPHICS

AFMES Confirmed Suicides

DoDSERs Received that are Pending 

AFMES Confirmation

Male 38 2

Female 1 0

Total Suicides 39 2

DoDSERs Received 39 2

Compliance Rate 100% -

Dispositional/Personal Factors

Event Setting/Method

Locations of suicides are shown in Table 2. Suicides were most commonly reported as having occurred in personal 

residences (51%, n = 21). Event methods are displayed in Figure 1. The majority of the suicides involved nonmilitary firearms and hanging.

Table 2. CY 2008 NAVY DODSER EVENT SETTING

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

Residence (personal) 21 51%

Residence (friend/family) 3 7%

Work/jobsite 4 10%

Automobile (away from residence) 5 12%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0%

Other 8 20%
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

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Figure 1. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER METHOD OF SUICIDE

Other = Jumping, Motor Vehicle Crash, Drowning, Poisoning by Exhaust, Poisoning by Utility Gas, Poisoning by 

Substance, Don’t Know, and Lying in Front of Moving Vehicle.

Suicide Completions by Month

Figure 2 displays the frequency of suicides by month. As shown in the Figure, November had the highest number

of suicides (n = 8), followed by January (n = 6). August had the lowest recorded suicide count (n = 0). Given the low 

number of total suicides, conclusions regarding this pattern are limited at this time.

Figure 2. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

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Other Event Details

Detailed information is gathered as to whether alcohol or other drugs were used during the event (not necessarily 

as a method for self-harm), whether the Service Members intended to die, and whether they communicated the 

potential for self-harm. Additional items in this section pertain to evidence of death risk/gambling such as Russian 

roulette or walking railroad tracks, planned or premeditated acts, and whether suicide completions were 

performed in areas or under circumstances in which behaviors are likely to be observed by others. 

Substance Use During the Event

A total of 24% of cases reportedly used alcohol and/or drugs during the suicide (20% alcohol; 2% drugs; 2% both 

alcohol and drugs). This percentage is potentially an underestimate as 34% of the cases did not have access to 

information about substance use, presumably because autopsy results were not available at the time of the Navy

DoDSER submission. 

Other Event Information

As displayed in Table 3, information is collected to help characterize the nature of the suicide such as intent to die. 

Very little data were available on other event information. Of the reported data, 44% were classified as having 

been Premeditated, 5% due to Death Risk/Gambling, and 22% were reported as being Observable.

Table 3. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

INTENT TO DIE Yes 23 56%

No 5 12%

Don't Know 13 32%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 2 5%

No 35 85%

Don't Know 4 10%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 18 44%

No 7 17%

Don't Know 16 39%

OBSERVABLE Yes 9 22%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 5 12%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 8 20%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 6 15%

Communication of Intent 

As displayed in Table 4, 15% of decedents were known to communicate their potential for self-harm to a Friend, 

5% to Mental Health Staff, 15% to a Spouse, 2% to a Chaplain, or Supervisor and 10 % to someone designated as 

“Other.”
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

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Table 4. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

FRIEND 6 15%

MENTAL HEALTH STAFF 2 5%

SUPERVISOR 1 2%

SPOUSE 6 15%

CHAPLAIN 1 2%

OTHER 4 10%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases communicated intent, thus the percentages 

do not add up to 100%.

Situational/Contextual Factors

Situational Factors

These items pertain to the individual’s current situation, such as place of residence, current living situation, and 

factors that are subject to change over time. As shown in Table 5, off-base family housing was the most common 

residence location at the time of the event. Seventeen percent of decedents reportedly resided with a spouse at 

the time of the event. Six cases (15%) were separated from their spouse due to relationship issues. Twenty-two

percent were reported to be living alone. The reported proportion of decedents with minor children was reported 

to be 37%, and 7% of the total cases were reported to be living with their children. In addition, a gun was reported 

to be in the immediate environment in 44% of the cases.
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 109 of 165

Table 5. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks or other shared military 1 2%

BEQ/BOQ 5 12%

On-base family housing 2 5%

Off-base family housing 21 51%

Ship 4 10%

Other 5 12%

Don't Know 3 7%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 7 17%

Separated, relationship issues 6 15%

Separated, other 3 7%

Don't Know 5 12%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 9 22%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 4 10%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 15 37%

No 23 56%

Don't Know 3 7%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 3 7%

No 11 27%

Don't Know 1 2%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT Yes 18 44%

No 10 24%

Don't Know 13 32%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was 

married or had children.
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

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Duty Environment

Seventeen percent (n = 7) were reported to have occurred when the Service Member was on Leave, and three

(7%) were reported during Training (Table 6).

Table 6. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 0 0%

LEAVE 7 17%

MEDICAL HOLD 0 0%

TDY 0 0%

IN EVAC CHAIN 0 0%

AWOL 0 0%

UNDER CMD OBS 0 0%

DEPLOYED 2 5%

OTHER 0 0%

TRAINING 3 7%

Respondents did not indicate that all cases reported duty environment, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%,

Clinical/Symptom Factors

Diagnoses 

Table 7 displays suicide decedents’ histories of mental health diagnoses. Seven percent (n = 3) had been diagnosed 

with a Mood Disorder in the past, including Major Depression (n = 1), and Other Mood Disorders (n = 2). Ten 

percent of suicides (n = 4) had been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder (none were diagnosed with Posttraumatic 

Stress Disorder), and a small proportion were diagnosed with other types of Anxiety Disorders, as shown in Table

7. In addition, six Service Members (15%) were reported to have a history of substance abuse.
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 111 of 165

Table 7. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 3 7%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 1 2%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 2 5%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 14 34%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 30 73%

Don't Know 11 27%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 30 73%

Don't Know 11 27%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 6 15%

No 23 56%

Don't Know 12 29%

Note: Table continues on next page.
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 112 of 165

Table 7. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 4 10%

No 26 63%

Don't Know 11 27%

 DX PTSD Yes 0 0%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 1 2%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 13 32%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 3 7%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 11 27%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 2 5%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 11 27%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 2 5%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 12 29%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent 

had an anxiety disorder.

Treatment History

Table 8 summarizes the history of visits to treatment programs and clinics prior to the suicide. The table displays 

the number of Service Members who had been seen prior to the event (i.e., Yes/No), including visits within 30 and 

90 days of the event. DoDSER respondents were instructed to select all categories that apply, thus they are not 

mutually exclusive. As shown in the table, 24% (n = 10) were seen in a Medical Treatment Facility within 90 days of 

the completion, and 7% (n = 3) were seen by Outpatient Mental Health. Seven percent (n = 3 ) had a history of a 

physical health problem, and 10% (n = 4) had a prior history of self-harm. Additional treatment history data are 

summarized in Table 8.
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 113 of 165

Table 8. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY

Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 12 29%

 Within 30 days 9 22%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 10 24%

No 16 39%

Don't Know 13 32%

SEEN BY SAS Yes 4 10%

 Within 30 days 1 2%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 2 5%

No 30 73%

Don't Know 7 17%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 1 2%

 Within 30 days 1 2%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 1 2%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 12 29%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 6 15%

 Within 30 days 1 2%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 3 7%

No 16 39%

Don't Know 19 46%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 5 12%

 Within 30 days 2 5%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 3 7%

No 27 66%

Don't Know 9 22%

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 3 7%

 Within 30 days 0 0%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 0 0%

No 31 76%

Don't Know 7 17%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 3 7%

No 24 59%

Don't Know 14 34%

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 4 10%

No 22 54%

Don't Know 15 37%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” Therefore, 

summing the two time frames sums to more than the total number of cases in some instances. 

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; FAP = Family Advocacy Program; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health;

IP MH = Inpatient Mental Health
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 114 of 165

Historical/Developmental Factors

Family and Relationship History

As shown in Table 9, Failed Marital/Intimate relationships were reported for 51% (n = 21) of the suicide cases. In 

addition, Other Failed Relationships (non-intimate) were reported for 15% (n = 6) of the cases. There were no 

cases in which there was a reported History of Spouse Suicide, however, there were reports of a Family History of 

Suicide in two of the cases (5%).

Table 9 CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER FAMILY HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 21 51%

No 10 24%

Don't Know 10 24%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 6 15%

No 18 44%

Don't Know 17 41%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 35 85%

Don't Know 6 15%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 2 5%

No 21 51%

Don't Know 18 44%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 21 51%

Don't Know 20 49%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 1 2%

No 22 54%

Don't Know 18 44%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 2 5%

No 19 46%

Don't Know 20 49%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 2 5%

No 21 51%

Don't Know 18 44%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 4 10%

No 9 22%

Don't Know 28 68%
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

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Administrative and Legal History

As displayed in Table 10, there were five reports of a history of Article 15 proceedings (12%), one report of history 

of Administrative Separation Proceedings (2%), and four (10%) for history of Civil Legal Problems prior to the 

suicides.

Table 10 CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 41 100%

Don't Know 0 0%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 5 12%

No 35 85%

Don't Know 1 2%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 1 2%

No 40 98%

Don't Know 0 0%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 41 100%

Don't Know 0 0%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 0 0%

No 40 98%

Don't Know 1 2%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 4 10%

No 31 76%

Don't Know 6 15%
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 116 of 165

Abuse History

Of suicide cases, 2% (n =1) had a reported history of Physical Abuse and 2% (n = 1) had a reported history of 

Emotional Abuse (see Table 11). A history of alleged or confirmed perpetration of abuse/harassment was also rare.

Table 11. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER ABUSE HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 1 2%

No 22 54%

Don't Know 18 44%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 0 0%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 16 39%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 1 2%

No 23 56%

Don't Know 17 41%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 16 39%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 1 2%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 15 37%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 5%

No 25 61%

Don't Know 14 34%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0%

No 26 63%

Don't Know 15 37%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 2%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 12 29%
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 117 of 165

Financial and Workplace Difficulties 

As shown in Table 12, Excessive Debt or Bankruptcy was reported for 7% (n = 3) of individuals who died by suicide. 

Additional information related to job or employment difficulties are presented below. History of Employment 

problems (n = 4) or Co-worker Difficulties were reported in 7% (n = 3) of the suicide cases. In addition, 5% (n = 2) of 

the decedents were reported to have had a Poor Performance Evaluation.

Table 12. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER ADDITIONAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 3 7%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 10 24%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 4 10%

No 32 78%

Don't Know 5 12%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 3 7%

No 30 73%

Don't Know 8 20%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 2 5%

No 34 83%

Don't Know 5 12%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0%

No 34 83%

Don't Know 7 17%

Deployment Factors

Deployment History

Data were gathered pertaining to the Service Member’s most recent three deployments. Table 13 summarizes this 

information. As shown in the table, only two decedents had a history of deployment to OIF-OEF.

Table 13. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER HISTORY EVER DEPLOYED TO OIF/OEF

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

AFGHANISTAN 0 0%

IRAQ 2 5%

KUWAIT 0 0%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases reported deployment to OIF/OEF, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%,
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 118 of 165

Combat History for Suicide Decedents

Table 14 displays information about the decedents’ combat history. History of experiencing direct combat 

operations was not reported for any of the decedents. 

Table 14. CY 2008 NAVY DoDSER COMBAT HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicides

Count Percent

EXPERIENCED DIRECT COMBAT Yes 0 0%

No 28 68%

Don't Know 13 32%

 SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 0 0%

 INJURED IN COMBAT 0 0%

 WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 0 0%

 SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 0 0%

 KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 0 0%
Navy-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 119 of 165

SUMMARY

This annual statistical report of the Navy DoDSER data provides statistics for Navy suicides that occurred in CY 

2008. A total of 39 valid Navy DoDSERs were submitted for suicides for CY 2008. There were 39 AFMES confirmed 

suicides, for a 100% DoDSER submission compliance rate.

Suicides were most frequent for young, White, married, and enlisted Navy Service Members. Firearms (military 

and non-military) and hanging were the most common methods for suicide. The majority of events were reported 

to have occurred in the Service Members’ personal residences. Reported psychiatric histories were low in 

frequency. The most frequently reported stressors included failed or failing intimate relationships. A significant 

minority of decedents communicated their potential for self-harm, primarily to friends and spouses prior to the 

suicide. There were very few cases of reported abuse victimization or perpetration among the suicide decedents.

Conclusions and interpretations regarding noted patterns must be made with caution given the low number of 

total cases available for analysis. 
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 120 of 165

ANNEX 4: Marine Corps DoDSER

CALENDAR YEAR 2008 REPORT

National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence 

for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 121 of 165

ANNEX 4: MARINE CORPS DoDSER

RESULTS

Marine Corps DoDSER Submissions and POC Compliance 

2008 Reported Suicides 

A total of 41 Marine Corps DoDSERs for CY 2008 were analyzed. All 41 suicides were confirmed by the AFMES. As 

displayed in Table 1, the compliance rate for the Marine Corps DoDSER was 100%. Additional demographic 

characteristics of Marine Corps suicide cases are available in the main report above.

Table 1. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER DEMOGRAPHICS

AFMES Confirmed Suicides

DoDSERs Received that are 

Pending AFMES Confirmation

Male 39 1

Female 2 0

Total Suicides 41 1

DoDSERs Received 41 1

Compliance Rate 100% -

Dispositional/Personal Factors

Event Setting 

Suicides occurred most commonly in Personal Residences, as displayed in Table 2. Twelve percent (n = 5) of 

suicides took place in the Residence of a Friend or Family Member, and 12% (n = 5) occurred in a Workplace. Ten 

percent (n = 4) of the suicides were reported to have occurred in an automobile that was not at the Service 

Member’s personal residence.

Table 2. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER EVENT SETTING

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

Residence (personal) 24 57%

Residence (friend/family) 5 12%

Work/jobsite 5 12%

Automobile (away from residence) 4 10%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0%

Other 4 10%
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 122 of 165

Event Method

Figure 1 displays the differential suicide methods used among Marine Corps Service Members. Firearms (military 

and non-military) were the most commonly reported suicide method (70%), followed by Hanging (29%). The 

remainder of the suicides (1%) were reported to have been completed through “Other” means.

Figure 1. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER METHOD OF COMPLETED SUICIDE

Other = ”Crashing a Motor Vehicle”

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Hanging Firearm (Military) Firearm (NonMilitary)Other

Percent of Cases

Suicide

Completions
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 123 of 165

Suicide Completions by Month

Figure 2 displays CY 2008 Marine Corps suicide completions by month. As shown in the figure, the largest 

proportion occurred in January and August (n = 7 for each month). The lowest suicide frequencies occurred in 

February, April, and November (one in each of these months). Given the low total number of suicides, these data 

should be interpreted with caution.

Figure 2. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER SUICIDE COMPLETIONS BY MONTH

Other Event Details

Information is gathered as to whether alcohol or other drugs were used during the event (not necessarily as a 

method for self-harm), whether the Service Members intended to die, or whether they communicated their

potential for self-harm. Additional items in this section pertain to evidence of death risk/gambling such as Russian 

roulette or walking railroad tracks, planned or premeditated acts, and whether suicides were completed in areas 

or under circumstances in which Service Members are likely to be observed by others. 

Substance Use During the Event

A total of 24% of submitted Marine Corps DoDSERs reported alcohol use, and 2% reported drug use during the 

event. This percentage may be an underestimate as 41% of cases did not have access to information about 

substance use, presumably because autopsy results were not available at the time of the Marine Corps DoDSER 

submission. 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

Count

5

1

2 2

7

3 3

6

1

4

1

7
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 124 of 165

Additional Event Information 

Information is gathered to help characterize the nature of the reported Marine Corps suicides, as displayed in 

Table 3. There was evidence of Intent to Die for the majority of suicide decedents (74%, n = 31). There was also 

evidence that 15 of the suicides (36%) were Premeditated. Twenty-one percent of the suicides were deemed to 

have taken place under circumstances that the event was likely to have been Observed (n = 9), and 13 (31%) of the 

decedents left suicide notes. 

Table 3. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

INTENT TO DIE Yes 31 74%

No 3 7%

Don't Know 1 2%

DEATH RISK/GAMBLING Yes 1 2%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 6 14%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 15 36%

No 18 43%

Don't Know 9 21%

OBSERVABLE Yes 9 21%

No 33 79%

Don't Know 0 0%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 13 31%

No 24 57%

Don't Know 5 12%

Communication of Intent

As shown in Table 4, the majority of the suicide decedents were not known to communicate their potential for 

self-harm prior to the suicide. Five percent (n = 2) reportedly communicated their potential for self-harm to a 

Friend, 2% (n = 1) to a Mental Health Professional, and 17% (n = 7) to their Spouses.

Table 4. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

FRIEND 2 5%

MENTAL HEALTH STAFF 1 2%

SUPERVISOR 0 0%

SPOUSE 7 17%

CHAPLAIN 0 0%

OTHER 6 14%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases communicated intent, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 125 of 165

Situational/Contextual Factors 

Situational Factors

Situational factors pertain to the decedent’s situation at the time of the suicide, such as place of residence, living 

situation, and factors that are subject to change over time. These data are represented in Table 5. The most 

frequent type of residence at the time of the event was off-base housing (40%, n = 17). Twenty-six percent (n = 11) 

occurred in shared military housing, and 19% (n = 8) were reported to have occurred in BEQ/BOQ. In a minority of 

the cases, the suicide was reported to have occurred in on-base family housing (5%, n = 2) and one was reported to 

have occurred on ship (2%). Three suicides were reported to have occurred in “Other” locations. 

In addition, 17% of the decedents were reported to have been living with their spouses. A significant proportion 

(19%, n = 8) of the decedents were reported to have been separated due to relationship problems. Twenty-one 

percent of the decedents were reported to have been living alone (n = 9). Ten cases had minor children, and half of 

those were living with their children at the time of the death The majority of suicide decedents were reported to 

have had a firearm in their immediate environments (57%, n = 24). 

Table 5. CY 2008 DoDSER-MARINE CORPS SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

RESIDENCE Barracks or other shared military 11 26%

BEQ/BOQ 8 19%

On-base family housing 2 5%

Off-base family housing 17 40%

Ship 1 2%

Other 3 7%

Don't Know 0 0%

 RESIDES WITH SPOUSE Resides with spouse 7 17%

Separated, relationship issues 8 19%

Separated, other 4 10%

Don't Know 1 2%

RESIDES ALONE Yes 9 21%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 2 5%

MINOR CHILDREN Yes 10 24%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 0 0%

 CHILDREN RESIDE WITH Yes 5 12%

No 6 14%

Don't Know 0 0%

GUN IN IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT Yes 24 57%

No 13 31%

Don't Know 5 12%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent was married or had children.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 126 of 165

Duty Environment 

As shown in Table 6, 14% of the suicides were completed while the Service Member was on leave (n = 6), four 

while on TDY (10%), four while AWOL (10%), two while training (5%), and two in other environments. In addition, 

17% (n=7) were deployed during the time of completion.

Table 6. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

PSYCH HOSPITALIZATION 0 0%

LEAVE 6 14%

MEDICAL HOLD 2 5%

TDY 4 10%

IN EVAC CHAIN 0 0%

AWOL 4 10%

UNDER CMD OBS 0 0%

DEPLOYED 7 17%

OTHER 2 5%

TRAINING 2 5%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases reported duty environment, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.

Clinical/Symptom Factors

Diagnoses 

Table 7 displays suicide decedents’ histories of mental health diagnoses. Forty-three percent of the suicides (n =

18) had a history of at least one mental disorder. Fourteen percent (n = 6) had been diagnosed with a Mood 

Disorder in the past, including Major Depression (n = 2), Dysthymic Disorder (n = 1), and Other Mood Disorders (n = 

1). Seven percent of suicide cases (n = 3) had been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, including 2% (n = 1) with 

Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD). Seven Service Members (17%) were reported to have a history of substance 

abuse, and two Soldiers (5%) were identified with a Personality Disorder.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 127 of 165

Table 7. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

ANY DX MOOD DISORDER Yes 6 14%

No 33 79%

Don't Know 3 7%

 DX BIPOLAR DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 36 86%

Don't Know 6 14%

 DX MAJOR DEPRESSION Yes 2 5%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 5 12%

 DX DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Yes 1 2%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 6 14%

 DX OTHER MOOD DISORDER Yes 1 2%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 6 14%

DX PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 2 5%

No 38 90%

Don't Know 2 5%

DX PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 39 93%

Don't Know 3 7%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 7 17%

No 29 69%

Don't Know 6 14%

Note: Table continues on next page.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 128 of 165

Table 7. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER SYMPTOM FACTORS (CON'T)

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

ANY DX ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 3 7%

No 36 86%

Don't Know 3 7%

 DX PTSD Yes 1 2%

No 37 88%

Don't Know 4 10%

 DX PANIC DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 38 90%

Don't Know 4 10%

 DX GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 1 2%

No 37 88%

Don't Know 4 10%

 DX ACUTE STRESS DISORDER Yes 1 2%

No 38 90%

Don't Know 3 7%

 DX OTHER ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 0 0%

No 38 90%

Don't Know 4 10%

Note: Indented items were only asked in cases where the respondent indicated that the decedent had an anxiety disorder.

Treatment

Table 8 summarizes the history of visits to treatment programs and clinics prior to the suicide. The table displays 

the number of Marines who had been seen prior to the event (i.e., Yes/No), including within 30 and 90 days of the 

event. DoDSER respondents were instructed to select all categories that apply, thus they are not mutually 

exclusive. As shown in the table, 40% (n = 17) Service Members were seen by an MTF within 90 days of the suicide, 

and 17% (n = 7) were seen in Outpatient Mental Health within 90 days prior to the death. Twenty-four percent (n 

= 10) were reported have a history of a physical health problem and 14% (n = 6) were reported to have had a prior 

history of self-injury. Additional treatment history data are summarized in Table 8.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 129 of 165

Table 8. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER TREATMENT HISTORY

Count Percent

SEEN BY MTF Yes 23 55%

 Within 30 days 11 26%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 17 40%

No 16 38%

Don't Know 3 7%

SEEN BY SAS Yes 2 5%

 Within 30 days 0 0%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 0 0%

No 33 79%

Don't Know 7 17%

SEEN BY FAP Yes 3 7%

 Within 30 days 2 5%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 2 5%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 8 19%

SEEN BY CHAPLAIN Yes 6 14%

 Within 30 days 4 10%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 5 12%

No 25 60%

Don't Know 11 26%

SEEN BY OP MH Yes 13 31%

 Within 30 days 6 14%

 Within 90 days

 (inclusive)a 7 17%

No 27 64%

Don't Know 2 5%

SEEN BY IP MH Yes 2 5%

 Within 30 days 2 5%

 Within 90 days 3 7%

No 33 79%

Don't Know 7 17%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 10 24%

No 30 71%

Don't Know 2 5%

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 6 14%

No 24 57%

Don't Know 12 29%

a Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all cases that reported the event “Within 30 days.” 

Therefore, summing the two time frames sums to more than the total number of cases in some instances. 

Note: MTF = Medical Treatment Facility; OP MH = Outpatient Mental Health; SAS = Substance Abuse Services; IP MH = Inpatient Mental 

Health; FAP = Family Advocacy Program.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 130 of 165

Historical/Developmental Factors

Family and Relationship History

As shown in Table 9, Failed Marital/Intimate Relationships were reported for 57% (n = 24) of the suicide cases. In 

addition, other failed relationships (non-intimate) were reported for 10% (n = 4) of the cases. 

There were no cases in which there was a reported history of spouse suicide, however, there were reports of a 

family history of suicide in three of the cases (7%), and history of a friend’s suicide reported in one case (2%).

Table 9. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER FAMILY HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 24 57%

No 12 29%

Don't Know 6 14%

FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 4 10%

No 24 57%

Don't Know 14 33%

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0%

No 40 95%

Don't Know 2 5%

HX FAMILY SUICIDE Yes 3 7%

No 30 71%

Don't Know 9 21%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 1 2%

No 30 71%

Don't Know 11 26%

HX FAMILY DEATH Yes 3 7%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 8 19%

HX FRIEND DEATH Yes 2 5%

No 25 60%

Don't Know 15 36%

HX CHRONIC FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 3 7%

No 29 69%

Don't Know 10 24%

HX FAMILY MENTAL ILL/SUICIDE Yes 2 5%

No 6 14%

Don't Know 34 81%
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 131 of 165

Administrative and Legal History

As displayed in Table 10, there were 5 reports of Article 15 proceedings, 4 decedents with a history of 

Administrative Separation Proceedings, 5 with AWOL/Desertion proceedings, 4 with MEB, and 2 with Civil Legal 

Problems.

Table10. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER ADMIN/LEGAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

COURTS-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS Yes 1 2%

No 41 98%

Don't Know 0 0%

ARTICLE 15 PROCEEDINGS Yes 5 12%

No 37 88%

Don't Know 0 0%

ADMIN SEP PROCEEDINGS Yes 4 10%

No 37 88%

Don't Know 1 2%

AWOL/DESERTION PROCEEDINGS Yes 5 12%

No 37 88%

Don't Know 0 0%

MEB PROCEEDINGS Yes 4 10%

No 38 90%

Don't Know 0 0%

CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 2 5%

No 36 86%

Don't Know 4 10%
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 132 of 165

Abuse History

Of completed suicides, 5% (n =2) had a reported history of being a victim of Physical Abuse and 5% (n = 2) had 

reported histories of Emotional Abuse (Table 11). Four suicide cases (10%) had a reported history of having 

Perpetrated Physical Abuse and one (2%) had a history of having Perpetrated Sexual Harassment.

Table 11. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER ABUSE HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 5%

No 29 69%

Don't Know 11 26%

VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 0 0%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 11 26%

VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 2 5%

No 28 67%

Don't Know 12 29%

VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0%

No 32 76%

Don't Know 10 24%

PERP PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 4 10%

No 31 74%

Don't Know 7 17%

PERP SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 0 0%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 7 17%

PERP EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 7 17%

PERP SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 2%

No 34 81%

Don't Know 7 17%
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 133 of 165

Financial and Workplace Difficulties 

As shown in Table 12, Excessive Debt or Bankruptcy was reported for 12% (n = 5) of the suicides. History of 

Employment Problems were reported in 17% of cases (n = 7) and Co-worker Difficulties were reported in 12% (n = 

5) of individuals who died by suicide. Additional information related to job or employment difficulties are 

presented below.

Table 12. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER ADDITIONAL HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 5 12%

No 24 57%

Don't Know 13 31%

HX JOB PROBLEMS Yes 7 17%

No 34 81%

Don't Know 1 2%

SUPV/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 5 12%

No 35 83%

Don't Know 2 5%

POOR PERFORMACE EVAL Yes 6 14%

No 36 86%

Don't Know 0 0%

HX WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0%

No 41 98%

Don't Know 1 2%

Deployment Factors

Deployment History

Data were gathered pertaining to the Service Members’ most recent three deployments. Table 13 summarizes this 

information for the most commonly reported deployment locations: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. Iraq was the 

most common deployment location (55%; n = 23). Five suicide decedents were reported to have been deployed to 

Kuwait (12%). Data were missing on 13 cases.

Table 13. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER HISTORY EVER DEPLOYED TO OIF/OEF

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

AFGHANISTAN 0 0%

IRAQ 23 55%

KUWAIT 5 12%

Note: Respondents did not indicate that all cases reported deployment to OIF/OEF, thus the percentages do not add up to 100%.
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 134 of 165

Suicides During OIF-OEF Deployment

As described in the main report above, 7 Marines died by suicide in OIF-OEF. Days deployed prior to the suicide 

were not analyzed given the few cases available. 

Combat History for Suicide Decedents

Table 14 displays information about the suicide decedents’ combat history. History of experiencing direct combat 

operations was reported in 36% (n = 15) of the suicide cases.

Table 14. CY 2008 MARINE CORPS DoDSER COMBAT HISTORY

EVENT TYPE

Suicide

Count Percent

EXPERIENCED DIRECT COMBAT Yes 15 36%

No 25 60%

Don't Know 2 5%

 SAW CASUALTIES IN COMBAT 10 24%

 INJURED IN COMBAT 4 10%

 WITNESSED KILLING IN COMBAT 12 29%

 SAW DEAD BODIES IN COMBAT 8 19%

 KILLED OTHERS IN COMBAT 7 17%
Marine Corps-DoDSER CY 2008

Page 135 of 165

Summary

This annual statistical report of the Marine Corps DoDSER data provides statistics for Marine Corps suicides 

occurring in CY 2008. A total of 41 Marine Corps DoDSERs were submitted for suicide for CY 2008 (100% of AFMES 

confirmed suicides). 

Suicides were most common for young, White, married, junior enlisted Marine Corps Service Members. Firearms

(military and non-military) and hanging were the most common methods for suicide. The majority of events were

reported to have occurred in off-base family housing. Reported psychiatric histories were low in frequency, with 

the greatest proportions being reported for substance abuse and mood disorder. The most frequently reported 

stressors included failed or failing intimate relationships. Other reported stressors were excessive debt, job 

problems, co-worker problems, and poor performance evaluations. Of 20 decedents who were married, eight

were separated due to relationship issues at the time of the death. A significant minority of decedents 

communicated their potential for self-harm prior to the event. Slightly more than half of the decedents had been 

deployed to Iraq and a small proportion to Kuwait. Thirty-six percent had a known history of direct combat 

exposure.

Conclusions and interpretations regarding noted patterns must be made with caution until control data are 

available and multiple years of data are available for statistical analysis.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 136 of 165

REFERENCES

[1] Silverman M. M., Berman A.L., Sanddal N.D., O’Carroll P.W., Joiner T.E. (2007). Rebuilding the tower of 

Babel: a revised nomenclature for the study of suicide and suicidal behaviors. Part 2: Suicide-related 

ideations, communications, and behaviors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(3):264-77. 

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Population Statistics for CY 2003. Available at 

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/default.htm. Accessed March 14, 2007. 

[3] Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum, 

 "Standardized DoD Suicide Data and Reporting," June 18, 2006.

[4] DoD Instruction 1300.18 “Department of Defense Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and Procedures.” 

January 8, 2008

[5] Monohan J, Steadman H J, Appelbaum P S, et al. Developing a Clinically Useful Actuarial Tool for Assessing 

Violence Risk. BR J Psychiatry. 2000; 176:312-319.
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 137 of 165

DoDSER APPENDIX A

ACRONYM LIST

ADMIN Administrative

ADT Active Duty for Training

AFMES Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

AGR Active Guard/Reserve

ASAP Army Substance Abuse Program

ASER Army Suicide Event Report

AWOL Absent Without Leave

BEQ Bachelor Enlisted Quarters

BOQ Bachelor Officer Quarters

CDC Centers for Disease Control

CMD Command

CY Calendar Year

DOD Department of Defense

DODSER Department of Defense Suicide Event Report

DONSIR Department of the Navy Suicide Incident Report

DX Diagnosis

FAP Family Advocacy Program

GED General Equivalency Diploma

HX History

IDT Inactive Duty Training

IET Initial Entry Training

IP MH Inpatient Mental Health

MEB Medical Evaluation Board

MHAT Mental Health Advisory Team

MTF Medical Treatment Facility

NVDRS National Violent Death Reporting System

OBS Observation

OEF Operation Enduring Freedom

OIF Operation Iraqi Freedom

OP MH Outpatient Mental Health

OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense

OSI Office of Special Investigations

POC Point of Contact

PSYCH Psychiatric

PTSD Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

RR Rate Ratio

SAS Substance Abuse Services

SESS Suicide Event Surveillance System

SPARRC Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction Committee

SPPM Suicide Prevention Program Manager

SRMSO Suicide Risk Management & Surveillance Office

T2 National Center for Telehealth and Technology

TDY Temporary Duty
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 138 of 165

DoDSER APPENDIX B

DoDSER CY 2008

DoDSER 2008 WEB FORM ITEMS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 139 of 165

1. Event type: (click for definitions) Suicide

 Suicide attempt (evidence of intent to die)

 Self harm (without intent to die)

 Suicidal ideation only (without attempt/self harm)

2. For Administrative Use Only: Test, calibration, or special study

3. Last Name: 

 First Name:

 Middle Initial:

 Social Security Number: 

4. Date of Birth: 

5. Sex: Male

 Female

6. Relationship to Sponsor: Sponsor

 Spouse

 Dependent

 Other: 

7. Service: Army

 Air Force

 Navy

 Marines

 Coast Guard

 Foreign Military

 Other uniformed Service

 Other

8. Racial Category: American Indian/Alaska Native

 Asian/Pacific Islander

 Black/ African American

 White/Caucasian

 Other:

 Don’t Know

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008

I. Patient/Decedent Personal Information
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 140 of 165

9. Specific Ethnic Group: Hispanic

 Mexican Puerto Rican Cuban

 Latin American Other Spanish

Native American

 Aleut Eskimo US/Canadian Tribes

Asian

 Chinese Japanese Korean

 Indian Filipino Vietnamese

 Other Asian

Pacific Islander

 Melanesian Polynesian Other Pacific Islands

 Other

 Don’t Know

10. Current Marital Status Never Married

 Married

 Legally separated

 Divorced

 Widowed

 Don’t Know

 If married, Resides with Spouse

 Separated due to relationship issues

 Separated for reasons other than relationship (e.g. deployed)

 Don’t Know

11. Education Some high school, did not graduate

 GED

 High school graduate

 Some college or technical school, no degree or certificate

 College degree of less than four years or technical school certificate

 Four-year college degree

 Master’s degree or greater

 Don’t Know

I. Patient/Decedent Personal Information Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 141 of 165

12. Residence at time of event: Barracks, tents, or other shared military living environment

 Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) or Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ)

 On-base family housing

 Owned or leased apartment or house

 Ship

 Other

 Don’t Know

13. Did the patient/decedent reside Yes 

 alone at the time of the event? No

 Don’t Know

14. Did the patient/decedent have Yes

 minor children? No

 Don’t Know

 

 If yes, were the children residing

 with him/her? Yes

No

Don’t know 

15. Component/Military Status: Regular (e.g. Army, Air Force)

 Reserve (e.g. USAR, USMCR)

 National Guard

 Other:

16. Job Code: (MOS, SSI, AFSC,

 DAFSC, or other military job code)

17. Duty status at time of event: Active Duty

 (check all that apply) AGR (Active Guard Reserve)

 IET (Basic and Advanced Individualized Training)

 Mobilized RC (Reserve and National Guard)

 ADT (Active Duty for Training)

 IDT (Weekend Drill Reserve)

 Retired

 Released from active duty within 120 days

 Other:

 Does not apply

I. Patient/Decedent Personal Information Continued

II. Sponsor’s Military Information
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 142 of 165

18. Pay Grade: E1 E2 E3 E4

 E5 E6 E7 E8

 E9

 W1 W2 W3 W4

 W5

 O1 O2 O3 O4

 O5 O6 O7 O8

 O9 O10

 Cadet/Midshipman

 Does not apply

19. Permanent duty station//command Same as geographic event location

 location: Other location

 If other location, 

 Country:

 State:

 City, post or camp:

20. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

21. UIC or other unit identification:

22. Length of time in unit:

 Years:

 Months

 Check if unknown

23. Event Date: (example: 01-JAN-2007)

 Event Time (local military format.

 Example: 1425)

24. Geographic location of event:

 Country:

 State:

 City/Post/Camp

II. Sponsor’s Military Information Continued

III. Event Information
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 143 of 165

25. Event Setting: Residence (own) or barracks

 Residence of friend or family

 Work/Jobsite

 Automobile (away from residence)

 Inpatient medical facility

 Other:

26. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

27. Primary method used: Drugs

 Alcohol

 Gas, vapor poisoning by vehicle exhaust

 Gas, vapor poisoning by utility (or other) gas

 Solvents, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals

 Hanging

 Drowning

 Firearm/gun, military issue or duty weapon

 Firearm/gun, other than military issue

 Fire, steam, etc.

 Sharp or blunt object

 Jumping from high place

 Lying in front of a moving object

 Crashing a motor vehicle

 Other:

 Don’t know

28. During the event, was alcohol used? Yes

 No

 Don’t know

29. During the event, were drugs used? Yes

 No

 Don’t know

 If yes, what types of drugs were used?

 Drugs (illicit/illegal) Overdose

 Used, no overdose

 Were not used

 Prescription medications Overdose

 Used, no overdose

 Don’t know

 

III. Event Information
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 144 of 165

 Non-prescription medications Overdose

 (e.g. over-the-counter medications) Used, no overdose

 Were not used

30. Is there evidence that the 

 patient/decedent intended to die? Yes

 No

 Cannot determine

31. Were there self-inflicted injures Yes

 (including poisoning)? No

32. Is there evidence the event involved Yes

 death-risk gambling? (e.g. Russian No

 roulette, walking railroad tracks, Don’t know

 playing “chicken”)

33. Is there evidence the event was Yes

 planned and/or premeditated? No

 Don’t know

34. Was the event performed under Yes

 circumstances where it would likely No

 be observed by and intervened in Don’t know

 by others?

35. Was a suicide note left? Yes

 No

 Don’t know

36. Prior to the event, did the Yes

 patient/decedent communicate No

 potential for self-harm? (other Don’t know

 than a suicide note?)

 If yes, how? (check all that apply) Written Verbal Other:

 To whom? (check all that apply) Supervisor Chaplain Mental Health Staff

 Friend Spouse or significant other

 Other:

37. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

III. Event Information Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 145 of 165

38. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

39. Please describe the general sequence of events leading up to the ideation/attempt/completion and 

discovery/intervention.

Prior to the event, was the patient/decedent seen by..... If yes, how long prior to the event?

(select the most recent occurrence)

40. a Medical Treatment Facility? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

41. Substance Abuse Services? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

42. a Family Advocacy Program? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

43. Chaplain Services? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

44. Outpatient Mental Health? Yes Within 30 days

 (including deployment mental No Within 3 months

 health services) Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

45. Inpatient Mental Health? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

III. Event Information Continued

IV. History
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 146 of 165

Prior to the event, had the patient/decedent been diagnosed.... If yes, how long prior to the event?

(select the most recent occurrence)

46. with any Mood Disorder? (e.g. Yes

 major depression, etc) No

 Don’t know

 with a Bipolar Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with Major Depression? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with Dysthymic Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with any other Mood Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

47. with an Anxiety Disorder (e.g. Yes Within 30 days

 PTSD, etc?) No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with PTSD? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with Panic Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 with Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 147 of 165

 Over 1 year ago

 with Acute Stress Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 With any other Anxiety Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

48. with a Personality Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

49. with a Psychotic Disorder? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

Prior to the event, did the patient/decedent... 

50. have a history of Substance Abuse? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 

 If yes, select all that apply: Dependence Abuse

 Alcohol 

 Drugs (illicit/illegal) 

 Prescription medications 

 Non-prescription medications 

 (e.g. OTC medication)

50. taken Psychotropic Medications? Yes If yes, how long prior to the event?

(select the most recent occurrence)

 No

 Don’t know

 

 taken Antidepressants? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 148 of 165

 

 taken Anti-anxiety medications? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 taken Antimanics? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 taken Anticonvulsants? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 taken Antipsychotics? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

52. had prior self-injurious events? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

 

 

 If yes, how many prior events? One prior event

 More than one prior event

 Was this event similar to prior event(s)? Yes

 No

 Don’t Know

 

 Age at first self-injurious event: 

53. Did the patient or decedent receive Yes Within 30 days

 his/her required suicide prevention No Within 3 months

 training? Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

54. Please elaborate on any other relevant details related tot eh patient/decedent’s mental health treatment history. 

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 149 of 165

Prior to the event, was the patient/decedent the subject of... If yes, how long prior to event?

(select the most recent occurrence)

55. Courts Martial proceedings? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

56.Article 15 proceedings or civilian Yes Within 30 days

 criminal problems? (NJP proceedings No Within 3 months

 for USMC/USN) Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

57. Administrative Separation Yes Within 30 days

 proceedings? No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

58. AWOL/UA? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

59. a Medical Evaluation board? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

60. civil legal problems? (e.g. child Yes Within 30 days

 custody dispute, litigation) No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

61. non-selection for advanced Yes Within 30 days

 schooling, promotion or command? No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

62. Please describe or elaborate on life stressors or other circumstances affecting the patient/decedent prior to the event:

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 150 of 165

Prior to the event, was the patient/decedent an alleged If yes, how long prior to event?

 or confirmed VICTIM of.... (select the most recent occurrence)

63. physical abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

64. sexual abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

65. emotional abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

66. sexual harassment? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

Prior to the event, was the patient/decedent an alleged or 

confirmed PERPETRATOR of....

67. physical abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

68. sexual abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

69. emotional abuse or assault? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

70. sexual harassment? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 151 of 165

71. Please describe any known childhood or developmental history that may have contributed to the event:

72. How many deployments? 0

 1

 2

 3 or more

 Please specify the MOST RECENT deployment first. 

 Deployment location 1: United States

 Iraq

 Afghanistan

 Kuwait

 Korea

 Kosovo

 Other Europe

 North America

 Central or South America

 Other: 

 Deployment 1 start date:

 Deployment 1 end date:

 Deployment 1 R&R start date:

 Deployment 1 R&R end date:

 Deployment location 2: United States

 Iraq

 Afghanistan

 Kuwait

 Korea

 Kosovo

 Other Europe

 North America

 Central or South America

 Other: 

 Deployment 2 start date:

 Deployment 2 end date:

 Deployment location 3: United States

 Iraq

 Afghanistan

 Kuwait

 Korea

 Kosovo

 Other Europe

 North America

 Central or South America

 Other: 

 Deployment 3 start date:

 Deployment 3 end date:

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 152 of 165

73. Did the patient/decedent Yes

 experience direct combat operations? No

 Don’t know

 

 If yes, how long prior to event? (select the most recent occurrence)

 Deployment 1 Within 30 days Within 3 months Within 1 year Over 1 year ago

 Deployment 2 Within 30 days Within 3 months Within 1 year Over 1 year ago

 Deployment 3 Within 30 days Within 3 months Within 1 year Over 1 year ago

 If yes, did the patient/decedent....

 and his/her unit engage in battle Deployment 1 Deployment 2 Deployment 3

 resulting in casualties/wounded?

 become wounded or injured in combat? Deployment 1 Deployment 2 Deployment 3

 personally witness a unit member, ally, Deployment 1 Deployment 2 Deployment 3 

 enemy, or civilian being seriously 

 wounded or killed?

 see the bodies of dead soldiers or Deployment 1 Deployment 2 Deployment 3

 civilians following battle?

 kill others in combat (or have Deployment 1 Deployment 2 Deployment 3

 reason to believe others were 

 killed as result of actions)\

74. Did the patient or decedent have Yes 

 orders to deploy? No

 Not applicable

 Don’t know

75. Was the event related to a Yes

 deployment? No

 Don’t know

 If yes, what type of deployment(s)? Anticipated deployment

 (check all that apply) Current deployment

 Prior deployment

76. Please describe any additional relevant military history including additional relevant deployment history:

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 153 of 165

 Prior to the event, was there evidence of..... if yes, how long prior to event?

 (select most recent occurrence)

77. a failed or failing spousal or intimate Yes Within 30 days

 partner relationship? No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

78. a failed or failing other relationship? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

79. a completed spousal suicide? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

80. a completed family suicide? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

81. a completed suicide by a friend? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

82. a death or spouse or family? Yes Within 30 days

 (other than suicide) No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

83. the death of a friend? Yes Within 30 days

 (other than suicide) No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

84. a physical health problem? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

85. a chronic spousal or family Yes Within 30 days

 severe illness? No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

IV. History Continued
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 154 of 165

86. excessive debt or bankruptcy? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

87. job problems? (e.g. laid off, Yes Within 30 days

 fired, excessive pressure) No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

88. supervisor or coworker issues or Yes Within 30 days

 problems? No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

89. a poor work performance review or Yes Within 30 days

 evaluation? (e.g. bar for reenlistment, No Within 3 months

 Flagged record, extra duty imposed) Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

90. unit or workplace hazing? Yes Within 30 days

 No Within 3 months

 Don’t know Within 1 year

 Over 1 year ago

91. Did the patient/decedent have a Yes

 family history of mental illness? No

 Don’t know

92. Was there a gun in the home or Yes

 immediate environment? No

 Don’t know

93. Please describe or elaborate on any additional details related to these factors (77-92)

94. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

95. Today’s Date:

IV. History Continued

V. Narrative Summary
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 155 of 165

96. Location where this DoDSER Same as geographic event location

 was completed: Other location

 If other location,

 Country:

 State:

 City, post, or camp

97. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

98. Refer to service-specific DoDSER question at end of appendix B

99. Form Completer

 Name:

 Rank/grade:

 Command (Navy/Marines only):

 Phone Number:

 DSN prefix:

 Email:

100. Information based on certain types of records requires special privacy by some Service’s suicide surveillance 

programs. Please indicated what sources of information were used to compile this report: (check all that apply)

 Interviews with: The patient (non-fatalities)

 Co-workers/supervisors

 Responsible investigative agency officer

 Involved professionals, such as physicians, behavioral health clinicians,

 drug and alcohol counselors, chaplains, military police, family service 

 personnel (e.g. ACS), etc. 

 Family members

 Review of records including: Medical and behavioral health records

 Family Advocacy records

 Army Substance Abuse Program records (ASAP)

 Personnel records

 Responsible investigative agency records (e.g. CID)

 Court-martial records

 Records related to manner of death, such as casualty reports,

 Toxicology/lab reports, pathology/autopsy reports, suicide notes, etc.

101. Comments:

 

V. Narrative Summary
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 156 of 165

20. Permanent duty assignment:

 Division (Army):

 Brigade (Army):

 Battalion (Army): 

 Company (Army):

Division (Army):

26. Actions taken as a consequence of Hospitalization (inpatient)

 the current event: Outpatient mental health evaluation/treatment

 Evacuation

 Other:

 Start date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

 End date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

37. What was the patient/decedent’s Emotional relief (e.g. to stop bad feelings, self-hatred, anxiety relief)

 primary motivation for performing this Interpersonal influence (e.g. to get help, attention, shock others)

 event? Feeling generation (e.g. to stop feeling numb)

 Avoidance/escape (e.g. to avoid or escape deployment, prevent being hurt

 in other ways)

 Individual reasons (e.g. self-punishment, to express anger, be with 

 deceased loved one)

 Hopelessness (e.g. pessimistic regarding future)

 Depression (e.g. chronic or severe clinically depressed mood)

 Other psychiatric symptoms (e.g. PTSD, psychotic)

 Impulsivity (e.g. due to substance abuse, personality characteristics)

 Other:

 Don’t know 

38. Duty environment/status at time of Garrison

 event. (check all that apply) Leave

 TDY/TAD

 AWOL

 Deployed

 Training

 Psychiatric hospitalization

 Medical hold

 In evacuation chain

 Under command observation (e.g. CIP)

 Other:

94. (For providers only) Provide a brief “bio-psycho-social” formulation as to WHY this patient/decedent engaged in 

suicidal behavior.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008: ARMY SPECIFIC DoDSER QUESTIONS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 157 of 165

97. Medical facility where this DoDSER was completed or supporting MTF:

 Army MTF:

98. Behavioral Health Provider:

 Name:

 Rank/grade

 Phone number:

 DSN prefix:

 Email:

 Specialty: Licensed Mental health Counselor or equivalent

 Psychiatric Nurse

 Psychiatrist

 Psychologist

 Social Worker

 Other:
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 158 of 165

20. Permanent duty assignment:

 Name of Unit:

 MSC (USMC/Echelon 2 (USN):

 MAJCOM (USMC):

 FORCE (USMC): 

26. Does not apply to USMC or USN

37. Does not apply to USMC or USN

38. Duty environment/status at time of With Permanent Command

 event. (check all that apply) Leave

 TDY/TAD

 AWOL

 Deployed

 Training

 Psychiatric hospitalization

 Medical hold

 In evacuation chain

 Correctional facility

 Other:

94. Does not apply to USMC or USN

97. Does not apply to USMC or USN

98. Does not apply to USMC or USN

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008: NAVY SPECIFIC DoDSER QUESTIONS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 159 of 165

20. Permanent duty assignment:

 Command: (Air Force)

26. Actions taken as a consequence of Hospitalization (inpatient)

 the current event: Outpatient mental health evaluation/treatment

 Evacuation

 Other:

 Start date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

 End date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

37. What was the patient/decedent’s Emotional relief (e.g. to stop bad feelings, self-hatred, anxiety relief)

 primary motivation for performing this Interpersonal influence (e.g. to get help, attention, shock others)

 event? Feeling generation (e.g. to stop feeling numb)

 Avoidance/escape (e.g. to avoid or escape deployment, prevent being hurt

 in other ways)

 Individual reasons (e.g. self-punishment, to express anger, be with 

 deceased loved one)

 Hopelessness (e.g. pessimistic regarding future)

 Depression (e.g. chronic or severe clinically depressed mood)

 Other psychiatric symptoms (e.g. PTSD, psychotic)

 Impulsivity (e.g. due to substance abuse, personality characteristics)

 Other:

 Don’t know 

38. Duty environment/status at time of Garrison

 event. (check all that apply) Leave

 TDY/TAD

 AWOL

 Deployed

 Training

 Psychiatric hospitalization

 Medical hold

 In evacuation chain

 Under command observation (e.g. CIP)

 Other:

94. (For providers only) Provide a brief “bio-psycho-social” formulation as to WHY this patient/decedent engaged in 

suicidal behavior.

97. Medical facility where this DoDSER was completed or supporting MTF:

 Air Force Command:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008: AIR FORCE SPECIFIC DoDSER QUESTIONS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 160 of 165

98. Behavioral Health Provider:

 Name:

 Rank/grade

 Phone number:

 DSN prefix:

 Email:

 Specialty: Licensed Mental health Counselor or equivalent

 Psychiatric Nurse

 Psychiatrist

 Psychologist

 Social Worker

 Other:
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 161 of 165

20. Permanent duty assignment:

 Name of Unit:

 MSC (USMC/Echelon 2 (USN):

 MAJCOM (USMC):

 FORCE (USMC): 

26. Does not apply to USMC or USN

37. Does not apply to USMC or USN

38. Duty environment/status at time of With Permanent Command

 event. (check all that apply) Leave

 TDY/TAD

 AWOL

 Deployed

 Training

 Psychiatric hospitalization

 Medical hold

 In evacuation chain

 Correctional facility

 Other:

94. Does not apply to USMC or USN

97. Does not apply to USMC or USN

98. Does not apply to USMC or USN

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008: MARINE CORPS SPECIFIC DoDSER QUESTIONS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 162 of 165

20. Permanent duty assignment:

 Command (Other uniformed service):

26. Actions taken as a consequence of Hospitalization (inpatient)

 the current event: Outpatient mental health evaluation/treatment

 Evacuation

 Other:

 Start date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

 End date of hospitalization: Check if unknown

37. What was the patient/decedent’s Emotional relief (e.g. to stop bad feelings, self-hatred, anxiety relief)

 primary motivation for performing this Interpersonal influence (e.g. to get help, attention, shock others)

 event? Feeling generation (e.g. to stop feeling numb)

 Avoidance/escape (e.g. to avoid or escape deployment, prevent being hurt

 in other ways)

 Individual reasons (e.g. self-punishment, to express anger, be with 

 deceased loved one)

 Hopelessness (e.g. pessimistic regarding future)

 Depression (e.g. chronic or severe clinically depressed mood)

 Other psychiatric symptoms (e.g. PTSD, psychotic)

 Impulsivity (e.g. due to substance abuse, personality characteristics)

 Other:

 Don’t know 

38. Duty environment/status at time of Garrison

 event. (check all that apply) Leave

 TDY/TAD

 AWOL

 Deployed

 Training

 Psychiatric hospitalization

 Medical hold

 In evacuation chain

 Under command observation (e.g. CIP)

 Other:

94. (For providers only) Provide a brief “bio-psycho-social” formulation as to WHY this patient/decedent engaged in 

suicidal behavior.

97. Medical facility where this DoDSER was completed or supporting MTF:

 Coast Guard, Other:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUICIDE EVENT REPORT (DoDSER) 

2008: COAST GUARD SPECIFIC DoDSER QUESTIONS
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 163 of 165

98. Behavioral Health Provider:

 Name:

 Rank/grade

 Phone number:

 DSN prefix:

 Email:

 Specialty: Licensed Mental health Counselor or equivalent

 Psychiatric Nurse

 Psychiatrist

 Psychologist

 Social Worker

 Other:
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 164 of 165

DoDSER APPENDIX C

FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS

In a continuing effort to provide an annual DoDSER Report that is useful to the DoD community that it 

serves, feedback and suggestions on the information contained in this report are welcome. 

Please return the completed survey by mail, fax or email to:

Suicide Risk Management & Surveillance Office

National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

OMAMC, BLDG 9933C West Hayes, Tacoma, WA 98431

Fax: (253) 968-4192

suicide.reporting@us.army.mil

1. How valuable did you find this report? 

 No value Very Little Somewhat Much Extremely Valuable

1 2 3 4 5

2. How helpful was the information contained in this report?

 Not Helpful Little Help Somewhat Helpful More Helpful Extremely Helpful 

1 2 3 4 5

3. What other statistics or comparisons would you like to have in this report? 

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

4. How did/will you use this report? 

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Feedback and suggestions: 

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
DoDSER CY 2008

Page 165 of 165

Feedback and suggestions (CONT): 

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Optional: 

Name _______________________________ Title ______________________

Phone: _______________________________

Organization: ___________________________________________________

Email address: __________________________________________________