National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health 

& Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)

t2health.org

The estimated cost of report for the Department of Defense 

is approximately $58K in Fiscal Years 2012 - 2013. This 

includes $31K in expenses and $27K in DoD labor.

Generated on 12/20/13 RefID: 7-AF33A11

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
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CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT i

Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2) prepared this Department of Defense Suicide 

Event Report (DoDSER) Annual Report with contributions from many organizations and individuals. 

We are grateful to the Services’ behavioral health providers and command-designated appointees who 

collected and verified suicide event data. We also wish to thank the Services’ Suicide Prevention Program 

Managers (SPPMs) and DoDSER Program Managers who oversaw the DoDSER data collection process 

to ensure data integrity and program compliance. In particular, Maj. Kathleen Crimmins (Air Force SPPM), 

Amy Millikan Bell, M.D., M.P.H. (Manager, Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program), Mr. John 

Wills (Army DoDSER Program Manager), Mr. Todd Shuttleworth (Assistance Branch Head, Operations, 

Marine Corps Behavioral Health Branch), Ms. SherryAnn Todd-Pearson (Program Analyst, Marine Corps 

Suicide Prevention and Response), Capt. Julie Miller (21st Century Sailor Office), and Mr. Steve Holton 

(Navy Behavioral Health Social Science Program Manager). We are also indebted to Lt. Cmdr. Peter 

Seguin, M.D., M.P.H., Parrish Balcena, M.D., M.P.H., Christine Erdmann, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Ms. Sumitha 

Nagarajan of the Mortality Surveillance Division of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System for their 

support in the estimation and presentation of suicide rates for CY 2012, the confirmation of suicide cases 

reported in DoDSER, and the data on manner of death and toxicology. We also recognize the Defense 

Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO) which is the Military Department-wide policy and oversight office on 

all military suicide prevention issues. DSPO played a supporting role in the production, release, and 

communication of this report. Finally, we would like to acknowledge T2 staff members Mr. Mark Broderick, 

Ms. Stephanie Narvaez, Mr. John Baldwin, and Mr. David Coleman for their management of the DoDSER 

data collection system and the coordination of activities that make this report possible.

Authors:

Derek J. Smolenski, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Mark A. Reger, Ph.D.

Cynthia L. Alexander, Ph.D., J.D.

Nancy A. Skopp, Ph.D.

Nigel E. Bush, Ph.D.

David D. Luxton, Ph.D.

Gregory A. Gahm, Ph.D
ii

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i Acknowledgments

ix Executive Summary

xi A Note on the Data Sources

1 SUICIDE RATES

2 Suicide Rates

3 DoDSER RESULTS-ALL SERVICES

4 2012 Reported Suicides

4 Event Information

5 Health and Treatment

5 Psychosocial Stressors

6 Deployment History

7 2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

7 Demographics

7 Event Information

8 Health and Treatment

8 Psychosocial Stressors

9 Deployment History

11 AIR FORCE DoDSER RESULTS

12 2012 Reported Suicides

12 Event Information

13 Health and Treatment

13 Psychosocial Stressors

14 Deployment History

15 2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

15 Demographics

15 Event Information

16 Health and Treatment

16 Psychosocial Stressors

17 Deployment History

19 ARMY DoDSER RESULTS

20 2012 Reported Suicides

20 Event Information

21 Health and Treatment

21 Psychosocial Stressors

22 Deployment History

23 2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

23 Demographics

23 Event Information

24 Health and Treatment

24 Psychosocial Stressors

25 Deployment History

26 2012 Other Nonfatal Events

26 Demographics

26 Event Information

26 Health and Treatment

27 Psychosocial Stressors

27 Deployment History

29 MARINE CORPS DoDSER RESULTS

30 2012 Reported Suicides

30 Event Information

31 Health and Treatment

31 Psychosocial Stressors

32 Deployment History

33 2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

33 Demographics

33 Event Information

34 Health and Treatment

34 Psychosocial Stressors

35 Deployment History
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT iii

Table of Contents

37 NAVY DoDSER RESULTS

38 2012 Reported Suicides

38 Event Information

39 Health and Treatment

39 Psychosocial Stressors

40 Deployment History

41 2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

41 Demographics

41 Event Information

42 Health and Treatment

42 Psychosocial Stressors

43 Deployment History

45 Appendix A METHODS

46 DoDSER Items

46 Data Collection Process

47 Data Quality Control Procedures

47 Rate Calculation

48 Data Sources

48 Crude Suicide Rate Calculation

49 Formulae

51 Interpretive Considerations

51 Graphics

51 References

53 Appendix B SUICIDE RATE TABLES

83 Appendix C TABLES FOR ALL SERVICES 

 COMBINED

109 Appendix D AIR FORCE TABLES

135 Appendix E ARMY TABLES

161 Appendix F MARINE CORPS TABLES

187 Appendix G NAVY TABLES

213 Appendix H GLOSSARY

217 Appendix I ACRONYMS

219 Appendix J FEEDBACK & SUGGESTIONS
iv

Table of Contents

4 Figure 1. Distribution of top three event methods for suicide event reports, by calendar year.

4 Figure 2. Percentage of reported suicide event reports where potential for self-harm was known to be 

communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

5 Figure 3. Percentage of reported suicide event reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a 

history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

5 Figure 4. Percentage of suicide event reports that indicated accession of any health or social services during 

the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

6 Figure 5. Percentage of suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, (b) any 

administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior to the 

event, by calendar year.

6 Figure 6. Percentage of suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND 

and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

7 Figure 7. Distribution of top three event methods for suicide attempt reports, by calendar year.

7 Figure 8. Percentage of reported suicide attempt reports where potential for self-harm was known to be 

communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

8 Figure 9. Percentage of reported suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) 

a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

8 Figure 10. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of any health or social services 

during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

9 Figure 11. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, (b) any 

administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior to the 

event, by calendar year.

9 Figure 12. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND 

and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

12 Figure 13. Distribution of top three event methods for Air Force suicide event reports, by calendar year.

12 Figure 14. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide event reports where potential for self-harm was known 

to be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

13 Figure 15. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide event reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

13 Figure 16. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that indicated accession of any health or social 

services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

14 Figure 17. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, 

(b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior 

to the event, by calendar year.

14 Figure 18. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/

OIF/OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

15 Figure 19. Distribution of top three event methods for Air Force suicide attempt reports, by calendar year.

LIST OF FIGURES
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT v

Table of Contents

15 Figure 20. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide attempt reports where potential for self-harm was known 

to be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

16 Figure 21. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

16 Figure 22. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of any health or social 

services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

17 Figure 23. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship 

problems, (b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 

days prior to the event, by calendar year.

17 Figure 24. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/

OIF/OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

20 Figure 25. Distribution of top three event methods for Army suicide event reports, by calendar year.

20 Figure 26. Percentage of reported Army suicide event reports where potential for self-harm was known to be 

communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

21 Figure 27. Percentage of reported Army suicide event reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

21 Figure 28. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that indicated accession of any health or social services 

during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

22 Figure 29. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, (b) 

any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior to 

the event, by calendar year.

22 Figure 30. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/

OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

23 Figure 31. Distribution of top three event methods for Army suicide attempt reports, by calendar year.

23 Figure 32. Percentage of reported Army suicide attempt reports where potential for self-harm was known to 

be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

24 Figure 33. Percentage of reported Army suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

24 Figure 34. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of any health or social 

services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

25 Figure 35. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, 

(b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior 

to the event, by calendar year.

25 Figure 36. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/

OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

30 Figure 37. Distribution of top three event methods for Marine Corps suicide event reports, by calendar year.

30 Figure 38. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide event reports where potential for self-harm was 

known to be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

31 Figure 39. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide event reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.
vi

Table of Contents

31 Figure 40. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that indicated accession of any health or social 

services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

32 Figure 41. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship 

problems, (b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 

days prior to the event, by calendar year.

32 Figure 42. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to 

OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

33 Figure 43. Distribution of top three event methods for Marine Corps suicide attempt reports, by calendar 

year.

33 Figure 44. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide attempt reports where potential for self-harm was 

known to be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

34 Figure 45. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a behavioral 

health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

34 Figure 46. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of any health or 

social services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

35 Figure 47. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship 

problems, (b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 

days prior to the event, by calendar year.

35 Figure 48. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to 

OEF/OIF/OND and (b) any experience of direct combat.

38 Figure 49. Distribution of top three event methods for Navy suicide event reports, by calendar year.

38 Figure 50. Percentage of reported Navy suicide event reports where potential for self-harm was known to be 

communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

39 Figure 51. Percentage of reported Navy suicide event reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

39 Figure 52. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that indicated accession of any health or social services 

during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.

40 Figure 53. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, (b) 

any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior to 

the event, by calendar year.

40 Figure 54. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/

OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.

41 Figure 55. Distribution of top three event methods for Navy suicide attempt reports, by calendar year.

41 Figure 56. Percentage of reported Navy suicide attempt reports where potential for self-harm was known to 

be communicated prior to the event, by calendar year.

42 Figure 57. Percentage of reported Navy suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a behavioral health 

diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by calendar year.

42 Figure 58. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of any health or social 

services during the 90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT vii

Table of Contents

43 Figure 59. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any family or relationship problems, 

(b) any administrative or legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days prior 

to the event, by calendar year.

43 Figure 60. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/

OND and/or (b) any experience of direct combat.
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CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT ix

Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This annual report of the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) program summarizes 

calendar year (CY) 2012 fatal and nonfatal suicide events reported and submitted by 31 March 2013. This 

report is composed of aggregated DoDSER data for each of the four covered Services: Air Force, Army, 

Marine Corps, and Navy. Personally identifiable information has been redacted from this report.

Background

The DoDSER program is a collaborative effort of the National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2) and 

the Services’ (excluding the U.S. Coast Guard) suicide prevention program offices. Since 1 January 2008, 

the DoDSER program has standardized suicide surveillance across the Services with the ultimate goal 

of facilitating the DoD’s suicide prevention mission. When a death is ruled a suicide by the Armed Forces 

Medical Examiner System (AFMES), a designated professional from the respective Service reviews 

records, conducts interviews when appropriate, and responds to the DoDSER items via the secure 

web-based DoDSER application (dodser.t2.health.mil). As of 1 January 2010, surveillance of suicide 

events expanded to include suicide attempts for all Services. Additional nonfatal suicide events including 

self-harm and suicidal ideation are collected by the Army. The DoDSER items collect comprehensive 

information about the Service member and the event.

Changes to the DoDSER

In the current report, we have enhanced the reporting of event method and substance use at the time of death 

for suicides by using official data from AFMES. In addition, we have included figures that display the annual 

proportion of DoDSERs (2008 – 2012 for suicides; 2010 – 2012 for suicide attempts) for some variables. 

Confidence intervals are displayed with the proportions to provide a measure of the precision of these estimates. 

Wider intervals indicate less precision (more instability) of the proportion. We did not engage in formal statistical 

testing of these data, neither between specific years nor overall for trends across years.1 In addition, the online 

training module was made mandatory for all submitters prior to submission of a DoDSER record. 

Results

According to AFMES data as of 31 March 2013, there were 319 suicides among Active component 

Service members and 203 among Reserve component Services members (Reserve [n = 73]; National 

Guard [n = 130]. The suicide rate (per 100,000 Service members) for the Active component was 22.7 

and for the Reserve component was 24.2 (Reserve – 19.3, National Guard – 28.1). Per policy, the 

DoDSER system collected data on suicides for all Service members in an Active status at the time of 

death, including Service members in the Reserve components (i.e., active or activated2 Reserve/National 

Guard). The distribution of suicide DoDSERs across the four included Services was as follows: Air Force 

– 57 (17.9%), Army – 155 (48.7%), Marine Corps – 47 (14.8%), and Navy – 59 (18.6%). These counts 

included reports for both confirmed suicides and probable suicides pending a final determination. Of 

these suicides, 259 were confirmed by AFMES as of 31 January 2013, the date used for the evaluation of 

DoDSER submission compliance. For 2012, all Services achieved 100% submission compliance. A total 

of 841 Service members had one or more attempted suicides reported in DoDSER for CY 2012. Below we 

provide summary statistics on several variables for all DoD suicide and suicide attempt DoDSERs.

1 See Appendix A. 2 Activated on Title 10 orders
x

Executive Summary

• Based on submitted DoDSERs, the most common demographic characteristics for Service members 

who died by suicide in CY 2012 were: male (n = 295; 92.8%), white/Caucasian (n = 236; 74.2%), 

non-Hispanic (n = 218; 68.6%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 126; 39.6%), junior enlisted 

(E1–E4; n = 158; 49.7%), and educational attainment of some college or more (n = 113; 35.5%). Demographic characteristics for Service members with a reported suicide attempt were: male (n = 663; 

76.3%), white/Caucasian (n = 589; 67.8%), non-Hispanic (n = 641; 73.8%), between 17 and 24 years 

of age (n = 506; 58.2%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 575; 66.2%), and educational attainment of some 

college or more (n = 315; 36.2%).

• The primary method for suicides was the use of a firearm (n = 207; 65.1%). The majority of firearms 

used were non-military issued firearms (n = 157; 75.8% of events involving a firearm). For suicide 

attempt DoDSERs, the use of drugs was the most frequently reported method (n = 476; 54.8%).

• A total of 91 suicide DoDSERS (28.6%) and 191 suicide attempt DoDSERs (22.0%) reported that the 

Service member had communicated potential for self-harm prior to the event.

• A total of 134 suicide DoDSERs (42.1%) and 452 suicide attempt DoDSERs (52.0%) indicated a history 

of a behavioral health diagnosis. The most frequently reported diagnosis among the suicide DoDSERs 

was adjustment disorder (n = 82; 61.2% of DoDSERs with a behavioral health diagnosis); among suicide attempt DoDSERs, the most common diagnostic category was mood disorder (n = 293; 64.8% of 

DoDSERs with a behavioral health diagnosis).

• A majority of DoDSERs for both suicides (n = 194; 61.0%) and suicide attempts (n = 588; 67.7%) 

specified that the Service member had accessed health and/or support services during the 90 days 

prior to the event. The most frequently used services for both event types were a military treatment facility (MTF; suicides [n = 177; 91.2% of DoDSERs in which access was reported]; suicide attempts [n 

= 446; 75.9% of DoDSERs in which access was reported]) and outpatient behavioral health (suicides 

[n = 91; 46.9% of DoDSERs in which access was reported; suicide attempts [n = 399; 67.9% of DoDSERs in which access was reported]). 

• Family and relationship stressors during the 90 days prior to the event were the most common type of 

stressor reported among suicide DoDSERs (n = 129; 40.6%). This type of stressor was also the most 

frequently reported among suicide attempt DoDSERs (n = 377; 43.4%).

• A total of 151 suicide DoDSERs (47.5%) and 312 suicide attempt DoDSERs (35.9%) reported a history of deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), 

and/or Operation New Dawn (OND). 

Conclusions

The DoDSER program continues to refine procedures to improve DoD suicide surveillance. Incorporation 

of data from AFMES in this year’s report and pending enhancements that include the use of additional 

external data sources will further enhance the ability of the DoDSER program to inform leadership of 

patterns related to suicide among Service members. Since the primary purpose of the DoDSER program 

is to monitor suicide events, both fatal and nonfatal, as they occur, the system does not specify the 

systematic collection of concurrent data on non-cases (i.e., controls). Collection of such data exceeds the 

surveillance mandate of DoDSER and becomes a formal research protocol. The data described in this 

report can identify the prevalence of various suspected risk and protective factors for suicide, but definitive 

conclusions and inference about the role of any specific factor in terms of suicide prevention requires wellplanned and well-executed etiologic research that exceeds beyond the scope of this surveillance program.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT xi

Executive Summary

This DoDSER Annual Report presents data to address two important aspects of suicide surveillance: 

1. What is the burden of suicide among Service members? 

2. What is distribution of known or suspected risk factors among Service members who engaged in

 suicidal behavior? 

To answer the first question, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) used data on 

the number of CY 2012 suicides that were confirmed or pending confirmation as of 31 March 2013 to 

calculate mortality rates using data from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to determine 

the denominators. See Appendix A for more details on the calculations performed to produce the rates 

presented in this report. The presentation of rate data for this year’s DoDSER Annual Report presents 

rate data separately for Service members in the Active component and Service members in the Selected 

Reserve. 

To answer the second question, the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) maintains an 

electronic surveillance system to collect historical and risk factor data on suicides and suicide attempts 

among Service members who are in an Active status at the time of the event (this includes all Active 

component Service members and Reserve component Service members who are in an Active status). 

At present, the mandate for the surveillance system does not extend to Reserve component Service 

members who are not in an Active status. All CY 2012 suicides that were confirmed by 31 January 2013 

by AFMES were required to submit a DoDSER by 31 March 2013. Those suicides that were confirmed 

after this deadline may also have had a DoDSER submitted, but it was not required given the required 

time allowed to submit a report post confirmation of a suicide and the timeline for developing the annual 

report. See Appendix A for more information on how the DoDSER system functions and a description of 

the types and sources of data used to a complete a DoDSER. 

The following diagram displays the relationship between the sources of data. All Active and Reserve 

component suicides (regardless of status at the time of the event) were eligible for inclusion in the rate 

calculation. To require a DoDSER, the Service member had to be in an Active status and the suicide had 

to be confirmed by 31 January 2013. Note: The diagram is not drawn to scale.

A NOTE ON THE DATA SOURCES

DoDSER Cases

Active Component Suicides Reserve Component Suicides

Relationship of DoDSER cases to the Active and Reserve component 

suicides.
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CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 1

Chapter 1: Suicide Rates Suicide Rates

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide Rates
2

Chapter 1: Suicide Rates

SUICIDE RATES

In this section, we present the rates of suicide for CY 2012 (see Appendix B for tables). Rates are 

presented for each Service and in aggregate across the four Services included in the DoDSER 

surveillance program. In this year’s report, we include rates for both the Active and the Reserve 

components. All rates included in the tables are crude rates, which means that they are not standardized 

on any specific demographic factors. Comparisons between groups or across time do not take into 

account different distributions of factors, such as the age composition of each population, that can provide 

misleading results. Distributions of demographic characteristics and associated rates are included in the 

tables in Appendix B with rates suppressed for categories with fewer than 20 events. A detailed discussion 

on the data sources, definitions, and formulae used in calculating the suicide rates is included in Appendix A.

As of 31 March 2013, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Service (AFMES) identified 319 suicides 

among Active component Service members, 73 among Selected Reserve Service members, and 130 

among National Guard Service members. The rate of suicide, per 100,000 Service members, in each of 

the aforementioned components was as follows: Active component – 22.7, Reserve – 19.3, and National 

Guard – 28.1. The suicide rates for the Active component of the four Services, per 100,000 Service 

members, were as follows: Air Force – 15.0, Army – 29.7, Marine Corps – 24.3, Navy – 17.8. The number 

of suicides for the Reserve components for each Service were too small (n < 20) for the calculation of 

rates, with the exception of the Air National Guard (19.1 per 100,000 Service members), Army Reserve 

(24.7 per 100,000 Service members), and the Army National Guard (30.8 per 100,000 Service members). 

The suicide rates across demographic categories for the combined Services (Active component only) are 

displayed in Appendix B (Table B1). The rate of suicide for male Service members was 24.6 per 100,000 

Service members; for females, it was 11.7 per 100,000 Service members. The rates for several categories 

of race/ethnicity were suppressed because of small numbers of suicides. The rate for Caucasian Service 

members was 25.1 per 100,000 Service members. The rate for non-Hispanic Service members was 23.7 

per 100,000 Service members. In terms of age, the largest rates were observed among Service members 

17 to 24 years of age at 24.8 per 100,000 Service members. The rate decreased as age increased. 

Service members in the junior enlisted rank/grade category (E1–E4) had a rate of 26.6 per 100,000 

Service members. The highest rate in terms of educational attainment was observed for Service members 

with an alternative high school certification (e.g., GED®) at 50.0 per 100,000 Service members. Similar 

to the pattern for age and rank, the rate decreased as the level of education increased. Service members 

who were never married had a rate of 22.9 per 100,000 Service members; the rate for married Service 

members was 21.1 per 100,000.

1 Activated on Title 10 orders.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 3

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

DoDSER RESULTS—

ALL SERVICES
4

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

2012 Reported Suicides

As of 31 March 2013, the AFMES reported 304 confirmed Active duty suicides and 46 probable suicides 

pending final determination for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component 

and members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. To meet the 

timeline of this report, all suicide events that were confirmed on or before 31 January 2013 (n = 259) were used 

as the denominator in evaluating report submission compliance for all services. Submission occurred when the 

form completer changed the status of the report from “in-progress” to “submitted,” indicating a final submission. 

Reports with incomplete data were able to be submitted. For calendar year 2012, the Services achieved 100% 

submission of a DoDSER for each confirmed suicide event. In addition, 59 events that were identified as still 

pending a final determination as a suicide had a DoDSER submitted prior to 1 April; these DoDSERs were 

included in the subsequent text, yielding a total of 318 suicide event DoDSERs for this report.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 318 suicide DoDSERs are provided in (Table 

C1). The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 295; 92.8%), Caucasian (n = 236; 74.2%), nonHispanic (n = 218; 68.6%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 126; 39.6%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 

158; 49.7%), and Active component (n = 296; 93.1%). A total of 113 DoDSERs (35.5%) indicated educational 

attainments of some college or more, and 154 DoDSERs (48.4%) reported that the Service member was 

married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be found in 

Appendix C, (Table C2). According to data received from AFMES, the predominant method for suicide events was 

a firearm (n = 207; 65.1%); non-military firearms were used in 157 (75.8% of suicides involving a firearm) suicides. 

Asphyxiation, which included hanging, was the method used in 81 suicide events (25.5%). Figure 1 displays the 

annual proportionate mortality (2008-2012) associated with these event methods in suicide DoDSERs. Toxicology 

identified alcohol use in 107 suicides (33.6%) and drug use in 78 suicides (24.5%). 

DODSER RESULTS—ALL SERVICES

Figure 1. Distribution of top three event methods for suicide event reports, 

by calendar year.

Figure 2. Percentage of reported suicide event reports where potential for 

self-harm was known to be communicated prior to the event, by 

calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% 

C *I

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Military Firearm

Non−military Firearm

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 5

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

Prior to suicide, 91 decedents (28.6%) were known 

to have communicated their potential for self-harm 

to at least one other person. Figure 2 displays the 

annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

the Service member communicated potential for selfharm prior to suicide. A total of 95 decedents (29.9%) 

lived alone and 174 (54.7%) were known to have had 

a firearm in their home/immediate environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to 

the event (Table C3). In 134 DoDSERs (42.1%), the 

decedent was known to have had a behavioral health 

diagnosis. A total of 73 DoDSERs (23.0%) reported a 

history of substance abuse and 43 (13.5%) indicated 

a history of prior self-injury. Figure 3 presents the 

annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

a behavioral health diagnosis, a history of substance 

abuse, or a history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 194 decedents (61.0%) accessed physical, 

mental, or other support services in the 90 days prior 

to the event. Figure 4 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where accession of 

services was reported in the 90 days prior to the 

event. Ninety-three decedents (29.2%) were reported 

to have ever taken psychotropic medications. A total 

of 63 decedents (19.8%) were known to have used 

psychotropic medications within 90 days prior to suicide. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table C4). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies for each 

of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (n 

= 129; 40.6%), administrative/legal (n = 103; 32.4%), 

and workplace/financial (n = 102; 32.1%). Figure 5 

displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) in which any of the three types of stressor was 

reported. Data were collected on known or suspected 

experiences of abuse victimization or perpetration. 

There were 33 decedents (10.4%) with histories of 

Figure 3. Percentage of reported suicide event reports that indicated (a) a 

behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by 

calendar year.

Figure 4. Percentage of suicide event reports that indicated accession of 

any health or social services during the 90 day period preceding 

the event, by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% 

C *I

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services
6

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

Figure 5. Percentage of suicide event reports that detailed (a) any family or 

relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal problems, 

and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 90 days 

prior to the event, by calendar year.

abuse victimization and 42 decedents (13.2%) with 

histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 182 DoDSERs (57.2%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table C5). In 151 DoDSERs 

(47.5%), the decedent had a history of deployment as 

part of OIF/OEF/OND. A total of 24 suicides (7.5%) 

occurred in theater; the majority of these events 

occurred in Afghanistan (n = 21; 87.5% of events that 

occurred in theater). In 43 DoDSERs (13.5%), the 

decedent had a known history of exposure to direct 

combat. Figure 6 displays the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2008-2012) that reported either a history 

of deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct 

combat exposure. 0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 6. Percentage of suicide event reports that indicated (a) a history 

of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any experience of 

direct combat.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 7

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

As of 31 March 2013, there were 869 submitted suicide attempt DoDSERs among Active duty Service 

members for all services in calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component 

and members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. Since 

Service members could have had more than one suicide attempt during the year, the number of unique 

Service members and the number of DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs described suicide attempts for 841 

unique Service members: 815 with one DoDSER, 24 with two, and 2 with three. The distribution of suicide 

attempt DoDSERs across the services was as follows: Air Force – 26.4%, Army – 42.0%, Marine Corps – 

19.4%, and Navy – 12.2%. All DoDSERs were included in the tables, figures, and summary text. 

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 869 suicide attempt DoDSERs are provided 

in (Table C6). The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 663; 76.3%), Caucasian (n = 589; 

67.8%), non-Hispanic (n = 641; 73.8%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 506; 58.2%), junior enlisted 

(E1–E4; n = 575; 66.2%), and Active component (n = 829; 95.4%). A total of 315 DoDSERs (36.2%) 

indicated educational attainment of some college or more, and 364 DoDSERs (41.9%) reported that the 

Service member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be 

found in (Table C7). Drug overdose (n = 476; 54.8%), use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., cutting; n = 

107; 12.3%), and hanging/asphyxiation (n = 95; 10.9%) were the three most frequently reported suicide 

attempt methods. Figure 7 displays the annual proportionate morbidity (2010-2012) of these three 

attempt methods. Alcohol use was reported in 262 DoDSERs (30.1%), and substance use was reported in 

519 DoDSERs (59.7%).

There were 191 suicide attempt DoDSERs (22.0%) in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the event. Figure 8 displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) in which communication of intent was reported. A total of 283 DoDSERs (32.6%) indicated that 

the Service member resided alone at the time of the event. In 87 DoDSERs (10.0%), it was reported that 

the Service member was known to have access to a firearm in his/her home/immediate environment. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Drugs/Alcohol Hanging/Asphyxiation Sharp/Blunt Objects

Event Method

Figure 7. Distribution of top three event methods for suicide attempt reports, 

by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 8. Percentage of reported suicide attempt reports where potential for 

self-harm was known to be communicated prior to the event, by 

calendar year.
8

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological 

and physical health and accession of services prior 

to the event (Table C8). A total of 452 DoDSERs 

(52.0%) specified that the Service member had 

at least one known diagnosis of a behavioral 

health condition. A total of 248 DoDSERs (28.5%) 

reported a history of substance abuse, and 236 

DoDSERs (27.2%) specified a history of prior selfinjury. Figure 9 presents the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) where a behavioral health 

diagnosis, a history of substance abuse, or a 

history of prior self-injury was reported. 

A total of 588 DoDSERs (67.7%) reported that the 

Service member had accessed medical or support 

services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 

attempt. Figure 10 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported accession 

of services in the 90 days prior to the event. Three 

hundred thirty-five DoDSERs (38.6%) reported that 

the Service member had ever used psychotropic 

medications. A total of 269 DoDSERs (31.0%) 

indicated that the Service member was known to 

have used psychotropic medications within 90 days 

of the suicide event. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table C9). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies 

for each of the three types of stressors: family/

relationship (n = 377; 43.4%), administrative/legal 

(n = 270; 31.1%), and workplace/financial (n = 333; 

38.3%). Figure 11 displays the annual proportions 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) in which any of the three 

types of stressors was reported. Data were also 

collected on known or suspected experiences of 

abuse victimization or perpetration. There were 

267 DoDSERs (30.7%) that reported histories of 

abuse victimization and 84 DoDSERs (9.7%) that 

reported histories of abuse perpetration. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 9. Percentage of reported suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) 

a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, by 

calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

Figure 10. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that indicated accession of 

any health or social services during the 90 day period preceding 

the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 9

Chapter 2: DoDSER Results—All Services

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 11. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any 

family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal 

problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 

90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.

Deployment History

A total of 378 DoDSERs (43.5%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table C10). In 312 DoDSERs 

(35.9%), the Service member had a history of 

deployment as part of OIF/OEF/OND. A total of 

15 suicide attempts (1.7%) occurred in theater. In 

104 DoDSERs (12.0%), the Service member had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 

12 displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) that reported either a history of 

deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct 

combat exposure.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 12. Percentage of suicide attempt reports that indicated (a) 

a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat. 
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 11

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

AIR FORCE 

DoDSER RESULTS
12

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

AIR FORCE DoDSER RESULTS

2012 Reported Suicides

As of 31 March 2013, AFMES reported 50 confirmed Active duty suicides and 9 probable suicides pending final 

determination for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and members of 

the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. To meet the timeline of this report, 

all suicide events that were confirmed on or before 31 January 2013 (n = 37) were used as the denominator in 

evaluating report submission compliance for all Services. Submission occurred when the form completer changed 

the status of the report from “in-progress” to “submitted,” indicating a final submission. Reports with incomplete data 

were able to be submitted. For calendar year 2012, the Air Force achieved 100% submission of a DoDSER for 

each confirmed suicide event. In addition, 20 events that were confirmed after 31 January 2013 or were identified 

as still pending a final determination as a suicide had a DoDSER submitted prior to 1 April; these DoDSERs were 

included in the subsequent text, yielding a total of 57 suicide event DoDSERs for this report.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 57 suicide DoDSERs are provided in (Table D1). 

The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 51; 89.5%), Caucasian (n = 47; 82.5%), non-Hispanic 

(n = 42; 73.7%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 26; 45.6%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 25; 43.9%) 

or non-commissioned officer (E5-E9; n = 25, 43.9%), and Active component (n = 49; 86.0%). A total of 34 

DoDSERs (59.6%) indicated educational attainments of some college or more, and 22 DoDSERs (38.6%) 

reported that the Service member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be found in 

Appendix D, (Table D2). According to data received from AFMES, the predominant method for suicide events was 

a firearm (n = 41; 71.9%); non-military firearms were used in 36 suicides (87.8% of suicides involving a firearm). 

Asphyxiation, which included hanging, was the method used in 13 suicides (22.8%). Figure 13 displays the annual 

proportionate mortality (2008-2012) associated with these event methods in suicide DoDSERs. Toxicology identified 

alcohol use in 19 suicides (33.3%) and drug use in 12 suicides (21.1%). 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Military Firearm

Non−military Firearm

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 13. Distribution of top three event methods for Air Force suicide 

event reports, by calendar year.

Figure 14. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide event reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 13

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

Prior to suicide, 13 decedents (22.8%) were known 

to have communicated their intent for self-harm to at 

least one other person. Figure 14 displays the annual 

proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where the 

Service member communicated intent for self-harm 

prior to suicide. A total of 26 decedents (45.6%) lived 

alone and 32 (56.1%) were known to have had a 

firearm in their home/immediate environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to 

the event (Table D3). In 17 DoDSERs (29.9%), the 

decedent was known to have had a behavioral health 

diagnosis. A total of 12 DoDSERs (21.1%) reported 

a history of substance abuse and 5 (8.8%) indicated 

a history of prior self-injury. Figure 15 presents the 

annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

a behavioral health diagnosis, a history of substance 

abuse, or a history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 34 decedents (59.6%) accessed physical, 

mental, or other support services in the 90 days prior 

to the event. Figure 16 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where accession of 

services was reported in the 90 days prior to the 

event. Thirteen decedents (22.8%) were reported 

to have ever used psychotropic medications. A 

total of six decedents (10.5%) were known to have 

used psychotropic medications within 90 day prior to 

suicide. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table D4). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies for each 

of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (n 

= 18; 31.6%), administrative/legal (n = 18; 31.6%), 

and workplace/financial (n = 25; 43.9%). Figure 17 

displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) in which any of the three types of stressor was 

reported. Data were collected on known or suspected 

experiences of abuse victimization or perpetration. 

There were 10 decedents (17.5%) with histories of 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 15. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide event reports that 

indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior 

self-injury, by calendar year.

Figure 16. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
14

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 18. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that indicated (a) a 

history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any experience 

of direct combat.

abuse victimization and 5 decedents (8.8%) with 

histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 27 DoDSERs (47.4%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table D5). In 17 DoDSERs 

(29.8%), the decedent had a history of deployment 

as part of OIF/OEF/OND. No suicides occurred in 

theater. In two DoDSERs (3.5%), the decedent had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 18 

displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) that reported either a history of deployment as 

part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct combat exposure.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 17. Percentage of Air Force suicide event reports that detailed (a) 

any family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or 

legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in 

the 90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 15

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

As of 31 March 2013, there were 229 submitted suicide attempt DoDSERs among active duty Air Force Service 

members for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and members of the 

Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. Since Service members could have 

had more than one suicide attempt during the year, the number of unique Service members and the number of 

DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs described suicide attempts for 219 individual Service members: 209 with one 

DoDSER and 10 with two DoDSERs. All DoDSERs were included in the tables, figures, and summary text. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Drugs/Alcohol

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Sharp/Blunt Objects

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Intent

Figure 19. Distribution of top three event methods for Air Force suicide 

attempt reports, by calendar year.

Figure 20. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide attempt reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics 

among the 229 suicide attempt DoDSERs are 

provided in (Table D6). The characteristics most 

often reported were: male (n = 157; 68.6%), 

Caucasian (n = 159; 69.4%), non-Hispanic (n = 

190; 83.0%), between 17 and 24 years of age 

(n = 133; 58.1%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 

154; 67.2%), and Active component (n = 221; 

96.5%). A total of 128 DoDSERs (55.9%) indicated 

educational attainment of some college or more, 

and 88 DoDSERs (38.4%) reported that the Service 

member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables 

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables 

describing the events and their immediate context 

can be found in (Table D7). Drug overdose (n = 

138; 60.3%), use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., 

cutting; n = 29; 12.7%), and hanging/asphyxiation (n 

= 19; 8.3%) were the three most frequently reported 

suicide attempt methods. Figure 19 displays the 

annual proportionate morbidity (2010-2012) of these 

three attempt methods. Alcohol use was reported 

in 86 DoDSERs (37.6%), and substance use was 

reported in 148 DoDSERs (64.6%).

There were 57 suicide attempt DoDSERs (24.9%) 

in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the 

event. Figure 20 displays the annual proportion of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) in which communication of 

intent was reported. A total of 110 DoDSERs (48.0%) 

indicated that the Service member resided alone at 

the time of the event. In 31 DoDSERs (13.5%), it 

was reported that the Service member was known to 

have access to a firearm in his/her home/immediate 
16

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological 

and physical health and accession of services prior 

to the event (Table D8). A total of 128 DoDSERs 

(55.9%) specified that the Service member had at 

least one known diagnosis of a behavioral health 

condition. A total of 52 DoDSERs (22.7%) reported 

a history of substance abuse, and 62 DoDSERs 

(27.1%) specified a history of prior self-injury. 

Figure 21 presents the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) where a behavioral health 

diagnosis, a history of substance abuse, or a 

history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 179 DoDSERs (78.2%) reported that the 

Service member had accessed medical or support 

services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 

attempt. Figure 22 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported accession 

of services in the 90 days prior to the event. One 

hundred six DoDSERs (46.3%) reported that the 

Service member had ever used psychotropic 

medications. A total of 87 DoDSERs (38.0%) 

indicated that the Service member was known to 

have used psychotropic medications within 90 days 

of the suicide event. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table D9). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies 

for each of the three types of stressors: family/

relationship (n = 103; 45.0%), administrative/legal 

(n = 70; 30.6%), and workplace/financial (n = 104; 

45.4%). Figure 23 displays the annual proportions 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) in which any of the three 

types of stressors was reported. Data were also 

collected on known or suspected experiences of 

abuse victimization or perpetration. There were 78 

DoDSERs (34.1%) that reported histories of abuse 

victimization and 22 DoDSERs (9.6%) that reported 

Figure 21. Percentage of reported Air Force suicide attempt reports that 

indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior 

self-injury, by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 22. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 17

Chapter 3: Air Force DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 23. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) 

any family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or 

legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems 

in the 90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.

histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 83 DoDSERs (36.2%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table D10). In 53 DoDSERs 

(23.1%), the Service member had a history of 

deployment as part of OIF/OEF/OND. A total of 

five suicide attempts (2.2%) occurred in theater. In 

15 DoDSERs (6.6%), the Service member had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 

24 displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) that reported either a history of 

deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct 

combat exposure.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 24. Percentage of Air Force suicide attempt reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 19

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

ARMY 

DoDSER RESULTS
20

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

ARMY DoDSER RESULTS

2012 Reported Suicides

As of 31 March 2013, AFMES reported 161 confirmed Active duty suicides and 23 probable suicides pending 

final determination for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and 

members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. To meet the 

timeline of this report, all suicide events that were confirmed on or before 31 January 2013 (n = 135) were used 

as the denominator in evaluating report submission compliance for all Services. Submission occurred when the 

form completer changed the status of the report from “in-progress” to “submitted,” indicating a final submission. 

Reports with incomplete data were able to be submitted. For calendar year 2012, the Army achieved 100% 

submission of a DoDSER for each confirmed suicide event. In addition, 21 events that were confirmed after 

31 January 2013 or were identified as still pending a final determination as a suicide had a DoDSER submitted 

prior to 1 April; these DoDSERs were included in the subsequent text, yielding a total of 155 suicide event 

DoDSERs for this report.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 155 suicide DoDSERs are provided in (Table 

E1). The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 145; 93.5%), Caucasian (n = 104; 67.1%), 

non-Hispanic (n = 97; 62.6%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 51; 32.9%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 

78; 50.3%), and Active component (n = 143; 92.3%). A total of 44 DoDSERs (28.4%) indicated educational 

attainments of some college or more, and 85 DoDSERs (54.8%) reported that the Service member was 

married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be found in 

Appendix E, (Table E2). According to data received from AFMES, the predominant method for suicide events was 

a firearm (n = 94; 60.6%); non-military firearms were used in 61 suicides (64.9% of suicides involving a firearm). 

Asphyxiation, which included hanging, was the method used in 44 suicides (28.4%). Figure 25 displays the annual 

proportionate mortality (2008-2012) associated with these event methods in suicide DoDSERs. Toxicology identified 

alcohol use in 46 suicides (29.7%) and drug use in 50 suicides (32.3%). 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Military Firearm

Non−military Firearm

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 25. Distribution of top three event methods for Army suicide event 

reports, by calendar year.

Figure 26. Percentage of reported Army suicide event reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 21

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

Prior to suicide, 46 decedents (29.7%) were known 

to have communicated their intent for self-harm 

to at least one other person. Figure 26 displays 

the annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) 

where the Service member communicated intent for 

self-harm prior to suicide. A total of 36 decedents 

(23.2%) lived alone and 74 (47.7%) were known 

to have had a firearm in their home/immediate 

environment.

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to 

the event (Table E3). In 83 DoDSERs (53.6%), 

the decedent was known to have had a behavioral 

health diagnosis. A total of 36 DoDSERs (23.2%) 

reported a history of substance abuse and 21 

(13.5%) indicated a history of prior self-injury. Figure 

27 presents the annual proportions of DoDSERs 

(2008-2012) where a behavioral health diagnosis, a 

history of substance abuse, or a history of prior selfinjury was reported.

A total of 102 decedents (65.8%) accessed 

physical, mental, or other support services in the 

90 days prior to the event. Figure 28 displays the 

annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

accession of services was reported in the 90 days 

prior to the event. Fifty-one decedents (32.9%) 

were reported to have ever used psychotropic 

medications. A total of 34 decedents (21.9%) were 

known to have used psychotropic medications 

within 90 days prior to suicide. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table E4). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies 

for each of the three types of stressors: family/

relationship (n = 61; 39.4%), administrative/legal 

(n = 52; 33.5%), and workplace/financial (n = 48; 

31.0%). Figure 29 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2008-2012) in which any of the 

three types of stressor was reported. Data were 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 27. Percentage of reported Army suicide event reports that indicated 

(a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, 

by calendar year.

Figure 28. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
22

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 30. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.

collected on known or suspected experiences of 

abuse victimization or perpetration. There were 

18 decedents (11.6%) with histories of abuse 

victimization and 24 decedents (15.5%) with histories 

of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 106 DoDSERs (68.4%) reported a history of 

any deployment (Table E5). In 102 DoDSERs (65.8%), 

the decedent had a history of deployment as part of 

OIF/OEF/OND. Nineteen suicides (12.3%) occurred in 

theater. In 28 DoDSERs (18.1%), the decedent had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 30 

displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) that reported either a history of deployment as 

part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct combat exposure.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 29. Percentage of Army suicide event reports that detailed (a) any 

family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal 

problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 

90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 23

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

As of 31 March 2013, there were 365 completed suicide attempt DoDSERs among Active duty Army Service 

members for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and members of the 

Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. Since Service members could have 

had more than one suicide attempt during the year, the number of unique Service members and the number of 

DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs described suicide attempts for 356 individual Service members: 347 Service 

member with one DoDSER and 9 Service members with two DoDSERs. All DoDSERs were included in the tables, 

figures, and summary text. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

Drugs/Alcohol

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Sharp/Blunt Objects

Event Method

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among 

the 365 suicide attempt DoDSERs are provided in (Table 

E6). The characteristics most often reported were: male 

(n = 283; 77.5%), Caucasian (n = 229; 62.7%), nonHispanic (n = 247; 67.7%), between 17 and 24 years 

of age (n = 180; 49.3%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 

219; 60.0%), and Active component (n = 342; 93.7%). 

A total of 128 DoDSERs (35.1%) indicated educational 

attainment of some college or more, and 160 DoDSERs 

(43.8%) reported that the Service member was married 

at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables 

describing the events and their immediate context 

can be found in (Table E7). Drug overdose (n = 

174; 47.7%), hanging/asphyxiation (n = 50; 13.7%), 

and use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., cutting; n = 

42; 11.5%) were the three most frequently reported 

suicide attempt methods. Figure 31 displays the 

annual proportionate morbidity (2010-2012) of these 

three attempt methods. Alcohol use was reported 

in 104 DoDSERs (28.5%), and substance use was 

reported in 197 DoDSERs (54.0%).

There were 80 suicide attempt DoDSERs (21.9%) 

in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the event. 

Figure 32 displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) in which communication of intent was 

reported. A total of 121 DoDSERs (33.2%) indicated 

that the Service member resided alone at the time of 

the event. In 38 DoDSERs (10.4%), it was reported 

that the Service member was known to have access 

to a firearm in his/her home/immediate environment. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 31. Distribution of top three event methods for Army suicide attempt 

reports, by calendar year.

Figure 32. Percentage of reported Army suicide attempt reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.
24

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to the 

event (Table E8). A total of 194 DoDSERs (53.2%) 

specified that the Service member had at least one 

known diagnosis of a behavioral health condition. 

A total of 116 DoDSERs (31.8%) reported a history 

of substance abuse, and 93 DoDSERs (25.5%) 

specified a history of prior self-injury. Figure 33 

presents the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2010-

2012) where a behavioral health diagnosis, a history 

of substance abuse, or a history of prior self-injury 

was reported.

A total of 248 DoDSERs (67.9%) reported that the 

Service member had accessed medical or support 

services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 

attempt. Figure 34 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported accession 

of services in the 90 days prior to the event. One 

hundred thirty-two DoDSERs (36.2%) reported that 

the Service member had ever used psychotropic 

medications. A total of 107 DoDSERs (29.3%) 

indicated that the Service member was known to 

have used psychotropic medications within 90 days of 

the suicide event. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table E9). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies for each 

of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (n 

= 149; 40.8%), administrative/legal (n = 117; 32.1%), 

and workplace/financial (n = 136; 37.3%). Figure 35 

displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2010-

2012) in which any of the three types of stressors 

was reported. Data were also collected on known 

or suspected experiences of abuse victimization or 

perpetration. There were 111 DoDSERs (30.4%) 

that reported histories of abuse victimization and 38 

DoDSERs (10.4%) that reported histories of abuse 

perpetration. 

Figure 33. Percentage of reported Army suicide attempt reports that 

indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior 

self-injury, by calendar year.

Figure 34. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 25

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Deployment History

A total of 190 DoDSERs (52.1%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table E10). In 181 DoDSERs 

(49.6%), the Service member had a history of 

deployment as part of OIF/OEF/OND. A total of 

six suicide attempts (1.6%) occurred in theater. In 

68 DoDSERs (18.6%), the Service member had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 36 

displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2010-

2012) that reported either a history of deployment as 

part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct combat exposure.

Figure 35. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any 

family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal 

problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 

90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 36. Percentage of Army suicide attempt reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.
26

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

2012 Other Nonfatal Events

As of 31 March 2013, there were 173 completed DoDSERs for non-suicidal self-harm and 836 for suicidal 

ideation among active duty Army Service members for calendar year 2012. The Army is currently the only 

Service to collect surveillance data in DoDSER for self-harm and suicidal ideation. Active duty includes 

members of the Active component and members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status 

at the time of the event. Since Service members could have had more than one nonfatal event during 

the year, the number of unique Service members and the number of DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs 

described self-harm for 172 individual Service members: 171 Service members with one DoDSER and 

1 Service member with two DoDSERs. There suicidal ideation DoDSERs described events for 809 

individual Service members: 786 with one DoDSER, 20 with two DoDSERs, 2 with three DoDSERs, and 1 

with four DoDSERs. All DoDSERs were included in the tables and summary text. 

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics for both self-harm and suicidal ideation are presented 

in (Table E6). The characteristics most often reported for both report types were: male (self-harm [n = 

106; 61.3%], suicidal ideation [n = 660; 78.9%]), Caucasian (self-harm [n = 124; 71.7%, suicidal ideation 

[n = 537; 64.2%]), non-Hispanic (self-harm [n = 92; 53.2%], suicidal ideation [n = 469; 56.1%]), between 

17 and 24 years of age (self-harm [n = 104; 60.1%], suicidal ideation [n = 450; 53.8%]), junior enlisted 

(E1–E4; self-harm [n = 117; 67.6%], suicidal ideation [n = 482; 57.7%]), and Active component (selfharm [n = 158; 91.3%], suicidal ideation [n = 759; 90.8%]). A total of 54 self-harm DoDSERs (31.2%) and 

246 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (29.4%) indicated educational attainment of some college or more, and 

73 self-harm DoDSERs (42.2%) and 303 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (36.2%) reported that the Service 

member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be 

found in (Table E7). Drug overdose (n = 66; 38.2%) and use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., cutting; n = 

59; 34.1%) were the most frequently reported self-harm methods. Alcohol use was reported in 44 selfharm DoDSERs (25.4%), and substance use was reported in 75 DoDSERs (43.4%).

There were 31 self-harm DoDSERs (17.9%) in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the event. A total of 45 self-harm DoDSERs (26.0%) and 203 

suicidal ideation DoDSERs (24.3%) indicated that the Service member resided alone at the time of the 

event. In 12 self-harm DoDSERs (6.9%) and 84 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (10.0%), it was reported that 

the Service member was known to have access to a firearm in his/her home/immediate environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and physical health and accession of services prior to the 

event (Table E8). A total of 108 self-harm DoDSERs (62.4%) and 482 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (57.6%) 

specified that the Service member had at least one known diagnosis of a behavioral health condition. A 

total of 47 self-harm DoDSERs (27.2%) and 195 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (23.3%) reported a history 

of substance abuse, and 60 self-harm DoDSERs (34.7%) and 169 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (20.2%) 

specified a history of prior self-injury. 

A total of 113 self-harm DoDSERs (65.3%) and 586 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (70.1%) reported that 

the Service member had accessed medical or support services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 27

Chapter 4: Army DoDSER Results

attempt. Fifty-seven self-harm DoDSERs (32.9%) and two hundred twenty-seven suicidal ideation 

DoDSERs (27.2%) reported that the Service member had ever used psychotropic medications. A total of 

46 self-harm DoDSERs (26.6%) and 162 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (19.4%) indicated that the Service 

member was known to have used psychotropic medications within 90 days of the suicide event.

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and workplace/financial difficulties (Table E9). For this report, 

we focused explicitly on those stressors occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. DoDSERs 

reported the following frequencies for each of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (self-harm 

[n = 70; 40.5%], suicidal ideation [n = 238, 28.5%]), administrative/legal (self-harm [n = 68; 39.3%], 

suicidal ideation [n = 284, 34.0%]), and workplace/financial (self-harm [n = 76; 43.9%], suicidal ideation 

[n = 289, 34.6%]). Data were also collected on known or suspected experiences of abuse victimization or 

perpetration. There were 46 self-harm DoDSERs (26.6%) and 201 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (24.0%) 

that reported histories of abuse victimization and 8 self-harm DoDSERs (4.6%) and 47 suicidal ideation 

DoDSERs (5.6%) that reported histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 78 self-harm DoDSERs (45.1%) and 362 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (43.3%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table E10). All 78 self-harm DoDSERs that reported a deployment history specified 

that the deployment was in support of OEF/OIF/OND; for suicidal ideation, 348 DoDSERs (96.1% of 

deployments; 41.6% of total) indicated that the Service member deployed in support of OEF/OIF/OND. 

A total of five self-harm events (2.9%) and eight suicidal ideation events (1.0%) occurred in theater. In 28 

self-harm DoDSERs (16.2%) and 131 suicidal ideation DoDSERs (15.7%), the Service member had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 29

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

MARINE CORPS 

DoDSER RESULTS
30

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

MARINE CORPS DoDSER RESULTS

2012 Reported Suicides

As of 31 March 2013, the AFMES reported 42 confirmed Active duty suicides and 6 probable suicides 

pending final determination for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component 

and members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. To meet the 

timeline of this report, all suicide events that were confirmed on or before 31 January (n = 39) were used as 

the denominator in evaluating report submission compliance for all services. Submission occurred when the 

form completer changed the status of the report from “in-progress” to “submitted,” indicating a final submission. 

Reports with incomplete data were able to be submitted. For calendar year 2012, the Marine Corps achieved 

100% submission of a DoDSER for each confirmed suicide event. In addition, eight events that were 

confirmed after 31 January 2013 or were identified as still pending a final determination as a suicide had a 

DoDSER submitted prior to 1 April; these DoDSERs were included in the subsequent text, yielding a total of 47 

suicide event DoDSERs for this report.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 47 suicide DoDSERs are provided in (Table F1). 

The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 44; 93.6%), Caucasian (n = 38; 80.9%), non-Hispanic 

(n = 33; 70.2%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n =28; 59.6%), junior enlisted (E1–E4; n = 35; 74.5%), and 

Active component (n = 47; 100.0%). A total of seven DoDSERs (14.9%) indicated educational attainments of 

some college or more, and twenty-three DoDSERs (48.9%) reported that the Service member was married at 

the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be found 

in Appendix F, (Table F2). According to data received from AFMES, the predominant method for suicide events 

was a firearm (n = 34; 72.3%); non-military firearms were used in 26 suicides (76.5% of suicides involving 

a firearm). Asphyxiation, which included hanging, was the method used in 12 suicides (25.5%). Figure 37 

displays the annual proportionate mortality (2008-2012) associated with these event methods in suicide 

DoDSERs. Toxicology identified alcohol use in 18 suicides (38.3%) and drug use in 7 suicides (14.9%). 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Military Firearm

Non−military Firearm

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 37. Distribution of top three event methods for Marine Corps suicide 

event reports, by calendar year.

Figure 38. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide event reports 

where potential for self-harm was known to be communicated 

prior to the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 31

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

Prior to suicide, 16 decedents (34.0%) were known 

to have communicated their intent for self-harm to 

at least one other person. Figure 38 displays the 

annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

the Service member communicated intent for selfharm prior to suicide. A total of 16 decedents (34.0%) 

lived alone and 33 (70.2%) were known to have had a 

firearm in their home/immediate environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to 

the event (Table F3). In 19 DoDSERs (40.5%), the 

decedent was known to have had a behavioral health 

diagnosis. A total of 15 DoDSERs (31.9%) reported a 

history of substance abuse and 10 (21.3%) indicated 

a history of prior self-injury. Figure 39 presents the 

annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

a behavioral health diagnosis, a history of substance 

abuse, or a history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 28 decedents (59.6%) accessed physical, 

mental, or other support services in the 90 days prior 

to the event. Figure 40 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where accession of 

services was reported in the 90 days prior to the 

event. Fourteen decedents (29.8%) were reported 

to have ever used psychotropic medications. A total 

of 12 decedents (25.5%) were known to have used 

psychotropic medications within 90 day prior to 

suicide. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table F4). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies for each 

of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (n 

= 28; 59.6%), administrative/legal (n = 19; 40.4%), 

and workplace/financial (n = 16; 34.0%). Figure 41 

displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) in which any of the three types of stressor was 

reported. Data were collected on known or suspected 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 39. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide event reports that 

indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior 

self-injury, by calendar year.

Figure 40. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
32

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 42. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.

experiences of abuse victimization or perpetration. 

There were three decedents (6.4%) with histories of 

abuse victimization and seven decedents (14.9%) 

with histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 25 DoDSERs (53.2%) reported a history of 

deployment (Table F5). In 24 DoDSERs (51.1%), the 

decedent had a history of deployment as part of OIF/

OEF/OND. Three suicides (6.4%) occurred in theater. 

In nine DoDSERs (19.1%), the decedent had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 42 

displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) that reported either a history of deployment as 

part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct combat exposure. 0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 41. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide event reports that detailed 

(a) any family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or 

legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in 

the 90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 33

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

As of 31 March, 2013, there were 169 completed suicide attempt DoDSERs for Active duty Marine 

Corps Service members for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component 

and members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. Since 

Service members could have had more than one suicide attempt during the year, the number of unique 

Service members and the number of DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs described suicide attempts for 164 

individual Service members: 160 Service members with one suicide attempt, 3 with two suicide attempts, 

and 1 with three suicide attempts. All DoDSERs were included in the tables, figures, and summary text. 

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 169 suicide attempt DoDSERs are provided 

in (Table F6). The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 150; 88.8%), Caucasian (n = 134; 

79.3%), non-Hispanic (n = 126; 74.6%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 131; 77.5%), junior enlisted 

(E1–E4; n = 137; 81.1%), and Active component (n = 166; 98.2%). A total of 23 DoDSERs (13.6%) 

indicated educational attainment of some college or more, and 78 DoDSERs (46.2%) reported that the 

Service member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be 

found in (Table F7). Drug overdose (n = 105; 62.1%), use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., cutting; n = 20; 

11.8%), and hanging/asphyxiation (n = 18; 10.7%) were the three most frequently reported suicide attempt 

methods. Figure 43 displays the annual proportionate morbidity (2010-2012) of these three attempt 

methods. Alcohol use was reported in 45 DoDSERs (26.6%), and substance use was reported in 110 

DoDSERs (65.1%).

There were 25 suicide attempt DoDSERs (14.8%) in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the event. Figure 44 displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) in which communication of intent was reported. A total of 28 DoDSERs (16.6%) indicated that 

the Service member resided alone at the time of the event. In 10 DoDSERs (5.9%), it was reported that the 

Service member was known to have access to a firearm in his/her home/immediate environment. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Drugs/Alcohol

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Sharp/Blunt Objects

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 43. Distribution of top three event methods for Marine Corps suicide 

attempt reports, by calendar year.

Figure 44. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide attempt reports 

where potential for self-harm was known to be communicated 

prior to the event, by calendar year.
34

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological 

and physical health and accession of services prior 

to the event (Table F8). A total of 77 DoDSERs 

(45.6%) specified that the Service member had at 

least one known diagnosis of a behavioral health 

condition. A total of 53 DoDSERs (31.4%) reported 

a history of substance abuse, and 51 DoDSERs 

(30.2%) specified a history of prior self-injury. 

Figure 45 presents the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) where a behavioral health 

diagnosis, a history of substance abuse, or a 

history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 98 DoDSERs (58.0%) reported that the 

Service member had accessed medical or support 

services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 

attempt. Figure 46 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported accession 

of services in the 90 days prior to the event. Sixtytwo DoDSERs (36.7%) reported that the Service 

member had ever used psychotropic medications. 

A total of 48 DoDSERs (28.4%) indicated that 

the Service member was known to have used 

psychotropic medications within 90 days of the 

suicide event. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table F9). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies 

for each of the three types of stressors: family/

relationship (n = 79; 46.7%), administrative/legal 

(n = 53; 31.4%), and workplace/financial (n = 57; 

33.7%). Figure 47 displays the annual proportions 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) in which any of the three 

types of stressors was reported. Data were also 

collected on known or suspected experiences of 

abuse victimization or perpetration. There were 40 

DoDSERs (23.7%) that reported histories of abuse 

victimization and 11 DoDSERs (6.5%) that reported 

histories of abuse perpetration.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 45. Percentage of reported Marine Corps suicide attempt reports 

that indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of 

prior self-injury, by calendar year.

Figure 46. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that 

indicated accession of any health or social services during the 

90 day period preceding the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 35

Chapter 5: Marine Corps DoDSER Results

Deployment History

A total of 67 DoDSERs (39.6%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table F10). In 64 DoDSERs 

(37.9%), the Service member had a history of 

deployment as part of OIF/OEF/OND. A total of 

three suicide attempts (1.8%) occurred in theater. 

In 17 DoDSERs (10.1%), the Service member 

had a known history of exposure to direct combat. 

Figure 48 displays the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported either a 

history of deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or 

direct combat exposure.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 47. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that detailed 

(a) any family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or 

legal problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in 

the 90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 48. Percentage of Marine Corps suicide attempt reports that 

indicated (a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and (b) 

any experience of direct combat.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 37

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

NAVY 

DoDSER RESULTS
38

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

NAVY DoDSER RESULTS

2012 Reported Suicides

As of 31 March 2013, AFMES reported 51 confirmed Active duty suicides and 8 probable suicides pending 

final determination for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and 

members of the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. To meet the 

timeline of this report, all suicide events that were confirmed on or before 31 January 2013 (n = 48) were used 

as the denominator in evaluating report submission compliance for all services. Submission occurred when the 

form completer changed the status of the report from “in-progress” to “submitted,” indicating a final submission. 

Reports with incomplete data were able to be submitted. For calendar year 2012, the Navy achieved 100% 

submission of a DoDSER for each confirmed suicide event. In addition, 11 events that were confirmed after 

31 January 2013 or were identified as still pending a final determination as a suicide had a DoDSER submitted 

prior to 1 April; these DoDSERs were included in the subsequent text, yielding a total of 59 suicide event 

DoDSERs for this report.

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 59 suicide DoDSERs are provided in (Table G1). 

The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 55; 93.2%), Caucasian (n = 47; 79.7%), non-Hispanic 

(n = 46; 78.0%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 21; 35.6%), non-commissioned officers (E5 – E9; n 

= 29; 49.2%), and Active component (n = 57; 96.6%). A total of 28 DoDSERs (47.5%) indicated educational 

attainments of some college or more, and 24 DoDSERs (40.7%) reported that the Service member was 

married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be found 

in Appendix G, (Table G2). According to data received from AFMES, the predominant method for suicide 

events was a firearm (n = 38; 64.4%); non-military firearms were used in 34 suicides (89.5% of suicides 

involving a firearm). Asphyxiation, which included hanging, was the method used in 12 suicides (20.3%). 

Figure 49 displays the annual proportionate mortality (2008-2012) associated with these event methods in 

suicide DoDSERs. Toxicology identified alcohol use in 24 suicides (40.7%) and drug use in 9 suicides (15.3%).

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Military Firearm

Non−military Firearm

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 49. Distribution of top three event methods for Navy suicide event 

reports, by calendar year.

Figure 50. Percentage of reported Navy suicide event reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 39

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

Prior to suicide, 16 decedents (27.1%) were known 

to have communicated their intent for self-harm to 

at least one other person. Figure 50 displays the 

annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

the Service member communicated intent for selfharm prior to suicide. A total of 17 decedents (28.8%) 

lived alone and 35 (59.3%) were known to have had a 

firearm in their home/immediate environment. 

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological and 

physical health and accession of services prior to 

the event (Table G3). In 15 DoDSERs (25.5%), the 

decedent was known to have had a behavioral health 

diagnosis. A total of 10 DoDSERs (16.9%) reported 

a history of substance abuse and 7 (11.9%) indicated 

a history of prior self-injury. Figure 51 presents the 

annual proportions of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where 

a behavioral health diagnosis, a history of substance 

abuse, or a history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 30 decedents (50.8%) accessed physical, 

mental, or other support services in the 90 days prior 

to the event. Figure 52 displays the annual proportion 

of DoDSERs (2008-2012) where accession of 

services was reported in the 90 days prior to the 

event. Fifteen decedents (25.4%) were reported to 

have ever used psychotropic medications. A total 

of 11 decedents (18.6%) were known to have used 

psychotropic medications within 90 day prior to 

suicide. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table G4). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies for each 

of the three types of stressors: family/relationship (n 

= 22; 37.3%), administrative/legal (n = 14; 23.7%), 

and workplace/financial (n = 13; 22.0%). Figure 53 

displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs (2008-

2012) in which any of the three types of stressor was 

reported. Data were collected on known or suspected 

experiences of abuse victimization or perpetration. 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 51. Percentage of reported Navy suicide event reports that indicated 

(a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior self-injury, 

by calendar year.

Figure 52. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
40

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 54. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.

There were two decedents (3.4%) with histories of 

abuse victimization and six decedents (10.2%) with 

histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 24 DoDSERs (40.7%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table G5). In eight DoDSERs 

(13.6%), the decedent had a history of deployment 

as part of OIF/OEF/OND. Two suicides (3.4%) 

occurred in theater. In four DoDSERs (6.8%), the 

decedent had a known history of exposure to direct 

combat. Figure 54 displays the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2008-2012) that reported either a history 

of deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct 

combat exposure. 0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 53. Percentage of Navy suicide event reports that detailed (a) any 

family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal 

problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 

90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 41

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

2012 Reported Suicide Attempts

As of 31 March 2013, there were 106 completed suicide attempt DoDSERs for Active duty Navy Service 

members for calendar year 2012. Active duty includes members of the Active component and members of 

the Reserve components who were in a Title 10 status at the time of the event. Since Service members 

could have had more than one suicide attempt during the year, the number of unique Service members 

and the number of DoDSERs differ. The DoDSERs described suicide attempts for 102 individual Service 

members: 99 Service members with one suicide attempt, 2 with two suicide attempts, and 1 with three 

suicide attempts. All DoDSERs were included in the tables, figures, and summary text. 

Demographics

The distributions of demographic characteristics among the 106 suicide attempt DoDSERs are provided 

in (Table G6). The characteristics most often reported were: male (n = 73; 68.9%), Caucasian (n = 67; 

63.2%), non-Hispanic (n = 78; 73.6%), between 17 and 24 years of age (n = 62; 58.5%), junior enlisted 

(E1–E4; n = 65; 61.3%), and Active component (n = 100; 94.3%). A total of 36 DoDSERs (34.0%) 

indicated educational attainment of some college or more, and 38 DoDSERs (35.8%) reported that the 

Service member was married at the time of the event.

Event Information

Detailed descriptive statistics on the variables describing the events and their immediate context can be 

found in (Table G7). Drug overdose (n = 59; 55.7%), use of a sharp or blunt object (e.g., cutting; n = 16; 

15.1%), and hanging/asphyxiation (n = 8; 7.5%) were the three most frequently reported suicide attempt 

methods. Figure 55 displays the annual proportionate morbidity (2010-2012) of these three attempt 

methods. Alcohol use was reported in 27 DoDSERs (25.5%), and substance use was reported in 64 

DoDSERs (60.4%).

There were 29 suicide attempt DoDSERs (27.4%) in which the Service member was known to have 

communicated intent for self-harm prior to the event. Figure 56 displays the annual proportion of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) in which communication of intent was reported. A total of 24 DoDSERs (22.6%) indicated that 

the Service member resided alone at the time of the event. In eight DoDSERs (7.5%), it was reported that 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

Drugs/Alcohol

Hanging/Asphyxiation

Sharp/Blunt Objects

Event Method

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Communicated Potiential for Self−Harm

Figure 55. Distribution of top three event methods for Navy suicide attempt 

reports, by calendar year.

Figure 56. Percentage of reported Navy suicide attempt reports where 

potential for self-harm was known to be communicated prior to 

the event, by calendar year.
42

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

the Service member was known to have access to a 

firearm in his/her home/immediate environment.

Health and Treatment

DoDSER data were collected on psychological 

and physical health and accession of services prior 

to the event (Table G8). A total of 53 DoDSERs 

(50.0%) specified that the Service member had at 

least one known diagnosis of a behavioral health 

condition. A total of 27 DoDSERs (25.5%) reported 

a history of substance abuse, and 30 DoDSERs 

(28.3%) specified a history of prior self-injury. 

Figure 57 presents the annual proportions of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) where a behavioral health 

diagnosis, a history of substance abuse, or a 

history of prior self-injury was reported.

A total of 63 DoDSERs (59.4%) reported that the 

Service member had accessed medical or support 

services during the 90 days prior to the suicide 

attempt. Figure 58 displays the annual proportion of 

DoDSERs (2010-2012) that reported accession of 

services in the 90 days prior to the event. Thirty-five 

DoDSERs (33.0%) reported that the Service member 

had ever used psychotropic medications. A total of 27 

DoDSERs (25.5%) indicated that the Service member 

was known to have used psychotropic medications 

within 90 days of the suicide event. 

Psychosocial Stressors

Psychosocial stressors included in the DoDSER 

related to family/relationship problems, problems 

associated with administrative/legal issues, and 

workplace/financial difficulties (Table G9). For this 

report, we focused explicitly on those stressors 

occurring in the 90 day period prior to the event. 

DoDSERs reported the following frequencies 

for each of the three types of stressors: family/

relationship (n = 46; 43.4%), administrative/legal 

(n = 30; 28.3%), and workplace/financial (n = 36; 

34.0%). Figure 59 displays the annual proportions 

of DoDSERs (2010-2012) in which any of the three 

types of stressors was reported. Data were also 

collected on known or suspected experiences of 

abuse victimization or perpetration. There were 

38 DoDSERs (35.8%) that reported histories of 

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Behavioral Health Diagnosis

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Prior Self−Injury

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

Accessed Health/Support Services

Figure 57. Percentage of reported Navy suicide attempt reports that 

indicated (a) a behavioral health diagnosis, (b) a history of prior 

self-injury, by calendar year.

Figure 58. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that indicated 

accession of any health or social services during the 90 day 

period preceding the event, by calendar year.
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 43

Chapter 6: Navy DoDSER Results

abuse victimization and 13 DoDSERs (12.3%) that 

reported histories of abuse perpetration. 

Deployment History

A total of 38 DoDSERs (35.8%) reported a history 

of any deployment (Table G10). In 14 DoDSERs 

(13.2%), the Service member had a history 

of deployment as part of OIF/OEF/OND. One 

suicide attempt (0.9%) occurred in theater. In four 

DoDSERs (3.8%), the Service member had a 

known history of exposure to direct combat. Figure 

60 displays the annual proportions of DoDSERs 

(2010-2012) that reported either a history of 

deployment as part of OEF/OIF/OND or direct 

combat exposure. 0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

C. Workplace/Financial Problems

Figure 59. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that detailed (a) any 

family or relationship problems, (b) any administrative or legal 

problems, and/or (c) any workplace or financial problems in the 

90 days prior to the event, by calendar year.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI* 

2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Any Deployment OEF/OIF/OND

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI*

2010 2011 2012

Year

B. History of Direct Combat

Figure 60. Percentage of Navy suicide attempt reports that indicated 

(a) a history of deployment to OEF/OIF/OND and/or (b) any 

experience of direct combat.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 45

Appendix A: Methods

Appendix A 

METHODS
46

Appendix A: Methods

DoDSER Items

DoDSER items were developed to provide a comprehensive set of information from a variety of sources 

to facilitate suicide prevention efforts and to enable surveillance across the DoD. Development of the 

current DoDSER content evolved from structured reviews of the Services’ historical surveillance items, 

workgroup deliberations with representation from all Services (including the Suicide Prevention Program 

Managers [SPPMs]), and a systematic review of the suicide literature. Feedback on content from 

nationally-recognized civilian and military experts was also integrated. In addition, suggestions from senior 

leaders and other stakeholders were provided by some workgroup members. Furthermore, a workgroup 

that includes representatives from all the Services meets each year to refine the items based on evolving 

needs. Variables were organized into categories for a theoretically meaningful presentation. Although 

alternative approaches were available and considered, a relevant model successfully implemented in the 

violence risk assessment literature was selected. Categories were organized as follows:

• Dispositional or personal factors (e.g., demographics)

• Historical or developmental factors (e.g., family history, prior suicide behaviors, life events)

• Contextual factors (e.g., access to firearms, place of residence, duty status)

• Clinical health factors (e.g., behavioral and physical health diagnoses)

These categories 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 was completed using a web form that is available via the Internet and submitted via 

a secure website. The DoDSER system is hosted at a DoD Information Assurance Certification and 

Accreditation Process (DIACAP) approved facility. Basic data entry users do not have access to any 

DoDSER data that others submit. All other DoDSER users submit HIPPA training certificates to the 

program office to ensure privacy training. The descriptive DoDSER data presented here were compiled 

as they were completed and submitted by DoDSER respondents across the DoD. The processes for 

identifying suicides and obtaining DoDSERs were similar across all Services. SPPMs coordinated closely 

with AFMES to maintain an official list of suicides. In the Army, a DoDSER point of contact (POC) and 

Command POC at each medical treatment facility were notified when a Service member’s death was 

confirmed as a suicide. At that point, they were requested to complete a DoDSER within 60 days. In the 

Air Force, the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) was the primary data collection agency. In the Navy 

and Marine Corps, the SPPMs’ office contacted the local Command and requested an appropriate POC to 

meet the requirement.

DoDSER data included in this report were for suicide and self-harm events that occurred in CY 2012 

as reported and submitted by 31 March 2013. The data were extracted1 April 2013. We selected the 1 

April date for data extraction in light of two considerations. First, to maintain consistency with guidance 

provided by the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) [1], there must be a minimum of 

90 days between the end of the calendar year and the calculation of calendar-year suicide data. Second, 

to increase the number of available DoDSERs for suicides that occurred toward the end of CY 2012, we 

delayed the maximum Service notification date from AFMES to 1 February. The 1 April data extraction 

date allows Services to comply with the 60 day time frame for submission of a DoDSER for events 
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 47

Appendix A: Methods

confirmed by 31 January and is outside the aforementioned 90 day period from the end of the calendar year.

DoDSERs were required for all suicides that occurred within the Active component, the Active Guard 

Reserves, and the Activated Guard and Reserve in the DoD. Since 2008, all Services were required 

to submit DoDSERs for fatal suicide events. Since 2010, all Services were also required to submit 

DoDSERs for suicide attempts. Only the Army requires DoDSERs for other nonfatal events (self-harm 

and suicidal ideation). DoDSERs were submitted by behavioral health providers, health care providers, 

or command-appointed representatives. Technicians were permitted to submit DoDSERs under the 

supervision of one of these professionals.

DoDSER responses were derived from a review of all relevant records. Following a suicide, respondents 

reviewed medical and behavioral health records, personnel records, investigative agency records, and 

records related to the manner of death. Information was also collected from co-workers, the responsible 

investigative agency officer, and other professionals or family members. For nonfatal suicide behaviors, 

DoDSER respondents frequently conducted interviews with Service members to collect some of the 

required information.

Data Quality Control Procedures

The DoDSER program enlisted several types of data quality control. First, the data submission website 

minimized the possibility of data entry errors. The software used form field validation to request user 

clarification when data were not logically possible (e.g., date inconsistency). Second, data submission 

required a DoDSER account in which the user’s identity was confirmed with a common access card 

(CAC). The CAC contains basic information about the owner and is associated with a personal 

identification number required for login. Therefore, erroneous reports were not submitted by individuals 

not authorized to interface with the system. Third, suicide event reports were corroborated against data 

from AFMES to validate that a suicide DoDSER was valid. Corroboration involved the matching of the 

DoDSER record with the AFMES list of suicides for CY 2012 to validate a suicide record in the DoDSER. 

Any DoDSER suicide reports that did not match the AFMES list were not included in the analysis for 

the report. Fourth, all DoDSERs were reviewed to ensure that multiple DoDSERs were not submitted 

for the same event. Potential duplicates were automatically flagged so the Service’s DoDSER Program 

Manager could determine which submission represented the most complete data. Fifth, open-ended fields 

and “other” response categories were reviewed to identify text responses that should have been coded 

using the existing item coding structure or to generate new response categories based on multiple “other” 

responses indicating the same response that did not have a preexisting code. Sixth, we used data from 

AFMES on the suicide event method and on toxicology variables from autopsy to improve the accuracy of 

these variables in the report.

Rate Calculation

Suicide mortality data from 2010 to 2012 for active duty military Service members (Air Force, Army, 

Marine Corps, and Navy) were obtained from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES). 

Active duty military Service members included Cadets and Midshipmen at the designated military 

academies (i.e., West Point in West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and U.S. Air Force 

Academy in Colorado Springs, CO). Suicide mortality data from 2010 to 2012 for non-activated duty 

Selected Reserve military members were obtained from the Service specific Suicide Prevention Program 

Manager (SPPM) for the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. The Selected Reserve consists of a 

subset of the Ready Reserve that includes Selected Reserve Units, Individual Mobilization Augmentees, 
48

Appendix A: Methods

and Active Guard/Reserves who have Selected Reserve agreements.1 The suicide count data presented 

here are current through March 31, 2013.

Force strength and demographic data were obtained from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) 

and the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS). For active duty suicide events, 

demographic data for suicide events were compiled by AFMES from data received from DMDC (sex, race, 

ethnicity, and education) and DCIPS (marital status, age, rank, and Service). For non-activated Guard 

and Reserve suicide events, demographic data for suicide events were compiled by AFMES from data 

received from DMDC (sex, race, ethnicity, education, marital status, age, rank, and Service). 

Data Sources

AFMES. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) Mortality Surveillance Division 

(MSD) maintains a real-time active duty mortality registry and provides epidemiologic and biostatistical 

support for Department of Defense preventive medicine efforts based on comprehensive medicolegal 

investigations. AFMES conducts medicolegal examinations of Service members and American citizens 

who die in a combat zone and certain individuals who are killed or die within the United States or abroad. 

All active duty Service member deaths are recorded in the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Tracking 

System (AFMETS), an electronic database maintained by AFMES.

DMDC. The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is the Department of Defense’s human resource 

information source, serving as the authoritative source of information on over 42 million people currently 

and previously connected to the Department of Defense. 

DCIPS. The Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS) is the official casualty reporting, 

tracking, and processing application for the Department of Defense and contains reportable casualties for 

the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. 

Crude Suicide Rate Calculation

The rate calculation method used in the DoDSER CY 2012 Annual Report differs from that used in 

previous DoDSER reports and conforms to an updated methodology. This methodology was developed 

through a consensus among the Services and other Office of the Secretary of Defense components 

facilitate by DSPO. The current method calculates crude suicide rates for the Active component and the 

Reserve and National Guard components of the Selected Reserve. The Active Component comprises 

Service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps as well as and Cadets/Midshipmen at 

the designated U.S. military academies. The rates for the Selected Reserve Services included members 

regardless of duty status at the time of death. 2 In addition, rates were calculated by each Service, overall 

and within demographic strata, when there were 20 or more events given statistical imprecision with a 

lower numbers of events [1].

1 The Selected Reserve comprises Service members with an Reserve component category Designator code of S, T, or U in the 

Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Navy Reserve. 

2 That is, Selected Reserve members are included regardless of whether they died while on active duty, while actively drilling, 

or while in a civilian status. 
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 49

Appendix A: Methods

Formulae

To calculate the crude suicide rate for Active component, the following formula was used:

Active component crude suicide rate =

Number of Active component suicides that occurred during CY

Average Active component population for CY 

x 100,000

where “Average Active component population for CY” was the sum of the average of the 12 monthly end strengths 

for each of the following Services: 

• Air Force

• Army

• Marine Corps

• Navy
50

Appendix A: Methods

To calculate the crude suicide rate for National Guard (Air National Guard and Army National Guard), the 

following formula was used:

To calculate the crude suicide rate for the Reserve components, the following formula was used

National Guard crude suicide rate =

where “Average National Guard population for CY” was the sum of the average of the 12 monthly end 

strengths for the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard.

Reserve crude suicide rate =

where “Average Reserve Population for CY” was the sum of the average of the 12 monthly end 

strengths for the Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve.

Number of National Guard suicides that occurred during CY

Average National Guard population for CY

x 100,000

Number of Reserve suicides that occurred during CY

Average Reserve population for CY

x 100,000
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 51

Appendix A: Methods

Interpretive Considerations

This report provides a broad presentation of DoDSER items to support a wide variety of needs. Given 

that the surveillance system is designed to collect descriptive data and that we do not have a priori 

hypotheses related to potential risk factors, we did not engage in statistical comparisons of DoDSER 

variables between event types, Services, or years. Additional factors such as multiple comparisons, 

nonindependence for events (e.g., one person have more than one suicide attempt during the calendar 

year), and the difficulty in doing precise adjustment for all known (and unknown) differences between 

populations further precluded the use of formal statistical testing.

The data presented in this report are useful to characterize the nature of reported suicide events. It is not 

possible to determine statistically whether a given DoDSER variable is a risk or protective factor for suicide 

by relying solely on the data presented in this report. The variables included in the data collection process 

relate to risk and protective factors discussed in the suicide literature. To make a statistical inference about 

the contribution of any of these factors to the risk of suicide using the descriptive data in this report, data 

on the distribution of these variables in the population that gave rise to the suicide cases are needed. It 

is also important to consider how the “data unavailable” option that is provided for most DoDSER items 

may influence the interpretation of the results. The information required to answer some DoDSER items 

may have been available only for some respondents who benefited from detailed medical records or 

interviews with Service members who were familiar with the decedent’s history. Therefore, “data unavailable” 

responses were expected for some items. Percentages for many items were calculated using the total 

number of reports for a given outcome as the denominator. If one group had a higher “Data unavailable” 

response rate than comparison groups, comparisons of proportions of “Yes” responses can be misleading. 

The content area of an item of interest should be taken in to account when results are interpreted. Some 

DoDSER items were objective and very reliable, whereas others were subjective and this report reflected 

the best data available. Standardized coding guidance was available to DoDSER form completers.

Graphics

In this report, graphics were included to display the prevalence of certain risk factors over the years of data 

collection using the DoDSER system. To provide a visual gauge of precision, we included 95% confidence 

intervals for each of the prevalence estimates shown in the figures. The observed prevalence estimates 

(•) for each year represent the number of “Yes” responses to a particular item relative to the total number 

of events with a DoDSER report for that year. The confidence intervals ( ) were calculated using standard 

methods for variance estimation under the Binomial distribution [2]. These intervals reflect 95% of the 

range in which the true prevalence associated with each risk factor exists. The narrower an interval is, the 

more stable a prevalence estimate is considered to be. As a final note, without more rigorous analysis that 

incorporates adjustment for temporal and demographic differences and addresses the “data unavailable” 

category using appropriate missing data analysis techniques, it would be inappropriate to draw any 

inference as to differences between individual years or overall trends for any of the risk factors depicted. 

References

[1] Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum, “Standardized DoD Suicide 

Data and Reporting.” Draft.

[2] Rosner, B. Fundamentals of Biostatistics. 6th Ed. 2006, Belmont, CA: Duxbury.

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

A. Family/Relationship Stressors

0 25 50 75 100

Percent & 95% CI

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Year

B. Administrative/Legal Problems

100

C. Workplace/Financial Problems
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
53

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix B 

Suicide Rate Tables
54

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

Table B1. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component in the four Services, CY 

2010 - CY 2012

Continued >> 

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

All 319 22.7 301 18.0 295 17.5

Sex

Male 295 24.6 285 20.1 281 19.6

Female 24 11.7 16 * 14 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 5 * 6 * 6 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 12 * 17 * 16 *

Black/African American 44 18.7 37 13.4 36 12.9

White/Caucasian 244 25.1 231 19.7 235 19.8

Other/Unknown 14 * 10 * 2 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 27 17.2 18 * —— ——

Non-Hispanic 286 23.7 283 19.6 —— ——

Unknown 6 * 0 * —— ——

Age

17 - 24 130 24.8 114 19.3 140 23.0

25 - 29 87 25.0 91 22.8 76 19.3

30 - 34 50 22.6 32 12.5 30 12.1

35 - 39 33 20.9 36 18.8 33 16.5

40 - 44 11 * 22 16.2 14 *

45 - 74 8 * 6 * 2 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 2 * 0 * 1 *

E1-E4 162 26.6 148 21.1 161 22.9

E5-E9 124 22.9 128 19.0 118 17.2

Officer 25 11.5 25 9.7 15 *

Warrant Officer 6 * 0 * 0 *
55

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 3 * 5 * 2 *

Alternative high school certification 27 50.0 32 42.5 26 29.9

High school graduate 215 24.3 194 18.8 206 19.8

Some college, no degree 15 * 16 * 15 *

Degree, <4 years 19 * 18 * 18 *

4-year degree 23 14.2 22 12.5 18 *

Masters degree or greater 9 * 6 * 3 *

Unknown 8 * 8 * 7 *

Marital status

Never Married 127 22.9 107 16.5 125 19.0

Married 165 21.1 167 17.9 147 15.6

Legally Separated 0 * 0 * 1 *

Divorced 21 33.7 23 27.7 20 24.2

Widowed 1 * 4 * 0 *

Unknown 5 * 0 * 2 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because event was less than 20

—— Data were not collected

ƒ Numbers and rates based on calculations done prior to the method developed for the 2012 data. Case numbers 

include Service members in the Active Component and Service members in the Reserve Component in an Active 

status at the time of death 

Table B1. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component in the four Services, CY 

2010 - CY 2012 (cont.)

Referenced page 2
56

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

Table B2. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Selected Reserve‡ 

component in the four Services

Continued >> 

2012

Count Rate†

All 203 24.2

Sex

Male 189 27.5

Female 14 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 6 *

Black/African American 13 *

White/Caucasian 175 27.6

Other/Unknown 8 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 14 *

Non-Hispanic 189 25.3

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 76 30.7

25 - 29 40 23.9

30 - 34 28 23.0

35 - 39 13 *

40 - 44 25 27.4

45 - 74 21 17.2

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 109 30.1

E5-E9 77 21.9

Officer 17 14.9

Warrant Officer 0 *
57

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Table B2. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Selected Reserve‡ 

component in the four Services (cont.)

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 7 *

Alternative high school certification 19 *

High school graduate 102 25.0

Some college, no degree 32 25.0

Degree, <4 years 6 *

4-year degree 25 20.4

Masters degree or greater 6 *

Unknown 6 *

Marital status

Never Married 103 26.9

Married 80 20.3

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 20 32.9

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.
58

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

Table B3. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Reserve component 

of the Selected Reserve‡ in all four Services

Continued >> 

2012

Count Rate†

All 73 19.3

Sex

Male 66 22.1

Female 7 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 *

Black/African American 6 *

White/Caucasian 59 22.5

Other/Unknown 5 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 10 *

Non-Hispanic 63 19.6

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 31 30.3

25 - 29 16 *

30 - 34 9 *

35 - 39 4 *

40 - 44 5 *

45 - 74 8 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 42 26.5

E5-E9 21 13.8

Officer 10 *

Warrant Officer 0 *
59

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 3 *

Alternative high school certification 5 *

High school graduate 44 20.1

Some college, no degree 5 *

Degree, <4 years 1 *

4-year degree 12 *

Masters degree or greater 3 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 41 24.5

Married 25 13.9

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 7 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B3. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Reserve component 

of the Selected Reserve‡ in all four Services (cont.)
60

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

Table B4. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the National Guard component of the 

Selected Reserve‡, Air Force and Army only

Continued >> 

2012

Count Rate†

All 130 28.1

Sex

Male 123 31.6

Female 7 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 *

Black/African American 7 *

White/Caucasian 116 31.1

Other/Unknown 3 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 4 *

Non-Hispanic 126 29.6

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 45 30.9

25 - 29 24 26.5

30 - 34 19 *

35 - 39 9 *

40 - 44 20 41.4

45 - 74 13 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 67 32.9

E5-E9 56 28.0

Officer 7 *

Warrant Officer 0 *
61

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 4 *

Alternative high school certification 14 *

High school graduate 58 30.7

Some college, no degree 27 24.4

Degree, <4 years 5 *

4-year degree 13 *

Masters degree or greater 3 *

Unknown 6 *

Marital status

Never Married 62 28.8

Married 55 25.6

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 13 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡ Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B4. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the National Guard component of the 

Selected Reserve‡, Air Force and Army only (cont.)
62

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

All 50 15.0 50 13.3 59 15.5

Sex

Male 45 16.7 46 15.1 57 18.6

Female 5 * 4 * 2 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 * 2 * 1 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 * 1 * 1 *

Black/African American 1 * 8 * 8 *

White/Caucasian 43 17.8 34 12.3 48 17.2

Other/Unknown 2 * 5 * 1 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 0 * 1 * —— ——

Non-Hispanic 48 15.4 49 13.9 —— ——

Unknown 2 * 0 * —— ——

Age

17 - 24 26 23.7 21 18.3 20 23.0

25 - 29 11 * 12 * 16 *

30 - 34 6 * 2 * 5 *

35 - 39 5 * 9 * 14 *

40 - 44 2 * 4 * 3 *

45 - 74 0 * 2 * 1 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 2 * 0 * 1 *

E1-E4 26 21.7 22 17.6 24 19.4

E5-E9 20 13.8 22 12.7 31 17.5

Officer 2 * 6 * 3 *

Warrant Officer 0 * 0 * 0 *

Table B5. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Air Force, CY 

2010 - CY 2012

Continued >> 
63

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 0 * 0 * 0 *

Alternative high school certification 0 * 0 * 0 *

High school graduate 35 18.5 32 16.1 42 20.6

Some college, no degree 0 * 2 * 6 *

Degree, <4 years 8 * 7 * 5 *

4-year degree 3 * 6 * 5 *

Masters degree or greater 2 * 3 * 0 *

Unknown 2 * 0 * 1 *

Marital status

Never Married 29 24.5 17 * 18 *

Married 16 * 30 13.6 34 15.2

Legally Separated 0 * 0 * 0 *

Divorced 5 * 3 * 6 *

Widowed 0 * 0 * 0 *

Unknown 0 * 0 * 1 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

—— Data were not collected

ƒ Numbers and rates based on calculations done prior to the method developed for the 2012 data. Case numbers 

include Service members in the Active Component and Service members in the Reserve Component in an Active 

status at the time of death 

Table B5. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Air Force, CY 

2010 - CY 2012 (cont.)
64

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 4 *

Sex

Male 4 *

Female 0 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 0 *

Black/African American 0 *

White/Caucasian 3 *

Other/Unknown 1 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 0 *

Non-Hispanic 4 *

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 1 *

25 - 29 1 *

30 - 34 0 *

35 - 39 0 *

40 - 44 0 *

45 - 74 2 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 2 *

E5-E9 1 *

Officer 1 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B6. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Air Force Reserve component 

of the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
65

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 0 *

Alternative high school certification 0 *

High school graduate 3 *

Some college, no degree 0 *

Degree, <4 years 0 *

4-year degree 0 *

Masters degree or greater 1 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 1 *

Married 3 *

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 0 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B6. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Air Force Reserve component 

of the Selected Reserve‡ (cont.)
66

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 20 19.1

Sex

Male 19 *

Female 1 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 0 *

Black/African American 1 *

White/Caucasian 18 *

Other/Unknown 0 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 0 *

Non-Hispanic 20 20.1

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 3 *

25 - 29 5 *

30 - 34 2 *

35 - 39 1 *

40 - 44 2 *

45 - 74 7 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 5 *

E5-E9 13 *

Officer 2 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B7. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Air National Guard component 

of the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
67

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 1 *

Alternative high school certification 0 *

High school graduate 2 *

Some college, no degree 13 *

Degree, <4 years 2 *

4-year degree 1 *

Masters degree or greater 1 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 5 *

Married 11 *

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 4 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B7. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Air National Guard component 

of the Selected Reserve‡
68

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

All 164 29.7 167 22.9 160 21.7

Sex

Male 152 31.8 156 24.9 151 23.8

Female 12 * 11 * 9 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 3 * 1 * 4 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 7 * 12 * 11 *

Black/African American 31 27.4 17 * 20 14.1

White/Caucasian 121 31.7 135 26.1 125 23.9

Other/Unknown 2 * 2 * 0 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 10 * 10 * —— ——

Non-Hispanic 153 31.9 157 24.5 —— ——

Unknown 1 * 0 * —— ——

Age

17 - 24 55 29.4 56 24.1 76 31.6

25 - 29 48 34.6 56 32.3 46 26.3

30 - 34 28 30.3 20 17.3 17 *

35 - 39 22 33.9 19 * 11 *

40 - 44 5 * 15 * 10 *

45 - 74 6 * 1 * 0 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 * 0 * 0 *

E1-E4 81 32.9 86 27.5 93 29.4

E5-E9 64 31.4 69 24.2 61 20.9

Officer 13 * 12 * 6 *

Warrant Officer 6 * 0 * 0 *

Table B8. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Army, CY 2010 - 

CY 2012

Continued >> 
69

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 1 * 4 * 2 *

Alternative high school certification 23 57.0 24 40.8 21 30.7

High school graduate 101 31.8 101 23.9 104 24.6

Some college, no degree 13 * 11 * 7 *

Degree, <4 years 7 * 9 * 11 *

4-year degree 13 * 12 * 11 *

Masters degree or greater 6 * 1 * 0 *

Unknown 0 * 5 * 4 *

Marital status

Never Married 46 24.0 57 22.2 67 25.1

Married 104 31.8 92 21.7 81 19.2

Legally Separated 0 * 0 * 0 *

Divorced 13 * 15 * 11 *

Widowed 1 * 3 * 0 *

Unknown 0 * 0 * 1 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

—— Data were not collected

ƒ Numbers and rates based on calculations done prior to the method developed for the 2012 data. Case numbers 

include Service members in the Active Component and Service members in the Reserve Component in an Active 

status at the time of death 

Table B8. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Army, CY 2010 - 

CY 2012 (cont.)
70

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 50 24.7

Sex

Male 45 28.8

Female 5 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 2 *

Black/African American 6 *

White/Caucasian 40 29.2

Other/Unknown 2 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 8 *

Non-Hispanic 42 24.1

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 20 34.1

25 - 29 10 *

30 - 34 7 *

35 - 39 4 *

40 - 44 5 *

45 - 74 4 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 29 30.5

E5-E9 13 *

Officer 8 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B9. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Army Reserve component of 

the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
71

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 3 *

Alternative high school certification 5 *

High school graduate 24 22.2

Some college, no degree 4 *

Degree, <4 years 1 *

4-year degree 11 *

Masters degree or greater 2 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 29 31.0

Married 16 *

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 5 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B9. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Army Reserve component of 

the Selected Reserve‡ (cont.)
72

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 110 30.8

Sex

Male 104 34.2

Female 6 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 *

Black/African American 6 *

White/Caucasian 98 34.2

Other/Unknown 3 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 4 *

Non-Hispanic 106 32.5

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 42 32.8

25 - 29 19 *

30 - 34 17 *

35 - 39 8 *

40 - 44 18 *

45 - 74 6 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 62 35.1

E5-E9 43 31.4

Officer 5 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B10. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Army National Guard 

component of the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
73

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 3 *

Alternative high school certification 14 *

High school graduate 56 30.6

Some college, no degree 14 *

Degree, <4 years 3 *

4-year degree 12 *

Masters degree or greater 2 *

Unknown 6 *

Marital status

Never Married 57 31.7

Married 44 28.5

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 9 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B10. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Army National Guard 

component of the Selected Reserve‡
74

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

All 48 24.3 32 14.9 37 17.2

Sex

Male 45 24.5 32 15.9 36 17.9

Female 3 * 0 * 1 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 * 1 * 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 1 * 2 * 2 *

Black/African American 8 * 3 * 3 *

White/Caucasian 35 22.5 26 15.3 32 19.0

Other/Unknown 3 * 0 * 0 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 5 * 1 * —— ——

Non-Hispanic 43 25.5 31 16.7 —— ——

Unknown 0 * 0 * —— ——

Age

17 - 24 29 26.3 23 19.3 22 17.9

25 - 29 13 * 6 * 8 *

30 - 34 4 * 2 * 5 *

35 - 39 1 * 0 * 1 *

40 - 44 1 * 0 * 0 *

45 - 74 0 * 1 * 1 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 * 0 * 0 *

E1-E4 35 30.6 21 16.9 22 17.4

E5-E9 13 * 9 * 12 *

Officer 0 * 2 * 3 *

Warrant Officer 0 * 0 * 0 *

Table B11. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Marine 

Corps, CY 2010 - CY 2012

Continued >> 
75

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 2 * 0 * 0 *

Alternative high school certification 1 * 4 * 1 *

High school graduate 40 24.7 25 14.1 30 17.0

Some college, no degree 1 * 0 * 1 *

Degree, <4 years 1 * 1 * 1 *

4-year degree 0 * 2 * 2 *

Masters degree or greater 0 * 0 * 2 *

Unknown 3 * 0 * 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 26 27.8 18 * 18 *

Married 22 23.0 12 * 17 *

Legally Separated 0 * 0 * 1 *

Divorced 0 * 2 * 1 *

Widowed 0 * 0 * 0 *

Unknown 0 * 0 * 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

—— Data were not collected

ƒ Numbers and rates based on calculations done prior to the method developed for the 2012 data. Case numbers 

include Service members in the Active Component and Service members in the Reserve Component in an Active 

status at the time of death 

Table B11. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Marine 

Corps, CY 2010 - CY 2012 (cont.)
76

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 11 *

Sex

Male 10 *

Female 1 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 1 *

Black/African American 0 *

White/Caucasian 10 *

Other/Unknown 0 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 1 *

Non-Hispanic 10 *

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 7 *

25 - 29 3 *

30 - 34 0 *

35 - 39 0 *

40 - 44 0 *

45 - 74 1 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 7 *

E5-E9 3 *

Officer 1 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B12. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Marine Corps Reserve 

component of the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
77

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 0 *

Alternative high school certification 0 *

High school graduate 9 *

Some college, no degree 1 *

Degree, <4 years 0 *

4-year degree 1 *

Masters degree or greater 0 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 8 *

Married 3 *

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 0 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B12. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Marine Corps Reserve 

component of the Selected Reserve‡ (cont.)
78

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

All 57 17.8 52 15.0 39 11.1

Sex

Male 53 19.9 51 17.6 37 12.6

Female 4 * 1 * 2 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 * 2 * 1 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 1 * 2 * 2 *

Black/African American 4 * 9 * 5 *

White/Caucasian 45 23.3 36 17.0 30 13.9

Other/Unknown 7 * 3 * 1 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 12 * 6 * —— ——

Non-Hispanic 42 17.2 46 17.5 —— ——

Unknown 3 * 0 * —— ——

Age

17 - 24 20 17.0 14 * 22 17.2

25 - 29 15 * 17 * 6 *

30 - 34 12 * 8 * 3 *

35 - 39 5 * 8 * 7 *

40 - 44 3 * 3 * 1 *

45 - 74 2 * 2 * 0 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 * 0 * 0 *

E1-E4 20 15.5 19 * 22 16.2

E5-E9 27 20.2 28 19.0 14 *

Officer 10 * 5 * 3 *

Warrant Officer 0 * 0 * 0 *

Table B13. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Navy, CY 2010 - 

CY 2012

Continued >> 
79

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012 2011ƒ 2010ƒ

Count Rate† Count Rate† Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 0 * 1 * 0 *

Alternative high school certification 3 * 4 * 4 *

High school graduate 39 18.0 36 15.4 30 12.6

Some college, no degree 1 * 3 * 1 *

Degree, <4 years 3 * 1 * 1 *

4-year degree 7 * 2 * 0 *

Masters degree or greater 1 * 2 * 1 *

Unknown 3 * 3 * 2 *

Marital status

Never Married 26 17.2 15 * 22 13.6

Married 23 13.7 33 17.7 15 *

Legally Separated 0 * 0 * 0 *

Divorced 3 * 3 * 2 *

Widowed 0 * 1 * 0 *

Unknown 5 * 0 * 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

—— Data were not collected

ƒ Numbers and rates based on calculations done prior to the method developed for the 2012 data. Case numbers 

include Service members in the Active Component and Service members in the Reserve Component in an Active 

status at the time of death 

Table B13. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide among Service members in the Active component of the Navy, CY 2010 - 

CY 2012
80

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

2012

Count Rate†

All 8 *

Sex

Male 7 *

Female 1 *

Race

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0 *

Asian/Pacific Islander 0 *

Black/African American 0 *

White/Caucasian 6 *

Other/Unknown 2 *

Ethnicity

Hispanic 1 *

Non-Hispanic 7 *

Unknown 0 *

Age

17 - 24 3 *

25 - 29 2 *

30 - 34 2 *

35 - 39 0 *

40 - 44 0 *

45 - 74 1 *

Rank

Cadet/Midshipmen 0 *

E1-E4 4 *

E5-E9 4 *

Officer 0 *

Warrant Officer 0 *

Table B14. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Navy Reserve component of 

the Selected Reserve‡

Continued >> 
81

Appendix B: Suicide Rate Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

2012

Count Rate†

Education

Some high school, did not graduate 0 *

Alternative high school certification 0 *

High school graduate 8 *

Some college, no degree 0 *

Degree, <4 years 0 *

4-year degree 0 *

Masters degree or greater 0 *

Unknown 0 *

Marital status

Never Married 3 *

Married 3 *

Legally Separated 0 *

Divorced 2 *

Widowed 0 *

Unknown 0 *

† Rates per 100,000 Service members

* Rate not calculated because there were fewer than 20 events in the category

‡Includes Service members in any duty status. Service members in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) were not 

included.

§ Rate data prior to 2012 were not calculated separately for the Selected Reserve component.

Table B14. Demographic characteristics and rates of suicide for CY 2012§ among Service members in the Navy Reserve component of 

the Selected Reserve‡ (cont.)
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
85

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix C 

Tables for all Services Combined
86

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

All 318¶ 100.0

Sex Male 295 92.8

Female 23 7.2

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 5 1.6

Asian/Pacific Islander 8 2.5

Black/African American 35 11.0

White/Caucasian 236 74.2

Other/Unknown 34 10.7

Ethnicity Hispanic 24 7.5

Non-Hispanic 218 68.6

Unknown 76 23.9

Age Range 17 - 24 126 39.6

25 - 29 86 27.0

30 - 34 48 15.1

35 - 39 33 10.4

40 - 44 16 5.0

45 - 74 9 2.8

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Rank Cadet/Midshipman 2 0.6

E1-E4 158 49.7

E5-E9 124 39.0

Officer 28 8.8

Warrant Officer 4 1.3

Data unavailable 2 0.6

Component Active 296 93.1

Reserve 22 6.9

Other 0 0.0

Table C1. Demographic characteristics of suicide DoDSERs from all four Services submitted for CY 2012

Continued >> 
87

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 1 0.3

Alternative high school certification 13 4.1

High school graduate 123 38.7

Some college, no degree 71 22.3

Degree, <4 years 12 3.8

4-year degree 26 8.2

Masters degree or greater 4 1.3

Unknown 68 21.4

Marital Status Never married 119 37.4

Married 154 48.4

Legally separated 5 1.6

Divorced 24 7.5

Widowed 3 0.9

Other 13 4.1

Data unavailable 0 0.0

¶ This number includes DoDSERs submitted for Service members who were part of the Active component and the 

Reserve component in an Active status at the time of the event. Only suicides confirmed by AFMES by 31 January 

2013 were required to be submitted by 31 March 2013 for inclusion in this report.

Table C1. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 4
88

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Table C2. Event location, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services 

combined

Continued >> 

Count %

All 318 100.0

Geographic location United States 275 86.5

Afghanistan 21 6.6

Kuwait 2 0.6

Korea 2 0.6

Other Europe 1 0.3

Japan 4 1.3

Germany 4 1.3

Shipboard 1 0.3

Other 1 0.3

Data unavailable 7 2.2

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 198 62.3

Residence of friend or family 19 6

Work/jobsite 25 7.9

Automobile (away from residence) 20 6.3

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 1 0.3

Hotel 12 3.8

Jail/Military control 2 0.6

Other 35 11

Data unavailable 6 1.9

Event method (AFMES) Asphyxiation 81 25.5

Cutting/Piercing 3 0.9

Drowning 3 0.9

Drugs/Alcohol 11 3.5

Fall/Jump 5 1.6

Gunshot 207 65.1

Military issued firearm§ 36 17.4

Non-military issued firearm§ 157 75.8

Firearm of unknown source§ 14 6.8

Poisoning 5 1.6

Motor vehicle 3 0.9

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Alcohol used during event (AFMES) Yes 107 33.6

No 166 52.2

Data unavailable 45 14.1
89

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Table C2. Event location, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services 

combined (cont.)

Count %

Drugs used during event (AFMES) Yes 78 24.5

Illicit drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 6 7.7

Inhalants Used, cause of death§ 2 2.6

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, cause of death§ 7 9.0

Used, not cause of death§ 51 65.4

OTC drugs Used, cause of death§ 5 6.4

Used, not cause of death§ 24 30.8

No 90 28.3

Data unavailable 150 47.2

Alcohol and drugs used during event 

(AFMES)

Yes 33 10.4

No 197 61.9

Data unavailable 88 27.7

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 91 28.6

Mode Written§ 4 4.4

Verbal§ 66 72.5

Electronic§ 34 37.4

Other§ 1 1.1

Number of types of recipients 1§ 68 74.7

2§ 18 19.8

3§ 2 2.2

4 or more§ 1 1.1

Recipients Supervisor§ 15 16.5

Chaplain§ 2 2.2

Mental Health Staff§ 13 14.3

Friend§ 26 28.6

Spouse/significant other§ 45 49.5

Family§ 4 4.4

Social Media§ 2 2.2

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 3 3.3

Helpline§ 1 1.1

Other§ 3 3.3

No 155 48.7

Data unavailable 72 22.6

Continued >> 
90

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Table C2. Event location, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Count %

Death risk gambling Yes 3 0.9

No 248 78.0

Data unavailable 67 21.1

Event planned Yes 105 33.0

No 76 23.9

Data unavailable 137 43.1

Event observable Yes 68 21.4

No 195 61.3

Data unavailable 55 17.3

Left suicide note Yes 76 23.9

No 144 45.3

Data unavailable 98 30.8

Residence Shared military living environment 84 26.4

Bachelor quarters 11 3.5

On-base family housing 21 6.6

Private residence 156 49.1

Ship 2 0.6

Other 24 7.5

Data unavailable 20 6.3

Married Service member residence Not married 151 47.5

Married, resides with spouse 80 25.2

Married, not living together, relationship issues 45 14.2

Married, not living together, other reasons 20 6.3

Data unavailable 22 6.9

Service member resided alone Yes 95 29.9

No 181 56.9

Data unavailable 42 13.2

Had minor children Yes, lived with SM 52 16.4

Yes, did not live with SM 59 18.6

No children 159 50.0

Data unavailable 48 15.1

Continued >> 
91

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Table C2. Event location, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Count %

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 174 54.7

No 62 19.5

Data unavailable 82 25.8

Duty environment at time of event‡ Permanent duty station 208 65.4

Leave 18 5.7

TDY 4 1.3

AWOL 11 3.5

Deployed 25 7.9

Training 11 3.5

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 0.3

Medical Hold 12 3.8

Other 43 13.5

Unknown 17 5.3

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Referenced page 4
92

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Continued >> 

Count %

All 318 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 134 42.1

Number of diagnoses 1§ 81 60.4

2§ 27 20.1

3§ 14 10.4

4 or more§ 12 9.0

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 60 44.8

Bipolar¶ 6 10.0

Major depression¶ 35 58.3

Dysthymic¶ 10 16.7

Other mood disorder¶ 22 36.7

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 4 6.7

Anxiety disorder§ 55 34.8

Posttraumatic stress¶ 17 30.9

Panic¶ 7 12.7

Generalized anxiety¶ 13 23.6

Acute stress¶ 2 3.6

Other anxiety disorder¶ 22 40.0

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 3 5.5

Personality disorder§ 12 9.0

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 82 61.2

Traumatic brain injury§ 11 8.2

No 154 48.4

Data unavailable 30 9.4

Sleep disorder Yes 48 15.1

No 224 70.4

Data unavailable 46 14.5

History of Substance Abuse Yes 73 23.0

No 176 55.3

Data unavailable 69 21.7

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 31 9.7

No 104 32.7

Data unavailable 183 57.5

Table C3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined
93

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 43 13.5

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 25 58.1

More than one prior event§ 18 41.9

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 18 41.9

No 189 59.4

Data unavailable 86 27.0

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 43 13.5

No 197 61.9

Data unavailable 78 24.5

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 194 61.0

Military Treatment Facility§ 177 91.2

Substance Abuse Services§ 26 13.4

Family Advocacy Program§ 25 12.9

Chaplain Services§ 16 8.2

Outpatient behavioral health§ 91 46.9

Inpatient behavioral health§ 21 10.8

No 114 35.8

Data unavailable 10 3.1

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 93 29.2

No 159 50.0

Data unavailable 66 20.8

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 63 19.8

Antidepressants§ 48 76.2

Anxiolytics§ 26 41.3

Antimanics§ 1 1.6

Anticonvulsants§ 6 9.5

Antipsychotics§ 6 9.5

Sleep medications§ 25 39.7

No 189 59.4

Data unavailable 66 20.8

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 46 14.5

No 174 54.7

Data unavailable 98 30.8

Table C3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Continued >> 
94

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 19 6.0

No 210 66.0

Data unavailable 89 28.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category

Table C3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 5
95

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Continued >> 

Count %

All 318 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 129 40.6

Failed intimate relationship§ 108 83.7

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 34 26.4

Death of spouse or family member§ 4 3.1

Death of friend§ 4 3.1

Family/spouse illness§ 16 12.4

No 129 40.6

Data unavailable 60 18.9

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 19 6.0

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 12 63.2

Friend suicide§ 7 36.8

No 235 73.9

Data unavailable 64 20.1

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 103 32.4

Courts martial proceedings§ 7 6.8

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 33 32.0

Administrative separation§ 29 28.2

AWOL§ 19 18.4

Medical evaluation board§ 14 13.6

Civil legal problems§ 34 33.0

Non-selection for promotion§ 12 11.7

No 184 57.9

Data unavailable 31 9.7

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 102 32.1

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 30 29.4

Job problems§ 63 61.8

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 33 32.4

Poor performance review§ 35 34.3

Unit/workplace hazing§ 4 3.9

No 148 46.5

Data unavailable 68 21.4

Table C4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined
96

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 33 10.4

Physical abuse§ 22 66.7

Sexual abuse§ 10 30.3

Emotional abuse§ 22 66.7

Sexual harassment§ 3 9.1

No 188 59.1

Data unavailable 97 30.5

Abuse perpetration history Yes 42 13.2

Physical abuse§ 30 71.4

Sexual abuse§ 10 23.8

Emotional abuse§ 16 38.1

Sexual harassment§ 1 2.4

No 195 61.3

Data unavailable 81 25.5

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set

Table C4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace conflicts, and 

abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 5
97

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 318 100.0

History of deployment Yes 182 57.2

Number of deployment 1§ 98 53.8

2§ 43 23.6

3 or more§ 41 22.5

No 135 42.5

Data unavailable 1 0.3

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 151 47.5

Iraq§ 85 56.3

Afghanistan§ 87 57.6

Kuwait§ 9 6.0

No 166 52.2

Data unavailable 1 0.3

Events in theater Afghanistan 21 6.6

Kuwait 2 0.6

Other location 1 0.3

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 294 92.5

History of direct combat Yes 43 13.5

Wounded others combat§ 22 51.2

Service member wounded in combat§ 5 11.6

Witnessed killing§ 16 37.2

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 19 44.2

Killed others in combat§ 7 16.3

No 52 16.4

Not applicable 135 42.5

Data unavailable 88 27.7

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set

Table C5. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 suicide DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined

Referenced page 6
98

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

All 869 100.0

Sex Male 663 76.3

Female 206 23.7

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 11 1.3

Asian/Pacific Islander 28 3.2

Black/African American 165 19.0

White/Caucasian 589 67.8

Other/Unknown 76 8.7

Ethnicity Hispanic 102 11.7

Non-Hispanic 641 73.8

Unknown 126 14.5

Age Range 17 - 24 506 58.2

25 - 29 201 23.1

30 - 34 74 8.5

35 - 39 47 5.4

40 - 44 30 3.5

45 - 74 10 1.2

Data unavailable 1 0.1

Rank Cadet/Midshipman 2 0.2

E1-E4 575 66.2

E5-E9 188 21.6

Officer 24 2.8

Warrant Officer 4 0.5

Data unavailable 76 8.7

Component Active 829 95.4

Reserve 32 3.7

Other 8 0.9

Table C6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined

Continued >> 
99

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 5 0.6

Alternative high school certification 35 4.0

High school graduate 411 47.3

Some college, no degree 238 27.4

Degree, <4 years 33 3.8

4-year degree 35 4.0

Masters degree or greater 9 1.0

Unknown 103 11.9

Marital Status Never married 385 44.3

Married 364 41.9

Legally separated 21 2.4

Divorced 59 6.8

Widowed 2 0.2

Other 6 0.7

Data unavailable 32 3.7

Table C6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 7
100

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

All 869 100.0

Geographic location United States 741 85.3

Afghanistan 8 0.9

Kuwait 2 0.2

Korea 7 0.8

Other Europe 33 3.8

Japan 26 3.0

Germany 10 1.2

At sea 7 0.8

Other 7 0.8

Data unavailable 28 3.2

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 683 78.6

Residence of friend or family 32 3.7

Work/jobsite 33 3.8

Automobile (away from residence) 45 5.2

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 6 0.7

Outpatient medical/behavioral health 4 0.5

Emergency room 5 0.6

Hotel 15 1.7

Jail/Military control 2 0.2

Other 35 4

Data unavailable 9 1

Event method Drugs 476 54.8

Alcohol 25 2.9

Gas, vehicle exhaust 12 1.4

Gas, utility (or other) 1 0.1

Chemicals 18 2.1

Hanging 95 10.9

Drowning 1 0.1

Firearm, military issued 9 1.0

Firearm, not military issued 35 4.0

Fire/steam 1 0.1

Sharp/blunt object 107 12.3

Jumping from high place 10 1.2

Lying in front of a moving object 5 0.6

Crashing a motor vehicle 21 2.4

Other 7 0.8

Data unavailable 46 5.3

Table C7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide attempt reports from all Services combined

Continued >> 
101

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Alcohol used during event Yes 262 30.1

No 491 56.5

Data unavailable 116 13.3

Drugs used during event Yes 519 59.7

Illicit drugs Used, overdose§ 25 4.8

Used, no overdose§ 17 3.3

Prescription drugs Used, overdose§ 286 55.1

Used, no overdose§ 53 10.2

OTC drugs Used, overdose§ 142 27.4

Used, no overdose§ 24 4.6

No 282 32.5

Data unavailable 68 7.8

Both alcohol and drugs used Yes 163 18.8

No 585 67.3

Data unavailable 121 13.9

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 191 22.0

Mode Written§ 13 6.8

Verbal§ 142 74.3

Electronic§ 47 24.6

Other§ 2 1.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 139 72.8

2§ 34 17.8

3§ 8 4.2

4 or more§ 2 1.0

Recipient Supervisor§ 32 16.8

Chaplain§ 3 1.6

Mental Health Staff§ 41 21.5

Friend§ 53 27.7

Spouse/significant other§ 72 37.7

Family§ 22 11.5

Social Media§ 6 3.1

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 3 1.6

Helpline§ 4 2.1

Other§ 3 1.6

No 544 62.6

Data unavailable 134 15.4

Table C7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide attempt reports from all Services combined (cont.)

Continued >> 
102

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

Self-inflicted injuries Yes 409 47.1

No 362 41.7

Data unavailable 98 11.3

Death risk gambling Yes 19 2.2

No 777 89.4

Data unavailable 73 8.4

Event planned Yes 241 27.7

No 436 50.2

Data unavailable 192 22.1

Event observable Yes 331 38.1

No 416 47.9

Data unavailable 122 14.0

Left suicide note Yes 88 10.1

No 688 79.2

Data unavailable 93 10.7

Residence Shared military living environment 359 41.3

Bachelor quarters 21 2.4

On-base family housing 47 5.4

Private residence 309 35.6

Ship 15 1.7

Other 40 4.6

Data unavailable 78 9.0

Married Service member residence Not married 473 54.4

Married, resides with spouse 196 22.6

Married, not living together, relationship issues 82 9.4

Married, not living together, other reasons 62 7.1

Data unavailable 56 6.4

Service member resided alone Yes 283 32.6

No 480 55.2

Data unavailable 106 12.2

Table C7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide attempt reports from all Services combined (cont.)

Continued >> 
103

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Had minor children Yes, live with Service member 147 16.9

Yes, do not live with Service member 122 14.0

No children 516 59.4

Data unavailable 84 9.7

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 87 10.0

No 600 69.0

Data unavailable 182 20.9

Duty environment at time of event‡ Permanent duty station 598 68.8

Leave 20 2.3

TDY 11 1.3

AWOL 8 0.9

Deployed 23 2.6

Training 68 7.8

Psychiatric Hospitalization 8 0.9

Medical Hold 24 2.8

Other 59 6.8

Unknown 76 8.7

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table C7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 suicide attempt reports from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 7
104

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

All 869 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 452 52.0

Number of diagnoses 1§ 227 50.2

2§ 130 28.8

3§ 53 11.7

4 or more§ 42 9.3

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 293 64.8

Bipolar¶ 25 8.5

Major depression¶ 176 60.1

Dysthymic¶ 29 9.9

Other mood disorder¶ 94 32.1

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 23 7.8

Anxiety disorder§ 195 43.1

Posttraumatic stress¶ 88 45.1

Panic¶ 22 11.3

Generalized anxiety¶ 36 18.5

Acute stress¶ 10 5.1

Other anxiety disorder¶ 65 33.3

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 25 12.8

Personality disorder§ 60 13.3

Psychotic disorder§ 8 1.8

Adjustment disorder§ 204 45.1

Traumatic brain injury§ 42 9.3

No 357 41.1

Data unavailable 60 6.9

Sleep disorder Yes 87 10.0

No 691 79.5

Data unavailable 91 10.5

History of substance abuse Yes 248 28.5

No 518 59.6

Data unavailable 103 11.9

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 240 27.6

No 477 54.9

Data unavailable 152 17.5

Table C8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined

Continued >> 
105

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 236 27.2

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 104 44.1

More than one prior event§ 130 55.1

Event similar to prior 

self injury

Yes§ 133 56.4

No 535 61.6

Data unavailable 98 11.3

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 114 13.1

No 671 77.2

Data unavailable 84 9.7

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 588 67.7

Military Treatment Facility§ 446 75.9

Substance Abuse Services§ 118 20.1

Family Advocacy Program§ 47 8.0

Chaplain Services§ 72 12.2

Outpatient behavioral health§ 399 67.9

Inpatient behavioral health§ 116 19.7

No 236 27.2

Data unavailable 45 5.2

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 335 38.6

No 454 52.2

Data unavailable 80 9.2

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 269 31.0

Antidepressants§ 233 86.6

Anxiolytics§ 118 43.9

Antimanics§ 11 4.1

Anticonvulsants§ 16 5.9

Antipsychotics§ 29 10.8

Sleep medications§ 149 55.4

No 519 59.7

Data unavailable 81 9.3

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 161 18.5

No 575 66.2

Data unavailable 133 15.3

Table C8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Continued >> 
106

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 76 8.7

No 649 74.7

Data unavailable 144 16.6

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table C8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 8
107

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 869 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 377 43.4

Failed intimate relationship§ 305 80.9

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 81 21.5

Death of spouse or family member§ 20 5.3

Death of friend§ 23 6.1

Family/spouse illness§ 47 12.5

No 431 49.6

Data unavailable 61 7.0

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 106 12.2

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 52 49.1

Friend suicide§ 64 60.4

No 695 80.0

Data unavailable 68 7.8

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 270 31.1

Courts martial proceedings§ 28 10.4

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 118 43.7

Administrative separation§ 71 26.3

AWOL§ 35 13.0

Medical evaluation board§ 70 25.9

Civil legal problems§ 58 21.5

Non-selection for promotion§ 17 6.3

No 542 62.4

Data unavailable 57 6.6

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 333 38.3

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 66 19.8

Job problems§ 251 75.4

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 184 55.3

Poor performance review§ 92 27.6

Unit/workplace hazing§ 25 7.5

No 435 50.1

Data unavailable 101 11.6

Table C9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace conflicts, and 

abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined

Continued >> 
108

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 267 30.7

Physical abuse§ 156 58.4

Sexual abuse§ 127 47.6

Emotional abuse§ 186 69.7

Sexual harassment§ 34 12.7

No 514 59.1

Data unavailable 88 10.1

Abuse perpetration history Yes 84 9.7

Physical abuse§ 62 73.8

Sexual abuse§ 14 16.7

Emotional abuse§ 23 27.4

Sexual harassment§ 6 7.1

No 686 78.9

Data unavailable 99 11.4

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table C9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace conflicts, and 

abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined (cont.)

Referenced page 8
109

Appendix C: Tables for All Services Combined

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 869 100.0

History of deployment Yes 378 43.5

Number of deployments 1§ 208 55.0

2§ 97 25.7

3 or more§ 73 19.3

No 491 56.5

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 312 35.9

Iraq§ 182 58.3

Afghanistan§ 174 55.8

Kuwait§ 22 7.1

No 557 64.1

Events in theater Afghanistan 8 0.9

Kuwait 2 0.2

Shipboard 2 0.2

Other location 3 0.3

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 854 98.3

History of direct combat Yes 104 12.0

Wounded others combat§ 75 72.1

Service member wounded in combat§ 26 25.0

Witnessed killing§ 75 72.1

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 73 70.2

Killed others in combat§ 42 40.4

No 163 18.8

Not applicable 491 56.5

Data unavailable 111 12.8

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table C10. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 suicide attempt DoDSERs submitted from all Services combined

Referenced page 9
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
111

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix D 

AIR FORCE TABLES
112

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

All 57¶ 100.0

Sex Male 51 89.5

Female 6 10.5

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 2 3.5

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 5.3

Black/African American 1 1.8

White/Caucasian 47 82.5

Other/Unknown 4 7.0

Ethnicity Hispanic 2 3.5

Non-Hispanic 42 73.7

Unknown 13 22.8

Age Range 17 - 24 26 45.6

25 - 29 13 22.8

30 - 34 6 10.5

35 - 39 6 10.5

40 - 44 3 5.3

45 - 74 3 5.3

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 2 3.5

E1-E4 25 43.9

E5-E9 25 43.9

Officer 4 7.0

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Table D1. Demographic characteristics of Air Force suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012

Continued >> 
113

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Component Active 49 86.0

Reserve 8 14.0

Other 0 0.0

Education Some high school, did not graduate 1 1.8

Alternative high school certification 0 0.0

High school graduate 10 17.5

Some college, no degree 22 38.6

Degree, <4 years 5 8.8

4-year degree 7 12.3

Masters degree or greater 0 0.0

Unknown 12 21.1

Marital Status Never married 29 50.9

Married 22 38.6

Legally separated 0 0.0

Divorced 5 8.8

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 1 1.8

¶ This number includes DoDSERs submitted for Service members who were part of the Active component and the Reserve 

component in an Active status at the time of the event. Only suicides confirmed by AFMES by 31 January 2013 were 

required to be submitted by 31 March 2013 for inclusion in this report.

Table D1. Demographic characteristics of Air Force suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012 (cont.)

Referenced page 12
114

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Table D2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 

Count %

All 57 100.0

Geographic location United States 53 93.0

Afghanistan 0 0.0

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 1 1.8

Other Europe 0 0.0

Japan 2 3.5

Germany 1 1.8

At sea 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 40 70.2

Residence of friend or family 0 0.0

Work/jobsite 3 5.3

Automobile (away from residence) 3 5.3

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 0 0.0

Hotel 3 5.3

Jail/Military control 0 0.0

Other 8 14.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event method (AFMES) Asphyxiation 13 22.8

Cutting/Piercing 0 0.0

Drowning 0 0.0

Drugs/Alcohol 0 0.0

Fall/Jump 1 1.8

Gunshot 41 71.9

Military issued firearm§ 3 7.3

Non-military issued firearm§ 36 87.8

Firearm of unknown source§ 2 4.9

Poisoning 2 3.5

Motor vehicle 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Alcohol used during event (AFMES) Yes 19 33.3

No 24 42.1

Data unavailable 14 24.6
115

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Table D2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 

Count %

Drugs used during event (AFMES) Yes 12 21.1

Illicit drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Inhalants Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 7 58.3

OTC drugs Used, cause of death§ 1 8.3

Used, not cause of death§ 6 50.0

No 8 14.0

Data unavailable 37 64.9

Alcohol and drugs used during event 

(AFMES)

Yes 7 12.3

No 29 50.9

Data unavailable 21 36.8

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 13 22.8

Mode Written§ 1 7.7

Verbal§ 11 84.6

Electronic§ 4 30.8

Other§ 0 0.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 10 76.9

2§ 3 23.1

3§ 0 0.0

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Recipients Supervisor§ 1 7.7

Chaplain§ 0 0.0

Mental Health Staff§ 3 23.1

Friend§ 4 30.8

Spouse/significant other§ 6 46.2

Family§ 2 15.4

Social Media§ 0 0.0

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 0 0.0

Helpline§ 0 0.0

Other§ 0 0.0

No 36 63.2

Data unavailable 8 14.0
116

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Death risk gambling Yes 1 1.8

No 51 89.5

Data unavailable 5 8.8

Event planned Yes 26 45.6

No 13 22.8

Data unavailable 18 31.6

Event observable Yes 13 22.8

No 40 70.2

Data unavailable 4 7.0

Left suicide note Yes 19 33.3

No 26 45.6

Data unavailable 12 21.1

Residence Shared military living environment 12 21.1

Bachelor quarters 0 0.0

On-base family housing 3 5.3

Private residence 38 66.7

Ship 0 0.0

Other 3 5.3

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Married Service member residence Not married 34 59.6

Married, resides with spouse 12 21.1

Married, not living together, relationship issues 8 14.0

Married, not living together, other reasons 2 3.5

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Service member resided alone Yes 26 45.6

No 28 49.1

Data unavailable 3 5.3

Had minor children Yes, lived with SM 11 19.3

Yes, did not live with SM 7 12.3

No children 37 64.9

Data unavailable 2 3.5

Table D2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
117

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 32 56.1

No 19 33.3

Data unavailable 6 10.5

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 41 71.9

Leave 7 12.3

TDY 0 0.0

AWOL 2 3.5

Deployed 0 0.0

Training 2 3.5

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.0

Medical Hold 0 0.0

Other 3 5.3

Unknown 4 7.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table D2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 12
118

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

All 57 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 17 29.9

Number of diagnoses 1§ 12 70.6

2§ 4 23.5

3§ 0 0.0

4 or more§ 1 5.9

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 6 35.3

Bipolar¶ 0 0.0

Major depression¶ 4 66.7

Dysthymic¶ 0 0.0

Other mood disorder¶ 1 16.7

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 1 16.7

Anxiety disorder§ 8 47.1

Posttraumatic stress¶ 0 0.0

Panic¶ 0 0.0

Generalized anxiety¶ 3 37.5

Acute stress¶ 1 12.5

Other anxiety disorder¶ 4 50.0

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 1 12.5

Personality disorder§ 1 5.9

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 10 58.8

Traumatic brain injury§ 0 0.0

No 39 68.4

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Sleep disorder Yes 4 7.0

No 52 91.2

Data unavailable 1 1.8

History of substance abuse Yes 12 21.1

No 38 66.7

Data unavailable 7 12.3

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 6 10.5

No 22 38.6

Data unavailable 29 50.9

Table D3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
119

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 5 8.8

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 4 80.0

More than one prior event§ 1 20.0

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 3 60.0

No 41 71.9

Data unavailable 11 19.3

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 8 14.0

No 39 68.4

Data unavailable 10 17.5

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 34 59.6

Military Treatment Facility§ 33 97.1

Substance Abuse Services§ 5 14.7

Family Advocacy Program§ 6 17.6

Chaplain Services§ 1 2.9

Outpatient behavioral health§ 12 35.3

Inpatient behavioral health§ 1 2.9

No 22 38.6

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 13 22.8

No 36 63.2

Data unavailable 8 14.0

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 6 10.5

Antidepressants§ 4 66.7

Anxiolytics§ 4 66.7

Antimanics§ 0 0.0

Anticonvulsants§ 1 16.7

Antipsychotics§ 0 0.0

Sleep medications§ 2 33.3

No 43 75.4

Data unavailable 8 14.0

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 3 5.3

No 39 68.4

Data unavailable 15 26.3

Table D3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
120

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 0 0.0

No 45 78.9

Data unavailable 12 21.1

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table D3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 13
121

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 57 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 18 31.6

Failed intimate relationship§ 15 83.3

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 6 33.3

Death of spouse or family member§ 0 0.0

Death of friend§ 0 0.0

Family/spouse illness§ 4 22.2

No 31 54.4

Data unavailable 8 14.0

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 11 19.3

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 6 54.5

Friend suicide§ 5 45.5

No 40 70.2

Data unavailable 6 10.5

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 18 31.6

Courts martial proceedings§ 1 5.6

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 4 22.2

Administrative separation§ 5 27.8

AWOL§ 4 22.2

Medical evaluation board§ 1 5.6

Civil legal problems§ 5 27.8

Non-selection for promotion§ 3 16.7

No 35 61.4

Data unavailable 4 7.0

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 25 43.9

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 5 20.0

Job problems§ 11 44.0

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 9 36.0

Poor performance review§ 7 28.0

Unit/workplace hazing§ 1 4.0

No 26 45.6

Data unavailable 6 10.5

Table D4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
122

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 10 17.5

Physical abuse§ 8 80.0

Sexual abuse§ 2 20.0

Emotional abuse§ 6 60.0

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 36 63.2

Data unavailable 11 19.3

Abuse perpetration history Yes 5 8.8

Physical abuse§ 5 100.0

Sexual abuse§ 0 0.0

Emotional abuse§ 2 40.0

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 41 71.9

Data unavailable 11 19.3

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table D4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 13
123

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 57 100.0

History of deployments Yes 27 47.4

Number of deployments 1§ 15 55.6

2§ 6 22.2

3 or more§ 6 22.2

No 29 50.9

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 17 29.8

Iraq§ 11 64.7

Afghanistan§ 8 47.1

Kuwait§ 2 11.8

No 39 68.4

Data unavailable 1 1.8

Events in theater Afghanistan 0 0.0

Kuwait 0 0.0

Other location 0 0.0

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 57 100.0

History of direct combat Yes 2 3.5

Wounded others combat§ 0 0.0

Service member wounded in combat§ 0 0.0

Witnessed killing§ 0 0.0

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 0 0.0

Killed others in combat§ 0 0.0

No 14 24.6

Not applicable 29 50.9

Data unavailable 12 21.1

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table D5. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide DoDSERs

Referenced page 14
124

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

All 229 100.0

Sex Male 157 68.6

Female 72 31.4

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 0.4

Asian/Pacific Islander 10 4.4

Black/African American 49 21.4

White/Caucasian 159 69.4

Other/Unknown 10 4.4

Ethnicity Hispanic 20 8.7

Non-Hispanic 190 83.0

Unknown 19 8.3

Age Range 17 - 24 133 58.1

25 - 29 51 22.3

30 - 34 21 9.2

35 - 39 10 4.4

40 - 44 11 4.8

45 - 74 2 0.9

Data unavailable 1 0.4

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 2 0.9

E1-E4 154 67.2

E5-E9 63 27.5

Officer 9 3.9

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 1 0.4

Table D6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
125

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Component Active 221 96.5

Reserve 5 2.2

Other 3 1.3

Education Some high school, did not graduate 2 0.9

Alternative high school certification 0 0.0

High school graduate 88 38.4

Some college, no degree 99 43.2

Degree, <4 years 16 7.0

4-year degree 10 4.4

Masters degree or greater 3 1.3

Unknown 11 4.8

Marital Status Never married 111 48.5

Married 88 38.4

Legally separated 3 1.3

Divorced 24 10.5

Widowed 1 0.4

Other 1 0.4

Data unavailable 1 0.4

Table D6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 15
126

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

All 229 100.0

Geographic location United States 179 78.2

Afghanistan 3 1.3

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 5 2.2

Other Europe 9 3.9

Japan 13 5.7

Germany 10 4.4

At sea 0 0.0

Other 6 2.6

Data unavailable 4 1.7

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 190 83.0

Residence of friend or family 6 2.6

Work/jobsite 3 1.3

Automobile (away from residence) 12 5.2

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 2 0.9

Outpatient medical/behavioral health 0 0.0

Emergency room 0 0.0

Hotel 4 1.7

Jail/Military control 0 0.0

Other 10 4.4

Data unavailable 2 0.9

Event method Drugs 138 60.3

Alcohol 9 3.9

Gas, vehicle exhaust 4 1.7

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.0

Chemicals 5 2.2

Hanging 19 8.3

Drowning 0 0.0

Firearm, military issued 3 1.3

Firearm, not military issued 9 3.9

Fire/steam 0 0.0

Sharp/blunt object 29 12.7

Jumping from high place 2 0.9

Lying in front of a moving object 2 0.9

Crashing a motor vehicle 3 1.3

Other 2 0.9

Data unavailable 4 1.7

Table D7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
127

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Alcohol used during event Yes 86 37.6

No 132 57.6

Data unavailable 11 4.8

Drugs used during event Yes 148 64.6

Illicit drugs Used, overdose§ 7 4.7

Used, no overdose§ 1 0.7

Prescription drugs Used, overdose§ 89 60.1

Used, no overdose§ 11 7.4

OTC drugs Used, overdose§ 41 27.7

Used, no overdose§ 12 8.1

No 74 32.3

Data unavailable 7 3.1

Both alcohol and drugs used Yes 60 26.2

No 157 68.6

Data unavailable 12 5.2

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 57 24.9

Mode Written§ 1 1.8

Verbal§ 40 70.2

Electronic§ 20 35.1

Other§ 1 1.8

Number of types of recipients 1§ 40 70.2

2§ 13 22.8

3§ 1 1.8

4 or more§ 1 1.8

Recipient Supervisor§ 7 12.3

Chaplain§ 0 0.0

Mental Health Staff§ 8 14.0

Friend§ 22 38.6

Spouse/significant other§ 25 43.9

Family§ 5 8.8

Social Media§ 3 5.3

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 1 1.8

Helpline§ 2 3.5

Other§ 0 0.0

No 154 67.2

Data unavailable 18 7.9

Table D7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
128

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Self-inflicted injuries Yes 112 48.9

No 106 46.3

Data unavailable 11 4.8

Death risk gambling Yes 5 2.2

No 212 92.6

Data unavailable 12 5.2

Event planned Yes 67 29.3

No 128 55.9

Data unavailable 34 14.8

Event observable Yes 81 35.4

No 133 58.1

Data unavailable 15 6.6

Left suicide note Yes 33 14.4

No 181 79.0

Data unavailable 15 6.6

Residence Shared military living environment 73 31.9

Bachelor quarters 10 4.4

On-base family housing 9 3.9

Private residence 114 49.8

Ship 0 0.0

Other 14 6.1

Data unavailable 9 3.9

Married Service member residence Not married 140 61.1

Married, resides with spouse 50 21.8

Married, not living together, relationship issues 17 7.4

Married, not living together, other reasons 18 7.9

Data unavailable 4 1.7

Service member resided alone Yes 110 48.0

No 103 45.0

Data unavailable 16 7.0

Table D7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
129

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Had minor children Yes, live with Service member 38 16.6

Yes, do not live with Service member 28 12.2

No children 155 67.7

Data unavailable 8 3.5

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 31 13.5

No 178 77.7

Data unavailable 20 8.7

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 186 81.2

Leave 6 2.6

TDY 3 1.3

AWOL 2 0.9

Deployed 7 3.1

Training 10 4.4

Psychiatric Hospitalization 3 1.3

Medical Hold 4 1.7

Other 12 5.2

Unknown 8 3.5

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

*Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table D7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 15
130

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

All 229 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 128 55.9

Number of diagnoses 1§ 58 45.3

2§ 41 32.0

3§ 17 13.3

4 or more§ 12 9.4

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 90 70.3

Bipolar¶ 11 12.2

Major depression¶ 50 55.6

Dysthymic¶ 8 8.9

Other mood disorder¶ 31 34.4

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 7 7.8

Anxiety disorder§ 57 40.4

Posttraumatic stress¶ 20 35.1

Panic¶ 6 10.5

Generalized anxiety¶ 9 15.8

Acute stress¶ 0 0.0

Other anxiety disorder¶ 21 36.8

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 10 17.5

Personality disorder§ 20 15.6

Psychotic disorder§ 2 1.6

Adjustment disorder§ 62 48.4

Traumatic brain injury§ 5 3.9

No 98 42.8

Data unavailable 3 1.3

Sleep disorder Yes 17 7.4

No 205 89.5

Data unavailable 7 3.1

History of substance abuse Yes 52 22.7

No 168 73.4

Data unavailable 9 3.9

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 77 33.6

No 120 52.4

Data unavailable 32 14.0

Table D8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
131

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 62 27.1

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 31 50.0

More than one prior event§ 31 50.0

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 36 58.1

No 153 66.8

Data unavailable 14 6.1

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 47 20.5

No 170 74.2

Data unavailable 12 5.2

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 179 78.2

Military Treatment Facility§ 157 87.7

Substance Abuse Services§ 38 21.2

Family Advocacy Program§ 19 10.6

Chaplain Services§ 16 8.9

Outpatient behavioral health§ 113 63.1

Inpatient behavioral health§ 30 16.8

No 48 21

Data unavailable 2 0.9

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 106 46.3

No 116 50.7

Data unavailable 7 3.1

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 87 38.0

Antidepressants§ 76 87.4

Anxiolytics§ 44 50.6

Antimanics§ 3 3.4

Anticonvulsants§ 3 3.4

Antipsychotics§ 14 16.1

Sleep medications§ 49 56.3

No 135 59.0

Data unavailable 7 3.1

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 52 22.7

No 166 72.5

Data unavailable 11 4.8

Table D8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
132

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 19 8.3

No 187 81.7

Data unavailable 23 10.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table D8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Air 

Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 16
133

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 229 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 103 45.0

Failed intimate relationship§ 87 84.5

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 29 28.2

Death of spouse or family member§ 3 2.9

Death of friend§ 1 1.0

Family/spouse illness§ 15 14.6

No 119 52.0

Data unavailable 7 3.1

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 38 16.6

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 16 42.1

Friend suicide§ 24 63.2

No 184 80.3

Data unavailable 7 3.1

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 70 30.6

Courts martial proceedings§ 5 7.1

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 25 35.7

Administrative separation§ 13 18.6

AWOL§ 4 5.7

Medical evaluation board§ 29 41.4

Civil legal problems§ 19 27.1

Non-selection for promotion§ 4 5.7

No 156 68.1

Data unavailable 3 1.3

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 104 45.4

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 19 18.3

Job problems§ 86 82.7

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 55 52.9

Poor performance review§ 30 28.8

Unit/workplace hazing§ 6 5.8

No 114 49.8

Data unavailable 11 4.8

Table D9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
134

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 78 34.1

Physical abuse§ 46 59.0

Sexual abuse§ 38 48.7

Emotional abuse§ 56 71.8

Sexual harassment§ 12 15.4

No 139 60.7

Data unavailable 12 5.2

Abuse perpetration history Yes 22 9.6

Physical abuse§ 15 68.2

Sexual abuse§ 4 18.2

Emotional abuse§ 10 45.5

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 193 84.3

Data unavailable 14 6.1

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table D9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 16
135

Appendix D: Air Force Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 229 100.0

History of deployment Yes 83 36.2

Number of deployments 1§ 49 59.0

2§ 13 15.7

3 or more§ 21 25.3

No 146 63.8

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 53 23.1

Iraq§ 24 45.3

Afghanistan§ 28 52.8

Kuwait§ 13 24.5

No 176 76.9

Events in theater Afghanistan 3 1.3

Kuwait 0 0.0

Other location 2 0.9

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 224 97.8

History of direct combat Yes 15 6.6

Wounded others combat§ 6 40.0

Service member wounded in combat§ 3 20.0

Witnessed killing§ 10 66.7

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 9 60.0

Killed others in combat§ 2 13.3

No 57 24.9

Not applicable 146 63.8

Data unavailable 11 4.8

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table D10. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs

Referenced page 17
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
137

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix E 

ARMY TABLES
138

Appendix E: Army Tables

Count %

All 155¶ 100.0

Sex Male 145 93.5

Female 10 6.5

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 0.6

Asian/Pacific Islander 1 0.6

Black/African American 22 14.2

White/Caucasian 104 67.1

Other/Unknown 27 17.4

Ethnicity Hispanic 8 5.2

Non-Hispanic 97 62.6

Unknown 50 32.3

Age Range 17 - 24 51 32.9

25 - 29 44 28.4

30 - 34 26 16.8

35 - 39 21 13.5

40 - 44 9 5.8

45 - 74 4 2.6

Data unavailable

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0

E1-E4 78 50.3

E5-E9 58 37.4

Officer 14 9.0

Warrant Officer 4 2.6

Data unavailable 1 0.6

Component Active 143 92.3

Reserve 12 7.7

Other 0 0.0

Table E1. Demographic characteristics of Army suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012

Continued >> 
139

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.0

Alternative high school certification 9 5.8

High school graduate 54 34.8

Some college, no degree 24 15.5

Degree, <4 years 6 3.9

4-year degree 11 7.1

Masters degree or greater 3 1.9

Unknown 48 31.0

Marital Status Never married 36 23.2

Married 85 54.8

Legally separated 4 2.6

Divorced 17 11.0

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 10 6.5

Data unavailable 3 2.8

¶ This number includes DoDSERs submitted for Service members who were part of the Active component and the 

Reserve component in an Active status at the time of the event. Only suicides confirmed by AFMES by 31 January 

2013 were required to be submitted by 31 March 2013 for inclusion in this report.

Table E1. Demographic characteristics of Army suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012 (cont.)

Referenced page 20
140

Appendix E: Army Tables

Continued >> 

Count %

All 155 100.0

Geographic location United States 126 81.3

Afghanistan 17 11.0

Kuwait 2 1.3

Korea 1 0.6

Other Europe 0 0.0

Japan 0 0.0

Germany 3 1.9

At sea 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 6 3.9

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 92 59.4

Residence of friend or family 14 9.0

Work/jobsite 10 6.5

Automobile (away from residence) 11 7.1

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 0 0.0

Hotel 7 4.5

Jail/Military control 1 0.6

Other 14 9.0

Data unavailable 6 3.9

Event method (AFMES) Asphyxiation 44 28.4

Cutting/Piercing 1 0.6

Drowning 1 0.6

Drugs/Alcohol 9 5.8

Fall/Jump 1 0.6

Gunshot 94 60.6

Military issued firearm§ 22 23.4

Non-military issued firearm§ 61 64.9

Firearm of unknown source§ 11 11.7

Poisoning 2 1.3

Motor vehicle 3 1.9

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Alcohol used during event (AFMES) Yes 46 29.7

No 94 60.6

Data unavailable 15 9.7

Table E2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs
141

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Drugs used during event (AFMES) Yes 50 32.3

Illicit drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 5 10.0

Inhalants Used, cause of death§ 1 2.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, cause of death§ 6 12.0

Used, not cause of death§ 32 64.0

OTC drugs Used, cause of death§ 3 6.0

Used, not cause of death§ 14 28.0

No 53 34.2

Data unavailable 52 33.5

Alcohol and drugs used during event 

(AFMES)

Yes 16 10.3

No 110 71.0

Data unavailable 29 9.7

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 46 29.7

Mode Written§ 2 4.3

Verbal§ 34 73.9

Electronic§ 13 28.3

Other§ 0 0.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 32 69.6

2§ 10 21.7

3§ 1 2.2

4 or more§ 1 2.2

Recipients Supervisor§ 8 17.4

Chaplain§ 2 4.3

Mental Health Staff§ 8 17.4

Friend§ 13 28.3

Spouse/significant other§ 23 50.0

Family§ 1 2.2

Social Media§ 0 0.0

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 2 4.3

Helpline§ 0 0.0

Other§ 2 4.3

No 56 36.1

Data unavailable 53 34.2

Continued >> 

Table E2. Location of event, event method, and event context during event for all CY 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
142

Appendix E: Army Tables

Count %

Death risk gambling Yes 2 1.3

No 105 67.7

Data unavailable 48 31.0

Event planned Yes 51 32.9

No 33 21.3

Data unavailable 71 45.8

Event observable Yes 33 21.3

No 81 52.3

Data unavailable 41 26.5

Left suicide note Yes 28 18.1

No 65 41.9

Data unavailable 62 40.0

Residence Shared military living environment 46 29.7

Bachelor quarters 0 0.0

On-base family housing 13 8.4

Private residence 64 41.3

Shipboard 0 0.0

Other 13 8.4

Data unavailable 19 12.3

Married Service member residence Not married 60 38.7

Married, resides with spouse 45 29.0

Married, not living together, relationship issues 23 14.8

Married, not living together, other reasons 9 5.8

Data unavailable 18 11.6

Service member resided alone Yes 36 23.2

No 87 56.1

Data unavailable 32 20.6

Had minor children Yes, lived with SM 25 16.1

Yes, did not live with SM 33 21.3

No children 53 34.2

Data unavailable 44 28.4

Continued >> 

Table E2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
143

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 74 47.7

No 18 11.6

Data unavailable 63 40.6

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 107 69.0

Leave 7 4.5

TDY 0 0.0

AWOL 4 2.6

Deployed 19 12.3

Training 2 1.3

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.0

Medical Hold 5 3.2

Other 15 9.7

Unknown 13 8.4

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table E2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 20
144

Appendix E: Army Tables

Count %

All 155 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 83 53.6

Number of diagnoses 1§ 46 55.4

2§ 18 21.7

3§ 9 10.8

4 or more§ 10 12.0

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 38 45.8

Bipolar¶ 2 5.3

Major depression¶ 23 60.5

Dysthymic¶ 7 18.4

Other mood disorder¶ 17 44.7

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 1 2.6

Anxiety disorder§ 31 37.3

Posttraumatic stress¶ 13 41.9

Panic¶ 5 16.1

Generalized anxiety¶ 5 16.1

Acute stress¶ 1 3.2

Other anxiety disorder¶ 13 41.9

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 1 3.2

Personality disorder§ 7 8.4

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 58 69.9

Traumatic brain injury§ 9 10.8

No 56 36.1

Data unavailable 16 10.3

Sleep disorder Yes 32 20.6

No 101 65.2

Data unavailable 22 14.2

History of substance abuse Yes 36 23.2

No 74 47.7

Data unavailable 45 29.0

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 18 11.6

No 48 31.0

Data unavailable 89 57.4

Table E3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 

2012 Army suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
145

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 21 13.5

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 9 42.9

More than one prior event§ 12 57.1

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 9 42.9

No 84 54.2

Data unavailable 50 32.3

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 28 18.1

No 74 47.7

Data unavailable 53 34.2

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 102 65.8

Military Treatment Facility§ 92 90.2

Substance Abuse Services§ 12 11.8

Family Advocacy Program§ 16 15.7

Chaplain Services§ 10 9.8

Outpatient behavioral health§ 59 57.8

Inpatient behavioral health§ 15 14.7

No 48 31.0

Data unavailable 5 3.2

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 51 32.9

No 75 48.4

Data unavailable 29 18.7

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 34 21.9

Antidepressants§ 29 85.3

Anxiolytics§ 12 35.3

Antimanics§ 0 0.0

Anticonvulsants§ 3 8.8

Antipsychotics§ 3 8.8

Sleep medications§ 14 41.2

No 92 59.4

Data unavailable 29 18.7

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 36 23.2

No 72 46.5

Data unavailable 47 30.3

Continued >> 

Table E3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 

2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
146

Appendix E: Army Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 14 9.0

No 101 65.2

Data unavailable 40 25.8

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table E3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 

2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 21
147

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 155 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 61 39.4

Failed intimate relationship§ 53 86.9

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 17 27.9

Death of spouse or family member§ 1 1.6

Death of friend§ 1 1.6

Family/spouse illness§ 7 11.5

No 53 34.2

Data unavailable 41 26.5

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 5 3.2

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 4 80.0

Friend suicide§ 1 20.0

No 102 65.8

Data unavailable 48 31.0

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 52 33.5

Courts martial proceedings§ 5 9.6

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 17 32.7

Administrative separation§ 17 32.7

AWOL§ 9 17.3

Medical evaluation board§ 10 19.2

Civil legal problems§ 18 34.6

Non-selection for promotion§ 3 5.8

No 76 49.0

Data unavailable 27 17.4

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 48 31.0

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 15 31.3

Job problems§ 32 66.7

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 17 35.4

Poor performance review§ 19 39.6

Unit/workplace hazing§ 2 4.2

No 52 33.5

Data unavailable 55 35.5

Continued >> 

Table E4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all reported 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs
148

Appendix E: Army Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 18 11.6

Physical abuse§ 12 66.7

Sexual abuse§ 6 33.3

Emotional abuse§ 13 72.2

Sexual harassment§ 2 11.1

No 77 49.7

Data unavailable 60 38.7

Abuse perpetration history Yes 24 15.5

Physical abuse§ 20 83.3

Sexual abuse§ 4 16.7

Emotional abuse§ 12 50.0

Sexual harassment§ 1 4.2

No 76 49.0

Data unavailable 55 35.5

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table E4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all reported 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 21
149

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 155 100.0

History of deployment Yes 106 68.4

Number of deployments 1§ 59 55.7

2§ 22 20.8

3 or more§ 25 23.6

No 49 31.6

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 102 65.8

Iraq§ 62 60.8

Afghanistan§ 53 52.0

Kuwait§ 7 6.9

No 53 34.2

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Events in theater Afghanistan 17 11.0

Kuwait 2 1.3

Other location 0 0.0

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 136 87.7

History of direct combat Yes 28 18.1

Wounded others combat§ 13 46.4

Service member wounded in combat§ 3 10.7

Witnessed killing§ 9 32.1

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 12 42.9

Killed others in combat§ 4 14.3

No 15 9.7

Not applicable 49 31.6

Data unavailable 63 40.6

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table E5. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Army suicide DoDSERs

Referenced page 22
150

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

All 365 100.0 173 100.0 836 100.0

Sex Male 283 77.5 106 61.3 660 78.9

Female 82 22.5 67 38.7 176 21.1

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 4 1.1 3 1.7 7 0.8

Asian/Pacific Islander 9 2.5 2 1.2 23 2.8

Black/African American 70 19.2 27 15.6 129 15.4

White/Caucasian 229 62.7 124 71.7 537 64.2

Other/Unknown 53 14.5 17 9.8 140 16.7

Ethnicity Hispanic 40 11.0 24 13.9 85 10.2

Non-Hispanic 247 67.7 92 53.2 469 56.1

Unknown 78 21.4 57 32.9 282 33.7

Age Range 17 - 24 180 49.3 104 60.1 450 53.8

25 - 29 105 28.8 37 21.4 168 20.1

30 - 34 35 9.6 18 10.4 96 11.5

35 - 39 25 6.8 6 3.5 53 6.3

40 - 44 12 3.3 6 3.5 43 5.1

45 - 74 8 2.2 2 1.2 26 3.1

Data unavailable 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0 0 0.0 7 0.8

E1-E4 219 60.0 117 67.6 482 57.7

E5-E9 68 18.6 26 15.0 131 15.7

Officer 7 1.9 3 1.7 22 2.6

Warrant Officer 4 1.1 3 1.7 2 0.2

Data unavailable 67 18.4 24 13.9 192 23.0

Table E6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs

Continued >> 
151

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Component Active 342 93.7 158 91.3 759 90.8

Reserve 22 6.0 13 7.5 70 8.4

Other 1 0.3 2 1.2 7 0.8

Education Some high school, did not 

graduate

2 0.5 3 1.7 7 0.8

Alternative high school certification 30 8.2 9 5.2 67 8.0

High school graduate 140 38.4 83 48.0 348 41.6

Some college, no degree 95 26.0 42 24.3 174 20.8

Degree, <4 years 12 3.3 4 2.3 26 3.1

4-year degree 17 4.7 8 4.6 35 4.2

Masters degree or greater 4 1.1 0 0.0 11 1.3

Unknown 65 17.8 24 13.9 168 20.1

Marital Status Never married 131 35.9 72 41.6 357 42.7

Married 160 43.8 73 42.2 303 36.2

Legally separated 15 4.1 3 1.7 27 3.2

Divorced 28 7.7 12 6.9 57 6.8

Widowed 1 0.3 0 0.0 2 0.2

Other 2 0.5 1 0.6 13 1.6

Data unavailable 28 7.7 12 6.9 77 9.2

Table E6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 23
152

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

All 365 100.0 173 100.0 836 100.0

Geographic location United States 320 87.7 160 92.5 737 88.2

Afghanistan 3 0.8 4 2.3 6 0.7

Kuwait 2 0.5 1 0.6 2 0.2

Korea 0 0.0 1 0.6 0 0.0

Other Europe 1 0.3 0 0.0 4 0.5

Central/South America 0 0.0 1 0.6 0 0.0

Japan 13 3.6 0 0.0 0 0.0

Germany 0 0.0 3 1.7 35 4.2

Shipboard 1 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0

Other 1 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0

Data unavailable 24 6.6 3 1.7 52 6.2

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 290 79.5 140 80.9 566 67.7

Residence of friend or family 17 4.7 11 6.4 24 2.9

Work/jobsite 9 2.5 3 1.7 59 7.1

Automobile (away from residence) 16 4.4 4 2.3 21 2.5

Inpatient medical/behavioral 

health

3 0.8 2 1.2 2 0.2

Outpatient medical/behavioral 

health

2 0.5 6 3.5 105 12.6

Emergency room 3 0.8 1 0.6 16 1.9

Hotel 2 0.5 0 0.0 5 0.6

Jail/Military control 2 0.5 1 0.6 2 0.2

Other 14 3.8 4 2.3 26 3.1

Data unavailable 7 1.9 1 0.6 10 1.2

Table E7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs

Continued >> 
153

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Event method Drugs 174 47.7 66 38.2 * *

Alcohol 11 3.0 14 8.1 * *

Gas, vehicle exhaust 6 1.6 0 0.0 * *

Gas, utility (or other) 1 0.3 2 1.2 * *

Chemicals 4 1.1 1 0.6 * *

Hanging 50 13.7 7 4.0 * *

Drowning 1 0.3 0 0.0 * *

Firearm, military issued 4 1.1 0 0.0 * *

Firearm, not military issued 19 5.2 4 2.3 * *

Fire/steam 1 0.3 0 0.0 * *

Sharp/blunt object 42 11.5 59 34.1 * *

Jumping from high place 4 1.1 2 1.2 * *

Lying in front of a moving object 3 0.8 0 0.0 * *

Crashing a motor vehicle 9 2.5 4 2.3 * *

Other 3 0.8 2 1.2 * *

Data unavailable 33 9.0 12 6.9 * *

Alcohol used during 

event

Yes 104 28.5 44 25.4 * *

No 207 56.7 112 64.7 * *

Data unavailable 54 14.8 17 9.8 * *

Drugs used during event Yes 197 54.0 75 43.4 * *

Illicit drugs Used, overdose§ 13 6.6 1 1.3 * *

Used, no overdose§ 10 5.1 0 0.0 * *

Prescription drugs Used, overdose§ 115 58.4 30 40.0 * *

Used, no overdose§ 25 12.7 19 25.3 * *

OTC drugs Used, overdose§ 41 20.8 3 4.0 * *

Used, no overdose§ 4 2.0 16 21.3 * *

No 124 34.0 77 44.5 * *

Data unavailable 44 12.1 21 12.1 * *

Both alcohol and drugs 

used

Yes 56 15.3 19 11 * *

No 250 68.5 133 76.9 * *

Data unavailable 59 16.2 21 12.1 * *

Continued >> 

Table E7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)
154

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Communicated potential 

for self-harm

Yes 80 21.9 31 17.9 * *

Mode Written§ 6 7.5 0 0.0 * *

Verbal§ 65 81.3 24 77.4 * *

Electronic§ 14 17.5 9 29.0 * *

Other§ 0 0.0 2 6.5 * *

Number of types 

of recipients

1§ 58 72.5 27 87.1 * *

2§ 13 16.3 2 6.5 * *

3§ 4 5.0 1 3.2 * *

4 or more§ 1 1.3 1 3.2 * *

Recipient Supervisor§ 15 18.8 6 19.4 * *

Chaplain§ 2 2.5 2 6.5 * *

Mental Health Staff§ 17 21.3 6 19.4 * *

Friend§ 21 26.3 9 29.0 * *

Spouse/significant other§ 32 40.0 11 35.5 * *

Family§ 5 6.3 3 9.7 * *

Social Media§ 3 3.8 0 0.0 * *

Colleague§ 0 0.0 0 0.0 * *

Emergency Personnel§ 1 1.3 1 3.2 * *

Helpline§ 2 2.5 0 0.0 * *

Other§ 2 2.5 1 3.2 * *

No 204 55.9 112 64.7 * *

Data unavailable 81 22.2 30 17.3 * *

Self-inflicted injuries Yes 128 35.1 * * * *

No 170 46.6 * * * *

Data unavailable 67 18.4 * * * *

Death risk gambling Yes 13 3.6 5 2.9 * *

No 305 83.6 156 90.2 * *

Data unavailable 47 12.9 12 6.9 * *

Event planned Yes 92 25.2 25 14.5 * *

No 178 48.8 117 67.6 * *

Data unavailable 95 26.0 31 17.9 * *

Event observable Yes 130 35.6 90 52.0 * *

No 164 44.9 57 32.9 * *

Data unavailable 71 19.5 26 15.0 * *

Continued >> 

Table E7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)
155

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Left suicide note Yes 35 9.6 3 1.7 * *

No 277 75.9 157 90.8 * *

Data unavailable 53 14.5 13 7.5 * *

Residence Shared military living environment 157 43.0 81 46.8 402 48.1

Bachelor quarters 2 0.5 2 1.2 12 1.4

On-base family housing 33 9.0 10 5.8 53 6.3

Private residence 111 30.4 62 35.8 232 27.8

Ship 0 0.0

Other 17 4.7 6 3.5 26 3.1

Data unavailable 45 12.3 12 6.9 111 13.3

Married Service member 

residence

Not married 177 48.5 85 49.1 429 51.3

Married, resides with spouse 96 26.3 39 22.5 163 19.5

Married, not living together, 

relationship issues

32 8.8 16 9.2 74 8.9

Married, not living together, other 

reasons

22 6.0 20 11.6 78 9.3

Data unavailable 38 10.4 13 7.5 92 11.0

Service member resides 

alone

Yes 121 33.2 45 26.0 203 24.3

No 191 52.3 98 56.6 476 56.9

Data unavailable 53 14.5 30 17.3 157 18.8

Has minor children Yes, live with Service member 69 18.9 18 10.4 114 13.6

Yes, do not live with Service 

member

61 16.7 29 16.8 114 13.6

No children 180 49.3 102 59.0 484 57.9

Data unavailable 55 15.1 24 13.9 124 14.8

Firearm in immediate 

environment

Yes 38 10.4 12 6.9 84 10.0

No 239 65.5 128 74.0 530 63.4

Data unavailable 88 24.1 33 19.1 222 26.6

Continued >> 

Table E7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)
156

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Duty status at time of 

event*

Permanent duty station 245 67.1 121 69.9 538 64.4

Leave 6 1.6 3 1.7 8 1.0

TDY 1 0.3 1 0.6 3 0.4

AWOL 2 0.5 0 0.0 6 0.7

Deployed 6 1.6 5 2.9 9 1.1

Training 29 7.9 26 15.0 108 12.9

Psychiatric Hospitalization 4 1.1 0 0.0 6 0.7

Medical Hold 11 3.0 3 1.7 18 2.2

Other 18 4.9 8 4.6 35 4.2

Unknown 50 13.7 12 6.9 134 16.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

*Some DoDSERs reported more than one status.

Table E7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 23
157

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide Attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

All 365 100.0 173 100.0 836 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 194 53.2 108 62.4 482 57.6

Number of 

diagnoses

1§ 98 50.5 51 47.2 237 49.2

2§ 54 27.8 22 20.4 116 24.1

3§ 19 9.8 19 17.6 66 13.7

4 or more§ 23 11.9 16 14.8 63 13.1

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 115 59.3 39 36.1 231 47.9

Bipolar¶ 12 10.4 3 7.7 14 6.1

Major depression¶ 81 70.4 29 74.4 159 68.8

Dysthymic¶ 10 8.7 0 0.0 25 10.8

Other mood disorder¶ 32 27.8 8 20.5 49 21.2

Unspecified mood 

disorder¶ 9 7.8 2 5.1 20 8.7

Anxiety disorder§ 96 49.5 44 40.7 173 36.3

Posttraumatic stress¶ 43 44.8 25 56.8 107 61.8

Panic¶ 14 14.6 2 4.5 13 7.5

Generalized anxiety¶ 22 22.9 13 29.5 53 30.6

Acute stress¶ 7 7.3 3 6.8 5 2.9

Other anxiety disorder¶ 33 34.4 8 18.2 43 24.9

Unspecified anxiety 

disorder¶ 12 12.5 4 9.1 15 8.7

Personality disorder§ 18 9.3 15 13.9 24 5.0

Psychotic disorder§ 4 2.1 1 0.9 10 2.1

Adjustment disorder§ 81 41.8 57 52.8 186 38.6

Traumatic brain injury§ 28 14.4 10 9.3 26 5.4

No 103 37.5 58 33.5 285 34.1

Data unavailable 34 9.3 7 4.0 69 8.3

Sleep disorder Yes 53 14.5 14 8.1 63 7.5

No 261 71.5 143 82.7 632 75.6

Data unavailable 51 14.0 16 9.2 141 16.9

History of substance abuse Yes 116 31.8 47 27.2 195 23.3

No 203 55.6 108 62.4 535 64.0

Data unavailable 46 12.6 18 10.4 106 12.7

Table E8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Army non-fatal event DoDSERs

Continued >> 
158

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide Attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Family history of behavioral 

health conditions

Yes 99 27.1 32 18.5 208 24.9

No 201 55.1 104 60.1 449 53.7

Data unavailable 65 17.8 37 21.4 179 21.4

History of prior self-injury Yes 93 25.5 60 34.7 169 20.2

Number of prior self 

injuries

One prior event§ 36 38.7 21 35.0 94 55.6

More than one prior 

event§ 55 59.1 39 65.0 74 43.8

Event similar to 

prior self injury

Yes§ 52 55.9 37 61.7

No 221 60.5 97 56.1 522 62.4

Data unavailable 51 14.0 16 9.2 145 17.3

Physical health problem, 

last 90 days

Yes 49 13.4 20 11.6 79 9.4

No 274 75.1 140 80.9 638 76.3

Data unavailable 42 11.5 13 7.5 119 14.2

Accession of medical/

support services, last 90 

days

Yes 248 67.9 113 65.3 586 70.1

Military Treatment 

Facility§ 189 76.2 80 70.8 448 76.5

Substance Abuse 

Services§ 53 21.4 15 13.3 76 13.0

Family Advocacy 

Program§ 22 8.9 7 6.2 21 3.6

Chaplain Services§ 35 14.1 14 12.4 76 13.0

Outpatient behavioral 

health§ 175 70.6 82 72.6 389 66.4

Inpatient behavioral 

health§ 51 20.6 22 19.5 94 16.0

No 88 24.1 54 31.2 186 22.2

Data unavailable 29 7.9 6 3.5 64 7.7

Ever taken psychotropic 

medications

Yes 132 36.2 57 32.9 227 27.2

No 182 49.9 95 54.9 467 55.9

Data unavailable 51 14.0 21 12.1 142 17.0

Table E8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
159

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide Attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Use of psychotropic 

medications, last 90 days

Yes 107 29.3 46 26.6 162 19.4

Antidepressants§ 93 86.9 41 89.1 147 90.7

Anxiolytics§ 53 49.5 20 43.5 65 40.1

Antimanics§ 7 6.5 3 6.5 6 3.7

Anticonvulsants§ 5 4.7 3 6.5 4 2.5

Antipsychotics§ 10 9.3 6 13.0 17 10.5

Sleep medications§ 61 57.0 21 45.7 83 51.2

No 206 56.4 106 61.3 521 62.3

Data unavailable 52 14.2 21 12.1 153 18.3

Pain medication at time of 

the event

Yes 75 20.5 23 13.3 99 11.8

No 213 58.4 129 74.6 556 66.5

Data unavailable 77 21.1 21 12.1 181 21.7

Polypharmacy at time of 

the event

Yes 42 11.5 10 5.8 39 4.7

No 239 65.5 137 79.2 603 72.1

Data unavailable 84 23.0 26 15.0 194 23.2

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table E8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 24
160

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

All 365 100.0 173 100.0 836 100.0

Any family or relationship 

stressors, last 90 days

Yes 149 40.8 70 40.5 238 28.5

Failed intimate relationship§ 112 75.2 58 82.9 173 72.7

Failed non-intimate 

relationship§ 34 22.8 19 27.1 65 27.3

Death of spouse or family 

member§ 13 8.7 3 4.3 19 8.0

Death of friend§ 20 13.4 5 7.1 20 8.4

Family/spouse illness§ 18 12.1 5 7.1 30 12.6

No 184 50.4 91 52.6 509 60.9

Data unavailable 32 8.8 12 6.9 89 10.6

History of suicide of 

friend or family members

Yes 48 13.2 17 9.8 67 8

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.5

Family suicide§ 23 47.9 10 58.8 29 43.3

Friend suicide§ 30 62.5 9 52.9 42 62.7

No 283 77.5 145 83.8 672 80.4

Data unavailable 34 9.3 11 6.4 97 11.6

History of administrative/

legal issues, last 90 days

Yes 117 32.1 68 39.3 284 34.0

Courts martial proceedings§ 14 12.0 6 8.8 18 6.3

Article 15/Non-judicial 

punishment§ 55 47.0 23 33.8 138 48.6

Administrative separation§ 30 25.6 24 35.3 76 26.8

AWOL§ 15 12.8 11 16.2 37 13.0

Medical evaluation board§ 34 29.1 22 32.4 88 31.0

Civil legal problems§ 19 16.2 13 19.1 50 17.6

Non-selection for 

promotion§ 8 6.8 5 7.4 22 7.7

No 211 57.8 93 53.8 461 55.1

Data unavailable 37 10.1 12 6.9 91 10.9

Table E9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs

Continued >> 
161

Appendix E: Army Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Suicide attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

Any financial or 

workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 136 37.3 76 43.9 289 34.6

Excessive debt or 

bankruptcy§ 29 21.3 18 23.7 81 28.0

Job problems§ 94 69.1 46 60.5 185 64.0

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 82 60.3 56 73.7 170 58.8

Poor performance review§ 38 27.9 31 40.8 100 34.6

Unit/workplace hazing§ 17 12.5 7 9.2 32 11.1

No 188 51.5 81 46.8 441 52.8

Data unavailable 41 11.2 16 9.2 106 12.7

Abuse victimization 

history

Yes 111 30.4 46 26.6 201 24.0

Physical abuse§ 63 56.8 28 60.9 118 58.7

Sexual abuse§ 51 45.9 28 60.9 90 44.8

Emotional abuse§ 77 69.4 31 67.4 139 69.2

Sexual harassment§ 15 13.5 7 15.2 30 14.9

No 216 59.2 113 65.3 529 63.3

Data unavailable 38 10.4 14 8.1 106 12.7

Abuse perpetration 

history

Yes 38 10.4 8 4.6 47 5.6

Physical abuse§ 27 71.1 6 75.0 29 61.7

Sexual abuse§ 6 15.8 0 0.0 8 17.0

Emotional abuse§ 9 23.7 4 50.0 16 34.0

Sexual harassment§ 4 10.5 1 12.5 4 8.5

No 284 77.8 149 86.1 680 81.3

Data unavailable 43 11.8 16 9.2 109 13.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table E9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 24
162

Appendix E: Army Tables

Suicide attempt Self-harm Suicidal 

ideation

Count % Count % Count %

All 365 100.0 173 100.0 836 100.0

History of deployments Yes 190 52.1 78 45.1 362 43.3

Number of 

deployments

1§ 110 57.9 49 62.8 219 60.5

2§ 50 26.3 15 19.2 87 24.0

3 or more§ 30 15.8 14 17.9 56 15.5

No 175 47.9 95 54.9 474 56.7

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/

OND

Yes 181 49.6 78 45.1 348 41.6

Iraq§ 125 69.1 48 61.5 210 60.3

Afghanistan§ 82 45.3 40 51.3 194 55.7

Kuwait§ 9 5.0 2 2.6 12 3.4

No 184 50.4 95 54.9 488 58.4

Events in theater Afghanistan 3 0.8 4 2.3 5 0.6

Kuwait 2 0.5 1 0.6 2 0.2

Other location 1 0.3 0 0.0 1 0.1

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at 

time of event 359 98.4 168 97.1 828 99.0

History of direct combat Yes 68 18.6 28 16.2 131 15.7

Wounded others combat§ 54 79.4 16 57.1 97 74.0

Service member wounded in 

combat§ 19 27.9 5 17.9 36 27.5

Witnessed killing§ 50 73.5 20 71.4 94 71.8

Saw bodies of other 

soldiers§ 51 75.0 20 71.4 94 71.8

Killed others in combat§ 31 45.6 7 25.0 47 35.9

No 63 17.3 19 11.0 102 12.2

Not applicable 175 47.9 95 54.9 474 56.7

Data unavailable 59 16.2 31 17.9 129 15.4

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table E10. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Army non-fatal event DoDSERs

Referenced page 25
163

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix F 

MARINE CORPS TABLES
164

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 47¶ 100.0

Sex Male 44 93.6

Female 3 6.4

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 2.1

Asian/Pacific Islander 1 2.1

Black/African American 7 14.9

White/Caucasian 38 80.9

Other/Unknown 0 0.0

Ethnicity Hispanic 6 12.8

Non-Hispanic 33 70.2

Unknown 8 17.0

Age Range 17 - 24 28 59.6

25 - 29 13 27.7

30 - 34 4 8.5

35 - 39 1 2.1

40 - 44 1 2.1

45 - 74 0 0.0

Data unavailable

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0

E1-E4 35 74.5

E5-E9 12 25.5

Officer 0 0.0

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Component Active 47 100.0

Reserve 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Table F1. Demographic characteristics of Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012

Continued >> 
165

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.0

Alternative high school certification 4 8.5

High school graduate 35 74.5

Some college, no degree 6 12.8

Degree, <4 years 1 2.1

4-year degree 0 0.0

Masters degree or greater 0 0.0

Unknown 1 2.1

Marital Status Never married 24 51.1

Married 23 48.9

Legally separated 0 0.0

Divorced 0 0.0

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

¶ This number includes DoDSERs submitted for Service members who were part of the Active component and the 

Reserve component in an Active status at the time of the event. Only suicides confirmed by AFMES by 31 January 

2013 were required to be submitted by 31 March 2013 for inclusion in this report.

Table F1. Demographic characteristics of Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012 (cont.)

Referenced page 30
166

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 47 100.0

Geographic location United States 41 87.2

Afghanistan 3 6.4

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 0 0.0

Other Europe 1 2.1

Japan 1 2.1

Germany 0 0.0

At sea 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 1 2.1

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 30 63.8

Residence of friend or family 3 6.4

Work/jobsite 6 12.8

Automobile (away from residence) 4 8.5

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 1 2.1

Hotel 0 0.0

Jail/Military control 0 0.0

Other 3 6.4

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event method (AFMES) Asphyxiation 12 25.5

Cutting/Piercing 0 0.0

Drowning 0 0.0

Drugs/Alcohol 1 2.1

Fall/Jump 0 0.0

Gunshot 34 72.3

Military issued firearm§ 8 23.5

Non-military issued firearm§ 26 76.5

Poisoning 0 0.0

Motor vehicle 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Alcohol used during event (AFMES) Yes 18 38.3

No 21 44.7

Data unavailable 8 17.0

Table F2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
167

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Drugs used during event (AFMES) Yes 7 14.9

Illicit drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Inhalants Used, cause of death§ 1 14.3

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, cause of death§ 1 14.3

Used, not cause of death§ 6 85.7

OTC drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

No 18 38.3

Data unavailable 22 46.8

Alcohol and drugs used during event 

(AFMES)

Yes 4 8.5

No 28 59.6

Data unavailable 15 31.9

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 16 34.0

Mode Written§ 0 0.0

Verbal§ 13 81.3

Electronic§ 6 37.5

Other§ 0 0.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 14 87.5

2§ 2 12.5

3§ 0 0.0

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Recipients Supervisor§ 1 6.3

Chaplain§ 0 0.0

Mental Health Staff§ 2 12.5

Friend§ 2 12.5

Spouse/significant other§ 8 50.0

Family§ 1 6.3

Social Media§ 2 12.5

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 0 0.0

Helpline§ 1 6.3

Other§ 1 6.3

No 27 57.4

Data unavailable 4 8.5

Continued >> 

Table F2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
168

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Death risk gambling Yes 0 0.0

No 43 91.5

Data unavailable 4 8.5

Event planned Yes 13 27.7

No 13 27.7

Data unavailable 21 44.7

Event observable Yes 8 17.0

No 35 74.5

Data unavailable 4 8.5

Left suicide note Yes 12 25.5

No 21 44.7

Data unavailable 14 29.8

Residence Shared military living environment 17 36.2

Bachelor quarters 6 12.8

On-base family housing 1 2.1

Private residence 20 42.6

Ship 0 0.0

Other 3 6.4

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Married Service member residence Not married 24 51.1

Married, resides with spouse 8 17.0

Married, not living together, relationship issues 10 21.3

Married, not living together, other reasons 5 10.6

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Service member resided alone Yes 16 34.0

No 29 61.7

Data unavailable 2 4.3

Had minor children Yes, lived with SM 5 10.6

Yes, did not live with SM 9 19.1

No children 33 70.2

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Continued >> 

Table F2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
169

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 33 70.2

No 9 19.1

Data unavailable 5 10.6

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 27 57.4

Leave 0 0.0

TDY 3 6.4

AWOL 2 4.3

Deployed 3 6.4

Training 2 4.3

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.0

Medical Hold 6 12.8

Other 9 19.1

Unknown 0 0.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table F2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 30
170

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 47 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 19 40.5

Number of diagnoses 1§ 15 78.9

2§ 2 10.5

3§ 2 10.5

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 8 42.1

Bipolar¶ 3 37.5

Major depression¶ 2 25.0

Dysthymic¶ 1 12.5

Other mood disorder¶ 1 12.5

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 2 25.0

Anxiety disorder§ 7 36.8

Posttraumatic stress¶ 2 28.6

Panic¶ 1 14.3

Generalized anxiety¶ 2 28.6

Acute stress¶ 0 0.0

Other anxiety disorder¶ 3 42.9

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 0 0.0

Personality disorder§ 3 15.8

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 8 42.1

Traumatic brain injury§ 2 10.5

No 26 55.3

Data unavailable 2 4.3

Sleep disorder Yes 7 14.9

No 33 70.2

Data unavailable 7 14.9

History of substance abuse Yes 15 31.9

No 26 55.3

Data unavailable 6 12.8

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 2 4.3

No 17 36.2

Data unavailable 28 59.6

Table F3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
171

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 10 21.3

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 8 80.0

More than one prior event§ 2 20.0

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 3 30.0

No 29 61.7

Data unavailable 8 17.0

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 4 8.5

No 39 83.0

Data unavailable 4 8.5

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 28 59.6

Military Treatment Facility§ 26 92.9

Substance Abuse Services§ 7 25.0

Family Advocacy Program§ 2 7.1

Chaplain Services§ 2 7.1

Outpatient behavioral health§ 11 39.3

Inpatient behavioral health§ 3 10.7

No 19 40.4

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 14 29.8

No 23 48.9

Data unavailable 10 21.3

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 12 25.5

Antidepressants§ 8 66.7

Anxiolytics§ 6 50.0

Antimanics§ 0 0.0

Anticonvulsants§ 2 16.7

Antipsychotics§ 2 16.7

Sleep medications§ 4 33.3

No 25 53.2

Data unavailable 10 21.3

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 5 10.6

No 28 59.6

Data unavailable 14 29.8

Continued >> 

Table F3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
172

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 4 8.5

No 31 66.0

Data unavailable 12 25.5

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table F3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 31
173

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 47 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 28 59.6

Failed intimate relationship§ 23 82.1

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 5 17.9

Death of spouse or family member§ 1 3.6

Death of friend§ 2 7.1

Family/spouse illness§ 4 14.3

No 15 31.9

Data unavailable 4 8.5

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 2 4.3

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 1 50.0

Friend suicide§ 1 50.0

No 44 93.6

Data unavailable 1 2.1

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 19 40.4

Courts martial proceedings§ 1 5.3

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 8 42.1

Administrative separation§ 4 21.1

AWOL§ 3 15.8

Medical evaluation board§ 3 15.8

Civil legal problems§ 6 31.6

Non-selection for promotion§ 3 15.8

No 28 59.6

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 16 34.0

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 5 31.3

Job problems§ 9 56.3

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 3 18.8

Poor performance review§ 8 50.0

Unit/workplace hazing§ 1 6.3

No 30 63.8

Data unavailable 1 2.1

Table F4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
174

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 3 6.4

Physical abuse§ 1 33.3

Sexual abuse§ 1 33.3

Emotional abuse§ 1 33.3

Sexual harassment§ 1 33.3

No 36 76.6

Data unavailable 8 17.0

Abuse perpetration history Yes 7 14.9

Physical abuse§ 3 42.9

Sexual abuse§ 3 42.9

Emotional abuse§ 1 14.3

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 38 80.9

Data unavailable 2 4.3

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table F4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 31
175

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 47 100.0

History of deployment Yes 25 53.2

Number of deployments 1§ 15 60.0

2§ 5 20.0

3 or more§ 5 20.0

No 22 46.8

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 24 51.1

Iraq§ 8 33.3

Afghanistan§ 21 87.5

Kuwait§ 0 0.0

No 23 48.9

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Events in theater Afghanistan 3 6.4

Kuwait 0 0.0

Other location 0 0.0

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 44 93.6

History of direct combat Yes 9 19.1

Wounded others combat§ 6 66.7

Service member wounded in combat§ 2 22.2

Witnessed killing§ 5 55.6

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 4 44.4

Killed others in combat§ 2 22.2

No 8 17.0

Not applicable 22 46.8

Data unavailable 8 17.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table F5. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide DoDSERs

Referenced page 32
176

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 169 100.0

Sex Male 150 88.8

Female 19 11.2

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 2 1.2

Asian/Pacific Islander 6 3.6

Black/African American 24 14.2

White/Caucasian 134 79.3

Other/Unknown 3 1.8

Ethnicity Hispanic 28 16.6

Non-Hispanic 126 74.6

Unknown 15 8.9

Age Range 17 - 24 131 77.5

25 - 29 19 11.2

30 - 34 13 7.7

35 - 39 3 1.8

40 - 44 3 1.8

45 - 74 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0

E1-E4 137 81.1

E5-E9 30 17.8

Officer 2 1.2

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Component Active 166 98.2

Reserve 2 1.2

Other 1 0.6

Table F6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
177

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 1 0.6

Alternative high school certification 2 1.2

High school graduate 128 75.7

Some college, no degree 20 11.8

Degree, <4 years 0 0.0

4-year degree 3 1.8

Masters degree or greater 0 0.0

Unknown 15 8.9

Marital Status Never married 87 51.5

Married 78 46.2

Legally separated 1 0.6

Divorced 2 1.2

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 1 0.6

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Table F6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 33
178

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 169 100.0

Geographic location United States 150 88.8

Afghanistan 2 1.2

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 0 0.0

Other Europe 16 9.5

Japan 0 0.0

Germany 0 0.0

Shipboard 1 0.6

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 137 81.1

Residence of friend or family 4 2.4

Work/jobsite 6 3.6

Automobile (away from residence) 9 5.3

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 1 0.6

Outpatient medical/behavioral health 1 0.6

Emergency room 1 0.6

Hotel 6 3.6

Jail/Military control 0 0.0

Other 4 2.4

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event method Drugs 105 62.1

Alcohol 1 0.6

Gas, vehicle exhaust 2 1.2

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.0

Chemicals 8 4.7

Hanging 18 10.7

Drowning 0 0.0

Firearm, military issued 2 1.2

Firearm, not military issued 5 3.0

Fire/steam 0 0.0

Sharp/blunt object 20 11.8

Jumping from high place 3 1.8

Lying in front of a moving object 0 0.0

Crashing a motor vehicle 5 3.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Table F7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
179

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Alcohol used during event Yes 45 26.6

No 83 49.1

Data unavailable 41 24.3

Drugs used during event Yes 110 65.1

Illicit drugs Used, overdose§ 3 2.7

Used, no overdose§ 6 5.5

Prescription drugs Used, overdose§ 57 51.8

Used, no overdose§ 11 10.0

OTC drugs Used, overdose§ 36 32.7

Used, no overdose§ 5 4.5

No 48 28.4

Data unavailable 11 6.5

Both alcohol and drugs used Yes 29 17.2

No 101 59.8

Data unavailable 39 23.1

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 25 14.8

Mode Written§ 1 4.0

Verbal§ 17 68.0

Electronic§ 8 32.0

Other§ 1 4.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 20 80.0

2§ 2 8.0

3§ 1 4.0

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Recipient Supervisor§ 3 12.0

Chaplain§ 0 0.0

Mental Health Staff§ 5 20.0

Friend§ 6 24.0

Spouse/significant other§ 5 20.0

Family§ 8 32.0

Social Media§ 0 0.0

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 0 0.0

Helpline§ 0 0.0

Other§ 0 0.0

No 124 73.4

Data unavailable 20 11.8

Continued >> 

Table F7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)
180

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Self-inflicted injuries Yes 116 68.6

No 45 26.6

Data unavailable 8 4.7

Death risk gambling Yes 1 0.6

No 165 97.6

Data unavailable 3 1.8

Event planned Yes 52 30.8

No 79 46.7

Data unavailable 38 22.5

Event observable Yes 78 46.2

No 76 45.0

Data unavailable 15 8.9

Left suicide note Yes 15 8.9

No 139 82.2

Data unavailable 15 8.9

Residence Shared military living environment 94 55.6

Bachelor quarters 8 4.7

On-base family housing 1 0.6

Private residence 46 27.2

Ship 1 0.6

Other 4 2.4

Data unavailable 15 8.9

Married Service member residence Not married 91 53.8

Married, resides with spouse 31 18.3

Married, not living together, relationship issues 24 14.2

Married, not living together, other reasons 13 7.7

Data unavailable 10 5.9

Service member resided alone Yes 28 16.6

No 116 68.6

Data unavailable 25 14.8

Continued >> 

Table F7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)
181

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Had minor children Yes, live with Service member 23 13.6

Yes, do not live with Service member 20 11.8

No children 115 68.0

Data unavailable 11 6.5

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 10 5.9

No 106 62.7

Data unavailable 53 31.4

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 117 69.2

Leave 4 2.4

TDY 4 2.4

AWOL 1 0.6

Deployed 4 2.4

Training 15 8.9

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.0

Medical Hold 6 3.6

Other 8 4.7

Unknown 12 7.1

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

*Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table F7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 33
182

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

All 169 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 77 45.6

Number of diagnoses 1§ 38 49.4

2§ 23 29.9

3§ 10 13.0

4 or more§ 6 7.8

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 49 63.6

Bipolar¶ 1 2.0

Major depression¶ 27 55.1

Dysthymic¶ 7 14.3

Other mood disorder¶ 18 36.7

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 3 6.1

Anxiety disorder§ 27 35.1

Posttraumatic stress¶ 17 63.0

Panic¶ 1 3.7

Generalized anxiety¶ 4 14.8

Acute stress¶ 3 11.1

Other anxiety disorder¶ 5 18.5

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 2 7.4

Personality disorder§ 13 13.0

Psychotic disorder§ 2 2.0

Adjustment disorder§ 38 38.0

Traumatic brain injury§ 6 6.0

No 61 47.9

Data unavailable 11 6.5

Sleep disorder Yes 11 6.5

No 141 83.4

Data unavailable 17 10.1

History of substance abuse Yes 53 31.4

No 81 47.9

Data unavailable 35 20.7

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 33 19.5

No 105 62.1

Data unavailable 31 18.3

Table F8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
183

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 51 30.2

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 23 45.1

More than one prior event§ 28 54.9

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 29 56.9

No 99 58.6

Data unavailable 19 11.2

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 12 7.1

No 142 84.0

Data unavailable 15 8.9

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 98 58.0

Military Treatment Facility§ 64 65.3

Substance Abuse Services§ 17 17.3

Family Advocacy Program§ 3 3.1

Chaplain Services§ 8 8.2

Outpatient behavioral health§ 67 68.4

Inpatient behavioral health§ 21 21.4

No 66 39.1

Data unavailable 5 3.0

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 62 36.7

No 94 55.6

Data unavailable 13 7.7

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 48 28.4

Antidepressants§ 42 87.5

Anxiolytics§ 13 27.1

Antimanics§ 1 2.1

Anticonvulsants§ 8 16.7

Antipsychotics§ 4 8.3

Sleep medications§ 23 47.9

No 108 63.9

Data unavailable 13 7.7

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 22 13.0

No 120 71.0

Data unavailable 27 16.0

Continued >> 

Table F8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)
184

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 11 6.5

No 140 82.8

Data unavailable 18 10.7

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table F8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 34
185

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 169 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 79 46.7

Failed intimate relationship§ 71 89.9

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 10 12.7

Death of spouse or family member§ 3 3.8

Death of friend§ 1 1.3

Family/spouse illness§ 8 10.1

No 82 48.5

Data unavailable 8 4.7

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 11 6.5

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 8 72.7

Friend suicide§ 5 45.5

No 146 86.4

Data unavailable 12 7.1

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 53 31.4

Courts martial proceedings§ 7 13.2

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 25 47.2

Administrative separation§ 17 32.1

AWOL§ 9 17.0

Medical evaluation board§ 6 11.3

Civil legal problems§ 15 28.3

Non-selection for promotion§ 2 3.8

No 111 65.7

Data unavailable 5 3.0

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 57 33.7

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 13 22.8

Job problems§ 41 71.9

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 25 43.9

Poor performance review§ 11 19.3

Unit/workplace hazing§ 2 3.5

No 83 49.1

Data unavailable 29 17.2

Table F9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
186

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 40 23.7

Physical abuse§ 23 57.5

Sexual abuse§ 14 35.0

Emotional abuse§ 28 70.0

Sexual harassment§ 3 7.5

No 109 64.5

Data unavailable 20 11.8

Abuse perpetration history Yes 11 6.5

Physical abuse§ 10 90.9

Sexual abuse§ 1 9.1

Emotional abuse§ 3 27.3

Sexual harassment§ 1 9.1

No 138 81.7

Data unavailable 20 11.8

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table F9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 34
187

Appendix F: Marine Corps Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 169 100.0

History of deployment Yes 67 39.6

Number of deployments 1§ 30 44.8

2§ 23 34.3

3 or more§ 14 20.9

No 102 60.4

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 64 37.9

Iraq§ 27 42.2

Afghanistan§ 54 84.4

Kuwait§ 0 0.0

No 105 62.1

Events in theater Afghanistan 2 1.2

Kuwait 0 0.0

Shipboard 1 0.6

Other location 0 0.0

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 166 98.2

History of direct combat Yes 17 10.1

Wounded others combat§ 12 70.6

Service member wounded in combat§ 4 23.5

Witnessed killing§ 11 64.7

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 10 58.8

Killed others in combat§ 7 41.2

No 19 11.2

Not applicable 102 60.4

Data unavailable 31 18.3

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table F10. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Marine Corps suicide attempt DoDSERs

Referenced page 35
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
189

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix G 

NAVY TABLES
190

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 59¶ 100.0

Sex Male 55 93.2

Female 4 6.8

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 1 1.7

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 5.1

Black/African American 5 8.5

White/Caucasian 47 79.7

Other/Unknown 3 5.1

Ethnicity Hispanic 8 13.6

Non-Hispanic 46 78.0

Unknown 5 8.5

Age Range 17 - 24 21 35.6

25 - 29 16 27.1

30 - 34 12 20.3

35 - 39 5 8.5

40 - 44 3 5.1

45 - 74 2 3.4

Data unavailable

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0

E1-E4 20 33.9

E5-E9 29 49.2

Officer 10 16.9

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Component Active 57 96.6

Reserve 2 3.4

Other 0 0.0

Table G1. Demographic characteristics of Navy suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012

Continued >> 
191

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.0

Alternative high school certification 0 0.0

High school graduate 24 40.7

Some college, no degree 19 32.2

Degree, <4 years 0 0.0

4-year degree 8 13.6

Masters degree or greater 1 1.7

Unknown 7 11.9

Marital Status Never married 30 50.8

Married 24 40.7

Legally separated 1 1.7

Divorced 2 3.4

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 2 3.4

¶ This number includes DoDSERs submitted for Service members who were part of the Active component and the 

Reserve component in an Active status at the time of the event. Only suicides confirmed by AFMES by 31 January 

2013 were required to be submitted by 31 March 2013 for inclusion in this report.

Table G1. Demographic characteristics of Navy suicide DoDSERs submitted for CY 2012

Referenced page 38
192

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 59 100.0

Geographic location United States 55 93.2

Afghanistan 1 1.7

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 0 0.0

Other Europe 0 0.0

Japan 1 1.7

Germany 0 0.0

At sea 1 1.7

Other 1 1.7

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 36 61.0

Residence of friend or family 2 3.4

Work/jobsite 6 10.2

Automobile (away from residence) 2 3.4

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 0 0.0

Hotel 2 3.4

Jail/Military control 1 1.7

Other 10 16.9

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event method (AFMES) Asphyxiation 12 20.3

Cutting/Piercing 2 3.4

Drowning 2 3.4

Drugs/Alcohol 1 1.7

Fall/Jump 3 5.1

Gunshot 38 64.4

Military issued firearm§ 3 7.9

Non-military issued firearm§ 34 89.5

Firearm of unknown source§ 1 2.6

Poisoning 1 1.7

Motor vehicle 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Alcohol used during event (AFMES) Yes 24 40.7

No 27 45.8

Data unavailable 8 13.6

Continued >> 

Table G2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs
193

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Drugs used during event (AFMES) Yes 9 15.3

Illicit drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 1 11.1

Inhalants Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, cause of death§ 0 0.0

Used, not cause of death§ 6 66.7

OTC drugs Used, cause of death§ 1 11.1

Used, not cause of death§ 4 44.4

No 11 18.6

Data unavailable 39 66.1

Alcohol and drugs used during event 

(AFMES)

Yes 6 10.2

No 30 50.8

Data unavailable 23 39.0

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 16 27.1

Mode Written§ 1 6.3

Verbal§ 8 50.0

Electronic§ 11 68.8

Other§ 1 6.3

Number of types of recipients 1§ 12 75.0

2§ 3 18.8

3§ 1 6.3

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Recipients Supervisor§ 5 31.3

Chaplain§ 0 0.0

Mental Health Staff§ 0 0.0

Friend§ 7 43.8

Spouse/significant other§ 8 50.0

Family§ 0 0.0

Social Media§ 0 0.0

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 1 6.3

Helpline§ 0 0.0

Other§ 0 0.0

No 36 61.0

Data unavailable 7 11.9

Continued >> 

Table G2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
194

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Death risk gambling Yes 0 0.0

No 49 83.1

Data unavailable 10 16.9

Event planned Yes 15 25.4

No 17 28.8

Data unavailable 27 45.8

Event observable Yes 14 23.7

No 39 66.1

Data unavailable 6 10.2

Left suicide note Yes 17 28.8

No 32 54.2

Data unavailable 10 16.9

Residence Shared military living environment 9 15.3

Bachelor quarters 5 8.5

On-base family housing 4 6.8

Private residence 34 57.6

Ship 2 3.4

Other 5 8.5

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Married Service member residence Not married 33 55.9

Married, resides with spouse 15 25.4

Married, not living together, relationship issues 4 6.8

Married, not living together, other reasons 4 6.8

Data unavailable 3 5.1

Service member resided alone Yes 17 28.8

No 37 62.7

Data unavailable 5 8.5

Had minor children Yes, lived with SM 11 18.6

Yes, did not live with SM 10 16.9

No children 36 61.0

Data unavailable 2 3.4

Continued >> 

Table G2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
195

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 35 59.3

No 16 27.1

Data unavailable 8 13.6

Duty environment at time of event‡ Permanent duty station 33 55.9

Leave 4 6.8

TDY 1 1.7

AWOL 3 5.1

Deployed 3 5.1

Training 5 8.5

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 1.7

Medical Hold 1 1.7

Other 16 27.1

Unknown 0 0.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

‡Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table G2. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 38
196

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 59 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 15 25.5

Number of diagnoses 1§ 8 53.3

2§ 3 20.0

3§ 3 20.0

4 or more§ 1 6.7

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 8 53.3

Bipolar¶ 1 12.5

Major depression¶ 6 75.0

Dysthymic¶ 2 25.0

Other mood disorder¶ 3 37.5

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 0 0.0

Anxiety disorder§ 9 45.0

Posttraumatic stress¶ 2 22.2

Panic¶ 1 11.1

Generalized anxiety¶ 3 33.3

Acute stress¶ 0 0.0

Other anxiety disorder¶ 2 22.2

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 1 11.1

Personality disorder§ 1 6.7

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 6 40.0

Traumatic brain injury§ 0 0.0

No 33 55.9

Data unavailable 11 18.6

Sleep disorder Yes 5 8.5

No 38 64.4

Data unavailable 16 27.1

History of substance abuse Yes 10 16.9

No 38 64.4

Data unavailable 11 18.6

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 5 8.5

No 17 28.8

Data unavailable 37 62.7

Table G3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Navy suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
197

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 7 11.9

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 4 57.1

More than one prior event§ 3 42.9

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 3 42.9

No 35 59.3

Data unavailable 17 28.8

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 3 5.1

No 45 76.3

Data unavailable 11 18.6

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 30 50.8

Military Treatment Facility§ 26 86.7

Substance Abuse Services§ 2 6.7

Family Advocacy Program§ 1 3.3

Chaplain Services§ 3 10.0

Outpatient behavioral health§ 9 30.0

Inpatient behavioral health§ 2 6.7

No 25 42.4

Data unavailable 4 6.8

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 15 25.4

No 25 42.4

Data unavailable 19 32.2

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 11 18.6

Antidepressants§ 7 63.6

Anxiolytics§ 4 36.4

Antimanics§ 1 9.1

Anticonvulsants§ 0 0.0

Antipsychotics§ 1 9.1

Sleep medications§ 5 45.5

No 29 49.2

Data unavailable 19 32.2

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 2 3.4

No 35 59.3

Data unavailable 22 37.3

Continued >> 

Table G3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)
198

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 1 1.7

No 33 55.9

Data unavailable 25 42.4

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table G3. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 

Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 39
199

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 59 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 22 37.3

Failed intimate relationship§ 17 77.3

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 6 27.3

Death of spouse or family member§ 2 9.1

Death of friend§ 1 4.5

Family/spouse illness§ 1 4.5

No 30 50.8

Data unavailable 7 11.9

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 1 1.7

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 1 100.0

Friend suicide§ 0 0.0

No 49 83.1

Data unavailable 9 15.3

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 14 23.7

Courts martial proceedings§ 0 0.0

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 4 28.6

Administrative separation§ 3 21.4

AWOL§ 3 21.4

Medical evaluation board§ 0 0.0

Civil legal problems§ 5 35.7

Non-selection for promotion§ 3 21.4

No 45 76.3

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 13 22.0

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 5 38.5

Job problems§ 11 84.6

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 4 30.8

Poor performance review§ 1 7.7

Unit/workplace hazing§ 0 0.0

No 40 67.8

Data unavailable 6 10.2

Table G4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs

Continued >> 
200

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 2 3.4

Physical abuse§ 1 50.0

Sexual abuse§ 1 50.0

Emotional abuse§ 2 100.0

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 39 66.1

Data unavailable 18 30.5

Abuse perpetration history Yes 6 10.2

Physical abuse§ 2 33.3

Sexual abuse§ 3 50.0

Emotional abuse§ 1 16.7

Sexual harassment§ 0 0.0

No 40 67.8

Data unavailable 13 22.0

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table G4. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 39
201

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 59 100.0

History of deployment Yes 24 40.7

Number of deployments 1§ 9 37.5

2§ 10 41.7

3 or more§ 5 20.8

No 35 59.3

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 8 13.6

Iraq§ 4 50.0

Afghanistan§ 5 62.5

Kuwait§ 0 0.0

No 51 86.4

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Events in theater Afghanistan 1 1.7

Kuwait 0 0.0

Other location 1 1.7

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 57 96.6

History of direct combat Yes 4 6.8

Wounded others combat§ 3 75.0

Service member wounded in combat§ 0 0.0

Witnessed killing§ 2 50.0

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 3 75.0

Killed others in combat§ 1 25.0

No 15 25.4

Not applicable 35 59.3

Data unavailable 5 8.5

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table G5. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Navy suicide DoDSERs

Referenced page 40
202

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 106 100.0

Sex Male 73 68.9

Female 33 31.1

Race American Indian/Alaskan Native 4 3.8

Asian/Pacific Islander 3 2.8

Black/African American 22 20.8

White/Caucasian 67 63.2

Other/Unknown 10 9.4

Ethnicity Hispanic 14 13.2

Non-Hispanic 78 73.6

Unknown 14 13.2

Age Range 17 - 24 62 58.5

25 - 29 26 24.5

30 - 34 5 4.7

35 - 39 9 8.5

40 - 44 4 3.8

45 - 74 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0

Rank Cadet/Midshipmen 0 0.0

E1-E4 65 61.3

E5-E9 27 25.5

Officer 6 5.7

Warrant Officer 0 0.0

Data unavailable 8 7.5

Component Active 100 94.3

Reserve 3 2.8

Other 3 2.8

Table G6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
203

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Education Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.0

Alternative high school certification 3 2.8

High school graduate 55 51.9

Some college, no degree 24 22.6

Degree, <4 years 5 4.7

4-year degree 5 4.7

Masters degree or greater 2 1.9

Unknown 12 11.3

Marital Status Never married 56 52.8

Married 38 35.8

Legally separated 2 1.9

Divorced 5 4.7

Widowed 0 0.0

Other 2 1.9

Data unavailable 3 2.8

Table G6. Demographic characteristics of all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 41
204

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 106 100.0

Geographic location United States 92 86.8

Afghanistan 0 0.0

Kuwait 0 0.0

Korea 2 1.9

Other Europe 7 6.6

Japan 0 0.0

Germany 0 0.0

At sea 5 4.7

Other 0 0.0

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event setting Residence (own) or barracks 66 62.3

Residence of friend or family 5 4.7

Work/jobsite 15 14.2

Automobile (away from residence) 8 7.5

Inpatient medical/behavioral health 0 0.0

Outpatient medical/behavioral health 1 0.9

Emergency room 1 0.9

Hotel 3 2.8

Jail/Military control 0 0.0

Other 7 6.6

Data unavailable 0 0.0

Event method Drugs 59 55.7

Alcohol 4 3.8

Gas, vehicle exhaust 0 0.0

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.0

Chemicals 1 0.9

Hanging 8 7.5

Drowning 0 0.0

Firearm, military issued 0 0.0

Firearm, not military issued 2 1.9

Fire/steam 0 0.0

Sharp/blunt object 16 15.1

Jumping from high place 1 0.9

Lying in front of a moving object 0 0.0

Crashing a motor vehicle 4 3.8

Other 12 11.3

Data unavailable 9 8.5

Continued >> 

Table G7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs
205

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Alcohol used during event Yes 27 25.5

No 69 65.1

Data unavailable 10 9.4

Drugs used during event Yes 64 60.4

Illicit drugs Used, overdose§ 2 3.1

Used, no overdose§ 0 0.0

Prescription drugs Used, overdose§ 25 39.1

Used, no overdose§ 6 9.4

OTC drugs Used, overdose§ 24 37.5

Used, no overdose§ 3 4.7

No 36 34.0

Data unavailable 6 5.7

Both alcohol and drugs used Yes 18 17.0

No 77 72.6

Data unavailable 11 10.4

Communicated potential for self-harm Yes 29 27.4

Mode Written§ 5 17.2

Verbal§ 20 69.0

Electronic§ 5 17.2

Other§ 0 0.0

Number of types of recipients 1§ 21 72.4

2§ 6 20.7

3§ 2 6.9

4 or more§ 0 0.0

Recipient Supervisor§ 7 24.1

Chaplain§ 1 3.4

Mental Health Staff§ 11 37.9

Friend§ 4 13.8

Spouse/significant other§ 10 34.5

Family§ 4 13.8

Social Media§ 0 0.0

Colleague§ 0 0.0

Emergency Personnel§ 1 3.4

Helpline§ 0 0.0

Other§ 1 3.4

No 62 58.5

Data unavailable 15 14.2

Continued >> 

Table G7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)
206

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Self-inflicted injuries Yes 53 50.0

No 41 38.7

Data unavailable 12 11.3

Death risk gambling Yes 0 0.0

No 95 89.6

Data unavailable 11 10.4

Event planned Yes 30 28.3

No 51 48.1

Data unavailable 25 23.6

Event observable Yes 42 39.6

No 43 40.6

Data unavailable 21 19.8

Left suicide note Yes 5 4.7

No 91 85.8

Data unavailable 10 9.4

Residence Shared military living environment 35 33.0

Bachelor quarters 1 0.9

On-base family housing 4 3.8

Private residence 38 35.8

Ship 14 13.2

Other 5 4.7

Data unavailable 9 8.5

Married Service member residence Not married 65 61.3

Married, resides with spouse 19 17.9

Married, not living together, relationship issues 9 8.5

Married, not living together, other reasons 9 8.5

Data unavailable 4 3.8

Service member resided alone Yes 24 22.6

No 70 66.0

Data unavailable 12 11.3

Continued >> 

Table G7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)
207

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

Had minor children Yes, live with Service member 17 16.0

Yes, do not live with Service member 13 12.3

No children 66 62.3

Data unavailable 10 9.4

Firearm in immediate environment Yes 8 7.5

No 77 72.6

Data unavailable 21 19.8

Duty environment at time of event* Permanent duty station 50 47.2

Leave 4 3.8

TDY 3 2.8

AWOL 3 2.8

Deployed 6 5.7

Training 14 13.2

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 0.9

Medical Hold 3 2.8

Other 21 19.8

Unknown 6 5.7

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set

*Some DoDSERs reported more than one environment.

Table G7. Location of event, event method, and event context for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 41
208

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

All 106 100.0

Behavioral health diagnosis Yes 53 50.0

Number of diagnoses 1§ 33 62.3

2§ 12 22.6

3§ 7 13.2

4 or more§ 1 1.9

Specific diagnoses Mood disorder§ 39 73.6

Bipolar¶ 1 2.6

Major depression¶ 18 46.2

Dysthymic¶ 4 10.3

Other mood disorder¶ 13 33.3

Unspecified mood disorder¶ 4 10.3

Anxiety disorder§ 15 24.2

Posttraumatic stress¶ 8 53.3

Panic¶ 1 6.7

Generalized anxiety¶ 1 6.7

Acute stress¶ 0 0.0

Other anxiety disorder¶ 6 40.0

Unspecified anxiety disorder¶ 1 6.7

Personality disorder§ 9 14.5

Psychotic disorder§ 0 0.0

Adjustment disorder§ 23 37.1

Traumatic brain injury§ 3 4.8

No 33 31.1

Data unavailable 11 10.4

Sleep disorder Yes 6 5.7

No 84 79.2

Data unavailable 16 15.1

History of substance abuse Yes 27 25.5

No 66 62.3

Data unavailable 13 12.3

Family history of behavioral health 

conditions

Yes 31 29.2

No 51 48.1

Data unavailable 24 22.6

Table G8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Navy 

suicide attempt DoDSERs

Continued >> 
209

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

History of prior self-injury Yes 30 28.3

Number of prior self injuries One prior event§ 14 46.7

More than one prior event§ 16 53.3

Event similar to prior self 

injury

Yes§ 16 53.3

No 62 58.5

Data unavailable 14 13.2

Physical health problem, last 90 days Yes 6 5.7

No 85 80.2

Data unavailable 15 14.2

Accession of medical/support 

services, last 90 days

Yes 63 59.4

Military Treatment Facility§ 36 57.1

Substance Abuse Services§ 10 15.9

Family Advocacy Program§ 3 4.8

Chaplain Services§ 13 20.6

Outpatient behavioral health§ 44 69.8

Inpatient behavioral health§ 14 22.2

No 34 32.1

Data unavailable 9 8.5

Ever taken psychotropic medications Yes 35 33.0

No 62 58.5

Data unavailable 9 8.5

Use of psychotropic medications, last 

90 days

Yes 27 25.5

Antidepressants§ 22 81.5

Anxiolytics§ 8 29.6

Antimanics§ 0 0.0

Anticonvulsants§ 0 0.0

Antipsychotics§ 1 3.7

Sleep medications§ 16 59.3

No 70 66.0

Data unavailable 9 8.5

Pain medication at time of the event Yes 12 11.3

No 76 71.7

Data unavailable 18 17.0

Table G8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Navy 

suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Continued >> 
210

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Polypharmacy at time of the event Yes 4 3.8

No 83 78.3

Data unavailable 19 17.9

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

¶ Percents based on the number of reports in that diagnostic category; some DoDSERs reported multiple diagnoses 

within the same category.

Table G8. Behavioral health history, accession of medical and social services, and prescription medication usage for all CY 2012 Navy 

suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 42
211

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 106 100.0

Any family or relationship stressors, 

last 90 days

Yes 46 43.4

Failed intimate relationship§ 35 76.1

Failed non-intimate relationship§ 8 17.4

Death of spouse or family member§ 1 2.2

Death of friend§ 1 2.2

Family/spouse illness§ 6 13.0

No 46 43.4

Data unavailable 14 13.2

History of suicide of friend or family 

members

Yes 9 8.5

Spouse suicide§ 0 0.0

Family suicide§ 5 55.6

Friend suicide§ 5 55.6

No 82 77.4

Data unavailable 15 14.2

History of administrative/legal issues, 

last 90 days

Yes 30 28.3

Courts martial proceedings§ 2 6.7

Article 15/Non-judicial punishment§ 13 43.3

Administrative separation§ 11 36.7

AWOL§ 7 23.3

Medical evaluation board§ 1 3.3

Civil legal problems§ 5 16.7

Non-selection for promotion§ 3 10.0

No 64 60.4

Data unavailable 12 11.3

Any financial or workplace difficulties, 

last 90 days

Yes 36 34.0

Excessive debt or bankruptcy§ 5 13.9

Job problems§ 30 83.3

Supervisor/coworker issues§ 22 61.1

Poor performance review§ 13 36.1

Unit/workplace hazing§ 0 0.0

No 50 47.2

Data unavailable 20 18.9

Continued >> 

Table G9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs
212

Appendix G: Navy Tables

Count %

Abuse victimization history Yes 38 35.8

Physical abuse§ 24 63.2

Sexual abuse§ 24 63.2

Emotional abuse§ 25 65.8

Sexual harassment§ 4 10.5

No 50 47.2

Data unavailable 18 17.0

Abuse perpetration history Yes 13 12.3

Physical abuse§ 10 76.9

Sexual abuse§ 3 23.1

Emotional abuse§ 1 7.7

Sexual harassment§ 1 7.7

No 71 67.0

Data unavailable 22 20.8

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table G9. Antecedent stressors related to family and relationship issues, administrative or legal issues, financial or workplace 

conflicts, and abuse victimization or perpetration for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs (cont.)

Referenced page 42
213

Appendix G: Navy Tables

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Count %

All 106 100.0

History of deployment Yes 38 35.8

Number of deployments 1§ 19 50.0

2§ 11 28.9

3 or more§ 8 21.1

No 68 64.2

Ever deployed OEF/OIF/OND Yes 14 13.2

Iraq§ 6 42.9

Afghanistan§ 10 71.4

Kuwait§ 0 0.0

No 92 86.8

Events in theater Afghanistan 0 0.0

Kuwait 0 0.0

Shipboard 1 0.9

Other location 0 0.0

Not OEF/OIF/OND deployed at time of event 105 99.1

History of direct combat Yes 4 3.8

Wounded others combat§ 3 75.0

Service member wounded in combat§ 0 0.0

Witnessed killing§ 4 100.0

Saw bodies of other soldiers§ 3 75.0

Killed others in combat§ 2 50.0

No 24 22.6

Not applicable 68 64.2

Data unavailable 10 9.4

§ Percents based on the number of ‘Yes’ responses; some DoDSERs indicated multiple responses in the same set.

Table G10. Deployment and direct combat history for all CY 2012 Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs

Referenced page 43
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CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 215

Appendix H: Glossary

Appendix H 

GLOSSARY
216

Appendix H: Glossary

Active component

Active duty

Per the Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, the Active 

component is, “the portion of the armed forces as identified in annual 

authorization acts as ‘active forces,’ and in section 115 of Title 10 USC as 

those Active Duty personnel paid from funds appropriated for Active Duty 

personnel.”

Per the Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, Active duty is 

a status that reflects “full-time duty in the active military service of the 

United States. This includes members of the Reserve Component serving 

on active duty or full-time training duty, but does not include full-time 

National Guard duty.”

A provision under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) which 

gives commanding officers ability to impose nonjudicial punishment upon 

soldiers who commit minor offenses within their units.

Any game of chance with death or serious injury as a potential outcome. 

Examples include “Russian roulette.”

Deployment ashore (boots on the ground) with duties involving outside 

the continental United States operations without a fixed US Military 

Treatment Facility (MTF). Examples include OEF and OND deployments.

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). 

Informal proceeding evaluating the medical history of a Service Member 

to determine how the injury/disease will respond to treatment protocols. 

This is used to determine if the medical condition and/or physical defect 

will render the Service Member unfit for duty.

Evidence the event was planned and/or premeditated includes verbal 

discussion of plan, written notes, email/chat-room discussion, or other 

evidence of plan such as preparatory behaviors (e.g., giving possessions 

away, purchase of materials to facilitate suicide, etc.).

Being prescribed any four or more medications taken concurrently 

with any one of them being a psychotropic or central nervous system 

depressant.

Death-risk gambling

Self harm (without intent to die)

Medical Evaluation Board

Planned and/or premeditated

Article 15

Deployed

Polypharmacy
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 217

Appendix H: Glossary

Traumatic Brain Injury

A type of medication that directly affects the mental, emotional and 

behavioral states when consumed by an individual. Such medications are 

used to treat disorders such as depression or bipolar.

Self-inflicted death with evidence (either explicit or implicit) of intent to die.

A self-inflicted potentially injurious behavior with a non-fatal outcome for 

which there is evidence (either explicit or implicit) of intent to die.

Any self-reported thoughts of engaging in suicide-related behaviors.

A traumatically induced structural injury and/or physiological disruption 

of brain function as a result of an external force that is indicated by 

new onset or worsening of at least one of the following clinical signs, 

immediately following the event:

a) Any period of loss of or a decreased level of consciousness;

b) Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury;

c) Any alteration in mental state at the time of the injury (confusion, 

disorientation, slowed thinking, etc.) Neurological deficits (weakness, 

loss of balance, change in vision, praxis, paresis/plegia, sensory loss, 

aphasia, etc.) that may or may not be transient Intracranial lesion.

used to treat disorders such as depression or bipolar.

Suicide

Suicide attempt

Suicidal ideation

Psychotropic Medications 
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CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 219

Appendix I: Acronyms

Appendix I 

ACRONYMS
220

Appendix I: Acronyms

Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

Absent without leave

Common access card

Confidence interval

Calendar year

Defense Casualty Information Processing System 

Defense Manpower Data Center

Department of Defense

Department of Defense Suicide Event Report

Defense Suicide Prevention Office 

General Educational Development

Medical treatment facility

Operation Enduring Freedom

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Operation New Dawn

Office of Special Investigations

Over the counter

Point of contact

Suicide Prevention Program Manager

Service member

National Center for Telehealth & Technology

Temporary duty

AFMES

AWOL

CAC

CI

CY

DCIPS

DMDC

DoD

DoDSER

DSPO

GED

MTF

OEF

OIF

OND

OSI

OTC

POC

SPPM

SM

T2

TDY
CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 221

Appendix J: Feedback & Suggestions

Appendix J 

FEEDBACK & SUGGESTIONS
222

Appendix J: Feedback & Suggestions

In a continuing effort to provide an annual DoDSER that is useful to the DoD community it serves, we request 

your feedback on the information we’ve provided and your suggestions for ways we could make the DoDSER 

annual report more useful.

National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

9933 West Hayes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431

Fax: 253.968.4192

suicide.reporting@us.army.mil

Please return your completed survey by mail, fax, or email to:

Strongly 

Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

I found the information in the 2012 DoDSER 

Annual Report helpful.

What other statistics or comparisons would you like to have in future annual DoDSER reports?

How did/will you use this report?

Do you have any other feedback or suggestions?

Name: Title:

Organization:

Email: Phone:

Optional
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health 

& Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)

t2health.org

CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 2012 ANNUAL REPORT