National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological 

Health & Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE)

www.t2health.org

CALENDAR YEAR 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

The estimated cost of report for the Department 

of Defense is approximately $64,000 in Fiscal 

Years 2011 - 2012. This includes $20,000 in 

expenses and $44,000 in DoD labor.

Generated on 2012Nov15 RefID: 0-D493E45

i

Acknowledgments

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors

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 collect and verify 

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

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

ensure data integrity and program compliance. In particular, Maj Michael McCarthy (Air Force SPPM), Dr. 

Amy Millikan (Manager, Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program), Mr. Walter Morales (Army SPPM), 

Mr. John Wills (Army DoDSER Program Manager), LCDR Andrew Martin (Marine Corps SPPM), and LCDR 

Bonnie Chavez (Navy SPPM) are integral to DoDSER program success. We are also indebted to Ms. Lynne 

Oetjen-Gerdes, LT Peter Seguin, M.D., MPH, Ms. Sumitha Nagarajan, and Ms. Aparna Vadlamani of the 

Mortality Surveillance Division of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) and to Ms. Barbara 

Balison of the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). The AFMES assists the DoDSER program through 

the notification of confirmed suicides, the provision of the demographic and suicide rate data presented in this 

report, and through general support for the DoDSER program. 

David D. Luxton, Ph.D., Janyce E. Osenbach, Ph.D., Mark A. Reger, Ph.D., Derek J. Smolenski, Ph.D., MPH, Nancy A. 

Skopp, Ph.D., Nigel E. Bush, Ph.D., and Gregory A. Gahm, Ph.D.
ii

Contents

CONTENTS

i	 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

v	 LIST OF TABLES

1	 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1	 	 	 Background

1	 	 	 Results

4	 	 	 Conclusion

5	 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

5	 	 	 Background

5	 	 	 ModificationsinDoDSER 2011

6	 	 	 Method

9	 	 	 InterpretiveConsiderations

10	 	 	 FutureDirections

11	 CHAPTER 2: DOD-WIDEDODSER RESULTS

11 DoDSERs SUBMITTED FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

11	 	 	 DoDSER Submissions and Point ofContact(POC)Compliance

19	 	 	 Contextual Factors

21	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

25	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

29	 	 	 Deployment Factors

31 DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

31	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

36	 	 	 Contextual Factors

38	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

43	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

47	 	 	 Deployment Factors

48	 	 	 Summary

49	 CHAPTER 3:DODSERS SUBMITTEDFOR SERVICEMEMBERSDEPLOYEDTO OPERATIONENDURING

	 FREEDOM(OEF)& OPERATIONNEW DAWN(OND)

49 DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

49	 	 	 DoDSER Submissions

49	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

56	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

63	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors
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Contents

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

68	 	 	 Deployment Factors

70 OEF AND OND DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

70	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

77	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

84	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

89	 	 	 Deployment Factors

92	 	 	 Summary

93	 CHAPTER 4: AIR FORCEDODSER

93 AIR FORCE RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

93	 	 	 Air ForceDoDSER Submissions and Point ofContact(POC)Compliance

93	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

98	 	 	 Contextual Factors

100	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

104	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

108	 	 	 Deployment Factors

110 AIR FORCE DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

110	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

115	 	 	 Contextual Factors

117	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

122	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

126	 	 	 Deployment Factors

127	 	 	 Summary

128	 CHAPTER 5: ARMYDODSER

128 ARMY RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

128	 	 	 ArmyDoDSER Submissions and Point ofContact(POC)Compliance

128	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

133	 	 	 Contextual Factors

135	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

140	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

144	 	 	 Deployment Factors

146 ARMY DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR NONFATAL EVENTS

147	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

153	 	 	 Contextual Factors

155	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

162	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

168	 	 	 Deployment Factors

170	 	 	 Summary
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Contents

171	 CHAPTER 6:MARINE CORPSDODSER

171 MARINE CORPS RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

171	 	 	 MarineCorpsDoDSER Submissions&Point ofContact(POC)Compliance

171	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

176	 	 	 Contextual Factors

178	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

183	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

187	 	 	 Deployment Factors

188 MARINE CORPS DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

188	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

193	 	 	 Contextual Factors

195	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

200	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

204	 	 	 Deployment Factors

205	 	 	 Summary

206	 CHAPTER 7:NAVYDODSER

206 NAVY RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

206	 	 	 NavyDoDSER Submissions and Point ofContact(POC)Compliance

206	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

211	 	 	 Contextual Factors

213	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

217	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

221	 	 	 Deployment Factors

223 NAVY DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

223	 	 	 Dispositional/Personal Factors

228	 	 	 Contextual Factors

230	 	 	 ClinicalHealth Factors

235	 	 	 Historical/Developmental Factors

239	 	 	 Deployment Factors

240	 	 	 Summary

241	 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY

243	 APPENDIX B: ACRONYMS

244	 APPENDIX C: REFERENCES

245	 APPENDIXD: FEEDBACK&SUGGESTIONS
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Contents

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER 2: DoD-WIDEDoDSER RESULTS

11	 TABLE 2.1. CY 2011 AFMES CONFIRMEDANDPENDINGSUICIDES ANDDODSERS SUBMITTED

12	 TABLE 2.2. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA FOR SUICIDES

13	 TABLE 2.3. CY 2011 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA FOR SUICIDES BY SERVICE

15	 TABLE 2.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

16	 TABLE 2.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER EVENT SETTING

16	 TABLE 2.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER EVENTMETHOD

17	 TABLE 2.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE

17	 TABLE 2.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

18	 TABLE 2.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

18	 TABLE 2.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

18	 TABLE 2.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

19	 TABLE 2.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

20	 TABLE 2.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

20	 TABLE 2.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUICIDES BYMONTH

21	 TABLE 2.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER PRIOR SELF INJURY

22	 TABLE 2.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

22	 TABLE 2.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERMOODDISORDERS

23	 TABLE 2.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

23	 TABLE 2.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

24	 TABLE 2.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

25	 TABLE 2.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

26	 TABLE 2.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

26	 TABLE 2.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FAMILYHISTORY

27	 TABLE 2.24. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

28	 TABLE 2.25. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

29	 TABLE 2.26. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

30	 TABLE 2.27. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER

30	 TABLE 2.28. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

30	 TABLE 2.29. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER COMBATHISTORY

31	 TABLE 2.30. CY 2011 AND2010DODSUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

31	 TABLE 2.31. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDEMOGRAPHICS

33	 TABLE 2.32. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

33	 TABLE 2.33. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENT SETTING

33	 TABLE 2.34. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTMETHOD

34	 TABLE 2.35. CY 2011 AND2010DODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE ATTEMPTS

35	 TABLE 2.36. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

35	 TABLE 2.37. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

35	 TABLE 2.38. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

36	 TABLE 2.39. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

36	 TABLE 2.40. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

37	 TABLE 2.41. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

38	 TABLE 2.42. CY 2011 AND2010DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BYMONTH

38	 TABLE 2.43. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

39	 TABLE 2.44. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

39	 TABLE 2.45. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMOODDISORDERS

40	 TABLE 2.46. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS
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Contents

41	 TABLE 2.47. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

41	 TABLE 2.48. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

42	 TABLE 2.49. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

43	 TABLE 2.50. CY 2011 AND2010DODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

44	 TABLE 2.51. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

44	 TABLE 2.52. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

45	 TABLE 2.53. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

46	 TABLE 2.54. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

47	 TABLE 2.55. CY 2011 AND2010DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS INTHEATER

47	 TABLE 2.56. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

47	 TABLE 2.57. CY 2011 AND2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMBATHISTORY

CHAPTER 3:DoDSERS SUBMITTEDFOR SERVICEMEMBERSDEPLOYEDTO OPERATIONENDURING

FREEDOM(OEF)& OPERATIONNEW DAWN(OND)

50	 TABLE 3.1. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

51	 TABLE 3.2. CY 2011DODSER EVENT SETTINGFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

52	 TABLE 3.3. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER EVENTMETHODFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

53	 TABLE 3.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGEVENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

54	 TABLE 3.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/OND

	 AND OTHER SUICIDES

54	 TABLE 3.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

54	 TABLE 3.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

55	 TABLE 3.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATIONFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

56	 TABLE 3.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUICIDES BYMONTHFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

57	 TABLE 3.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

57	 TABLE 3.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

58	 TABLE 3.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERMOODDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

59	 TABLE 3.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

60	 TABLE 3.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

61	 TABLE 3.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER TREATMENTHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

62	 TABLE 3.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

63	 TABLE 3.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

64	 TABLE 3.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FAMILYHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

65	 TABLE 3.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

66	 TABLE 3.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

68	 TABLE 3.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

69	 TABLE 3.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

69	 TABLE 3.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSERDEPLOYMENTHISTORY FOR OEF/OIF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

69	 TABLE 3.24. CY 2011 AND2009-2010DODSER COMBATHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDES

70	 TABLE 3.25. CY 2011 OEF/ONDSUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

71	 TABLE 3.26. CY 2011DODSERDEMOGRAPHICS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

72	 TABLE 3.27. CY 2011DODSER EVENT SETTINGFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

73	 TABLE 3.28. CY 2011DODSER EVENTMETHODFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

74	 TABLE 3.29. CY 2011DODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGEVENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

75	 TABLE 3.30. CY 2011DODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER

	 SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

75	 TABLE 3.31. CY 2011DODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

75	 TABLE 3.32. CY 2011DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

76	 TABLE 3.33. CY 2011DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATIONFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

77	 TABLE 3.34. CY 2011DODSER SUICIDE EVENTS BYMONTHFOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

78	 TABLE 3.35. CY 2011DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
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Contents

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

79	 TABLE 3.36. CY 2011DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

79	 TABLE 3.37. CY 2011DODSERMOODDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

80	 TABLE 3.38. CY 2011DODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

81	 TABLE 3.39. CY 2011DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

82	 TABLE 3.40. CY 2011DODSER TREATMENTHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

83	 TABLE 3.41. CY 2011DODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

84	 TABLE 3.42. CY 2011DODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO EVENT FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

85	 TABLE 3.43. CY 2011DODSER FAMILYHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

86	 TABLE 3.44. CY 2011DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

88	 TABLE 3.45. CY 2011DODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

89	 TABLE 3.46. CY 2011DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

90	 TABLE 3.47. CY 2011DODSERS SUICIDE ATTEMPTS INTHEATER FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

90	 TABLE 3.48. CY 2011DODSERDEPLOYMENTHISTORY FOR OEF/OIF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

90	 TABLE 3.49. CY 2011DODSER COMBATHISTORY FOR OEF/ONDAND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

CHAPTER 4: AIR FORCEDoDSER

93	 TABLE 4.1. AIR FORCE AFMES CONFIRMEDANDPENDINGSUICIDES ANDDODSERS SUBMITTED

94	 TABLE 4.2 CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA FOR AIR FORCE SUICIDES

95	 TABLE 4.3. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

95	 TABLE 4.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER EVENT SETTING

95	 TABLE 4.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER EVENTMETHOD

96	 TABLE 4.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGEVENT

97	 TABLE 4.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

97	 TABLE 4.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

97	 TABLE 4.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

98	 TABLE 4.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

98	 TABLE 4.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

99	 TABLE 4.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

100	 TABLE 4.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUICIDES BYMONTH

100	 TABLE 4.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

101	 TABLE 4.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

101	 TABLE 4.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSERMOODDISORDERS

102	 TABLE 4.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

102	 TABLE 4.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

103	 TABLE 4.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

104	 TABLE 4.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

105	 TABLE 4.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

105	 TABLE 4.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

106	 TABLE 4.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

107	 TABLE 4.24. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

108	 TABLE 4.25. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

108	 TABLE 4.26. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER

109	 TABLE 4.27. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

109	 TABLE 4.28. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 AIR FORCEDODSER COMBATHISTORY

110	 TABLE 4.29. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

110	 TABLE 4.30. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDEMOGRAPHICS

112	 TABLE 4.31. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

112	 TABLE 4.32. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENT SETTING

112	 TABLE 4.33. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTMETHOD

113	 TABLE 4.34. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE ATTEMPTS

114	 TABLE 4.35. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT
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Contents

114	 TABLE 4.36. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

114	 TABLE 4.37. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

115	 TABLE 4.38. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

115	 TABLE 4.39. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

116	 TABLE 4.40. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

117	 TABLE 4.41. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BYMONTH

117	 TABLE 4.42. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

118	 TABLE 4.43. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

118	 TABLE 4.44. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMOODDISORDERS

119	 TABLE 4.45. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

120	 TABLE 4.46. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

120	 TABLE 4.47. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

121	 TABLE 4.48. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

122	 TABLE 4.49. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCEDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

123	 TABLE 4.50. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

123	 TABLE 4.51. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

124	 TABLE 4.52. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

125	 TABLE 4.53. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

126	 TABLE 4.54. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCEDODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS INTHEATER

126	 TABLE 4.55. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

126	 TABLE 4.56. CY 2011 AND2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMBATHISTORY

CHAPTER 5: ARMYDoDSER

128	 TABLE 5.1. ARMY AFMES CONFIRMEDANDPENDINGSUICIDES ANDDODSERS SUBMITTED

129	 TABLE 5.2. CY 2011 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA ANDRATES FOR ARMY SUICIDES

130	 TABLE 5.3. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

130	 TABLE 5.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENT SETTING

130	 TABLE 5.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENTMETHOD

131	 TABLE 5.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE

132	 TABLE 5.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

132	 TABLE 5.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

132	 TABLE 5.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

133	 TABLE 5.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

134	 TABLE 5.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

134	 TABLE 5.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

135	 TABLE 5.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER SUICIDES BYMONTH

136	 TABLE 5.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

136	 TABLE 5.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

136	 TABLE 5.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERMOODDISORDERS

137	 TABLE 5.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

138	 TABLE 5.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

139	 TABLE 5.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2008 ARMYDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

140	 TABLE 5.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

140	 TABLE 5.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

141	 TABLE 5.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

142	 TABLE 5.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

143	 TABLE 5.24 CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

144	 TABLE 5.25. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

144	 TABLE 5.26. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER

145	 TABLE 5.27. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

145	 TABLE 5.28. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER COMBATHISTORY
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Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

146	 TABLE 5.29. CY 2011 ARMY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

146	 TABLE 5.30. CY 2011 ARMYDODSERS FOR SELF-HARM WITHOUT INTENT TO DIE

146	 TABLE 5.31. CY 2011 ARMY SUICIDAL IDEATIONDODSERS

149	 TABLE 5.33. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONFORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

149	 TABLE 5.34. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENT SETTINGFORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

150	 TABLE 5.35. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER EVENTMETHODFORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

150	 TABLE 5.36. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

151	 TABLE 5.37. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FOR

	 NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

151	 TABLE 5.38. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

152	 TABLE 5.39. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

152	 TABLE 5.40. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATIONFORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

153	 TABLE 5.41. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

154	 TABLE 5.42. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

155	 TABLE 5.43. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS BYMONTH

157	 TABLE 5.45. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

157	 TABLE 5.46. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERMOODDISORDERS FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

158	 TABLE 5.47. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

159	 TABLE 5.48. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

162	 TABLE 5.50. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

164	 TABLE 5.52. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER FAMILYHISTORY FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

168	 TABLE 5.56. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSERNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS INTHEATER

169	 TABLE 5.57. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

169	 TABLE 5.58. CY 2011 AND2009-2010 ARMYDODSER COMBATHISTORY FORNONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

CHAPTER 6:MARINE CORPSDoDSER

171	 TABLE 6.1.MARINE CORPS AFMES CONFIRMEDANDPENDINGSUICIDES ANDDODSERS SUBMITTED

172	 TABLE 6.2. CY 2011 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA ANDRATES FORMARINE CORPS SUICIDES

173	 TABLE 6.3. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

173	 TABLE 6.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER EVENT SETTING

173	 TABLE 6.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER EVENTMETHOD

174	 TABLE 6.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE

175	 TABLE 6.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

175	 TABLE 6.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

175	 TABLE 6.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

176	 TABLE 6.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

177	 TABLE 6.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

177	 TABLE 6.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

178	 TABLE 6.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUICIDES BYMONTH

178	 TABLE 6.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

179	 TABLE 6.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

179	 TABLE 6.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSERMOODDISORDERS

180	 TABLE 6.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

181	 TABLE 6.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

181	 TABLE 6.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

182	 TABLE 6.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

183	 TABLE 6.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

184	 TABLE 6.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

184	 TABLE 6.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

185	 TABLE 6.24. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

186	 TABLE 6.25. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES
x

Contents

187	 TABLE 6.26. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER

187	 TABLE 6.27. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

187	 TABLE 6.28. CY 2011 AND2009-2010MARINE CORPSDODSER COMBATHISTORY

188	 TABLE 6.29. CY 2011MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

188	 TABLE 6.30. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDEMOGRAPHICS

190	 TABLE 6.31. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

190	 TABLE 6.32. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENT SETTING

190	 TABLE 6.33. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTMETHOD

191	 TABLE 6.34. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE ATTEMPTS

192	 TABLE 6.35. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF

	 COMMUNICATEDINTENT

192	 TABLE 6.36. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

192	 TABLE 6.37. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

193	 TABLE 6.38. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

193	 TABLE 6.39. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

194	 TABLE 6.40. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

195	 TABLE 6.41. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BYMONTH

195	 TABLE 6.42. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

196	 TABLE 6.43. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

196	 TABLE 6.44. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMOODDISORDERS

197	 TABLE 6.45. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

198	 TABLE 6.46. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

198	 TABLE 6.47. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

199	 TABLE 6.48. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

200	 TABLE 6.49. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPSDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

201	 TABLE 6.50. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

201	 TABLE 6.51. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

202	 TABLE 6.52. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

203	 TABLE 6.53. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

204	 TABLE 6.54. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPSDODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS INTHEATER

204	 TABLE 6.55. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

204	 TABLE 6.56. CY 2011 AND2010MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMBATHISTORY

CHAPTER 7:NAVYDoDSER

206	 TABLE 7.1.NAVY AFMES CONFIRMEDANDPENDINGSUICIDES ANDDODSERS SUBMITTED

207	 TABLE 7.2. CY 2011 AFMES ANDDMDCDEMOGRAPHICDATA ANDRATES FORNAVY SUICIDES (N= 39)

208	 TABLE 7.3. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

208	 TABLE 7.4. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER EVENT SETTING

208	 TABLE 7.5. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER EVENTMETHOD

209	 TABLE 7.6. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE

210	 TABLE 7.7. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

210	 TABLE 7.8. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

210	 TABLE 7.9. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

211	 TABLE 7.10. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

211	 TABLE 7.11. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

212	 TABLE 7.12. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

213	 TABLE 7.13. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER SUICIDES BYMONTH

213	 TABLE 7.14. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

214	 TABLE 7.15. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

214	 TABLE 7.16. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSERMOODDISORDERS

215	 TABLE 7.17. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS
xi

Contents

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

215	 TABLE 7.18. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

216	 TABLE 7.19. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

217	 TABLE 7.20. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

218	 TABLE 7.21. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

218	 TABLE 7.22. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

219	 TABLE 7.23. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

220	 TABLE 7.24. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

221	 TABLE 7.25. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

222	 TABLE 7.26. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER SUICIDES INTHEATER

222	 TABLE 7.27. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

222	 TABLE 7.28. CY 2011 AND2009-2010NAVYDODSER COMBATHISTORY

223	 TABLE 7.29. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERS

223	 TABLE 7.30. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDEMOGRAPHICS

224	 TABLE 7.31. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

225	 TABLE 7.32. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENT SETTING

225	 TABLE 7.33. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER EVENTMETHOD

226	 TABLE 7.34. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER SUBSTANCE(S)USEDDURINGSUICIDE ATTEMPTS

227	 TABLE 7.35. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERNUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

227	 TABLE 7.36. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMODE OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

227	 TABLE 7.37. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATEDINTENT

228	 TABLE 7.38. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

228	 TABLE 7.39. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERHOME ENVIRONMENT

229	 TABLE 7.40. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERDUTY ENVIRONMENT

230	 TABLE 7.41. CY 2011 AND2010NAVYDODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BYMONTH

230	 TABLE 7.42. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY

231	 TABLE 7.43. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

231	 TABLE 7.44. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSERMOODDISORDERS

232	 TABLE 7.45. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ANXIETYDISORDERS

233	 TABLE 7.46. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OTHER BEHAVIORALHEALTHDISORDERS

233	 TABLE 7.47. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER TREATMENTHISTORY

234	 TABLE 7.48. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER PSYCHOTROPICMEDICATIONUSE

235	 TABLE 7.49 CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FAILEDRELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

236	 TABLE 7.50. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FAMILYHISTORY

236	 TABLE 7.51. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ADMINISTRATIVE ANDLEGALHISTORY

237	 TABLE 7.52. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER ALLEGEDABUSEHISTORY

238	 TABLE 7.53. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACEDIFFICULTIES

239	 TABLE 7.54. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTS INTHEATER

239	 TABLE 7.55. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER OEF/OIF/ONDDEPLOYMENTHISTORY

239	 TABLE 7.56. CY 2011 AND2010NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTDODSER COMBATHISTORY
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

calendar year (CY) 2011 fatal and nonfatal suicide events reported and submitted by 26 April 2012. This report 

consists of aggregated DoDSER data for the overall DoD and individually for the 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’ 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 (https://dodser.t2.health.

mil). As of 1 January 2010, all Services have been collecting data on both suicides and suicide attempts, 

with some Services collecting data on additional nonfatal suicide events. The DoDSER items collect 

comprehensive information about the Service Member and the suicide event.

Results

The AFMES indicates that 301 Service Members died by suicide in 2011 (Air Force = 50, Army = 167, Marine 

Corps = 32, Navy = 52). This number includes deaths strongly suspected to be suicides that are pending final 

determination. DoDSER Points of Contact (POCs) submitted reports for 100% of AFMES confirmed 2011 

suicides (Air Force = 46, Army = 159, Marine Corps = 31, Navy = 51) as of the data extraction date (26 April 

2012). A total of 915 Service Members attempted suicide in 2011 (Air Force = 241, Army = 432, Marine Corps 

= 156, Navy = 86). DoDSERs were submitted for 935 suicide attempts (Air Force = 251, Army = 440, Marine 

Corps = 157, Navy = 87). Of the 915 Service Members who attempted suicide, 896 had one attempt, 18 had 

two attempts, and 1 had three attempts.

Dispositional/Personal Factors

• Demographic data and other individual characteristics of 2011 suicides were similar to those of 2010 and 

2009 and are consistent with trends of the general US population [1]. Data derived from the AFMES and 

DoDSERs provided the following information:

• Service Members who were Caucasian, non-Hispanic or Latino, under the age of twenty-five, junior 

enlisted (E1-E4), or high school educated, were at increased risk for suicide relative to their respective 

demographic comparison groups in crude rate comparisons.

• The suicide rate for divorced Service Members was 55% higher than the suicide rate for married Service 

Members. 
2

• The majority of suicides were completed by Regular component Service Members (88.70%), followed by 

the National Guard (7.31%), and Reserve (3.99%). 

• Female Service Members accounted for 5.32% of suicides and 26.52% of suicide attempts in 2011. 

• Compared to suicide decedents, a larger percentage of Service Members who attempted suicide were 

under the age of twenty-five (57.22% of suicide attempts, 37.87% of decedents), junior enlisted (71.02% 

of suicide attempts, 49.17% of decedents), and had more than a high school education (39.79% of suicide 

attempts, 20.60% of decedents).

Suicide Event Details

• Service Members most frequently used firearms to end their lives (n = 172, 59.93% for all firearms, n = 

141, 49.13% for non-military issue firearms), or hanging (n = 59, 20.56%). Drug overdose was the most 

frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 559, 59.79%), followed by injury with a sharp or blunt object (n = 

112, 11.98%).

• Drug and alcohol use were more common during nonfatal suicide events, with 598 suicide attempts 

(63.96%) involving drug use and 292 (31.23%) involving the use of alcohol. Among Service Members who 

attempted suicide with known drug use, prescription drugs were the most frequently misused (n = 382, 

63.88% of any drugs used, 40.86% of total DoDSERs submitted). 

• Most Service Members were not known to have communicated their potential for self-harm with others 

prior to dying by suicide (n = 212, 73.87%) or attempting suicide (n = 709, 75.83%). Those who did 

disclose their potential for self-harm most frequently communicated with spouses, friends, and other family 

members. These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 46, 16.03% of suicides; n = 129, 

13.80% of attempted suicides). Other modes of communication included text messages (n = 11, 3.83% of 

suicides; n = 20, 2.14% of attempted suicides) and via Facebook (n = 4, 1.39% of suicides, n = 8, 0.86% of 

attempted suicides).

Contextual Factors

• Suicide decedents most frequently lived in homes or apartments off of their assigned installations (n = 130, 

45.30%) or in shared living environments on their installations (n = 76, 26.48%). For Service Members who 

attempted suicide, 360 (38.50%) lived in homes or apartments off of their assigned installations and 381 

(40.75%) lived in shared living environments on their installations. 

• Firearms were present in the home or immediate environment of 144 (50.17%) suicide decedents and of 

105 (11.23%) Service Members who attempted suicide.

Clinical Health Factors

• A prior history of self-injurious behavior was reported for 38 suicide decedents (13.24%) and 268 suicide 

attempts (28.66%).

• The majority of Service Members who died by suicide (n = 158, 55.05%) did not have a known history of a 
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 3

behavioral health disorder. Mood disorders were reported for 57 decedents (19.86%); the most frequently 

reported mood disorder was major depressive disorder (n = 32, 11.15%). Forty-seven decedents (16.38%) 

were known to have had an anxiety disorder, most frequently post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n = 

18, 6.27%). Approximately one-fourth of Service Members who died by suicide had a known history of 

substance abuse (n = 69, 24.04%). 

• The majority of Service Members who attempted suicide had a known history of a behavioral health 

disorder (n = 604, 64.60%). Mood disorders were reported in 322 suicide attempt DoDSERs (34.44%), 

most frequently major depressive disorder (n = 194, 20.75%). Approximately one-fourth of DoDSERs for 

suicide attempts (n = 241, 25.78%) reported diagnoses of anxiety disorders, the most frequent were PTSD 

(n = 115, 12.30%), followed by other anxiety disorders (n = 91, 9.73%). More than one-fourth (n = 256, 

27.38%) had a known history of substance abuse.

• Known use of psychotropic medication was reported more frequently for suicide attempts (n = 400, 

42.78%) compared to suicides (n = 75, 26.13%). Antidepressants were the most frequently used 

psychotropic medication among suicide decedents (n = 64, 22.30%) and those who attempted suicide (n = 

342, 36.58%).

• DoDSERs indicated that 48 decedents (16.72%) had received outpatient behavioral health services within 

the month prior to suicide. Service Members who attempted suicide used outpatient behavioral health 

services more frequently (n = 570, 60.96%) than those who died by suicide (n = 114, 39.72%).

Historical/Developmental Factors

• Approximately one-half of all DoDSERs included a known failure in a spousal or intimate relationship (n

= 134, 46.69% of decedents; n = 487, 52.09% of suicide attempt DoDSERs), with many experiencing the 

failure within the month prior to suicide (n = 79, 27.53% of decedents; n = 306, 32.73% of suicide attempt 

DoDSERs). 

• The most frequent known legal issue was Article 15 proceedings/non-judicial punishment (n = 52, 18.12% 

of suicide DoDSERs; n = 175, 18.72% of suicide attempt DoDSERs), followed by civil legal problems (n = 

37, 12.89% for suicide DoDSERs and n = 67, 7.17% of suicide attempt DoDSERs).

• DoDSERs for suicides and suicide attempts included more incidents of reported known abuse victimization 

(n = 52, 18.12% of suicides, n = 612, 65.46% of suicide attempts) compared to incidents of reported known 

abuse perpetration (n = 39, 13.24% of suicides, n = 106, 11.34% of suicide attempts). Due to limitations in 

collecting comprehensive abuse data, interpretation of these data should be made with caution.

• DoDSERs included known history of job loss and instability (e.g., demotion) for 61 suicides (21.25%) and 

290 suicide attempts (31.02%).

Deployment Factors

• A minority of suicides (n = 29, 10.10%) and suicide attempts (n = 23, 2.46%) occurred during Operation 

Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) deployments. There were 18 (6.27%) suicides 

in OEF locations and 11 (3.83%) in OND locations. 
4

• Nearly one-half of suicide decedents had a history of OEF, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or OND 

deployment (n = 134, 46.69%), and twenty-three of these (8.01%) had a history of multiple deployments. 

Suicide attempt DoDSERs reported more previous deployments than did suicide DoDSERs (n = 377, 

40.32%).

• Direct combat experience was reported for 44 suicide decedents (15.33%) and 158 suicide attempts 

(16.90%).

Conclusion

The DoDSER program has continued to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of DoD suicide 

surveillance data collection since the program’s inception in 2008. This DoDSER Annual Report reflects 

consistent patterns of data across time. Differences that may exist between Service Members with and without 

suicide events are currently unknown. Until comprehensive control data are available, it is not possible to 

determine statistically if any given DoDSER variable is a risk factor for suicide. T2 is currently conducting a 

pilot study to examine a process to collect these control data.
5

Chapter 1: Introduction

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION

Background

This report presents results from all the Department of Defense (DoD) Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs) 

collected for calendar year (CY) 2011. The DoDSER is a suicide surveillance program that has standardized 

data collection across the Services since 1 January 2008. All Services collect DoDSERs for Active component 

Service Members, Active Guard Reserves and Activated Guard and Reserves. Since 1 January 2010, 

all Services have collected DoDSERs for both suicide completions and suicide attempts that resulted in 

hospitalization or evacuation. The Army also collects DoDSERs on other nonfatal suicide behaviors (see 

Method below).

This report provides summary statistics for 2011 along with detailed tables presented for DoDSER items. 

Supplemental materials will be available on the National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2) website 

(http://t2health.org) upon release of this report, including: 

• DoDSER Annual Reports from prior years (2008-2010)

• Timeline data with relevant onset of stressors prior to suicide events (e.g., amount of time between specific 

legal issues or diagnoses and subsequent suicide events)

• Army and Marine Corps DoDSER data for fatal and nonfatal suicide events that occurred during Operation 

Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) deployments

Modifications in DoDSER 2011

The DoDSER program was refined in several ways in 2011. In order to maintain consistency of data collection, 

the DoDSER items are updated once a year on 1 January. The National Center for Telehealth & Technology 

(T2) leads a series of meetings with a workgroup that consists of all the Services’ Suicide Prevention Program 

Managers (SPPMs) and DoDSER Program Managers. The workgroup reviews feedback received during the 

prior year as well as advancements reported in the scientific literature. All Service representatives concur with 

all changes, unless the change relates only to a Service-specific need, in which case the change is integrated 

into the Service’s unique set of DoDSER items. 

The DoD Suicide Prevention Task Force Report was released in August, 2010 [2]. The report contained a 

number of helpful recommendations for the DoDSER program. The workgroup reviewed the report and quickly 

incorporated a number of changes for 2011. For example, the Task Force Report recommended collecting 

information about the specific evidence available to suggest intent to die. To address this, DoDSER items 

were added to capture this information. Other DoDSER items were refined. For example, race and ethnicity 

options were revised based on recommendations from a draft of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) SelfDirected Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements. 
6

Chapter 1: Introduction

In addition, the workgroup agreed to pilot a system to automate classifications contained in the new DoDVA-CDC shared suicide nomenclature [3]. The nomenclature contains a significant number of possible 

classifications, and the VA has had difficulty training providers to correctly identify the correct classifications [4]. 

As a different approach, T2 has worked closely with the VA’s VISN 19 MIRECC to define a potential algorithm 

that will automate classification based on collected information. An evaluation of this process is ongoing at the 

time of this writing.

Method

DoDSER Items

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

facilitate suicide prevention efforts and enable comprehensive 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. The complete DoDSER 2011 web form can 

be found online (http://t2health.org). Variables are 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 [4] was selected. Categories are 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., posttraumatic stress disorder, other behavioral health disorders or symptoms)

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 is completed using a web form that is available via the Internet and submitted via a secure 

website. The descriptive DoDSER data presented here were compiled as they were completed and submitted 

by DoDSER respondents across the DoD. Personally identifiable information has been redacted from this 

report.

DoDSER data included in this report are for suicide events that occurred in CY 2011, as reported and 

submitted by 26 April 2012 (data extraction date). This date was selected with the acknowledgement that 

there is a tension between the competing values of timely reporting and complete data collection. We have 

considered extending the final reporting date in order to obtain additional DoDSERs, as it may take as long 

as one year to confirm suicide as the cause of death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

addressed this issue by using longer timeframes for reporting (approximately two years) [1]. However, the DoD 
7

Chapter 1: Introduction

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

represents a much smaller population, and the vast majority of DoD suicides are determined by 1 April of the 

following year. The 1 April date was established to maintain consistency with guidance provided by the Under 

Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) which requires ninety days between the end of the calendar 

year and calculation of calendar year suicide data [6]. Consistent with these requirements for standardized 

DoD suicide rate calculation, DoDSERs are submitted for deaths when a Service’s SPPM strongly suspects 

suicide but the case is still awaiting final determination by the AFMES. This is intended to provide leaders and 

others working to prevent suicide with the most up-to-date information possible. The risk of overestimation 

is low; variation between final confirmed and suspected suicides DoD-wide is generally one or two cases per 

year.

Where available, this report provides percentages for 2010 and 2009 DoDSER data for comparison. Specific 

counts for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at 

http://t2health.org.

DoDSERs are required for all suicides that occur within the Active component, Active Guard Reserves and 

Activated Guard and Reserve in the DoD. Some Services exceed this minimum requirement (e.g., collect 

DoDSERs on Selected Reservists (SELRES) not on Active Duty). DoDSERs are also submitted for suicide 

attempts, deliberate self-harm and suicidal ideation. In 2009, the Army was the only Service required to collect 

this data for the entire year, although all Services implemented a similar methodology for suicide attempts by 

1 January 2010. Therefore, the 2011 report includes data on suicides and suicide attempts for the Air Force, 

Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. For the Army, this report additionally includes DoDSERs for other nonfatal selfharm and suicidal ideation.

DoDSERs are submitted by behavioral health providers (psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, 

or social workers), health care providers, or command-appointed representatives. Technicians may submit 

DoDSERs under the supervision of one of these professionals.

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

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

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

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

members (for some Services). For nonfatal suicide behaviors, DoDSER respondents frequently conduct 

interviews with Service Members to collect some of the required information.

The processes for identifying suicides and obtaining DoDSERs are similar across all Services. SPPMs 

coordinate closely with the AFMES at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) to maintain an official list 

of suicides. In the Army, a DoDSER point of contact (POC) and Command POC at each medical treatment 

facility are notified when a Service Member’s death is confirmed as a suicide where upon they are requested 

to complete a DoDSER within sixty days. In the Air Force, the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is the 

primary data collection agency. In the Navy and Marine Corps, the SPPMs’ office contacts the local Command 

and requests that an appropriate POC meet the requirement.
8

Chapter 1: Introduction

Data Quality Control Procedures

Four primary quality control procedures are followed.

First, the data submission website minimizes the possibility of data entry errors. The software uses form 

field validation to request user clarification when data is not logically possible (e.g., impossible dates). Radio 

buttons and checkboxes are used to reduce the chances of data entry errors.

Second, data submission requires a DoDSER account in which the user’s identity is confirmed with a 

microchip-containing military identification known as 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, “false” submissions have not occurred. However, suicide events and nonfatal suicide behaviors 

could be inadvertently misclassified by respondents in the DoDSER system. For example, the manner of 

death can be ambiguous in some cases, and a well-intentioned DoDSER respondent could misclassify the 

event. Therefore, DoDSER submissions are confirmed against the official list of DoD suicides provided by 

AFMES.

Third, DoDSERs are analyzed for incorrect data entry. In rare instances, individuals make data entry mistakes 

(such as transposing years), and these are corrected when identified. A conservative approach is taken to 

correct suspected errors such that only obvious mistakes are corrected.

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

Potential duplicates are automatically flagged so that the Service’s DoDSER Program Manager can determine 

which DoDSER submission represents the most complete data and should therefore be used.

DoDSER Submission Compliance

DoDSER submission compliance rates are calculated for each Service. In the DoD, DoDSERs for suicides are 

due within sixty days of notification that a death has been confirmed as a suicide by the AFMES [6] (although 

some individual Service-level policies require submission sooner than sixty days). Therefore, the number of 

DoDSER submissions for each Service in this 2011 report was compared to the number of suicides confirmed 

by AFMES as of 31 January 2012 (sixty days prior to the 1 April cut-off date for analysis). As such, DoDSERs 

that were not yet overdue at the time of the analysis were not counted as being out of compliance.

Demographic Risk Factors

DoDSER POCs collect data on a variety of demographic variables; however, demographic data are also 

obtained from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) with assistance from the AFMES. These data 

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

population data. 

The procedures for calculating rates follow standard DoD reporting procedures [6]. DMDC rates are based on 

September quarter-end strength reports from DMDC and are obtained by the Mortality Surveillance Division of 

the AFMES. Race data in the DMDC report is obtained from a self-report source. This report reflects the most 

current data available (at the time of writing), but some data are subject to variation over time due to updates 

from the various sources used to populate the database. In most cases, DMDC data are used in this report for 
9

Chapter 1: Introduction

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

demographic analyses. In the few analyses where DMDC data are not available (e.g., nonfatal suicide-related 

behaviors in the Army Chapter), DoDSER demographic data are used. Suicide rates based on fewer than 20 

individuals may be unstable and are therefore suppressed. Suicide rate ratios (RR), based on population rates 

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

Interpretive Considerations

This report provides a broad presentation of DoDSER items to support a wide variety of possible needs. 

Given the large number of possible combinations and the fact that we do not approach the data with a priori 

hypotheses, we do not currently compute statistical analyses to compare years. The probability of finding 

statistically significant results by chance, even when no real difference exists, would be high. Adequate data 

are presented in most instances to permit readers to conduct such analyses, if of interest. It is important to 

emphasize, however, that data analyses and descriptive information derived from small samples should always 

be interpreted with caution due to random error or potential outlier biases inherent in small samples.

DoDSER data are useful to help characterize the nature of suicide events. With a few exceptions (e.g., 

demographic characteristics), it is not possible to determine statistically whether a given DoDSER variable is 

a risk factor for suicide. To determine risk, additional data are required about the rate of the prevalence in the 

population. For example, it is not possible to determine if owning a firearm is a risk factor for suicide without 

examining the prevalence of owning a firearm in the non-decedent military population. A pilot study to collect 

control DoDSER data is underway, and other efforts to improve the interpretive value of the DoDSER data are 

being pursued.

It is also important to consider how the “don’t know” option that is provided for most DoDSER items may 

influence the interpretation of results. The information required to answer some DoDSER items may only 

be available for some respondents who benefited from detailed medical records or interviews with Service 

Members who are familiar with the decedent’s history. Therefore, “don’t know” responses are expected for 

some items. Percentages are often calculated based on the total number of responses, including “don’t know” 

responses. If one group has a higher “don’t know” response rate than comparison groups, it influences the 

way the data appear. In some cases, percentages do not add up to 100% due to rounding errors.

The content area of an item of interest should be taken into account when results are interpreted. Some 

DoDSER items are highly objective and therefore very reliable, whereas others are subjective and reflect the 

best data available on a difficult to study topic that is provided by a respondent who is knowledgeable about 

the case. Standardized coding guidance is available to respondents.
10

Chapter 1: Introduction

Future Directions

DoDSER refinements in 2011 were described above including some changes based on the DoD Suicide 

Prevention Task Force Report. Other, more complex Task Force recommendations are in progress at the 

time of this writing. For example, the Task Force recommended that the DoDSER system obtain some data 

directly from DoD’s enterprise data systems in order to reduce redundant data collection and increase the 

availability of control data. In addition, policy that will provide formal standardization of DoDSER procedures 

and approaches across the Services is in progress at the time of this writing.

There has also been significant interest in how civilian suicide data may be helpful to the military prevention 

mission. Preliminary results from a project exploring the linkage of suicide data with the CDC’s similar 

surveillance system called the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) were recently published [7]. 

Further exploration of how the DoDSER and NVDRS data sets may be linked is ongoing. 
11

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

CHAPTER 2:

DoD-WIDE DoDSER RESULTS

DoDSER Submissions and Point of Contact (POC) Compliance

2011 Reported Suicides

Across all Services, 287 suicides were confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) 

for calendar year (CY) 2011 (Table 2.1). The AFMES has accounted for an additional 14 suspected suicides 

pending final determination. Demographic tables include data for all 301 suicides. Other data for these 14 

individuals are not included in this report, as described in Chapter 1. As shown in Table 2.1, a Department 

of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) was submitted and analyzed for 287 confirmed suicides, for a 

submission compliance rate of 100%. The tables in this section include data for those 287 decedents. The 

tables also provide percentages for 2010 and 2009 DoDSER data for comparisons to previous years. Specific 

suicide count data for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for 

download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 2.1. CY 2011 AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DODSERS SUBMITTED

2011 2010 2009 2008

Total DoDSERs Included in Annual Report 287 281 291 235

Total AFMES Confirmed and Pending Suicides 301 295 309 268

AFMES Confirmed Suicides (By 31 January) 287 281 299 260

DoDSER Submission Compliance 100% 100% 97% 90%

Data from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2011 as of 4/26/2012 for CY 2011; as of 1 April for previous years

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have 

been associated with the suicide events. These factors include decedents’ demographic characteristics, event 

setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Tables 2.2 and 2.3 contain demographic data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and 

the AFMES. The use of DMDC data permits the calculation of suicide rates using DoD population-level data 

(described in Chapter 1). In addition, DMDC demographic data were provided for 14 suicides pending AFMES 

confirmation, for whom DoDSERs were not yet required. Thus, demographic data were available for all suicide 

cases (n = 301), whereas the rest of the report utilizes DoDSER data (n = 287). Table 2.2 provides summary 

data for all DoD Active Duty and Activated or Deployed Reservist and Guard Service Members. Table 2.3 

provides these data across Services. 

DoDSERs SUBMITTED FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 12

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Decedents were primarily male (n = 285, 94.68%), Caucasian (n = 231, 76.74%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 283, 94.02%), under age twenty-five 

(n = 114, 37.87%), junior enlisted (n = 148, 49.17%), and Regular component (n = 267, 88.70%). 

Many demographic subgroups did not contain enough individuals to calculate a stable rate; therefore some subgroups were combined to allow for 

comparison. Service Members under age twenty-five were 11% more likely to die by suicide than were older Service Members (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 

= 0.87 - 1.42). The suicide rate for junior enlisted Service Members (E1 – E4) was 11% higher than for senior enlisted Service Members (E5 – E9; 

RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.87 - 1.42). Service Members who had up to a high school education were more than twice as likely to die by suicide than 

were those who had a college or technical degree or above (RR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.52 - 2.93). The suicide rate for divorced Service Members was 

55% higher than the suicide rate for married Service Members (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.96 - 2.40). Regular component Active Duty Service Members 

had a 34% higher risk of suicide than Reservists and Guard (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.94 - 1.98).

TABLE 2.2. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR SUICIDES

2011 2010 2009 2008

Suicide DoD Total 

%

Rate/ 

100K

Percent Rate/ 

100K Percent Rate/ 100K Percent Rate/ 

Count Percent 100K

TOTAL 301 100.00% 100.00% 18.03 100.00% 17.52 100.00% 18.50 100.00% 16.10

GENDER Male 285 94.68% 85.14% 20.05 95.37% 19.57 97.09% 21.02 95.15% 18.20

Female 16 5.32% 14.86% * 4.63% * 2.91% * 4.85% * 

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 6 1.99% 1.51% * 2.03% * 3.24% * 3.36% * 

Asian or Pacific Islander 17 5.65% 4.23% * 5.42% * 4.85% * 4.10% * 

Black or African American 37 12.29% 16.53% 13.41 12.20% 12.86 10.68% 11.80 12.31% 11.90

White or Caucasian 231 76.74% 70.28% 19.69 79.66% 19.80 79.94% 20.82 76.12% 17.40

Other or Don’t Know 10 3.32% 7.45% * 0.68% * 1.29% * 4.10% * 

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 18 5.98% 10.86% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 283 94.02% 89.14% 19.61 

AGE RANGE Under 25 114 37.87% 35.39% 19.30 47.46% 23.03 46.28% 23.20 52.99% 20.10

25-29 91 30.23% 23.92% 22.79 25.76% 19.25 23.62% 19.05 14.18% 13.70

30-34 32 10.63% 15.31% 12.52 10.17% 12.09 13.92% 21.19

19.78% 12.10

35-39 36 11.96% 11.50% 18.76 11.19% 16.53 8.41% 12.62

40-44 22 7.31% 8.13% 16.21 4.75% * 4.85% * 

13.06% 15.70

45+ 6 1.99% 5.75% * 0.68% * 3.24% * 

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 0.85% * 0.34% * 0.97% * 0.37% * 

E1-E4 148 49.17% 41.95% 21.14 54.58% 22.91 54.37% 24.20 51.49% 20.10

E5-E9 128 42.52% 40.31% 19.02 40.00% 17.15 36.25% 16.26 38.06% 14.80
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 13

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

TABLE 2.3. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR SUICIDES BY SERVICE

Officer 25 8.31% 15.42% 9.72 5.08% * 7.12% 8.91 9.33% 10.20

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 1.48% * 0.00% * 1.29% * 0.75% * 

COMPONENT Regular 267 88.70% 85.41% 18.03 91.19% 17.52 92.23% 19.87 87.69% 16.90

Reserve 12 3.99% 6.43% * 3.05% * 2.59% * 4.48% * 

National Guard 22 7.31% 8.16% 16.15 5.76% * 5.18% * 7.84% * 

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 5 1.66% 0.59% * 0.68% * 0.65% * 3.36% * 

GED 32 10.63% 4.51% 42.51 8.81% 29.91 14.24% 45.21 8.96% 24.10

High school graduate 194 64.45% 61.85% 18.79 69.83% 19.77 67.64% 20.01 63.43% 16.40

Some college or technical school 16 5.32% 2.45% * 5.08% * 5.18% * 1.49% * 

Degree/certificate less than four years 18 5.98% 8.93% * 6.10% * 2.91% * 9.33% * 

Four-year college degree 22 7.31% 10.51% 12.54 6.10% * 5.50% * 7.46% * 

Master’s degree or greater 6 1.99% 8.39% * 1.02% * 2.91% * 5.97% * 

Don’t Know 8 2.66% 2.77% * 2.37% * 0.97% * 0.00% * 

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 107 35.55% 38.78% 16.53 42.37% 18.99 34.30% 16.20 37.31% 15.20

Married 167 55.48% 56.06% 17.85 49.83% 15.64 51.13% 16.94 53.73% 15.90

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.08% * 0.34% * 0.00% * 0.00% * 

Divorced 23 7.64% 4.98% 27.65 6.78% 24.20 11.97% 49.61 7.84% 27.60

Widowed 4 1.33% 0.07% * 0.00% * 0.32% * 0.00% * 

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.03% * 0.68% * 2.27% * 1.12% * 

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “DoD Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.

AIR FORCE ARMY MARINE CORPS NAVY

Suicide Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

Suicide Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

Suicide Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

Suicide Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent Count Percent 100K

TOTAL 50 100.00% 100.00% 13.27 167 100.00% 100.00% 22.90 32 100.00% 100.00% 14.87 52 100.00% 100.00% 14.98 

GENDER Male 46 92.00% 80.77% 15.11 156 93.41% 85.86% 24.90 32 100.00% 93.31% 15.90 51 98.08% 83.33% 17.63 

Female 4 8.00% 19.23% * 11 6.59% 14.14% * 0 0.00% 6.69% * 1 1.92% 16.67% * 

RACE American Indian/ Alaskan Native 2 4.00% 0.67% * 1 0.60% 0.79% * 1 3.13% 1.07% * 2 3.85% 4.23% * 

Asian/P.I. 1 2.00% 3.73% * 12 7.19% 3.74% * 2 6.25% 3.25% * 2 3.85% 6.42% * 

TABLE 2.2. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR SUICIDES (CONT.)
14

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

African American 8 16.00% 13.72% * 17 10.18% 19.41% * 3 9.38% 10.21% * 9 17.31% 17.43% * 

Caucasian 34 68.00% 73.10% 12.34 135 80.84% 70.80% 26.13 26 81.25% 78.76% 15.34 36 69.23% 60.88% 17.03 

Other/Don’t Know 5 10.00% 8.78% * 2 1.20% 5.26% * 0 0.00% 6.71% * 3 5.77% 11.04% * 

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 1 2.00% 4.80% * 10 5.99% 10.85% * 1 3.13% 13.98% * 6 11.54% 15.55% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 49 98.00% 95.20% 13.86 157 94.01% 89.15% 24.48 31 96.88% 86.02% 16.74 46 88.46% 84.45% 17.48 

AGE RANGE Under 25 21 42.00% 30.52% 18.26 56 33.53% 31.84% 24.10 23 71.88% 55.48% 19.26 14 26.92% 35.67% * 

25-29 12 24.00% 24.67% * 56 33.53% 23.76% 32.29 6 18.75% 22.54% * 17 32.69% 24.30% * 

30-34 2 4.00% 16.77% * 20 11.98% 15.84% 17.30 2 6.25% 10.19% * 8 15.38% 15.80% * 

35-39 9 18.00% 12.94% * 19 11.38% 11.87% * 0 0.00% 6.63% * 8 15.38% 12.18% * 

40-44 4 8.00% 9.03% * 15 8.98% 9.37% * 0 0.00% 3.56% * 3 5.77% 7.40% * 

45+ 2 4.00% 6.08% * 1 0.60% 7.33% * 1 3.13% 1.60% * 2 3.85% 4.65% * 

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 1.20% * 0 0.00% 0.65% * 0.00% 0.00% * 0 0.00% 1.41% * 

E1-E4 22 44.00% 33.17% 17.60 86 51.50% 42.92% 27.46 21 65.63% 57.89% 16.85 19 36.54% 39.53% * 

E5-E9 22 44.00% 46.09% 12.67 69 41.32% 39.03% 24.23 9 28.13% 31.06% * 28 53.85% 42.48% 18.98 

Officer 6 12.00% 19.55% * 12 7.19% 14.56% * 2 6.25% 10.01% * 5 9.62% 16.10% * 

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0 0.00% 2.85% * 0 0.00% 1.04% * 0 0.00% 0.47% * 

COMPONENT Regular 42 84.00% 88.46% 13.27 142 85.03% 77.58% 25.08 31 96.88% 93.38% 14.87 52 100.00% 93.62% 14.98 

Reserve 3 6.00% 3.74% * 8 4.79% 7.79% * 1 3.13% 6.62% * 0 0.00% 6.38% * 

National Guard 5 10.00% 7.80% * 17 10.18% 14.63% * 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0 0.00% 0.00% * 

EDUCATION Some high school 0 0.00% 0.08% * 4 2.40% 0.92% * 0 0.00% 0.09% * 1 1.92% 0.77% * 

GED 0 0.00% 0.03% * 24 14.37% 8.05% 40.83 4 12.50% 2.99% * 4 7.69% 2.86% * 

High school graduate 32 64.00% 52.83% 16.07 101 60.48% 57.90% 23.90 25 78.13% 82.33% 14.11 36 69.23% 67.22% 15.42 

Some college 2 4.00% 0.04% * 11 6.59% 4.52% * 0 0.00% 0.85% * 3 5.77% 1.73% * 

Degree < four years 7 14.00% 19.85% * 9 5.39% 6.97% * 1 3.13% 1.88% * 1 1.92% 5.57% * 

Four-year college degree 6 12.00% 12.67% * 12 7.19% 10.68% * 2 6.25% 8.79% * 2 3.85% 8.90% * 

Master’s degree + 3 6.00% 12.69% * 1 0.60% 8.81% * 0 0.00% 2.53% * 2 3.85% 6.48% * 

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 1.82% * 5 2.99% 2.14% * 0 0.00% 0.54% * 3 5.77% 6.47% * 

TABLE 2.3. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR SUICIDES BY SERVICE (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 15

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

MARITAL 

STATUS

Never Married 17 34.00% 34.01% * 57 34.13% 35.24% 22.16 18 56.25% 47.33% * 15 28.85% 46.12% * 

Married 30 60.00% 58.67% 13.57 92 55.09% 58.10% 21.70 12 37.50% 48.47% * 33 63.46% 53.63% 17.72 

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.01% * 0 0.00% 0.13% * 0 0.00% 0.16% * 0 0.00% 0.00% * 

Divorced 3 6.00% 7.22% * 15 8.98% 6.41% * 2 6.25% 4.00% * 3 5.77% 0.17% * 

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.09% * 3 1.80% 0.10% * 0 0.00% 0.05% * 1 1.92% 0.00% * 

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0 0.00% 0.03% * 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0 0.00% 0.08% * 

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “Service Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 

2011.

Event Setting

As summarized in Table 2.4, suicides most frequently took place in the United States (n = 235, 81.88%), followed by Afghanistan (n = 18, 6.27%). 

Suicides primarily occurred in either the Service Members’ own residence (n = 170, 59.23%) or the residence of a friend or family member (n = 23, 

8.01%). “Other” (write-in response) settings included hotels (n = 8, 2.82%), parks and nature reserves (n = 11, 3.87%), and vacant property (n = 4, 

1.41%; Table 2.5). 

TABLE 2.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 235 81.88% 82.56% 78.79%

Iraq 10 3.48% 4.27% 10.44%

Afghanistan 18 6.27% 6.05% 2.36%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.34%

Djibouti 0 0.00% 0.36% 0.00%

Asia 4 1.39% 3.91% 2.36%

Europe 9 3.14% 0.71% 2.69%

Canada or Mexico 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.34%

Other 5 1.74% 2.14% 2.36%

Don’t Know 6 2.09% 0.00% 0.34%

TABLE 2.3. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR SUICIDES BY SERVICE (CONT.)
16

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

TABLE 2.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER EVENT SETTING

Event Method

Nearly one-half of 2011 suicide decedents used non-military issue firearms to kill themselves (n = 141, 

49.13%), and 10.80% (n = 31) used military issue firearms (Table 2.6). Twenty-two of those who used military 

issue firearms died by suicide in a deployed setting (see Chapter 3 for more details). Hanging accounted for 

20.56% of suicides (n = 59) and eleven Service Members (3.83%) used drugs to die by suicide in 2011. 

TABLE 2.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER EVENT METHOD

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 170 59.23% 55.87% 60.27%

Residence of friend or family 23 8.01% 11.39% 8.08%

Work/jobsite 20 6.97% 8.19% 6.06%

Automobile (away from residence) 18 6.27% 4.63% 5.72%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.36% 0.00%

Other 55 19.16% 19.57% 19.87%

Don’t Know 1 0.35% 0.00% 0.00%

Substance Use during the Event

Comprehensive information about known substance use during suicide is unavailable for some suicides in 

2011. As summarized in Table 2.7, 21.25% (n = 61) of decedents were known to have used alcohol during 

suicide. Fewer decedents were known to have used drugs (n = 25, 8.71%). Eight (2.79%) Service Members 

were known to have used both drugs and alcohol during their suicide events. 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 141 49.13% 48.40% 40.74%

Firearm, military issue 31 10.80% 13.88% 17.51%

Hanging 59 20.56% 24.56% 22.90%

Drugs 11 3.83% 4.63% 3.03%

Alcohol 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.34%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 3 1.05% 0.36% 3.70%

Gas, utility (or other) 3 1.05% 2.14% 1.68%

Chemicals 2 0.70% 0.00% 0.00%

Drowning 1 0.35% 1.07% 0.00%

Fire, steam, etc. 1 0.35% 0.36% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 2 0.70% 0.71% 2.69%

Jumping from high place 4 1.39% 0.71% 1.68%

Lying in front of moving object 1 0.35% 0.71% 0.67%

Crashing a motor vehicle 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 4 1.39% 0.36% 3.03%

Don’t Know 24 8.36% 2.14% 2.02%
17

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 61 21.25% 20.64% 22.22%

No 89 31.01% 38.43% 38.72%

Don’t Know 137 47.74% 40.93% 39.06%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 25 8.71% 9.61% 6.40%

No 107 37.28% 46.98% 47.14%

Don’t Know 155 54.01% 43.42% 46.46%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 2 0.70% 1.07% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 4 1.39% 1.07% 0.67%

Were not used 126 43.90% 54.45% 52.86%

Don’t know 155 54.01% 43.42% 46.46%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 6 2.09% 3.20% 2.69%

Used, no overdose 7 2.44% 3.91% 1.01%

Were not used 119 41.46% 49.47% 49.83%

Don’t know 155 54.01% 43.42% 46.46%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 8 2.79% 2.14% 0.67%

Used, no overdose 3 1.05% 0.00% 1.68%

Were not used 121 42.16% 54.45% 51.18%

Don’t know 155 54.01% 43.42% 46.46%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 8 2.79% 2.85% 3.03%

No 124 43.21% 47.69% 47.47%

Don’t Know 155 54.01% 49.47% 49.49%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the prior three years, most decedents had no known history of communicating with others 

about intent to harm themselves (n = 212, 73.87%; Table 2.8). Approximately one-fourth of Service Members 

were known to have communicated with at least one individual regarding their intent to die by suicide (n = 

75, 26.13%). The most frequent mode of communication was verbal (n = 46, 16.03%; Table 2.9). Eleven 

decedents used text messages to communicate intent, and four used social media (i.e., Facebook; these cases 

are included in the “Other” category in Table 2.9). As shown in Table 2.10, the most frequent communications 

of intent were with spouses (n = 37, 12.89%), friends (n = 19, 6.62%), and behavioral health providers (n = 11, 

3.83%). “Other” (write-in) responses included family members (n = 5, 1.74%) and coworkers (n = 3, 1.04%).

TABLE 2.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 212 73.87% 65.84% 72.05%

1 58 20.21% 29.18% 18.18%

2 11 3.83% 4.27% 6.73%

3 6 2.09% 0.36% 1.68%

4 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.01%

5 0 0.00% 0.36% 0.34%

TABLE 2.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT
18

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

TABLE 2.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

TABLE 2.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

Additional Event Information

Table 2.11 provides information about other details of 2011 suicides. Data indicate that the majority of 

decedents intended to die (n = 173, 60.28%). There are data that suicides were premeditated or planned by 

83 (28.92%) decedents. Fifty-nine decedents (20.56%) died in a location where the suicide was potentially 

observable by others. Fifty-eight Service Members (20.21%) left suicide notes.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 46 16.03% 21.00% 15.49%

Written 13 4.53% 4.63% 2.36%

Other or Unknown 12 4.18% 4.98% 5.72%

Multiple Modes 4 1.39% 3.56% 4.04%

No Known Communication 212 73.87% 65.84% 72.39%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 37 12.89% 10.68% 7.07%

Friend 19 6.62% 4.63% 4.04%

Behavioral Health Provider 11 3.83% 4.27% 0.34%

Chaplain 4 1.39% 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 7 2.44% 1.42% 0.67%

Other or Unidentified 17 5.92% 8.19% 5.72%

Made Multiple Communications 17 5.92% 4.98% 9.76%

No Known Communication 212 73.87% 65.84% 72.39%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 173 60.28% 71.53% 76.09%

No 26 9.06% 8.19% 5.39%

Don’t Know 87 30.31% 20.28% 18.52%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 1.78% 1.35%

No 223 77.70% 84.34% 84.85%

Don’t Know 64 22.30% 13.88% 13.80%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 83 28.92% 38.43% 39.39%

No 78 27.18% 34.52% 28.96%

Don’t Know 126 43.90% 27.05% 31.65%
19

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors, such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 2.12 provides details about the living situations for Service Members who died by suicide in 2011. Most 

decedents lived in a home or apartment outside of their installation (n = 130, 45.30%) or in a shared living 

environment on the installation (n = 76, 26.48%). Of the decedents who were married (n = 134), 82 lived with 

their spouses (61.19% of those who were married, 28.57% of total decedents), and 38 were separated due to 

relationship issues (28.36% of married, 13.24% of total). One-half of decedents were known to be living with 

others (n = 146, 50.87%). Over one-third of decedents had minor children (n = 110, 38.33%) and 51 (17.77%) 

of those decedents lived with their children at the time of death. One-half of decedents had access to firearms 

either in their homes or in other accessible locations (n = 144, 50.17%).

TABLE 2.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 76 26.48% 33.10% 30.98%

Bachelor quarters 16 5.57% 3.91% 5.05%

On-base family housing 17 5.92% 8.54% 4.71%

Owned or leased apartment or house 130 45.30% 43.06% 47.14%

Ship 3 1.05% 0.71% 1.01%

Other 13 4.53% 6.76% 7.07%

Don’t Know 32 11.15% 3.91% 4.04%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resided with spouse 82 28.57% 26.33% 23.57%

Separated due to relationship issues 38 13.24% 12.46% 9.76%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 14 4.88% 5.69% 11.78%

Don’t Know 8 2.79% 3.20% 4.38%

Unmarried at time of event 145 50.52% 52.31% 50.51%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 85 29.62% 28.11% 34.34%

No 146 50.87% 64.06% 56.57%

Don’t Know 56 19.51% 7.83% 9.09%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 110 38.33% 36.65% 37.37%

No 122 42.51% 63.35% 62.63%

OBSERVABLE Yes 59 20.56% 22.78% 20.54%

No 165 57.49% 63.35% 68.69%

Don’t Know 63 21.95% 13.88% 10.77%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 58 20.21% 30.60% 24.92%

No 139 48.43% 50.18% 53.87%

Don’t Know 90 31.36% 19.22% 21.21%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION (CONT.)
20

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Duty Environment

Consistent with the previous three years, the primary duty environment for decedents was their permanent 

duty station (n = 173, 60.28%; Table 2.13). Thirty-one Service Members were deployed (10.80%), 17 (5.92%) 

were AWOL, and 10 (3.48%) were TDY. Of the 31 decedents who were deployed, one died while Shipboard, 

one died while on Emergency leave from deployment, and one died while on Active Duty Operational Support 

(ADOS) status. 

TABLE 2.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 0.00% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 51 17.77% 18.51% 17.17%

No 58 20.21% 17.08% 18.52%

Don’t Know 56 19.51% 1.07% 1.68%

No Children 122 42.51% 63.35% 62.63%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 144 50.17% 51.96% 49.49%

No 58 20.21% 27.76% 26.26%

Don’t Know 85 29.62% 20.28% 24.24%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 173 60.28% 57.65% 53.20%

Leave 26 9.06% 0.00% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 0.35% 6.76% 9.09%

Medical Hold 7 2.44% 0.36% 1.01%

TDY 10 3.48% 1.07% 1.68%

AWOL 17 5.92% 2.49% 4.38%

Under Command Observation 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Deployed 31 10.80% 10.68% 11.45%

Training 16 5.57% 2.49% 3.03%

Other 24 8.36% 5.69% 5.39%

Multiple Duty Environments 32 11.15% 6.41% 8.75%

Duty Environment Unknown 19 6.62% 6.41% 2.02%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the prior two years, no clear pattern was evident for suicides by month (Table 2.14).

TABLE 2.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 29 10.10% 9.61% 9.09%

February 20 6.97% 7.47% 11.11%

March 19 6.62% 7.83% 6.73%
21

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Clinical Health Factors

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medications. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Thirty-eight Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (13.24%) had a known history of self-harm (Table 

2.15), and 20 decedents (6.97%) were known to have had at least two prior incidents of self-harm.

TABLE 2.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER PRIOR SELF INJURY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 38 13.24% 13.52% 17.17%

 Within 30 days 5 1.74% 1.07% 4.04%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 10 3.48% 2.85% 7.74%

No 143 49.83% 61.57% 58.25%

Don’t Know 106 36.93% 24.91% 24.58%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 18 6.27% 7.83% 10.10%

More than one prior event 20 6.97% 5.69% 7.07%

N/A or Unknown 249 86.76% 86.48% 82.83%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 13 4.53% 3.20% 3.03%

No 21 7.32% 8.90% 10.10%

Don’t Know 5 1.74% 1.42% 4.04%

N/A 249 86.76% 86.48% 82.83%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below 

reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of death. 

April 32 11.15% 7.47% 7.74%

May 30 10.45% 9.61% 9.76%

June 20 6.97% 8.90% 8.08%

July 32 11.15% 11.03% 9.76%

August 24 8.36% 7.83% 7.07%

September 26 9.06% 8.90% 5.39%

October 25 8.71% 8.54% 10.77%

November 12 4.18% 6.05% 7.07%

December 17 5.92% 6.76% 7.41%

Note: One event occurred on 12/31/2010 and was included in 2011

TABLE 2.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH (CONT.) 
22

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 158 55.05% 56.58% 57.58%

1 DX 64 22.30% 18.51% 21.55%

2 DX 29 10.10% 14.95% 13.13%

3 DX 22 7.67% 5.34% 4.38%

4 or more DX 14 4.88% 4.63% 3.37%

TABLE 2.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 57 19.86% 17.08% 24.92%

No 175 60.98% 68.68% 60.27%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.23% 14.81%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 4 1.39% 0.71% 0.67%

No 228 79.44% 85.05% 80.47%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.23% 18.86%

 Major depression Yes 32 11.15% 7.12% 11.45%

No 200 69.69% 78.29% 71.04%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.59% 17.51%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 4 1.39% 1.42% 1.68%

No 228 79.44% 83.99% 79.12%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.59% 19.19%

 Other mood disorder Yes 21 7.32% 4.98% 5.05%

No 211 73.52% 80.43% 76.43%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.59% 18.52%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 6 2.09% 1.07% 2.69%

No 226 78.75% 84.70% 82.49%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.23% 14.81%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 3 1.05% 1.78% 3.37%

No 229 79.79% 83.99% 81.82%

Don’t Know 55 19.16% 14.23% 14.81%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

One hundred twenty-nine (44.95%) Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 had a history of at least one 

documented behavioral health disorder (Table 2.16). As indicated in Table 2.17, 57 decedents (19.86%) had 

a mood disorder; the most frequent mood disorder was major depressive disorder (n = 32, 11.15%). As can 

be seen in Table 2.18, 47 (16.38%) had an anxiety disorder. Eighteen decedents were known to have been 

diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (6.27%). Table 2.19 provides summary data for other disorders. 

One-fourth of Service Members who died by suicide had a known history of substance abuse (n = 69, 24.04%). 

Six decedents had a history of personality disorder (2.09%) and nine (3.14%) had a prior diagnosis of 

traumatic brain injury. 

TABLE 2.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 
23

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 2.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 47 16.38% 14.95% 17.85%

No 190 66.20% 72.24% 66.33%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 12.81% 15.82%

 PTSD Yes 18 6.27% 4.98% 6.40%

No 219 76.31% 81.49% 76.09%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 13.52% 17.51%

 Panic disorder Yes 2 0.70% 1.07% 0.00%

No 235 81.88% 85.41% 82.15%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 13.52% 17.85%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 11 3.83% 0.36% 1.01%

No 226 78.75% 85.77% 81.48%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 13.88% 17.51%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 237 82.58% 86.48% 82.15%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 13.52% 17.85%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 18 6.27% 4.63% 5.05%

No 219 76.31% 82.21% 77.44%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 13.17% 17.51%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 17 5.92% 1.78% 1.68%

No 220 76.66% 85.41% 82.49%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 12.81% 15.82%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 19 6.62% 2.14% 3.70%

No 218 75.96% 85.05% 80.47%

Don’t Know 50 17.42% 12.81% 15.82%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 6 2.09% 3.56% 5.05%

No 228 79.44% 81.85% 77.78%

Don’t Know 53 18.47% 14.59% 17.17%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 6 2.09% 0.00% 1.01%

No 229 79.79% 85.41% 82.83%

Don’t Know 52 18.12% 14.59% 16.16%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 69 24.04% 25.62% 21.55%

No 148 51.57% 56.58% 57.58%

Don’t Know 70 24.39% 17.79% 20.88%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 9 3.14% 2.85%

No 224 78.05% 81.14%

Don’t Know 54 18.82% 16.01%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.
24

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Treatment History

Table 2.20 provides data on decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to death. As with 

the previous years, the majority of Service Members who died by suicide had received some form of treatment 

at a Military Treatment Facility (n = 173, 60.28%). Sixty-two Service Members (21.60%) had a known history 

of a physical health problem. 

Forty-seven decedents (16.38%) received substance abuse treatment services, and 21 (7.32%) received help 

from family advocacy programs. Twenty-five Service Members (8.71%) were known to have used chaplain 

services. Forty percent of decedents received outpatient behavioral healthcare (n = 114), and of those, 48 

Service Members (16.72%) attended treatment within the month prior to suicide. Forty-three Service Members 

(14.98%) received inpatient behavioral health treatment, 11 of whom (3.83%) were treated within the month 

prior to suicide.

TABLE 2.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 173 60.28% 56.58% 58.92%

 Within 30 days 92 32.06% 38.08% 36.36%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 131 45.64% 46.26% 48.48%

No 68 23.69% 31.32% 27.27%

Don’t Know 46 16.03% 12.10% 13.80%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 62 21.60% 17.44% 21.55%

 Within 30 days 26 9.06% 11.03% 12.46%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 41 14.29% 13.52% 14.81%

No 137 47.74% 58.01% 56.23%

Don’t Know 88 30.66% 24.56% 22.22%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 47 16.38% 21.00% 16.50%

 Within 30 days 15 5.23% 7.47% 8.08%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 22 7.67% 9.61% 8.42%

No 179 62.37% 66.19% 67.68%

Don’t Know 61 21.25% 12.81% 15.82%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 21 7.32% 9.96% 6.40%

 Within 30 days 4 1.39% 1.78% 1.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 7 2.44% 4.27% 2.69%

No 193 67.25% 70.82% 71.38%

Don’t Know 73 25.44% 19.22% 22.22%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 25 8.71% 9.61% 12.79%

 Within 30 days 14 4.88% 6.76% 8.08%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 16 5.57% 7.83% 10.44%

No 97 33.80% 44.13% 42.09%

Don’t Know 165 57.49% 46.26% 45.12%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 114 39.72% 40.57% 41.08%

 Within 30 days 48 16.72% 22.42% 21.55%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 66 23.00% 28.83% 24.92%
25

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Table 2.21 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by decedents prior to suicide. 

Approximately one-fourth of decedents (n = 75, 26.13%) had known prescriptions for psychotropic 

medications; the most frequent were antidepressants (n = 64, 22.30%) and antianxiety medications (n = 30, 

10.45%).

TABLE 2.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

No 130 45.30% 47.69% 46.46%

Don’t Know 43 14.98% 11.74% 12.46%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 43 14.98% 11.39% 15.15%

 Within 30 days 11 3.83% 5.34% 2.02%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 18 6.27% 6.41% 6.06%

No 193 67.25% 74.73% 70.03%

Don’t Know 51 17.77% 13.88% 14.81%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 75 26.13% 24.20% 24.24%

No 141 49.13% 55.87% 54.55%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 19.93% 21.21%

 Antidepressants Yes 64 22.30% 19.57% 20.88%

No 152 52.96% 59.79% 57.58%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 20.64% 21.55%

 Antianxiety Yes 30 10.45% 9.25% 9.09%

No 180 62.72% 68.33% 68.35%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 22.42% 22.56%

 Antimanics Yes 2 0.70% 1.78% 0.67%

No 214 74.56% 75.44% 76.77%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 22.78% 22.56%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 4 1.39% 2.14% 2.36%

No 212 73.87% 75.80% 75.42%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 22.06% 22.22%

 Antipsychotics Yes 10 3.48% 4.98% 5.05%

No 206 71.78% 73.31% 72.73%

Don’t Know 71 24.74% 21.71% 22.22%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

TABLE 2.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
26

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 134 46.69% 49.82% 50.84%

 Within 30 days 79 27.53% 29.89% 27.61%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 99 34.49% 35.94% 34.68%

No 68 23.69% 29.89% 25.25%

Don’t Know 85 29.62% 20.28% 23.91%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 26 9.06% 14.59% 13.47%

 Within 30 days 14 4.88% 8.54% 8.08%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 19 6.62% 10.32% 9.09%

No 123 42.86% 49.82% 47.81%

Don’t Know 138 48.08% 35.59% 38.72%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 142 49.48% 53.02% 53.54%

 Within 30 days 83 28.92% 33.45% 29.63%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 105 36.59% 39.50% 36.70%

No 60 20.91% 26.69% 23.91%

Don’t Know 85 29.62% 20.28% 22.56%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Family and Relationship History

Almost one-half of Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (n = 134, 46.69%) had a known failure in a 

spousal or intimate relationship; 79 (27.53%) experienced the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 

2.22). Twenty-six decedents (9.06%) had a failure in another important relationship, more than one-half of 

these (n = 14, 4.88%) occurred within the month prior to suicide. 

TABLE 2.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

Table 2.23 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may be associated with the suicide. Thirtyone decedents (10.80%) were known to have a family member with behavioral health problems, and 25 

(8.71%) had experienced the death of a family member. Nineteen decedents (6.62%) were known to have 

had a family member who had died by suicide, and seven (2.44%) had known a friend who died by suicide. 

Friends of nine decedents (3.14%) had died by other means. Nine decedents (3.14%) were known to have 

had a family member with physical health problems.

TABLE 2.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 219 76.31% 80.43% 84.18%

Don’t Know 68 23.69% 19.57% 15.82%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 19 6.62% 4.27% 3.70%

No 142 49.48% 60.14% 64.31%

Don’t Know 126 43.90% 35.59% 31.99%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 7 2.44% 2.49% 1.68%

No 143 49.83% 57.65% 58.59%
27

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Administrative and Legal History

As summarized in Table 2.24, 107 (37.28%) Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 had at least one 

known administrative or legal issue, and 42 (14.63%) were known to have had more than one. The most 

frequent administrative or legal issue were Article 15 proceedings or non-judicial punishment (n = 52, 18.12%), 

followed by civil legal problems (n = 37, 12.89%).

TABLE 2.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 10 3.48% 6.41% 6.40%

No 208 72.47% 74.38% 79.46%

Don’t Know 70 24.39% 19.22% 14.14%

HX ARTICLE 15 OR NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENTYes 52 18.12% 21.35% 17.17%

No 160 55.75% 60.50% 66.33%

Don’t Know 75 26.13% 18.15% 16.50%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 20 6.97% 9.25% 8.42%

No 197 68.64% 72.24% 77.78%

Don’t Know 70 24.39% 18.51% 13.80%

HX AWOL Yes 18 6.27% 8.19% 10.10%

No 203 70.73% 74.02% 77.44%

Don’t Know 66 23.00% 17.79% 12.46%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 17 5.92% 5.34% 8.08%

No 207 72.13% 80.78% 79.46%

Don’t Know 63 21.95% 13.88% 12.46%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 37 12.89% 13.17% 12.12%

No 162 56.45% 64.06% 65.32%

Don’t Know 88 30.66% 22.78% 22.56%

Don’t Know 137 47.74% 39.86% 39.73%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 25 8.71% 6.05% 6.06%

No 140 48.78% 56.94% 58.92%

Don’t Know 122 42.51% 37.01% 35.02%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 9 3.14% 4.98% 3.03%

No 140 48.78% 54.09% 53.87%

Don’t Know 138 48.08% 40.93% 43.10%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 9 3.14% 4.27% 6.40%

No 154 53.66% 59.07% 60.94%

Don’t Know 124 43.21% 36.65% 32.66%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 31 10.80% 9.61% 14.81%

No 93 32.40% 39.15% 30.30%

Don’t Know 163 56.79% 51.25% 54.88%

TABLE 2.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY (CONT.) 
28

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 2.25). 

Nineteen suicide decedents (6.62%) reportedly experienced physical abuse, and 13 (4.53%) reportedly 

experienced sexual abuse. Nineteen Service Members (6.62%) had reportedly been victims of emotional 

abuse. Twenty-two decedents (7.67%) had reportedly physically abused others, 10 (3.48%) had reportedly 

sexually abused others, and 5 (1.74%) had reportedly perpetrated emotional abuse.

TABLE 2.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 16 5.57% 6.41% 7.74%

No 187 65.16% 72.24% 74.07%

Don’t Know 84 29.27% 21.35% 18.18%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 107 37.28% 42.70% 41.08%

No 117 40.77% 39.50% 43.10%

Don’t Know 63 21.95% 17.79% 15.82%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 42 14.63% 17.44% 17.51%

No 182 63.41% 37.37% 41.08%

Don’t Know 63 21.95% 45.20% 41.41%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 19 6.62% 4.98% 6.73%

No 156 54.36% 61.92% 59.26%

Don’t Know 112 39.02% 33.10% 34.01%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 13 4.53% 2.85% 4.38%

No 163 56.79% 64.06% 61.62%

Don’t Know 111 38.68% 33.10% 34.01%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 19 6.62% 4.63% 7.07%

No 152 52.96% 60.14% 57.58%

Don’t Know 116 40.42% 35.23% 35.35%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 0.35% 0.36% 0.34%

No 173 60.28% 65.12% 63.30%

Don’t Know 113 39.37% 34.52% 36.36%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 22 7.67% 8.54% 8.75%

No 157 54.70% 60.85% 58.59%

Don’t Know 108 37.63% 30.60% 32.66%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 10 3.48% 2.85% 3.37%

No 172 59.93% 66.19% 61.95%

Don’t Know 105 36.59% 30.96% 34.68%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 5 1.74% 3.56% 3.03%

No 169 58.89% 65.12% 60.61%

Don’t Know 113 39.37% 31.32% 36.36%

TABLE 2.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.)
29

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 2 0.70% 0.71% 1.68%

No 174 60.63% 67.97% 62.63%

Don’t Know 111 38.68% 31.32% 35.69%

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace. As summarized in Table 

2.26, 25 Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (8.71%) had experienced significant debt. Sixty-one 

decedents (21.25%) had lost either a position or experienced job instability. Thirty Service Members (10.45%) 

were known to have had interpersonal issues with supervisors or coworkers, and 46 (16.03%) had previously 

received poor work evaluations. 

TABLE 2.26. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 25 8.71% 9.96% 10.77%

No 137 47.74% 57.65% 54.55%

Don’t Know 125 43.55% 32.38% 34.68%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 61 21.25% 18.51% 27.27%

No 141 49.13% 58.36% 51.18%

Don’t Know 85 29.62% 23.13% 21.55%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 30 10.45% 12.46% 14.14%

No 160 55.75% 62.28% 60.61%

Don’t Know 97 33.80% 25.27% 25.25%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 46 16.03% 14.23% 16.84%

No 156 54.36% 62.63% 62.63%

Don’t Know 85 29.62% 23.13% 20.54%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 3 1.05% 1.78% 1.68%

No 182 63.41% 74.02% 70.37%

Don’t Know 102 35.54% 24.20% 27.95%

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Of the 29 Service Members who died by suicide while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), 

or Operation New Dawn (OND), 18 (6.27% of total suicides) took place in Afghanistan, 10 (3.48% of total 

suicides) took place in Iraq, and 1 (0.35% of total suicides) took place Shipboard as part of OND (Table 2.27). 

One hundred thirty-four decedents (46.69%) had a history of OEF, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or OND 

deployment (Table 2.28). Forty-four decedents (15.33%) had a known history of direct combat experiences. 

Additional data regarding the types of combat experiences are shown in Table 2.29.

TABLE 2.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.)
30

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER Results

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 18 6.27% 6.05% 2.36%

Iraq 10 3.48% 4.27% 10.44%

Djibouti 0 0.00% 0.36% 0.00%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.34%

Not OEF/OND 258 89.90% 89.32% 86.87%

Note: One Service Member located Shipboard as part of OND

TABLE 2.28. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY

TABLE 2.29. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER COMBAT HISTORY

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 42 14.63% 11.39% 3.70%

Iraq 65 22.65% 27.05% 37.71%

Kuwait 4 1.39% 1.07% 3.03%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 23 8.01% 6.41% 7.07%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 153 53.31% 54.09% 48.48%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 44 15.33% 10.68% 17.17%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 25 8.71% 6.76% 11.45%

 Injured in combat 6 2.09% 2.14% 3.37%

 Witnessed killing in combat 16 5.57% 6.41% 9.76%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 15 5.23% 4.98% 9.43%

 Killed others in combat 6 2.09% 3.91% 4.04%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 243 84.67% 89.32% 82.83%

TABLE 2.27. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER 
31

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

DoDSERs were submitted for 935 suicide attempts across all Services in 2011. As indicated in Table 

2.30, these DoDSERs provide data on suicide attempts for 915 individuals. Two attempts were reported 

(DoDSERs submitted) for 18 individuals, and three attempts were reported for 1 individual. One Service 

Member with a CY 2010 suicide attempt DoDSER died by suicide in 2011 and is included in the preceding 

section. The tables in this section use a denominator of 915. Percentages for 2010 DoDSER data are 

provided for comparison. Specific suicide attempt count data for prior years are available in the previous 

DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 2.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 DOD SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 935 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 915 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 896 97.92%

2 18 1.97%

3 1 0.11%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 1 0.11%

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated 

with the suicide attempts. These factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, suicide attempt 

method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 2.31 contains DoDSER demographic data for Service Members who attempted suicide in 2011. The 

majority of suicide attempts were by male Service Members (n = 687, 73.48%). Consistent with the previous 

year of DoDSER data, Service Members were most often Caucasian (n = 600, 64.17%), non-Hispanic or 

Latino (n = 836, 89.41%), under age twenty-five (n = 535, 57.22%), junior enlisted (n = 664, 71.02%), and 

Regular component (n = 893, 95.51%). High school was the highest level of education for majority of Service 

Members who attempted suicide (n = 409, 43.74%).

TABLE 2.31. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TOTAL 935 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 687 73.48% 75.67%

Female 248 26.52% 24.33%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 13 1.39% 1.27%

Asian or Pacific Islander 36 3.85% 2.67%
32

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Event Setting

CY 2011 suicide attempts most frequently took place in the United States (n = 830, 88.77%). Twenty attempts 

occurred in Afghanistan (2.14%; Table 2.32). As indicated in Table 2.33, suicide attempts primarily occurred in 

the Service Members’ residence (n = 737, 78.82%). Hotels were the most frequent “Other” (write-in response) 

setting (n = 20, 2.14%).

Black/African American 172 18.40% 15.41%

White/Caucasian 600 64.17% 68.02%

Other/Don’t Know 114 12.19% 12.63%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 99 10.59%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 836 89.41%

AGE RANGE Under 25 535 57.22% 59.56%

25-29 220 23.53% 22.02%

30-39 141 15.08% 14.14%

40 + 39 4.17% 4.29%

RANK E1-E4 664 71.02% 71.46%

E5-E9 240 25.67% 24.25%

Officer 25 2.67% 3.71%

Warrant Officer 2 0.21% 0.46%

Cadet/Midshipman 4 0.43% 0.12%

COMPONENT Regular 893 95.51% 94.67%

Reserve 18 1.93% 2.78%

National Guard 19 2.03% 2.32%

Other 5 0.53% 0.23%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 2 0.21% 0.81%

GED 44 4.71% 7.30%

High school graduate 409 43.74% 46.12%

Some college or technical school 273 29.20% 24.33%

Degree/certificate less than four years 55 5.88% 4.98%

Four-year college degree 31 3.32% 4.52%

Master’s degree or greater 13 1.39% 1.85%

Don’t Know 108 11.55% 10.08%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 390 41.71% 42.18%

Married 406 43.42% 42.18%

Legally Separated 28 2.99% 4.75%

Divorced 80 8.56% 8.46%

Widowed 1 0.11% 0.12%

Don’t Know 30 3.21% 2.32%

Note: Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.

TABLE 2.31. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS (CONT.) 
33

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 830 88.77% 81.92%

Iraq 3 0.32% 3.01%

Afghanistan 20 2.14% 2.32%

Asia 36 3.85% 5.21%

Europe 36 3.85% 5.79%

Canada or Mexico 2 0.21% 0.35%

Central or South America 1 0.11% 0.00%

Other 2 0.21% 1.04%

Don’t Know 4 0.43% 0.35%

TABLE 2.33. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT SETTING 

Event Method

As indicated in Table 2.34, drugs were the most frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 559, 59.79%), 

followed by injury with a sharp or blunt object (n = 112, 11.98%). 

TABLE 2.34. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 737 78.82% 80.30%

Residence of friend or family 46 4.92% 3.82%

Work/jobsite 30 3.21% 3.24%

Automobile (away from residence) 46 4.92% 4.52%

Inpatient medical facility 8 0.86% 0.70%

Other 67 7.17% 7.18%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.23%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 44 4.71% 2.67%

Firearm, military issue 15 1.60% 1.97%

Hanging 87 9.30% 8.34%

Drugs 559 59.79% 57.47%

Alcohol 32 3.42% 3.82%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 20 2.14% 1.16%

Gas, utility (or other) 2 0.21% 0.58%

Chemicals 17 1.82% 1.16%

Drowning 4 0.43% 0.58%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.23%

Sharp or blunt object 112 11.98% 14.14%

Jumping from high place 10 1.07% 2.55%

TABLE 2.32. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 
34

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Substance Use during the Event

Table 2.35 summarizes data regarding known alcohol and drug use during suicide attempts. DoDSERs for 

almost one-third of Service Members (n = 292, 31.23%) included known use of alcohol, and over one-half (n = 

598, 63.96%) included known drug use during the suicide attempt (the most frequent were prescription drugs; 

n = 382, 63.88% of known drug users, 40.86% of total). These frequencies include Service Members who 

used drugs as a suicide attempt method as described above. One hundred eighty-four DoDSERs (19.68%) 

included both alcohol and drug use during the event. 

TABLE 2.35. CY 2011 AND 2010 DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Lying in front of moving object 4 0.43% 0.46%

Crashing a motor vehicle 12 1.28% 1.39%

Other 11 1.18% 2.09%

Don’t Know 5 0.53% 1.39%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 292 31.23% 33.26%

No 505 54.01% 54.92%

Don’t Know 137 14.65% 11.82%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 598 63.96% 62.11%

No 283 30.27% 32.56%

Don’t Know 53 5.67% 5.33%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 52 5.56% 5.45%

Used, no overdose 20 2.14% 2.55%

Were not used 806 86.20% 86.67%

Don’t know 56 5.99% 5.33%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 382 40.86% 40.32%

Used, no overdose 65 6.95% 7.18%

Were not used 432 46.20% 47.16%

Don’t know 55 5.88% 5.33%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 179 19.14% 16.57%

Used, no overdose 28 2.99% 3.94%

Were not used 672 71.87% 74.16%

Don’t know 55 5.88% 5.33%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 184 19.68% 21.67%

No 595 63.64% 64.43%

Don’t Know 155 16.58% 13.90%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.34. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.) 

Communication of Intent

Most Service Members who attempted suicide had no known history of communication with others about their 

intent (n = 709, 75.83%; Table 2.36). Of those who did communicate with others, the most frequent modes 
35

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 2.36. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 2.38. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 709 75.83% 77.98%

1 180 19.25% 17.27%

2 30 3.21% 3.71%

3 13 1.39% 0.93%

4 2 0.21% 0.12%

TABLE 2.37. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 129 13.80% 16.57%

Written 46 4.92% 2.67%

Other or Unknown 33 3.53% 1.97%

Multiple Modes 17 1.82% 0.81%

No Known Communication 709 75.83% 77.98%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 77 8.24% 5.33%

Friend 72 7.70% 4.63%

Behavioral Health Provider 33 3.53% 2.32%

Chaplain 2 0.21% 0.23%

Supervisor 35 3.74% 1.62%

Other or Unidentified 57 6.10% 3.13%

Made Multiple Communications 45 4.81% 4.75%

No Known Communication 709 75.83% 77.98%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

were verbal (n = 129, 13.80%) and written (n = 46, 4.92%; Table 2.37). As indicated in Table 2.38, Service 

Members most frequently communicated with their spouses (n = 77, 8.24%) and friends (n = 72, 7.70%). 

Family members were the most frequent “Other” (write-in) response (n = 31, 3.32%). 

Additional Event Information

Table 2.39 provides information about other details of 2011 suicide attempts. For the majority (n = 588, 

62.89%), there was information to indicate that the Service Members intended to die. More than one-half of 

the suicide attempts occurred without any evidence of prior planning (n = 529, 56.58%). Over one-third of the 
36

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 588 62.89% 72.19%

No 149 15.94% 11.94%

Don’t Know 197 21.07% 15.87%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 12 1.28% 1.04%

No 855 91.44% 90.61%

Don’t Know 67 7.17% 8.34%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 239 25.56% 27.11%

No 529 56.58% 49.71%

Don’t Know 166 17.75% 23.17%

OBSERVABLE Yes 366 39.14% 40.90%

No 419 44.81% 42.06%

Don’t Know 149 15.94% 17.03%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 102 10.91% 11.12%

No 726 77.65% 71.15%

Don’t Know 106 11.34% 17.73%

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors, such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 2.40 provides details about the living situations for Service Members who attempted suicide in 2011. 

The most frequently reported living environments were shared living environments on installations (n = 381, 

40.75%) or private homes outside of installations (n = 360, 38.50%). Married Service Members most often 

lived with their spouses at the time of the suicide attempt (n = 221, 23.64%), and 99 were separated because 

of relationship issues (10.59%). Three hundred twenty-three DoDSERs indicated that the Service Members 

had minor children (34.55%), and 152 resided with their children at the time of the suicide attempt (16.26%). 

One hundred five DoDSERs indicated that the Service Members (11.23%) were known to have had access to 

firearms either in their homes or in other accessible locations.

TABLE 2.40. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

suicide attempts (n = 366, 39.14%) took place in a location potentially observable by others. One hundred two 

(10.91%) Service Members left suicide notes.

TABLE 2.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 381 40.75% 42.53%

Bachelor quarters 22 2.35% 3.13%

On-base family housing 85 9.09% 6.84%

Owned or leased apartment or house 360 38.50% 37.31%

Ship 5 0.53% 0.35%
37

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment for Service Members who attempted suicide was their permanent duty station 

(n = 466, 49.84%; Table 2.41). In addition, DoDSERs indicated that 23 suicide attempts (2.46%) took place 

during a deployment. 

TABLE 2.41. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 466 49.84% 65.59%

Leave 33 3.53% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 4 0.43% 1.85%

Medical Hold 32 3.42% 1.04%

TDY 8 0.86% 0.70%

AWOL 13 1.39% 0.70%

Under Command Observation 10 1.07% 0.00%

Deployed 23 2.46% 4.98%

Training 63 6.74% 4.06%

Other 31 3.32% 3.01%

Multiple Duty Environments 36 3.85% 6.95%

Duty Environment Unknown 290 31.02% 11.12%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Other 31 3.32% 2.90%

Don’t Know 50 5.35% 6.95%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resides with spouse 221 23.64% 20.05%

Separated due to relationship issues 99 10.59% 11.01%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 72 7.70% 8.23%

Unmarried at time of event 13 1.39% 57.82%

Don’t Know 529 56.58% 2.90%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 329 35.19% 37.08%

No 495 52.94% 50.52%

Don’t Know 110 11.76% 12.40%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 323 34.55% 30.48%

No 558 59.68% 69.52%

Don’t Know 53 5.67% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 152 16.26% 13.79%

No 153 16.36% 15.30%

Don’t Know 71 7.59% 1.39%

No Children 558 59.68% 69.52%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 105 11.23% 11.59%

No 602 64.39% 64.77%

Don’t Know 227 24.28% 23.64%

TABLE 2.40. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
38

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Suicide Attempts by Month

No clear pattern was evident for suicide attempts by month (Table 2.42).

TABLE 2.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BY MONTH

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MONTH January 87 9.30% 9.39%

February 93 9.95% 7.88%

March 90 9.63% 6.60%

April 95 10.16% 8.23%

May 59 6.31% 8.57%

June 62 6.63% 9.62%

July 75 8.02% 8.57%

August 87 9.30% 8.11%

September 69 7.38% 8.69%

October 71 7.59% 8.81%

November 87 9.30% 8.11%

December 59 6.31% 7.42%

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

As summarized in Table 2.43, DoDSER POCs reported a known history of prior self-harm for more than onefourth of suicide attempts (n = 268, 28.66%) and 44 (4.71%) self-harm incidents were known to have occurred 

within the month prior to attempting suicide. Of those with a prior history of self-harm, 136 had more than 

one prior self-harm event (50.75% with known prior history, 14.55% of total). One hundred thirty-five suicide 

attempts (14.44%) were similar to the Service Members’ prior self-harm event.

TABLE 2.43. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 268 28.66% 27.81%

 Within 30 days 44 4.71% 6.03%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 86 9.20% 10.20%

No 560 59.89% 58.75%

Don’t Know 106 11.34% 13.44%
39

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect any 

known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the suicide attempt. 

The majority of DoDSERs for attempted suicide included a history of at least one documented behavioral 

health disorder (n = 605, 64.71%; Table 2.44). Three hundred twenty-four (34.65%) had at least two cooccurring diagnoses. As indicated in Table 2.45, 322 DoDSERs (34.44%) indicated that Service Members 

had a diagnosis of a mood disorder; the most frequent was major depressive disorder (n = 194, 20.75%). Two 

hundred forty-one DoDSERs for suicide attempts (25.78%) included Service Members’ diagnoses of anxiety 

disorders, most frequently PTSD (n = 115, 12.30%; Table 2.46). As summarized in Table 2.47, 58 DoDSERs 

(6.20%) included documentation of personality disorders, and 256 (27.38%) included a known history of 

substance abuse. Thirty-six DoDSERs (3.85%) indicated that Service Members had sustained a traumatic 

brain injury, and nine (0.96%) included a diagnosis of psychotic disorder.

TABLE 2.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

TABLE 2.45. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 330 35.29% 36.27%

1 DX 280 29.95% 26.42%

2 DX 165 17.65% 19.58%

3 DX 91 9.73% 10.66%

4 or more DX 68 7.27% 7.07%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 322 34.44% 38.93%

No 527 56.36% 52.03%

Don’t Know 85 9.09% 9.04%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 33 3.53% 2.43%

No 289 30.91% 84.24%

Don’t Know 612 65.45% 13.33%

 Major depression Yes 194 20.75% 17.73%

No 128 13.69% 70.45%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 132 14.12% 12.28%

More than one prior event 136 14.55% 15.53%

N/A or Unknown 666 71.23% 72.19%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 135 14.44% 15.41%

No 116 12.41% 9.27%

Don’t Know 17 1.82% 3.13%

N/A 666 71.23% 72.19%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 2.43. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY (CONT.) 
40

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 2.46. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

Don’t Know 612 65.45% 11.82%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 29 3.10% 1.85%

No 293 31.34% 84.94%

Don’t Know 612 65.45% 13.21%

 Other mood disorder Yes 90 9.63% 6.72%

No 232 24.81% 79.84%

Don’t Know 612 65.45% 13.44%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 25 2.67% 4.63%

No 824 88.13% 86.33%

Don’t Know 85 9.09% 9.04%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 28 2.99% 5.56%

No 829 88.66% 85.40%

Don’t Know 77 8.24% 9.04%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 241 25.78% 26.07%

No 611 65.35% 63.96%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 9.97%

 PTSD Yes 115 12.30% 8.11%

No 126 13.48% 80.30%

Don’t Know 693 74.12% 11.59%

 Panic disorder Yes 16 1.71% 1.27%

No 225 24.06% 86.33%

Don’t Know 693 74.12% 12.40%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 54 5.78% 2.78%

No 187 20.00% 84.70%

Don’t Know 693 74.12% 12.51%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 9 0.96% 0.12%

No 232 24.81% 87.25%

Don’t Know 693 74.12% 12.63%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 91 9.73% 5.79%

No 761 81.39% 82.04%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 12.17%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 12 1.28% 1.97%

No 840 89.84% 88.06%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 9.97%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 47 5.03% 6.03%

No 194 20.75% 84.01%

Don’t Know 693 74.12% 9.97%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.45. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.) 
41

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Treatment History

Table 2.48 provides data on Service Members’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to 

attempting suicide. The majority of DoDSERs (n = 599, 64.06%) indicated that Service Members had 

received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), 416 (44.49%) within the month prior 

to attempting suicide. Two hundred twenty-seven DoDSERs (24.28%) included evidence of a known physical 

health problem. Most DoDSERs (n = 570, 60.96%) indicated that Service Members had received outpatient 

behavioral health services, many within the month prior to attempting suicide (n = 389, 41.06%). Two hundred 

thirty-three DoDSERs (24.92%) indicated that Service Members had previously been hospitalized in an 

inpatient psychiatry unit, 95 (10.16%) within the month prior to the suicide attempt. One hundred sixty-eight 

DoDSERs (17.97%) included prior use of substance abuse services.

TABLE 2.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 2.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 58 6.20% 7.30%

No 787 84.17% 80.42%

Don’t Know 89 9.52% 12.28%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 9 0.96% 1.27%

No 843 90.16% 88.30%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 10.43%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 256 27.38% 23.41%

No 558 59.68% 64.31%

Don’t Know 120 12.83% 12.28%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 36 3.85% 2.43%

No 809 86.52% 85.52%

Don’t Know 89 9.52% 12.05%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 599 64.06% 52.61%

 Within 30 days 416 44.49% 35.57%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 509 54.44% 45.54%

No 267 28.56% 37.78%

Don’t Know 68 7.27% 9.62%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 227 24.28% 22.02%

 Within 30 days 136 14.55% 12.75%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 168 17.97% 16.57%

No 593 63.42% 66.74%

Don’t Know 114 12.19% 11.24%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 168 17.97% 19.70%

 Within 30 days 100 10.70% 8.81%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 116 12.41% 12.86%
42

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

No 684 73.16% 72.07%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 8.23%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 92 9.84% 6.72%

 Within 30 days 41 4.39% 2.67%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 53 5.67% 3.82%

No 724 77.43% 81.58%

Don’t Know 118 12.62% 11.70%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 116 12.41% 10.66%

 Within 30 days 71 7.59% 5.21%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 91 9.73% 7.42%

No 557 59.57% 59.91%

Don’t Know 261 27.91% 29.43%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 570 60.96% 63.15%

 Within 30 days 389 41.60% 44.15%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 464 49.63% 51.80%

No 308 32.94% 31.75%

Don’t Know 56 5.99% 5.10%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 233 24.92% 21.78%

 Within 30 days 95 10.16% 7.88%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 150 16.04% 12.98%

No 649 69.41% 71.61%

Don’t Know 52 5.56% 6.60%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

As indicated in Table 2.49, four hundred (42.78%) DoDSERs for Service Member suicide attempts indicate 

psychotropic medication usage prior to the suicide attempt. The most frequently prescribed psychotropic 

medications were antidepressants (n = 342, 85.50% of DoDSERs with known prescriptions, 36.58% of total 

DoDSERs) and antianxiety medications (n = 170, 42.50% of DoDSERs with known prescriptions, 18.18% of 

total DoDSERs). 

TABLE 2.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 

TABLE 2.49. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 400 42.78% 46.35%

No 453 48.45% 44.38%

Don’t Know 81 8.66% 9.27%

 Antidepressants Yes 342 36.58% 38.12%

No 502 53.69% 50.64%

Don’t Know 90 9.63% 11.24%

 Antianxiety Yes 170 18.18% 18.77%

No 654 69.95% 67.21%

Don’t Know 110 11.76% 14.02%
43

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories, interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, and administrative 

difficulties, as well as reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

One-half of DoDSERs for Service Members who attempted suicide (n = 487, 52.09%) had a known failure in 

a spousal or intimate relationship, 306 (32.73%) experienced the failure within the month prior to the suicide 

attempt (Table 2.50). One hundred sixty-seven (17.86%) included a failure in another important relationship, 

102 of these (61.08% of those that included a failure in another importation relationship, 10.91% of total) 

occurred within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 2.50. CY 2011 AND 2010 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 487 52.09% 53.53%

 Within 30 days 306 32.73% 32.79%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 379 40.53% 40.32%

No 348 37.22% 37.54%

Don’t Know 99 10.59% 8.92%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 167 17.86% 14.72%

 Within 30 days 102 10.91% 8.11%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 122 13.05% 10.43%

No 618 66.10% 67.21%

Don’t Know 149 15.94% 18.08%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 538 57.54% 53.53%

 Within 30 days 323 34.55% 36.27%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 398 42.57% 43.57%

No 301 32.19% 37.54%

Don’t Know 82 8.77% 8.92%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

 Antimanics Yes 21 2.25% 2.67%

No 805 86.10% 82.62%

Don’t Know 108 11.55% 14.72%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 18 1.93% 2.67%

No 806 86.20% 82.62%

Don’t Know 110 11.76% 14.72%

 Antipsychotics Yes 70 7.49% 7.76%

No 757 80.96% 77.75%

Don’t Know 107 11.44% 14.48%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 2.49. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE (CONT.) 
44

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Table 2.51 summarizes other family and relationship factors. Sixty DoDSERs for Service Members (6.42%) 

included the loss of a family member to suicide, and 74 (7.91%) included the loss of friend to suicide. Many 

had experienced the death of a family member (n = 148, 15.83%) or friend (n = 89, 9.52%) by other means. 

Nearly one-third of DoDSERs indicated that Service Members had a family member with behavioral health 

problems (n = 292, 31.23%).

TABLE 2.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 3 0.32% 0.23%

No 848 90.70% 92.00%

Don’t Know 83 8.88% 7.76%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 60 6.42% 6.60%

No 751 80.32% 79.72%

Don’t Know 123 13.16% 13.67%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 74 7.91% 6.95%

No 714 76.36% 76.71%

Don’t Know 146 15.61% 16.34%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 148 15.83% 14.37%

No 656 70.16% 70.45%

Don’t Know 130 13.90% 15.18%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 89 9.52% 8.92%

No 694 74.22% 74.74%

Don’t Know 151 16.15% 16.34%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 106 11.34% 8.34%

No 689 73.69% 76.36%

Don’t Know 139 14.87% 15.30%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 292 31.23% 32.10%

No 466 49.84% 48.44%

Don’t Know 176 18.82% 19.47%

Administrative and Legal History

Over one-third of DoDSERs for Service Members who attempted suicide included at least one administrative 

or legal issue (n = 367, 39.25%), and 142 (15.19%) included more than one issue (Table 2.52). The most 

frequent administrative or legal problems were Article 15 proceedings or non-judicial punishment (n = 175, 

18.72%) medical board proceedings (n = 125, 13.37%).

TABLE 2.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 32 3.42% 3.13%

No 788 84.28% 84.24%

Don’t Know 114 12.19% 12.63%
45

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 2.53). Some 

DoDSERs for Service Members who attempted suicide in 2011 included an alleged history of emotional abuse 

(n = 211, 22.57%), physical abuse (n = 201, 21.50%), and sexual abuse (n = 165, 17.65%). Fifty-seven 

(6.10%) included an alleged history of perpetration of physical abuse.

TABLE 2.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 201 21.50% 19.81%

No 584 62.46% 65.82%

Don’t Know 149 15.94% 14.37%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 165 17.65% 15.76%

No 626 66.95% 69.52%

Don’t Know 143 15.29% 14.72%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 211 22.57% 23.06%

No 564 60.32% 61.88%

Don’t Know 159 17.01% 15.06%

HX ARTICLE 15 OR NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENTYes 175 18.72% 17.38%

No 640 68.45% 68.48%

Don’t Know 119 12.73% 14.14%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 80 8.56% 10.43%

No 730 78.07% 76.83%

Don’t Know 124 13.26% 12.75%

HX AWOL Yes 44 4.71% 6.14%

No 779 83.32% 82.73%

Don’t Know 111 11.87% 11.12%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 125 13.37% 8.23%

No 717 76.68% 81.34%

Don’t Know 92 9.84% 10.43%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 67 7.17% 10.20%

No 734 78.50% 74.39%

Don’t Know 133 14.22% 15.41%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 43 4.60% 5.45%

No 730 78.07% 77.06%

Don’t Know 161 17.22% 17.50%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 367 39.25% 39.51%

No 444 47.49% 48.67%

Don’t Know 123 13.16% 11.82%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 142 15.19% 14.37%

No 669 71.55% 45.31%

Don’t Know 123 13.16% 40.32%

TABLE 2.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 
46

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 2.54). Almost one-third 

of DoDSERs for Service Members who attempted suicide in 2011 included the experience of job loss or 

instability (n = 290, 31.02%). Two hundred twenty-nine (24.49%) included problems with either supervisors or 

coworkers, and 130 (13.90%) included prior poor work evaluations.

TABLE 2.54. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 123 13.16% 9.97%

No 636 68.02% 70.68%

Don’t Know 175 18.72% 19.35%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 290 31.02% 31.87%

No 503 53.80% 54.00%

Don’t Know 141 15.08% 14.14%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 229 24.49% 23.87%

No 544 58.18% 58.29%

Don’t Know 161 17.22% 17.84%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 130 13.90% 15.18%

No 621 66.42% 65.01%

Don’t Know 183 19.57% 19.81%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 50 5.35% 4.63%

No 704 75.29% 74.51%

Don’t Know 180 19.25% 20.86%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 35 3.74% 3.59%

No 727 77.75% 79.14%

Don’t Know 172 18.40% 17.27%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 57 6.10% 4.98%

No 730 78.07% 79.03%

Don’t Know 147 15.72% 15.99%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 14 1.50% 1.62%

No 770 82.35% 82.50%

Don’t Know 150 16.04% 15.87%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 27 2.89% 3.01%

No 750 80.21% 80.53%

Don’t Know 157 16.79% 16.45%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 8 0.86% 0.46%

No 774 82.78% 83.20%

Don’t Know 152 16.26% 16.34%

TABLE 2.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.) 
47

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Twenty (2.14%) suicide attempts occurred in Afghanistan and three (0.32%) occurred in Iraq (Table 2.55). 

Three hundred seventy-seven DoDSERs (40.32%) included information about prior OEF, OIF, or OND 

deployments (Table 2.56). One hundred fifty eight DoDSERs (16.90%) included experiences of direct combat 

(Table 2.57).

TABLE 2.55. CY 2011 AND 2010 DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN THEATER

TABLE 2.56. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 20 2.14% 2.32%

Iraq 3 0.32% 3.01%

Not OEF/OND 911 97.43% 94.67%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 150 16.04% 7.65%

Iraq 174 18.61% 27.46%

Kuwait 14 1.50% 1.04%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 39 4.17% 4.63%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 557 59.57% 59.21%

TABLE 2.57. CY 2011 AND 2010 SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMBAT HISTORY

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 158 16.90% 13.90%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 102 10.91% 8.11%

 Injured in combat 50 5.35% 3.94%

 Witnessed killing in combat 99 10.59% 8.57%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 103 11.02% 8.92%

 Killed others in combat 58 6.20% 5.21%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 776 82.99% 86.10%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
48

Chapter 2: DoD-Wide DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Summary

This chapter provides data on DoD suicides and suicide attempts that occurred in 2011. Data are presented 

for 287 Service Members who died by suicide and for 915 Service Members who attempted suicide in 935 

separate suicide incidents. Decedents and those who attempted suicide were primarily Caucasian, junior 

enlisted, and Regular component Service Members. 

Most suicide events took place in the United States and in the Service Members’ own residences. The most 

frequent methods for Service Members who died by suicide were by non-military issue firearms and hanging. 

Suicide attempt methods most often used were drug overdose, harming oneself with a sharp or blunt object, 

and hanging. Drug and alcohol use was more frequent among nonfatal suicide events. The majority of 

Service Members who died by suicide or had attempted suicide were not known to have communicated with 

others about their likelihood of harming themselves.

Service Members with nonfatal suicide events had more known behavioral health disorders than did suicide 

decedents, but both groups had similar behavioral health treatment usage prior to the event. Additionally, 

those who attempted suicide had higher prevalence of prior abuse victimization. Failed intimate relationships 

were frequent among Service Members with suicide events. The most frequent administrative or legal issue 

was Article 15/non-judicial punishment.
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 49

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

CHAPTER 3:

DoDSERS SUBMITTED FOR SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED TO 

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) & OPERATION NEW 

DAWN (OND)

DoDSER Submissions 

2011 Reported Suicides during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND)

There were 29 suicides confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) for calendar year (CY) 2011 that occurred during OEF 

or OND deployments. The tables in this section also include data for Service Members deployed to locations other than OEF/OND and for those 

not deployed at the time of suicide. Percentages for 2009-2010 DoDSER data are provided for comparison. Specific suicide count data for prior 

years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have been associated with the suicide events. 

These factors include decedents’ demographic characteristics, event setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and 

communication of intent with others.

Demographics

As described in Table 3.1, deployed decedents were primarily male (n = 28, 96.55%), Caucasian (n = 22, 75.86%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 28, 

96.55%), over age twenty-five (n = 18, 62.07%), junior enlisted (n = 16, 55.17%), and Regular component (n = 20, 68.97%).

DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES
50

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.1. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

TOTAL 29 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 258 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 28 96.55% 96.67% 89.74% 244 94.57% 95.22% 97.29%

Female 1 3.45% 3.33% 10.26% 14 5.43% 4.78% 2.71%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 2 0.78% 0.80% 1.94%

Asian or Pacific Islander 3 10.34% 6.67% 5.13% 12 4.65% 2.39% 3.49%

Black/African American 3 10.34% 3.33% 15.38% 28 10.85% 11.55% 10.08%

White/Caucasian 22 75.86% 70.00% 58.97% 171 66.28% 69.72% 68.22%

Other/Don’t Know 1 3.45% 36.67% 28.21% 45 17.44% 26.69% 25.58%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 1 3.45% 16 6.20%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 28 96.55% 242 93.80%

AGE RANGE Under 25 11 37.93% 60.00% 53.85% 99 38.37% 46.00% 44.57%

25-29 8 27.59% 30.00% 20.51% 78 30.23% 25.60% 23.64%

30-39 7 24.14% 6.67% 15.38% 56 21.71% 22.40% 23.26%

40 + 3 10.34% 3.33% 10.26% 25 9.69% 6.00% 8.53%

RANK E1-E4 16 55.17% 73.33% 71.79% 127 49.22% 53.78% 52.71%

E5-E9 9 31.03% 23.33% 17.95% 112 43.41% 40.64% 38.37%

Officer 4 13.79% 3.33% 10.26% 19 7.36% 5.18% 6.98%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.16%

Cadet/Midshipman 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.40% 0.78%

COMPONENT Regular 20 68.97% 100.00% 89.74% 239 92.64% 90.84% 94.57%

Reserve 5 17.24% 0.00% 2.56% 8 3.10% 3.59% 2.33%

National Guard 4 13.79% 0.00% 7.69% 11 4.26% 4.78% 2.71%

Other 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.80% 0.39%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.39% 0.80% 0.78%

GED 3 10.34% 6.67% 5.13% 9 3.49% 7.57% 4.26%

High school graduate 20 68.97% 53.33% 33.33% 118 45.74% 41.83% 45.35%

Some college or technical school 2 6.90% 16.67% 12.82% 27 10.47% 16.33% 17.44%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 51

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Event Setting

Suicides primarily occurred either at the deployed Service Members’ jobsite (n = 11, 37.93%) or in their barracks (n = 10, 34.48%; Table 3.2). 

Latrines were the most frequent “Other” (write-in response) setting (n = 3, 10.35%).

TABLE 3.2. CY 2011 DODSER EVENT SETTING FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

Degree/certificate of less than four years 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 3.10% 5.58% 2.71%

Four-year college degree 4 13.79% 3.33% 2.56% 20 7.75% 5.58% 3.88%

Master’s degree or greater 0 0.00% 0.00% 5.13% 7 2.71% 1.20% 3.49%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 20.00% 41.03% 68 26.36% 21.12% 22.09%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 13 44.83% 56.67% 51.28% 79 30.62% 37.45% 32.95%

Married 15 51.72% 26.67% 41.03% 128 49.61% 50.20% 51.16%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 2.33% 3.19% 1.94%

Divorced 1 3.45% 3.33% 0.00% 17 6.59% 7.17% 10.85%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 0.00% 0.39%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 13.33% 7.69% 24 9.30% 1.99% 2.71%

Note: Ethnicity data unavailable prior to 2011.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 10 34.48% 43.33% 61.54% 160 62.02% 57.37% 60.08%

Residence of friend or family 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 8.91% 12.75% 9.30%

Work/jobsite 11 37.93% 33.33% 12.82% 9 3.49% 5.18% 5.04%

Automobile (away from residence) 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 6.98% 5.18% 6.59%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.40% 0.00%

Other 8 27.59% 23.33% 25.64% 47 18.22% 19.12% 18.99%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.39% 0.00% 0.00%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 3.3, the majority of deployed decedents used military issue firearms to kill themselves (n = 22, 75.86%).

TABLE 3.1. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
52

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.3. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER EVENT METHOD FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

Substance Use during the Event

As shown in Table 3.4, of the 15 deployed decedents for whom information was available, 1 used drugs (3.45%) and none used alcohol 

during the event. 

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 2 6.90% 6.67% 0.00% 139 53.88% 53.39% 46.90%

Firearm, military issue 22 75.86% 90.00% 97.44% 9 3.49% 4.78% 5.43%

Hanging 2 6.90% 0.00% 0.00% 57 22.09% 27.49% 26.36%

Drugs 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 4.26% 5.18% 3.49%

Alcohol 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.39%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 1.16% 0.40% 4.26%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 1.16% 1.99% 1.94%

Chemicals 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.78% 0.00% 0.00%

Drowning 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.39% 1.20% 0.00%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.39% 0.40% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.78% 0.80% 3.10%

Jumping from high place 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 0.80% 1.94%

Lying in front of moving object 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.39% 0.80% 0.78%

Crashing a motor vehicle 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 0 0.00% 3.33% 2.56% 4 1.55% 0.40% 3.10%

Don’t Know 3 10.34% 0.00% 0.00% 21 8.14% 2.39% 2.33%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 53

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the prior two years, most deployed suicide decedents had no known history of communicating with others about intent to harm 

themselves (n = 26, 89.66%; Table 3.5). Three deployed Service Members were known to have communicated with at least one individual 

regarding their intent to die by suicide (10.35%). These communications were all verbal (n = 3, 10.35%; Table 3.6) and two of the three 

communicated with a Chaplain (n = 2, 6.90%; Table 3.6).

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 61 23.64% 23.11% 25.58%

No 16 55.17% 56.67% 66.67% 73 28.29% 36.25% 34.50%

Don’t Know 13 44.83% 43.33% 33.33% 124 48.06% 40.64% 39.92%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 2.56% 24 9.30% 10.76% 6.98%

No 14 48.28% 50.00% 64.10% 93 36.05% 46.61% 44.57%

Don’t Know 14 48.28% 50.00% 33.33% 141 54.65% 42.63% 48.45%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.78% 1.20% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 1.20% 0.78%

Were not used 15 51.72% 50.00% 66.67% 111 43.02% 54.98% 50.78%

Don’t know 14 48.28% 50.00% 33.33% 141 54.65% 42.63% 48.45%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 2.33% 3.59% 3.10%

Used, no overdose 1 3.45% 0.00% 2.56% 6 2.33% 4.38% 0.78%

Were not used 14 48.28% 50.00% 64.10% 105 40.70% 49.40% 47.67%

Don’t know 14 48.28% 50.00% 33.33% 141 54.65% 42.63% 48.45%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 3.10% 2.39% 0.78%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 1.16% 0.00% 1.94%

Were not used 15 51.72% 50.00% 66.67% 106 41.09% 54.98% 48.84%

Don’t know 14 48.28% 50.00% 33.33% 141 54.65% 42.63% 48.45%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 3.10% 3.19% 3.49%

No 15 51.72% 50.00% 64.10% 126 48.84% 47.41% 44.96%

Don’t Know 14 48.28% 50.00% 35.90% 124 48.06% 49.40% 51.55%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 3.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING EVENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES
54

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

TABLE 3.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

TABLE 3.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 26 89.66% 76.67% 87.18% 186 72.09% 64.54% 69.77%

1 2 6.90% 16.67% 7.69% 56 21.71% 30.68% 19.77%

2 0 0.00% 6.67% 2.56% 11 4.26% 3.98% 7.36%

3 1 3.45% 0.00% 0.00% 5 1.94% 0.40% 1.94%

4 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.78%

5 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.40% 0.39%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 3 10.34% 20.00% 7.69% 43 16.67% 21.12% 16.67%

Written 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 13 5.04% 5.18% 2.33%

Other or Unknown 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 4.65% 5.58% 6.59%

Multiple Modes 0 0.00% 3.33% 2.56% 4 1.55% 3.59% 4.26%

No Known Communication 26 89.66% 76.67% 87.18% 186 72.09% 64.54% 70.16%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 0 0.00% 6.67% 0.00% 37 14.34% 11.16% 8.14%

Friend 1 3.45% 6.67% 7.69% 18 6.98% 4.38% 3.49%

Behavioral Health Provider 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 4.26% 4.78% 0.39%

Chaplain 2 6.90% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.78% 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 1 3.45% 3.33% 0.00% 6 2.33% 1.20% 0.78%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 55

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Other or Unidentified 1 3.45% 0.00% 0.00% 16 6.20% 9.16% 6.59%

Made Multiple Communications 1 3.45% 6.67% 5.13% 16 6.20% 4.78% 10.47%

No Known Communication 26 89.66% 76.67% 87.18% 186 72.09% 64.54% 70.16%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Additional Event Information

Table 3.8 provides information about other details of suicides that occurred during OEF and OND deployment. For the majority (n = 19, 65.52%), 

there was information to indicate that the decedents intended to die. Seven of the suicides appeared premeditated (24.14%). Two decedents 

(6.90%) died in a location where the suicide was potentially observable by others and nine deployed Service Members (31.03%) left suicide notes. 

TABLE 3.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 19 65.52% 73.33% 89.74% 154 59.69% 71.31% 74.03%

No 1 3.45% 10.00% 5.13% 25 9.69% 7.97% 5.43%

Don’t Know 9 31.03% 16.67% 5.13% 79 30.62% 20.72% 20.54%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 1.99% 1.55%

No 23 79.31% 63.33% 92.31% 200 77.52% 86.85% 83.72%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 36.67% 7.69% 58 22.48% 11.16% 14.73%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 7 24.14% 23.33% 38.46% 76 29.46% 40.24% 39.53%

No 9 31.03% 36.67% 23.08% 69 26.74% 34.26% 29.84%

Don’t Know 13 44.83% 40.00% 38.46% 113 43.80% 25.50% 30.62%

OBSERVABLE Yes 2 6.90% 10.00% 12.82% 57 22.09% 24.30% 21.71%

No 21 72.41% 73.33% 76.92% 144 55.81% 62.15% 67.44%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 16.67% 10.26% 57 22.09% 13.55% 10.85%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 9 31.03% 20.00% 28.21% 49 18.99% 31.87% 24.42%

No 9 31.03% 43.33% 51.28% 130 50.39% 51.00% 54.26%

Don’t Know 11 37.93% 36.67% 20.51% 79 30.62% 17.13% 21.32%

TABLE 3.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
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Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the prior two years, no clear pattern was evident for suicides by month (Table 3.9).

TABLE 3.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated with subsequent suicidal behavior. 

These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant 

treatment histories, including prescribed medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

No deployed Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 had a known history of self-harm (Table 3.10).

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 3 10.34% 10.00% 10.26% 26 10.08% 9.56% 8.91%

February 2 6.90% 10.00% 5.13% 18 6.98% 7.17% 12.02%

March 1 3.45% 3.33% 10.26% 18 6.98% 8.37% 6.20%

April 7 24.14% 6.67% 17.95% 25 9.69% 7.57% 6.20%

May 1 3.45% 20.00% 12.82% 29 11.24% 8.37% 9.30%

June 2 6.90% 23.33% 5.13% 18 6.98% 7.17% 8.53%

July 2 6.90% 10.00% 2.56% 30 11.63% 11.16% 10.85%

August 3 10.34% 0.00% 5.13% 21 8.14% 8.76% 7.36%

September 3 10.34% 6.67% 2.56% 23 8.91% 9.16% 5.81%

October 4 13.79% 3.33% 7.69% 21 8.14% 9.16% 11.24%

November 0 0.00% 6.67% 12.82% 12 4.65% 5.98% 6.20%

December 1 3.45% 0.00% 7.69% 16 6.20% 7.57% 7.36%

Note: One event occurred on 12/31/2010 and was included in 2011
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 57

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 0 0.00% 10.00% 12.82% 38 14.73% 13.94% 17.83%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 5 1.94% 1.20% 4.26%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 10 3.88% 3.19% 8.53%

No 17 58.62% 40.00% 64.10% 126 48.84% 64.14% 57.36%

Don’t Know 12 41.38% 50.00% 23.08% 94 36.43% 21.91% 24.81%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 0 0.00% 3.33% 5.13% 18 6.98% 8.37% 10.85%

More than one prior event 0 0.00% 6.67% 7.69% 20 7.75% 5.58% 6.98%

N/A or Unknown 29 100.00% 90.00% 87.18% 220 85.27% 86.06% 82.17%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 5.04% 3.59% 3.49%

No 0 0.00% 6.67% 7.69% 21 8.14% 9.16% 10.47%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 3.33% 5.13% 4 1.55% 1.20% 3.88%

N/A 29 100.00% 90.00% 87.18% 220 85.27% 86.06% 82.17%

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect any known history of behavioral 

health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of death. Eight deployed Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (27.58%) had 

a history of at least one documented behavioral health disorder (Table 3.11). Four decedents (13.79%) had at least two co-occurring diagnoses. As 

indicated in Tables 3.12, 3.13 and 3.14, deployed decedents had fewer known behavioral health disorders as compared to other decedents.

TABLE 3.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 21 72.41% 76.67% 71.79% 137 53.10% 54.18% 55.43%

1 DX 4 13.79% 13.33% 17.95% 60 23.26% 19.12% 22.09%

2 DX 1 3.45% 6.67% 2.56% 28 10.85% 15.94% 14.73%

3 DX 3 10.34% 3.33% 5.13% 19 7.36% 5.58% 4.26%

4 or more DX 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 14 5.43% 5.18% 3.49%
58

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER MOOD DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 5 17.24% 3.33% 10.26% 52 20.16% 18.73% 27.13%

No 19 65.52% 66.67% 69.23% 156 60.47% 68.92% 58.91%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 30.00% 20.51% 50 19.38% 12.35% 13.95%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 0.80% 0.78%

No 24 82.76% 70.00% 71.79% 204 79.07% 86.85% 81.78%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 30.00% 28.21% 50 19.38% 12.35% 17.44%

 Major depression Yes 4 13.79% 0.00% 2.56% 28 10.85% 7.97% 12.79%

No 20 68.97% 66.67% 71.79% 180 69.77% 79.68% 70.93%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 25.64% 50 19.38% 12.35% 16.28%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 1.59% 1.94%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 71.79% 204 79.07% 86.06% 80.23%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 28.21% 50 19.38% 12.35% 17.83%

 Other mood disorder Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 21 8.14% 5.18% 5.81%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 71.79% 187 72.48% 82.07% 77.13%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 30.00% 28.21% 50 19.38% 12.75% 17.05%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 5.13% 5 1.94% 1.20% 2.33%

No 23 79.31% 70.00% 74.36% 203 78.68% 86.45% 83.72%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 30.00% 20.51% 50 19.38% 12.35% 13.95%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 3 1.16% 1.99% 3.49%

No 24 82.76% 70.00% 76.92% 205 79.46% 85.66% 82.56%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 30.00% 20.51% 50 19.38% 12.35% 13.95%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 59

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 5 17.24% 6.67% 12.82% 42 16.28% 15.94% 18.60%

No 19 65.52% 60.00% 61.54% 171 66.28% 73.71% 67.05%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 25.64% 45 17.44% 10.36% 14.34%

 PTSD Yes 3 10.34% 3.33% 2.56% 15 5.81% 5.18% 6.98%

No 21 72.41% 63.33% 69.23% 198 76.74% 83.67% 77.13%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 28.21% 45 17.44% 11.16% 15.89%

 Panic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.78% 1.20% 0.00%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 71.79% 211 81.78% 87.65% 83.72%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 28.21% 45 17.44% 11.16% 16.28%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 2 6.90% 0.00% 2.56% 9 3.49% 0.40% 0.78%

No 22 75.86% 66.67% 71.79% 204 79.07% 88.05% 82.95%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 25.64% 45 17.44% 11.55% 16.28%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 71.79% 213 82.56% 88.84% 83.72%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 28.21% 45 17.44% 11.16% 16.28%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 18 6.98% 5.18% 5.43%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 69.23% 195 75.58% 84.06% 78.68%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 28.21% 45 17.44% 10.76% 15.89%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 6.59% 1.99% 1.94%

No 24 82.76% 66.67% 74.36% 196 75.97% 87.65% 83.72%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 25.64% 45 17.44% 10.36% 14.34%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 5.13% 19 7.36% 1.99% 3.49%

No 24 82.76% 63.33% 69.23% 194 75.19% 87.65% 82.17%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 33.33% 25.64% 45 17.44% 10.36% 14.34%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
60

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Treatment History 

Table 3.15 provides data on decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to death. These data should be interpreted with 

caution, as treatment available to deployed Service Members can differ greatly from treatment available in other locations. Nearly one-half of 

deployed Service Members who died by suicide (n = 12, 41.38%) had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Four 

Service Members (13.79%) had a known history of a physical health problem.

No deployed decedents received substance abuse treatment services or help from family advocacy programs. Six Service Members (20.69%) 

utilized chaplain services. One-fourth of decedents received outpatient behavioral healthcare (n = 7, 24.14%) and one (3.45%) had received 

inpatient behavioral health treatment.

TABLE 3.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 6 2.33% 3.98% 5.43%

No 25 86.21% 66.67% 71.79% 203 78.68% 83.67% 78.68%

Don’t Know 4 13.79% 33.33% 25.64% 49 18.99% 12.35% 15.89%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 6 2.33% 0.00% 0.78%

No 25 86.21% 66.67% 74.36% 204 79.07% 87.65% 84.11%

Don’t Know 4 13.79% 33.33% 23.08% 48 18.60% 12.35% 15.12%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 2 6.90% 13.33% 15.38% 67 25.97% 27.09% 22.48%

No 13 44.83% 43.33% 61.54% 135 52.33% 58.17% 56.98%

Don’t Know 14 48.28% 43.33% 23.08% 56 21.71% 14.74% 20.54%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 0.00% 8 3.10% 3.19% 0.39%

No 23 79.31% 56.67% 30.77% 201 77.91% 84.06% 59.30%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 43.33% 69.23% 49 18.99% 12.75% 40.31%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 61

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 12 41.38% 33.33% 41.03% 161 62.40% 59.36% 61.63%

 Within 30 days 3 10.34% 20.00% 17.95% 89 34.50% 40.24% 39.15%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 6 20.69% 20.00% 25.64% 125 48.45% 49.40% 51.94%

No 12 41.38% 40.00% 41.03% 56 21.71% 30.28% 25.19%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 26.67% 17.95% 41 15.89% 10.36% 13.18%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 4 13.79% 20.00% 5.13% 58 22.48% 17.13% 24.03%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 10.00% 2.56% 26 10.08% 11.16% 13.95%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 10.34% 10.00% 2.56% 38 14.73% 13.94% 16.67%

No 12 41.38% 36.67% 66.67% 125 48.45% 60.56% 54.65%

Don’t Know 13 44.83% 43.33% 28.21% 75 29.07% 22.31% 21.32%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 0 0.00% 13.33% 7.69% 47 18.22% 21.91% 17.83%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 5.81% 8.37% 9.30%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 8.53% 10.76% 9.69%

No 22 75.86% 56.67% 69.23% 157 60.85% 67.33% 67.44%

Don’t Know 7 24.14% 30.00% 23.08% 54 20.93% 10.76% 14.73%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 2.56% 21 8.14% 10.76% 6.98%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 1.55% 1.99% 1.55%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 2.71% 4.78% 3.10%

No 22 75.86% 53.33% 66.67% 171 66.28% 72.91% 72.09%

Don’t Know 7 24.14% 43.33% 30.77% 66 25.58% 16.33% 20.93%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 6 20.69% 16.67% 20.51% 19 7.36% 8.76% 11.63%

 Within 30 days 5 17.24% 13.33% 17.95% 9 3.49% 5.98% 6.59%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 17.24% 13.33% 20.51% 11 4.26% 7.17% 8.91%

No 8 27.59% 40.00% 46.15% 89 34.50% 44.62% 41.47%

Don’t Know 15 51.72% 43.33% 33.33% 150 58.14% 46.61% 46.90%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 7 24.14% 26.67% 35.90% 107 41.47% 42.23% 41.86%

 Within 30 days 1 3.45% 16.67% 15.38% 47 18.22% 23.11% 22.48%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 10.34% 16.67% 20.51% 63 24.42% 30.28% 25.58%

TABLE 3.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES
62

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Table 3.16 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by deployed Service Members prior to suicide. Six decedents (20.69%) 

had known prescriptions for psychotropic medications, most frequently antidepressants (n = 5, 17.24%).

TABLE 3.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

No 19 65.52% 50.00% 46.15% 111 43.02% 47.41% 46.51%

Don’t Know 3 10.34% 23.33% 17.95% 40 15.50% 10.36% 11.63%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 1 3.45% 6.67% 5.13% 42 16.28% 11.95% 16.67%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 11 4.26% 5.58% 2.33%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 18 6.98% 6.77% 6.98%

No 23 79.31% 66.67% 69.23% 170 65.89% 75.70% 70.16%

Don’t Know 5 17.24% 26.67% 25.64% 46 17.83% 12.35% 13.18%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 6 20.69% 13.33% 12.82% 69 26.74% 25.50% 25.97%

No 17 58.62% 43.33% 61.54% 124 48.06% 57.37% 53.49%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 43.33% 25.64% 65 25.19% 17.13% 20.54%

 Antidepressants Yes 5 17.24% 10.00% 7.69% 59 22.87% 20.72% 22.87%

No 18 62.07% 46.67% 66.67% 134 51.94% 61.35% 56.20%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 43.33% 25.64% 65 25.19% 17.93% 20.93%

 Antianxiety Yes 2 6.90% 3.33% 5.13% 28 10.85% 9.96% 9.69%

No 21 72.41% 50.00% 69.23% 165 63.95% 70.52% 68.22%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 46.67% 25.64% 65 25.19% 19.52% 22.09%

 Antimanics Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 2 0.78% 1.59% 0.78%

No 23 79.31% 46.67% 74.36% 191 74.03% 78.88% 77.13%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 50.00% 25.64% 65 25.19% 19.52% 22.09%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 4 1.55% 1.99% 2.71%

No 23 79.31% 50.00% 74.36% 189 73.26% 78.88% 75.58%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 46.67% 25.64% 65 25.19% 19.12% 21.71%

TABLE 3.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 63

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These data include information about family 

histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, and administrative difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Thirteen deployed Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (44.83%) had a known failure in a spousal or intimate relationship, with seven 

(24.14%) experiencing the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 3.17). One decedent (3.45%) had a failure in another important 

relationship, with this event (3.45%) occurring within the month prior to suicide. 

TABLE 3.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

 Antipsychotics Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 2.56% 9 3.49% 5.58% 5.43%

No 22 75.86% 53.33% 71.79% 184 71.32% 75.70% 72.87%

Don’t Know 6 20.69% 46.67% 25.64% 65 25.19% 18.73% 21.71%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 13 44.83% 43.33% 46.15% 121 46.90% 50.60% 51.55%

 Within 30 days 7 24.14% 23.33% 25.64% 72 27.91% 30.68% 27.91%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 31.03% 3.33% 7.69% 90 34.88% 6.37% 6.98%

No 6 20.69% 30.00% 25.64% 62 24.03% 29.88% 25.19%

Don’t Know 10 34.48% 26.67% 28.21% 75 29.07% 19.52% 23.26%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 1 3.45% 13.33% 17.95% 25 9.69% 14.74% 12.79%

 Within 30 days 1 3.45% 3.33% 15.38% 13 5.04% 9.16% 6.98%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 3.45% 3.33% 2.56% 18 6.98% 1.59% 0.78%

No 8 27.59% 30.00% 41.03% 115 44.57% 52.19% 48.84%

Don’t Know 20 68.97% 56.67% 41.03% 118 45.74% 33.07% 38.37%

TABLE 3.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
64

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Table 3.18 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may have been associated with the suicide. One deployed suicide decedent 

(3.45%) had lost a family member to suicide, and two had lost a family member by other means (6.90%). Four decedents (13.79%) were known to 

have a family member with behavioral health problems.

TABLE 3.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 13 44.83% 43.33% 46.15% 129 50.00% 50.60% 51.55%

 Within 30 days 7 24.14% 23.33% 35.90% 76 29.46% 34.66% 28.68%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 31.03% 3.33% 7.69% 96 37.21% 6.37% 6.98%

No 3 10.34% 30.00% 25.64% 49 18.99% 29.88% 25.19%

Don’t Know 10 34.48% 26.67% 28.21% 71 27.52% 19.52% 23.26%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 21 72.41% 63.33% 79.49% 198 76.74% 82.47% 84.88%

Don’t Know 8 27.59% 36.67% 20.51% 60 23.26% 17.53% 15.12%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 2.56% 18 6.98% 4.78% 3.88%

No 11 37.93% 43.33% 61.54% 131 50.78% 62.15% 64.73%

Don’t Know 17 58.62% 56.67% 35.90% 109 42.25% 33.07% 31.40%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 6.67% 2.56% 7 2.71% 1.99% 1.55%

No 11 37.93% 40.00% 61.54% 132 51.16% 59.76% 58.14%

Don’t Know 18 62.07% 53.33% 35.90% 119 46.12% 38.25% 40.31%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 2 6.90% 10.00% 5.13% 23 8.91% 5.58% 6.20%

No 8 27.59% 50.00% 61.54% 132 51.16% 57.77% 58.53%

Don’t Know 19 65.52% 40.00% 33.33% 103 39.92% 36.65% 35.27%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 0 0.00% 6.67% 0.00% 9 3.49% 4.78% 3.49%

No 10 34.48% 43.33% 64.10% 130 50.39% 55.38% 52.33%

Don’t Know 19 65.52% 50.00% 35.90% 119 46.12% 39.84% 44.19%

TABLE 3.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 65

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Administrative and Legal History

As summarized in Table 3.19, seven deployed Service Members who died by suicide in 2011 (24.14%) had at least one known administrative or 

legal issue, and one (3.45%) had more than one issue. The most frequent administrative or legal issues were Article 15 proceedings or non-judicial 

punishment (n = 4, 13.79%) or civil legal problems (n = 3, 10.34%).

TABLE 3.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 7.69% 9 3.49% 4.38% 6.20%

No 10 34.48% 46.67% 56.41% 144 55.81% 60.56% 61.63%

Don’t Know 19 65.52% 50.00% 35.90% 105 40.70% 35.06% 32.17%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 4 13.79% 10.00% 17.95% 27 10.47% 9.56% 14.34%

No 7 24.14% 26.67% 28.21% 86 33.33% 40.64% 30.62%

Don’t Know 18 62.07% 63.33% 53.85% 145 56.20% 49.80% 55.04%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 0.00% 9 3.49% 7.17% 7.36%

No 19 65.52% 56.67% 87.18% 188 72.87% 76.49% 78.29%

Don’t Know 9 31.03% 43.33% 12.82% 61 23.64% 16.33% 14.34%

HX ARTICLE 15 OR NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENTYes 4 13.79% 26.67% 12.82% 48 18.60% 20.72% 17.83%

No 15 51.72% 40.00% 76.92% 145 56.20% 62.95% 64.73%

Don’t Know 10 34.48% 33.33% 10.26% 65 25.19% 16.33% 17.44%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 20 7.75% 10.36% 9.30%

No 19 65.52% 56.67% 84.62% 178 68.99% 74.10% 76.74%

Don’t Know 10 34.48% 43.33% 12.82% 60 23.26% 15.54% 13.95%

HX AWOL Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 6.98% 9.16% 11.63%

No 21 72.41% 63.33% 87.18% 182 70.54% 75.30% 75.97%

Don’t Know 8 27.59% 36.67% 12.82% 58 22.48% 15.54% 12.40%

TABLE 3.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
66

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 3.20). Two deployed suicide decedents (6.90%) 

had reportedly experienced physical abuse, one (3.45%) had reportedly experienced sexual abuse, four (13.79%) had reportedly experienced 

emotional abuse, and one (3.45%) had reportedly experienced sexual harassment. One decedent (3.45%) had reportedly sexually abused others 

and one (3.45%) had reportedly perpetrated sexual harassment.

TABLE 3.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 6.59% 5.98% 9.30%

No 21 72.41% 63.33% 87.18% 186 72.09% 82.87% 78.29%

Don’t Know 8 27.59% 36.67% 12.82% 55 21.32% 11.16% 12.40%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 3 10.34% 3.33% 5.13% 34 13.18% 14.34% 13.18%

No 12 41.38% 56.67% 76.92% 150 58.14% 64.94% 63.57%

Don’t Know 14 48.28% 40.00% 17.95% 74 28.68% 20.72% 23.26%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 0 0.00% 3.33% 5.13% 16 6.20% 6.77% 8.14%

No 17 58.62% 60.00% 79.49% 170 65.89% 73.71% 73.26%

Don’t Know 12 41.38% 36.67% 15.38% 72 27.91% 19.52% 18.60%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 7 24.14% 30.00% 20.51% 100 38.76% 44.22% 44.19%

No 14 48.28% 36.67% 66.67% 103 39.92% 39.84% 39.53%

Don’t Know 8 27.59% 33.33% 12.82% 55 21.32% 15.94% 16.28%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 1 3.45% 3.33% 5.13% 41 15.89% 19.12% 19.38%

No 20 68.97% 33.33% 64.10% 162 62.79% 37.85% 37.60%

Don’t Know 8 27.59% 63.33% 30.77% 55 21.32% 43.03% 43.02%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 6.90% 6.67% 7.69% 17 6.59% 4.78% 6.59%

No 11 37.93% 36.67% 71.79% 145 56.20% 64.94% 57.36%

Don’t Know 16 55.17% 56.67% 20.51% 96 37.21% 30.28% 36.05%

TABLE 3.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 67

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace. As summarized in Table 3.21, three deployed Service Members 

who died by suicide in 2011 (10.34%) had experienced significant debt. Seven decedents (24.14%) had either lost a position or experienced job 

instability. Six Service Members (20.69%) were known to have had interpersonal issues with their supervisors or coworkers and six (20.69%) had 

previously received poor work evaluations. Two decedents (6.90%) were known to have been victims of hazing in the unit or the workplace.

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 5.13% 12 4.65% 3.19% 4.26%

No 11 37.93% 46.67% 74.36% 152 58.91% 66.14% 59.69%

Don’t Know 17 58.62% 53.33% 20.51% 94 36.43% 30.68% 36.05%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 4 13.79% 6.67% 10.26% 15 5.81% 4.38% 6.59%

No 10 34.48% 33.33% 66.67% 142 55.04% 63.35% 56.20%

Don’t Know 15 51.72% 60.00% 23.08% 101 39.15% 32.27% 37.21%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 2.56% 0 0.00% 0.40% 0.00%

No 13 44.83% 43.33% 74.36% 160 62.02% 67.73% 61.63%

Don’t Know 15 51.72% 56.67% 23.08% 98 37.98% 31.87% 38.37%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 6.67% 7.69% 22 8.53% 8.76% 8.91%

No 12 41.38% 40.00% 64.10% 145 56.20% 63.35% 57.75%

Don’t Know 17 58.62% 53.33% 28.21% 91 35.27% 27.89% 33.33%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 1 3.45% 0.00% 5.13% 9 3.49% 3.19% 3.10%

No 12 41.38% 46.67% 66.67% 160 62.02% 68.53% 61.24%

Don’t Know 16 55.17% 53.33% 28.21% 89 34.50% 28.29% 35.66%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 5.13% 5 1.94% 3.98% 2.71%

No 12 41.38% 46.67% 66.67% 157 60.85% 67.33% 59.69%

Don’t Know 17 58.62% 53.33% 28.21% 96 37.21% 28.69% 37.60%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 3.45% 3.33% 5.13% 1 0.39% 0.40% 1.16%

No 12 41.38% 46.67% 64.10% 162 62.79% 70.52% 62.40%

Don’t Know 16 55.17% 50.00% 30.77% 95 36.82% 29.08% 36.43%

TABLE 3.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES (CONT.)
68

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include deployment location information as 

well as history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Of the 29 Service Members who died by suicide while on OEF or OND deployment, 18 (62.07%) took place in Afghanistan, 10 (34.48%) took place 

in Iraq, and 1 occurred shipboard (3.45%; Table 3.22). As indicated in Table 3.23, four decedents were known to have had multiple deployments 

(13.79%). Ten deployed decedents (34.48%) were known to have had direct combat experiences, including participating in combat that resulted 

in injuries for others (n = 4, 13.79%), sustaining injuries (n = 1, 3.45%), witnessing killing (n = 3, 10.34%), seeing dead bodies (n =2, 6.90%), and 

killing others (n = 2, 6.90%; Table 3.24).

TABLE 3.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 3 10.34% 13.33% 12.82% 22 8.53% 9.56% 10.47%

No 7 24.14% 50.00% 56.41% 130 50.39% 58.57% 54.26%

Don’t Know 19 65.52% 36.67% 30.77% 106 41.09% 31.87% 35.27%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 7 24.14% 20.00% 35.90% 54 20.93% 18.33% 25.97%

No 9 31.03% 46.67% 43.59% 132 51.16% 59.76% 52.33%

Don’t Know 13 44.83% 33.33% 20.51% 72 27.91% 21.91% 21.71%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 6 20.69% 30.00% 35.90% 24 9.30% 10.36% 10.85%

No 11 37.93% 36.67% 38.46% 149 57.75% 65.34% 63.95%

Don’t Know 12 41.38% 33.33% 25.64% 85 32.95% 24.30% 25.19%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 6 20.69% 10.00% 28.21% 40 15.50% 14.74% 15.12%

No 14 48.28% 43.33% 53.85% 142 55.04% 64.94% 63.95%

Don’t Know 9 31.03% 46.67% 17.95% 76 29.46% 20.32% 20.93%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 2 6.90% 6.67% 5.13% 1 0.39% 1.20% 1.16%

No 15 51.72% 50.00% 58.97% 167 64.73% 76.89% 72.09%

Don’t Know 12 41.38% 43.33% 35.90% 90 34.88% 21.91% 26.74%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 69

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 3.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

TABLE 3.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER DEPLOYMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OIF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 18 62.07% 56.67% 17.95% 9 3.49% 0.00% 0.00%

Iraq 10 34.48% 40.00% 79.49% 18 6.98% 0.00% 0.00%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Djibuti 0 0.00% 3.33% 0.00% 7 2.71% 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 224 86.82% 100.00% 100.00%

Note: One Service Member located Shipboard as part of OND

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 16 55.17% 43.33% 5.13% 26 10.08% 7.97% 3.88%

Iraq 9 31.03% 43.33% 69.23% 56 21.71% 25.50% 32.95%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 7.69% 4 1.55% 1.20% 2.33%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 4 13.79% 13.33% 17.95% 19 7.36% 5.58% 5.43%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 153 59.30% 59.76% 55.43%

TABLE 3.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 DODSER COMBAT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDES

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 10 34.48% 20.00% 10.26% 34 13.18% 9.56% 18.22%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 4 13.79% 13.33% 2.56%

21 8.14% 5.98% 12.79%

 Injured in combat 1 3.45% 3.33% 0.00% 5 1.94% 1.99% 3.88%

 Witnessed killing in combat 3 10.34% 10.00% 2.56% 13 5.04% 5.98% 10.85%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 2 6.90% 6.67% 2.56% 13 5.04% 4.78% 10.47%

 Killed others in combat 2 6.90% 6.67% 0.00% 4 1.55% 3.59% 4.65%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 19 65.52% 80.00% 89.74% 224 86.82% 90.44% 81.78%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
70

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

DoDSER POCs submitted 23 DoDSERs for 2011 OEF and OND suicide attempts. As indicated in Table 3.25, these DoDSERs provide data 

on suicide attempts for 23 individuals. The “Other” column includes aggregate data for all Service Members who were either not deployed 

at the time of their suicide attempt or deployed to locations other than OEF and OND. Percentages for 2010 DoDSER data are provided for 

comparison. Specific suicide attempt count data for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for 

download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 3.25. CY 2011 OEF/OND SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated with the suicide attempts. 

These factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, suicide attempt method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and 

communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 3.26 contains DoDSER demographic data for Service Members deployed to OEF or OND who attempted suicide in 2011. Deployed Service 

Members who attempted suicide were most frequently male (n = 16, 69.57%), Caucasian (n = 12, 52.17%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 20, 

86.96%), under age twenty-five (n = 10, 43.48%), junior enlisted (n = 15, 65.22%), Regular component (n = 23, 100.00%), and without a college 

degree (n = 20, 86.96%).

OEF AND OND DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 23 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 23 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 23 100.00%

2 0 0.00%

3 0 0.00%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 0 0.00%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 71

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.26. CY 2011 DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

TOTAL 23 100.00% 100.00% 934 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 16 69.57% 76.09% 670 71.73% 75.64%

Female 7 30.43% 23.91% 241 25.80% 24.36%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 0 0.00% 0.00% 13 1.39% 1.35%

Asian or Pacific Islander 3 13.04% 4.35% 33 3.53% 2.57%

Black/African American 6 26.09% 26.09% 166 17.77% 14.81%

White/Caucasian 12 52.17% 56.52% 587 62.85% 68.67%

Other/Don’t Know 2 8.70% 13.04% 112 11.99% 12.61%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 3 13.04% 96 10.28%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 20 86.96% 815 87.26%

AGE RANGE Under 25 10 43.48% 52.17% 524 56.10% 59.98%

25-29 8 34.78% 19.57% 212 22.70% 22.15%

30-39 2 8.70% 21.74% 139 14.88% 13.71%

40 + 3 13.04% 6.52% 36 3.85% 4.16%

RANK E1-E4 15 65.22% 58.70% 648 69.38% 72.18%

E5-E9 6 26.09% 34.78% 234 25.05% 23.65%

Officer 2 8.70% 6.52% 23 2.46% 3.55%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.21% 0.49%

Cadet/Midshipman 0 0.00% 0.00% 4 0.43% 0.12%

COMPONENT Regular 23 100.00% 82.61% 869 93.04% 95.35%

Reserve 0 0.00% 4.35% 18 1.93% 2.69%

National Guard 0 0.00% 13.04% 19 2.03% 1.71%

Other 0 0.00% 0.00% 5 0.54% 0.24%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.21% 0.86%

GED 2 8.70% 10.87% 42 4.50% 7.10%

High school graduate 14 60.87% 41.30% 395 42.29% 46.39%

Some college or technical school 4 17.39% 19.57% 269 28.80% 24.60%

Degree/certificate less than four years 2 8.70% 8.70% 53 5.67% 4.77%
72

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Four-year college degree 0 0.00% 6.52% 31 3.32% 4.41%

Master’s degree or greater 0 0.00% 4.35% 12 1.28% 1.71%

Don’t Know 1 4.35% 8.70% 107 11.46% 10.16%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 8 34.78% 34.78% 382 40.90% 42.59%

Married 12 52.17% 58.70% 393 42.08% 41.25%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 4.35% 28 3.00% 4.77%

Divorced 3 13.04% 2.17% 77 8.24% 8.81%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.11% 0.12%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 30 3.21% 2.45%

Note: Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.

Event Setting

As indicated in Table 3.27, suicide attempts occurred primarily in the Service Members’ barracks (n = 20, 86.96%). 

TABLE 3.27. CY 2011 DODSER EVENT SETTING FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Event Method

As indicated in Table 3.28, drugs were the most frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 12, 52.17%), followed by use of military issue firearm 

(n = 9, 39.13%). 

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 20 86.96% 86.96% 717 76.77% 79.93%

Residence of friend or family 0 0.00% 0.00% 46 4.93% 4.04%

Work/jobsite 3 13.04% 8.70% 27 2.89% 2.94%

Automobile (away from residence) 0 0.00% 2.17% 46 4.93% 4.65%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00% 8 0.86% 0.73%

Other 0 0.00% 2.17% 67 7.17% 7.47%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.24%

TABLE 3.26. CY 2011 DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 73

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Substance Use During the Event

As summarized in Table 3.29, of deployed Service Members for whom information was available, none had used alcohol during the event. Twelve 

deployed Service Members (52.17%) were known to have used drugs during their suicide attempts; the misuse of prescription (n = 6, 26.09%) and 

over-the-counter medication (n = 6, 26.09%) were the most frequent. 

TABLE 3.28. CY 2011 DODSER EVENT METHOD FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 0 0.00% 0.00% 44 4.71% 2.82%

Firearm, military issue 9 39.13% 30.43% 6 0.64% 0.37%

Hanging 1 4.35% 6.52% 86 9.21% 8.45%

Drugs 12 52.17% 54.35% 547 58.57% 57.65%

Alcohol 0 0.00% 0.00% 32 3.43% 4.04%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 0 0.00% 0.00% 20 2.14% 1.22%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.21% 0.61%

Drowning 0 0.00% 0.00% 17 1.82% 0.61%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.00% 4 0.43% 0.24%

Sharp or blunt object 0 0.00% 6.52% 0 0.00% 14.57%

Jumping from high place 1 4.35% 0.00% 111 11.88% 2.69%

Lying in front of moving object 0 0.00% 0.00% 10 1.07% 0.49%

Crashing a motor vehicle 0 0.00% 0.00% 4 0.43% 1.47%

Chemicals 0 0.00% 2.17% 12 1.28% 1.10%

Other 0 0.00% 0.00% 11 1.18% 2.20%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 5 0.54% 1.47%
74

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Communication of Intent

DoDSER POCs indicated that prior to suicide attempts, most deployed Service Members did not communicate their potential for self-harm with 

others (n = 18, 78.26%; Table 3.30). Five Service Members (21.74%) were known to have communicated their intent to hurt themselves to at least 

one individual. These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 2, 8.70%) or written (n = 2, 8.70%; Table 3.31). As indicated in Table 3.32, 

Service Members most frequently communicated potential for self-harm with their friends (n = 3, 13.04%) or spouses (n = 2, 8.70%). 

TABLE 3.29. CY 2011 DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING EVENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 292 31.26% 35.01%

No 22 95.65% 95.65% 483 51.71% 52.63%

Don’t Know 1 4.35% 2.17% 136 14.56% 12.36%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 12 52.17% 58.70% 587 62.85% 62.30%

No 11 47.83% 39.13% 271 29.01% 32.19%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 2.17% 53 5.67% 5.51%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 3 13.04% 0.00% 49 5.25% 5.75%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 2.17% 20 2.14% 2.57%

Were not used 20 86.96% 95.65% 786 84.15% 86.17%

Don’t know 0 0.00% 2.17% 56 6.00% 5.51%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 6 26.09% 36.96% 376 40.26% 40.51%

Used, no overdose 1 4.35% 4.35% 64 6.85% 7.34%

Were not used 16 69.57% 56.52% 416 44.54% 46.63%

Don’t know 0 0.00% 2.17% 55 5.89% 5.51%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 6 26.09% 21.74% 173 18.52% 16.28%

Used, no overdose 1 4.35% 0.00% 27 2.89% 4.16%

Were not used 16 69.57% 76.09% 656 70.24% 74.05%

Don’t know 0 0.00% 2.17% 55 5.89% 5.51%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 184 19.70% 22.77%

No 22 95.65% 95.65% 573 61.35% 62.67%

Don’t Know 1 4.35% 2.17% 154 16.49% 14.57%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 75

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.30. CY 2011 DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

TABLE 3.31. CY 2011 DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

TABLE 3.32. CY 2011 DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 18 78.26% 80.43% 691 73.98% 77.85%

1 4 17.39% 13.04% 176 18.84% 17.50%

2 1 4.35% 4.35% 29 3.10% 3.67%

3 0 0.00% 2.17% 13 1.39% 0.86%

4 0 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.21% 0.12%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 2 8.70% 13.04% 127 13.60% 16.77%

Written 2 8.70% 2.17% 44 4.71% 2.69%

Other or Unknown 1 4.35% 4.35% 32 3.43% 1.84%

Multiple Modes 0 0.00% 0.00% 17 1.82% 0.86%

No Known Communication 18 78.26% 80.43% 691 73.98% 77.85%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 2 8.70% 6.52% 75 8.03% 5.26%

Friend 3 13.04% 2.17% 69 7.39% 4.77%

Behavioral Health Provider 0 0.00% 0.00% 33 3.53% 2.45%

Chaplain 0 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.21% 0.24%

Supervisor 1 4.35% 4.35% 34 3.64% 1.47%

Other or Unidentified 0 0.00% 0.00% 57 6.10% 3.30%

Made Multiple Communications 1 4.35% 6.52% 44 4.71% 4.65%

No Known Communication 18 78.26% 80.43% 691 73.98% 77.85%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
76

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Additional Event Information

Table 3.33 provides information about other details of 2011 OEF and OND suicide attempts. There was information to indicate that the majority of 

Service Members intended to die (n = 16, 69.57%). Over one-third of suicide attempts (n = 9, 39.13%) appeared planned or premeditated. Ten 

suicide attempts (43.48%) took place in a location potentially observable by others. Three Service Members (13.04%) left suicide notes.

TABLE 3.33. CY 2011 DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Suicide Attempts by Month

No clear pattern was evident for suicide attempts by month (Table 3.34).

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 16 69.57% 76.09% 572 61.24% 71.97%

No 4 17.39% 4.35% 145 15.52% 12.36%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 194 20.77% 15.67%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 12 1.28% 1.10%

No 21 91.30% 91.30% 834 89.29% 90.58%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 8.70% 65 6.96% 8.32%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 9 39.13% 26.09% 230 24.63% 27.17%

No 11 47.83% 41.30% 518 55.46% 50.18%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 32.61% 163 17.45% 22.64%

OBSERVABLE Yes 10 43.48% 39.13% 356 38.12% 41.00%

No 9 39.13% 43.48% 410 43.90% 41.98%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 17.39% 145 15.52% 17.01%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 3 13.04% 17.39% 99 10.60% 10.77%

No 15 65.22% 58.70% 711 76.12% 71.85%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 23.91% 101 10.81% 17.38%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 77

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated with subsequent suicidal behavior. 

These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant 

treatment histories, including prescribed medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

As indicated in Table 3.35, suicide attempt DoDSERs for nearly one-fourth of deployed Service Members included a known history of prior self-harm 

(n = 5, 21.74%), and one (4.35%) included history of self-harm within the month prior to attempting suicide. Of those DoDSERs for suicide attempts 

with prior history of self-harm, one (20.00%, 4.35% of total) had more than one prior event. For three Service Members (13.04%), their suicide 

attempts were similar to their prior self-harm events.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

MONTH January 2 8.70% 8.70% 85 9.10% 9.42%

February 5 21.74% 8.70% 88 9.42% 7.83%

March 2 8.70% 6.52% 88 9.42% 6.61%

April 3 13.04% 8.70% 92 9.85% 8.20%

May 2 8.70% 10.87% 57 6.10% 8.45%

June 5 21.74% 2.17% 57 6.10% 10.04%

July 1 4.35% 2.17% 74 7.92% 8.94%

August 0 0.00% 19.57% 87 9.31% 7.47%

September 3 13.04% 8.70% 66 7.07% 8.69%

October 0 0.00% 2.17% 71 7.60% 9.18%

November 0 0.00% 6.52% 87 9.31% 8.20%

December 0 0.00% 15.22% 59 6.32% 6.98%

TABLE 3.34. CY 2011 DODSER SUICIDE EVENTS BY MONTH FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
78

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect any known history of behavioral health 

disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the suicide attempt. DoDSERs for fifteen deployed Service Member suicide attempts 

(65.22%) included the history of at least one documented behavioral health disorder (Table 3.36). Four DoDSERs (17.39%) included at least two 

co-occurring diagnoses. As indicated in Tables 3.37 and 3.38, three DoDSERs (13.04%) included a diagnosis of mood disorder, and five (21.74%) 

included an anxiety disorder. As summarized in Table 3.39, two DoDSERs (8.70%) included a known history of substance abuse. 

TABLE 3.35. CY 2011 DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 5 21.74% 26.09% 263 28.16% 27.91%

 Within 30 days 1 4.35% 6.52% 43 4.60% 6.00%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 4.35% 6.52% 85 9.10% 10.40%

No 13 56.52% 63.04% 547 58.57% 58.51%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 10.87% 101 10.81% 13.59%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 4 17.39% 13.04% 128 13.70% 12.24%

More than one prior event 1 4.35% 13.04% 135 14.45% 15.67%

N/A or Unknown 18 78.26% 73.91% 648 69.38% 72.09%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 3 13.04% 13.04% 132 14.13% 15.54%

No 2 8.70% 13.04% 114 12.21% 9.06%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 17 1.82% 3.30%

N/A 18 78.26% 73.91% 648 69.38% 72.09%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 79

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.37. CY 2011 DODSER MOOD DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 8 34.78% 47.83% 322 34.48% 35.62%

1 DX 11 47.83% 19.57% 269 28.80% 26.81%

2 DX 3 13.04% 23.91% 162 17.34% 19.34%

3 DX 1 4.35% 8.70% 90 9.64% 10.77%

4 or more DX 0 0.00% 0.00% 68 7.28% 7.47%

TABLE 3.36. CY 2011 DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 3 13.04% 19.57% 319 34.15% 40.02%

No 16 69.57% 71.74% 511 54.71% 50.92%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 8.70% 81 8.67% 9.06%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 33 3.53% 2.57%

No 3 13.04% 86.96% 286 30.62% 84.09%

Don’t Know 20 86.96% 13.04% 592 63.38% 13.34%

 Major depression Yes 2 8.70% 6.52% 192 20.56% 18.36%

No 1 4.35% 80.43% 127 13.60% 69.89%

Don’t Know 20 86.96% 13.04% 592 63.38% 11.75%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 29 3.10% 1.96%

No 3 13.04% 86.96% 290 31.05% 84.82%

Don’t Know 20 86.96% 13.04% 592 63.38% 13.22%

 Other mood disorder Yes 1 4.35% 6.52% 89 9.53% 6.73%

No 2 8.70% 80.43% 230 24.63% 79.80%

Don’t Know 20 86.96% 13.04% 592 63.38% 13.46%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 0 0.00% 6.52% 25 2.68% 4.53%

No 19 82.61% 84.78% 805 86.19% 86.41%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 8.70% 81 8.67% 9.06%
80

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.38. CY 2011 DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

 Multiple mood DX Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 28 3.00% 5.88%

No 19 82.61% 91.30% 810 86.72% 85.07%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 8.70% 73 7.82% 9.06%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 5 21.74% 19.57% 236 25.27% 26.44%

No 14 60.87% 69.57% 597 63.92% 63.65%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 10.87% 78 8.35% 9.91%

 PTSD Yes 1 4.35% 4.35% 114 12.21% 8.32%

No 4 17.39% 84.78% 122 13.06% 80.05%

Don’t Know 18 78.26% 10.87% 675 72.27% 11.63%

 Panic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 16 1.71% 1.35%

No 5 21.74% 86.96% 220 23.55% 86.29%

Don’t Know 18 78.26% 13.04% 675 72.27% 12.36%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 1 4.35% 0.00% 53 5.67% 2.94%

No 4 17.39% 89.13% 183 19.59% 84.46%

Don’t Know 18 78.26% 10.87% 675 72.27% 12.61%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 9 0.96% 0.12%

No 5 21.74% 86.96% 227 24.30% 87.27%

Don’t Know 18 78.26% 13.04% 675 72.27% 12.61%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 4 17.39% 13.04% 87 9.31% 5.39%

No 15 65.22% 73.91% 746 79.87% 82.50%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 13.04% 78 8.35% 12.12%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 12 1.28% 2.08%

No 19 82.61% 89.13% 821 87.90% 88.00%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 10.87% 78 8.35% 9.91%

TABLE 3.37. CY 2011 DODSER MOOD DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 81

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.39. CY 2011 DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 1 4.35% 2.17% 46 4.93% 6.24%

No 4 17.39% 86.96% 190 20.34% 83.84%

Don’t Know 18 78.26% 10.87% 675 72.27% 9.91%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 0 0.00% 6.52% 58 6.21% 7.34%

No 19 82.61% 80.43% 768 82.23% 80.42%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 13.04% 85 9.10% 12.24%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 9 0.96% 1.22%

No 20 86.96% 86.96% 823 88.12% 88.37%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 10.87% 79 8.46% 10.40%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 2 8.70% 17.39% 254 27.19% 23.75%

No 15 65.22% 71.74% 543 58.14% 63.89%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 10.87% 114 12.21% 12.36%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 36 3.85% 2.45%

No 20 86.96% 89.13% 789 84.48% 85.31%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 8.70% 86 9.21% 12.24%

Treatment History

Table 3.40 provides data on Service Members’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to attempting suicide. These data should be 

interpreted with caution, as treatment available to deployed Service Members differs from treatment available in other locations. Over one-third 

of DoDSERs for deployed Service Members (n = 9, 39.13%) included the history of some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), 

seven (30.43%) within the month prior to attempting suicide. Four DoDSERs (17.39%) included a known physical health problem. Six DoDSERs 

(26.09%) included a history of chaplain services, four of these (17.39%) within the month prior to the suicide attempt. Most DoDSERs for deployed 

TABLE 3.38. CY 2011 DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
82

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Service Members included history of outpatient behavioral health services (n = 15, 65.22%), over one-half within the month prior to attempting 

suicide (n = 8, 34.78%). Four DoDSERs (17.39%) included history of hospitalization at an inpatient psychiatry unit.

TABLE 3.40. CY 2011 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 9 39.13% 32.61% 590 63.17% 53.73%

 Within 30 days 7 30.43% 10.87% 409 43.79% 36.96%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 39.13% 17.39% 500 53.53% 47.12%

No 7 30.43% 56.52% 260 27.84% 36.72%

Don’t Know 7 30.43% 10.87% 61 6.53% 9.55%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 4 17.39% 17.39% 223 23.88% 22.28%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 4.35% 136 14.56% 13.22%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 4.35% 6.52% 167 17.88% 17.14%

No 17 73.91% 71.74% 576 61.67% 66.46%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 10.87% 112 11.99% 11.26%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 1 4.35% 2.17% 167 17.88% 20.69%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 100 10.71% 9.30%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 0.00% 116 12.42% 13.59%

No 19 82.61% 91.30% 665 71.20% 70.99%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 6.52% 79 8.46% 8.32%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 92 9.85% 6.98%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 41 4.39% 2.82%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 0.00% 53 5.67% 4.04%

No 19 82.61% 91.30% 705 75.48% 81.03%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 6.52% 114 12.21% 12.00%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 6 26.09% 21.74% 110 11.78% 10.04%

 Within 30 days 4 17.39% 8.70% 67 7.17% 5.02%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 6 26.09% 15.22% 85 9.10% 6.98%

No 10 43.48% 58.70% 547 58.57% 59.98%

Don’t Know 7 30.43% 19.57% 254 27.19% 29.99%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 83

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

As indicated in Table 3.41, nearly one-half of DoDSERs for deployed Service Members who attempted suicide (n = 11, 47.83%) included known 

prescriptions for psychotropic medication prior to the suicide attempt. The most frequent prescriptions were for antidepressants (n = 10, 43.48%). 

TABLE 3.41. CY 2011 DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 15 65.22% 60.87% 555 59.42% 63.28%

 Within 30 days 8 34.78% 36.96% 381 40.79% 44.55%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 13 56.52% 50.00% 451 48.29% 51.90%

No 5 21.74% 36.96% 303 32.44% 31.46%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 2.17% 53 5.67% 5.26%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 4 17.39% 6.52% 229 24.52% 22.64%

 Within 30 days 3 13.04% 0.00% 92 9.85% 8.32%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 13.04% 2.17% 147 15.74% 13.59%

No 17 73.91% 91.30% 632 67.67% 70.50%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 2.17% 50 5.35% 6.85%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 11 47.83% 50.00% 389 41.65% 46.14%

No 9 39.13% 45.65% 444 47.54% 44.31%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 4.35% 78 8.35% 9.55%

 Antidepressants Yes 10 43.48% 34.78% 332 35.55% 38.31%

No 10 43.48% 56.52% 492 52.68% 50.31%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 8.70% 87 9.31% 11.38%

 Antianxiety Yes 4 17.39% 13.04% 166 17.77% 19.09%

No 14 60.87% 76.09% 640 68.52% 66.71%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 10.87% 105 11.24% 14.20%

 Antimanics Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 21 2.25% 2.82%

No 20 86.96% 89.13% 785 84.05% 82.25%

TABLE 3.40. CY 2011 DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
84

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These data include information about family 

histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial and administrative difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

A large number of DoDSERs for deployed Service Members who attempted suicide included a known failure in a spousal or intimate relationship 

(n = 10, 43.48%), with seven (30.43%) indicating the failure occurred within the month prior to attempting suicide (Table 3.42). Eight DoDSERs 

(34.78%) indicated a failure in another important relationship, with all of these occurring within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 3.42. CY 2011 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO EVENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 10.87% 105 11.24% 14.93%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 18 1.93% 2.82%

No 20 86.96% 89.13% 786 84.15% 82.25%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 10.87% 107 11.46% 14.93%

 Antipsychotics Yes 1 4.35% 4.35% 69 7.39% 7.96%

No 19 82.61% 84.78% 738 79.01% 77.36%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 10.87% 104 11.13% 14.69%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 10 43.48% 58.70% 477 51.07% 53.24%

 Within 30 days 7 30.43% 43.48% 299 32.01% 32.19%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 7 30.43% 50.00% 372 39.83% 39.78%

No 10 43.48% 36.96% 338 36.19% 37.58%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 4.35% 96 10.28% 9.18%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 8 34.78% 17.39% 159 17.02% 14.57%

 Within 30 days 8 34.78% 13.04% 94 10.06% 7.83%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 34.78% 13.04% 114 12.21% 10.28%

TABLE 3.41. CY 2011 DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 85

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

No 12 52.17% 63.04% 606 64.88% 67.44%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 146 15.63% 17.99%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 11 47.83% 65.22% 527 56.42% 53.24%

 Within 30 days 8 34.78% 47.83% 315 33.73% 35.62%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 34.78% 54.35% 390 41.76% 42.96%

No 9 39.13% 30.43% 292 31.26% 37.58%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 4.35% 80 8.57% 9.18%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Table 3.43 summarizes other family and relationship factors. Two DoDSERs (8.70%) indicated a history of loss of a friend to suicide. Three 

DoDSERs (13.04%) included a death of a family member by means other than suicide, and three (13.04%) included a non-suicide death of a friend. 

One DoDSER for a deployed Service Member (4.35%) included a significant physical health problem for a family member, and four DoDSERs 

(17.39%) indicated a behavioral health problem for a family member.

TABLE 3.43. CY 2011 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 3 0.32% 0.24%

No 23 100.00% 93.48% 825 88.33% 91.92%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 6.52% 83 8.89% 7.83%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 10.87% 60 6.42% 6.36%

No 21 91.30% 73.91% 730 78.16% 80.05%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 15.22% 121 12.96% 13.59%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 2 8.70% 8.70% 72 7.71% 6.85%

No 18 78.26% 76.09% 696 74.52% 76.74%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 15.22% 143 15.31% 16.40%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 3 13.04% 4.35% 145 15.52% 14.93%

No 18 78.26% 78.26% 638 68.31% 70.01%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 17.39% 128 13.70% 15.06%

TABLE 3.42. CY 2011 DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO EVENT FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
86

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Administrative and Legal History

As summarized in Table 3.44, over one-fourth of DoDSERs for deployed Service Members who attempted suicide included at least one 

administrative or legal issue (n = 7, 30.43%), and two (8.70%) included more than one issue. The most frequent administrative or legal problems 

were Article 15 proceedings or non-judicial punishment (n = 4, 17.39%), civil legal problems (n = 3, 13.04%), and non-selection for advancement 

(n =2, 8.70%).

TABLE 3.44. CY 2011 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 3 13.04% 10.87% 86 9.21% 8.81%

No 15 65.22% 71.74% 679 72.70% 74.91%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 17.39% 146 15.63% 16.28%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 1 4.35% 10.87% 105 11.24% 8.20%

No 18 78.26% 71.74% 671 71.84% 76.62%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 17.39% 135 14.45% 15.18%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 4 17.39% 36.96% 288 30.84% 31.82%

No 14 60.87% 45.65% 452 48.39% 48.59%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 17.39% 171 18.31% 19.58%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 32 3.43% 3.18%

No 20 86.96% 86.96% 768 82.23% 84.09%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 10.87% 111 11.88% 12.73%

HX ARTICLE 15 OR NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENTYes 4 17.39% 23.91% 171 18.31% 17.01%

No 13 56.52% 65.22% 627 67.13% 68.67%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 10.87% 113 12.10% 14.32%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 80 8.57% 10.89%

No 18 78.26% 86.96% 712 76.23% 76.25%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 10.87% 119 12.74% 12.85%

TABLE 3.43. CY 2011 DODSER FAMILY HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 87

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 3.45). DoDSERs for deployed Service Members 

who attempted suicide included an alleged history of physical abuse (n = 4, 17.39%), sexual abuse (n = 2, 8.70%), emotional abuse (n = 3, 

13.04%), and sexual harassment (n = 1, 4.35%). One DoDSER (4.35%) included an alleged history of perpetration of physical abuse, and one 

included alleged perpetration of sexual harassment (4.35%).

HX AWOL Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 44 4.71% 6.36%

No 18 78.26% 86.96% 761 81.48% 82.50%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 10.87% 106 11.35% 11.14%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 125 13.38% 8.57%

No 19 82.61% 86.96% 698 74.73% 81.03%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 10.87% 88 9.42% 10.40%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 3 13.04% 8.70% 64 6.85% 10.28%

No 16 69.57% 73.91% 718 76.87% 74.42%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 17.39% 129 13.81% 15.30%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 2 8.70% 6.52% 41 4.39% 5.39%

No 15 65.22% 73.91% 715 76.55% 77.23%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 19.57% 155 16.60% 17.38%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 7 30.43% 34.78% 360 38.54% 39.78%

No 10 43.48% 54.35% 434 46.47% 48.35%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 10.87% 117 12.53% 11.87%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 2 8.70% 13.04% 140 14.99% 14.44%

No 15 65.22% 54.35% 654 70.02% 44.80%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 32.61% 117 12.53% 40.76%

TABLE 3.44. CY 2011 DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
88

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 4 17.39% 19.57% 197 21.09% 19.83%

No 16 69.57% 56.52% 568 60.81% 66.34%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 23.91% 146 15.63% 13.83%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 8.70% 19.57% 163 17.45% 15.54%

No 18 78.26% 60.87% 608 65.10% 70.01%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 140 14.99% 14.44%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 3 13.04% 23.91% 208 22.27% 23.01%

No 16 69.57% 52.17% 548 58.67% 62.42%

Don’t Know 4 17.39% 23.91% 155 16.60% 14.57%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 4.35% 4.35% 34 3.64% 3.55%

No 16 69.57% 71.74% 711 76.12% 79.56%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 23.91% 166 17.77% 16.89%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 1 4.35% 2.17% 56 6.00% 5.14%

No 19 82.61% 78.26% 711 76.12% 79.07%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 144 15.42% 15.79%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 2.17% 14 1.50% 1.59%

No 20 86.96% 78.26% 750 80.30% 82.74%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 147 15.74% 15.67%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 27 2.89% 3.18%

No 20 86.96% 80.43% 730 78.16% 80.54%

Don’t Know 3 13.04% 19.57% 154 16.49% 16.28%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 4.35% 0.00% 7 0.75% 0.49%

No 20 86.96% 80.43% 754 80.73% 83.35%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 19.57% 150 16.06% 16.16%

TABLE 3.45. CY 2011 DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 89

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 3.46). The most frequent responses on DoDSERs for 

deployed Service Members who attempted suicide indicated history of interpersonal problems with job loss or instability (n = 13, 56.52%), issues 

with supervisors or coworkers (n = 11, 47.83%), poor work evaluations (n = 4, 17.39%), unit or workplace hazing (n = 2, 8.70%), and excessive 

debt (n = 1, 4.35%).

TABLE 3.46. CY 2011 DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 1 4.35% 13.04% 122 13.06% 9.79%

No 17 73.91% 63.04% 619 66.27% 71.11%

Don’t Know 5 21.74% 23.91% 170 18.20% 19.09%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 13 56.52% 36.96% 277 29.66% 31.58%

No 9 39.13% 54.35% 494 52.89% 53.98%

Don’t Know 1 4.35% 8.70% 140 14.99% 14.44%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 11 47.83% 41.30% 218 23.34% 22.89%

No 10 43.48% 45.65% 534 57.17% 59.00%

Don’t Know 2 8.70% 13.04% 159 17.02% 18.12%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 4 17.39% 17.39% 126 13.49% 15.06%

No 13 56.52% 65.22% 608 65.10% 64.99%

Don’t Know 6 26.09% 17.39% 177 18.95% 19.95%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 2 8.70% 6.52% 48 5.14% 4.53%

No 14 60.87% 71.74% 690 73.88% 74.66%

Don’t Know 7 30.43% 21.74% 173 18.52% 20.81%

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include deployment location information as 

well as history of direct combat operations. 
90

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 3.48. CY 2011 DODSER DEPLOYMENT HISTORY FOR OEF/OIF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

TABLE 3.49. CY 2011 DODSER COMBAT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Deployment and Combat History

The data in this section include the Service Members’ prior deployments as well as the deployment during which their suicide attempts took place. 

Twenty suicide attempts occurred in Afghanistan (86.96%) and three occurred in Iraq (13.04%; Table 3.47). Seven DoDSERs (30.43%) included 

experiences of direct combat (Table 3.49).

TABLE 3.47. CY 2011 DODSERS SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN THEATER FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 20 86.96% 43.48% 0 0.00% 0.00%

Iraq 3 13.04% 56.52% 0 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 0 0.00% 0.00% 911 97.54% 100.00%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 20 86.96% 28.26% 130 13.92% 6.49%

Iraq 3 13.04% 50.00% 171 18.31% 26.19%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 14 1.50% 1.10%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 0 0.00% 21.74% 4 0.43% 3.67%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 0 0.00% 0.00% 592 63.38% 62.55%

OEF/OND Other

2011 2010 2011 2010

Count Percent Percent Count Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 7 30.43% 13.04% 151 16.17% 13.95%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 3 13.04% 6.52% 99 10.60% 8.20%

 Injured in combat 2 8.70% 4.35% 48 5.14% 3.92%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 91

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

 Witnessed killing in combat 3 13.04% 6.52% 96 10.28% 8.69%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 4 17.39% 8.70% 99 10.60% 8.94%

 Killed others in combat 1 4.35% 4.35% 57 6.10% 5.26%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 16 69.57% 86.96% 760 81.37% 86.05%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 3.49. CY 2011 DODSER COMBAT HISTORY FOR OEF/OND AND OTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS (CONT.)
92

Chapter 3: OEF and OND DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Summary

This chapter provides data on suicides and suicide attempts that occurred during OEF and OND deployments in 2011. Data are presented for 29 

Service Members who died by suicide and for 23 Service Members who attempted suicide in 23 separate incidents. Decedents and those who 

attempted suicide were primarily male, Caucasian, non-Hispanic or Latino, under age twenty-five, junior enlisted, Regular component, and without a 

college degree. 

The most frequent method for suicide was military-issue firearm use. Suicide attempt methods were most frequently drug overdose and use of 

military issue firearm. Drug and alcohol use during suicide events was less frequent among deployed Service Members compared to non-deployed 

Service Members. The majority of Service Members who died by suicide or had attempted suicide were not known to have communicated with 

others about the intent to harm themselves.

Service Members with nonfatal suicide events had more known behavioral health disorders but similar behavioral health treatment usage prior 

to the event. Service Members who attempted suicide had higher prevalence of prior abuse victimization. Failed intimate relationships were 

frequent among Service Members with suicide events. The most frequent administrative or legal issue was Article 15 proceedings or non-judicial 

punishment.
93

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

CHAPTER 4:

AIR FORCE DoDSER

Air Force DoDSER Submissions and Point of Contact (POC) Compliance

2011 Reported Suicides

Forty-six Air Force suicides were confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) for 

calendar year (CY) 2011 (Table 4.1). Air Force Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs) 

were submitted and analyzed for all 46 confirmed suicides for a submission compliance rate of 100%. The 

tables in this section include data for all decedents. In addition, the tables provide percentages for 2010 and 

2009 DoDSER data for comparison. Specific counts for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER 

annual reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 4.1. AIR FORCE AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DODSERS SUBMITTED

AIR FORCE RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

2011 2010 2009 2008

Total DoDSERs Included in Annual Report 46 59 43 35

Total AFMES Confirmed and Pending Suicides 50 60 43 45

AFMES Confirmed Suicides (By 31 January) 46 59 43 45

DoDSER Submission Compliance 100% 100% 100% 78%

Data from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2011 as of 4/26/2012 for CY 2011; as of 1 April for previous years

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have 

been associated with or contributed to the suicide events. These factors include decedents’ demographic 

characteristics, event setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and 

communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 4.2 contains demographic data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). All but four 

of the 50 Air Force 2011 suicides were completed by males. Decedents were primarily Caucasian (n = 34, 

68.00%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 49, 98.00%), over age twenty-five (n = 25, 54.35%), E5 adn above (n = 

24, 52.17%), Regular component (n = 42, 84.00%), and without a college degree (n = 34, 68.00%).
94

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 4.2 CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR AIR FORCE SUICIDES

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

(N = 59) 

Percent

(N = 46) 

Percent

TOTAL 50 100.00% 100.00% 13.27 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 46 92.00% 80.77% 15.11 96.61% 95.65%

Female 4 8.00% 19.23% * 3.39% 4.35%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 2 4.00% 0.67% * 1.69% 4.35%

Asian or Pacific Islander 1 2.00% 3.73% * 1.69% 2.17%

Black/African American 8 16.00% 13.72% * 13.56% 10.87%

White/Caucasian 34 68.00% 73.10% 12.34 77.97% 78.26%

Other/Don’t Know 5 10.00% 8.78% * 1.69% 4.35%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 1 2.00% 4.80% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 49 98.00% 95.20% 13.86 

AGE RANGE Under 25 21 42.00% 30.52% 18.26 33.90% 36.96%

25-29 12 24.00% 24.67% * 27.12% 23.91%

30-34 2 4.00% 16.77% * 8.47% 17.39%

35-39 9 18.00% 12.94% * 23.73% 4.35%

40-44 4 8.00% 9.03% * 5.08% 8.70%

45+ 2 4.00% 6.08% * 1.69% 8.70%

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 1.20% * 1.69% 0.00%

E1-E4 22 44.00% 33.17% 17.60 40.68% 45.65%

E5-E9 22 44.00% 46.09% 12.67 52.54% 43.48%

Officer 6 12.00% 19.55% * 5.08% 10.87%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

COMPONENT Regular 42 84.00% 88.46% 13.27 89.83% 89.13%

Reserve 3 6.00% 3.74% * 0.00% 6.52%

National Guard 5 10.00% 7.80% * 10.17% 4.35%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 0.08% * 0.00% 0.00%

GED 0 0.00% 0.03% * 0.00% 0.00%

High school graduate 32 64.00% 52.83% 16.07 71.19% 76.09%

Some college or technical school 2 4.00% 0.04% * 10.17% 2.17%

Degree/certificate less than four years 7 14.00% 19.85% * 8.47% 8.70%

Four-year college degree 6 12.00% 12.67% * 8.47% 0.00%

Master’s degree or greater 3 6.00% 12.69% * 0.00% 8.70%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 1.82% * 1.69% 4.35%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 17 34.00% 34.01% * 30.51% 30.43%

Married 30 60.00% 7.22% 13.57 57.63% 56.52%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.01% * 0.00% 0.00%

Divorced 3 6.00% 58.67% * 10.17% 13.04%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.09% * 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% * 1.69% 0.00%

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “DoD Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and 

Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.
95

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Event Setting

As in the previous three years, Air Force suicides most frequently took place in the United States (n = 38, 

82.61%). Two suicides occurred during deployment to Afghanistan (4.35%), and one occurred during 

deployment to Iraq (2.17%; Table 4.3). Suicides occurred primarily in the Service Members’ own residences 

(n = 33, 71.74%; Table 4.4). 

TABLE 4.3. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 38 82.61% 88.14% 89.13%

Iraq 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

Afghanistan 2 4.35% 1.69% 2.17%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

Asia 1 2.17% 5.08% 2.17%

Europe 0 0.00% 1.69% 2.17%

Other 4 8.70% 3.39% 0.00%

TABLE 4.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 33 71.74% 67.80% 67.39%

Residence of friend or family 1 2.17% 11.86% 4.35%

Work/jobsite 5 10.87% 5.08% 0.00%

Automobile (away from residence) 1 2.17% 6.78% 6.52%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 6 13.04% 8.47% 21.74%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 4.5, approximately one-half of 2011 Air Force suicides involved non-military issue firearms 

(n = 27, 58.70%). Hanging (n = 9, 19.57%) and use of a military issue firearm (n = 6, 13.04%) were the other 

primary suicide methods. 

TABLE 4.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 27 58.70% 50.85% 54.35%

Firearm, military issue 6 13.04% 6.78% 10.87%

Hanging 9 19.57% 33.90% 17.39%

Drugs 0 0.00% 3.39% 2.17%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 1 2.17% 1.69% 0.00%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

Sharp or blunt object 0 0.00% 0.00% 4.35%
96

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the previous three years, most Air Force decedents had no known history of communicating 

their intent to harm themselves (n = 30, 65.22%; Table 4.7). Approximately one-third of Airmen were known 

to have communicated with at least one individual regarding their potential to die by suicide (n = 16, 34.78%). 

Substance Use during the Event

Comprehensive information about substance use during suicide was unavailable for many Air Force suicides in 

2011. Of those for whom information was available, almost one-third were known to have used alcohol during 

the suicide event (n = 10, 37.04% of DoDSERs with alcohol use data, 21.74% of total; Table 4.6). Fewer were 

known to have used drugs (n = 3, 13.64% of DoDSERs with drug use data, 6.52% of total). 

TABLE 4.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING EVENT 

Jumping from high place 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

Crashing a motor vehicle 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 2 4.35% 0.00% 2.17%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 3.39% 4.35%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 10 21.74% 16.95% 36.96%

No 17 36.96% 40.68% 17.39%

Don’t Know 19 41.30% 42.37% 45.65%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 3 6.52% 8.47% 13.04%

No 19 41.30% 54.24% 41.30%

Don’t Know 24 52.17% 37.29% 45.65%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 1.69% 0.00%

Were not used 22 47.83% 61.02% 54.35%

Don’t know 24 52.17% 37.29% 45.65%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 1.69% 2.17%

Used, no overdose 1 2.17% 5.08% 2.17%

Were not used 21 45.65% 55.93% 50.00%

Don’t know 24 52.17% 37.29% 45.65%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 1 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 1 2.17% 0.00% 8.70%

Were not used 20 43.48% 62.71% 45.65%

Don’t know 24 52.17% 37.29% 45.65%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 1 2.17% 1.69% 13.04%

No 21 45.65% 50.85% 39.13%

Don’t Know 24 52.17% 47.46% 47.83%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 4.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.)
97

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

The most frequent mode of communication was verbal (n = 9, 19.57%). As indicated in Table 4.9, decedents 

most frequently communicated with their spouses (n = 7, 15.22%) and friends (n = 5, 10.87%). 

TABLE 4.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 4.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 4.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

Additional Event Information

Table 4.10 provides information about other details of 2011 Air Force suicides. There was information to 

indicate that the majority of decedents (n = 32, 69.57%) intended to die. Approximately one-fourth of the 

suicides appeared to be premeditated (n = 13, 28.26%). Ten Air Force decedents (21.74%) died in a location 

where the suicide was potentially observable by others. Nine Service Members (19.57%) left suicide notes.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 30 65.22% 61.02% 73.91%

1 13 28.26% 37.29% 13.04%

2 1 2.17% 1.69% 6.52%

3 2 4.35% 0.00% 6.52%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 9 19.57% 23.73% 13.04%

Written 4 8.70% 1.69% 2.17%

Other or Unknown 1 2.17% 8.47% 2.17%

Multiple Modes 2 4.35% 5.08% 8.70%

No Known Communication 30 65.22% 61.02% 73.91%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 7 15.22% 13.56% 4.35%

Friend 5 10.87% 5.08% 0.00%

Behavioral Health Provider 1 2.17% 6.78% 0.00%

Chaplain 1 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 2 4.35% 1.69% 0.00%

Other or Unidentified 4 8.70% 10.17% 8.70%

Made Multiple Communications 3 6.52% 1.69% 13.04%

No Known Communication 30 65.22% 61.02% 73.91%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
98

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 4.11 provides details about the living situations for Airmen who died by suicide in 2011. Decedents most 

frequently lived in homes or apartments outside of their installations (n = 29, 63.04%). Eight lived in shared 

living environments on their installations (17.39%). Of those who were married (n = 25), most lived with their 

spouses (n = 19, 76.00% of married, 41.30% of total), and six were separated or apart for other reasons 

(24.00% of married, 13.05% of total). Approximately one-half of decedents lived alone (n = 22, 47.83%). 

Twenty (43.48%) Air Force decedents had minor children and 12 (26.09%) lived with their children at the time 

of death. Over one-half of decedents had access to firearms either in their homes or other accessible locations 

(n = 28, 60.87%).

TABLE 4.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

TABLE 4.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 32 69.57% 81.36% 71.74%

No 5 10.87% 3.39% 4.35%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 15.25% 23.91%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 46 100.00% 88.14% 71.74%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 11.86% 28.26%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 13 28.26% 47.46% 30.43%

No 30 65.22% 33.90% 21.74%

Don’t Know 3 6.52% 18.64% 47.83%

OBSERVABLE Yes 10 21.74% 25.42% 19.57%

No 31 67.39% 64.41% 54.35%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 10.17% 26.09%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 9 19.57% 40.68% 23.91%

No 26 56.52% 40.68% 47.83%

Don’t Know 11 23.91% 18.64% 28.26%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 8 17.39% 22.03% 17.39%

Bachelor quarters 3 6.52% 0.00% 0.00%

On-base family housing 3 6.52% 3.39% 6.52%

Owned or leased apartment or house 29 63.04% 67.80% 65.22%

Other 3 6.52% 3.39% 6.52%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 3.39% 4.35%
99

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Duty Environment

Consistent with the previous three years, the primary duty environment of decedents was their permanent duty 

station (n = 33, 71.74%; Table 4.12). 

TABLE 4.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resided with spouse 19 41.30% 40.68% 34.78%

Separated due to relationship issues 4 8.70% 6.78% 4.35%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 2 4.35% 1.69% 4.35%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 1.69% 8.70%

Unmarried at time of event 20 43.48% 49.15% 47.83%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 22 47.83% 40.68% 43.48%

No 23 50.00% 55.93% 43.48%

Don’t Know 1 2.17% 3.39% 13.04%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 20 43.48% 45.76% 39.13%

No 25 54.35% 54.24% 60.87%

Don’t Know 1 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 12 26.09% 27.12% 23.91%

No 8 17.39% 16.95% 10.87%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 1.69% 4.35%

No Children 25 54.35% 54.24% 60.87%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 28 60.87% 45.76% 45.65%

No 16 34.78% 38.98% 28.26%

Don’t Know 2 4.35% 15.25% 26.09%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 33 71.74% 66.10% 60.87%

Leave 4 8.70% 0.00% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.00% 6.78% 6.52%

Medical Hold 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

TDY 1 2.17% 1.69% 0.00%

AWOL 3 6.52% 1.69% 0.00%

Deployed 3 6.52% 1.69% 4.35%

Training 2 4.35% 1.69% 0.00%

Other 4 8.70% 8.47% 8.70%

Multiple Duty Environments 6 13.04% 1.69% 10.87%

Duty Environment Unknown 2 4.35% 10.17% 6.52%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the previous three years, no clear pattern existed for Air Force suicides by month (Table 4.13).

TABLE 4.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
100

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Eight Airmen who died by suicide in 2011 (17.39%) had a known history of self-harm (Table 4.14), and five 

decedents (10.87%) were known to have at least two prior incidents of self-harm.

TABLE 4.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

TABLE 4.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 6 13.04% 8.47% 6.52%

February 6 13.04% 5.08% 13.04%

March 2 4.35% 8.47% 0.00%

April 4 8.70% 8.47% 13.04%

May 5 10.87% 11.86% 4.35%

June 4 8.70% 3.39% 8.70%

July 6 13.04% 11.86% 8.70%

August 2 4.35% 5.08% 6.52%

September 3 6.52% 6.78% 10.87%

October 2 4.35% 15.25% 13.04%

November 3 6.52% 6.78% 8.70%

December 3 6.52% 8.47% 6.52%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 8 17.39% 15.25% 19.57%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 4.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 1.69% 6.52%

No 25 54.35% 64.41% 47.83%

Don’t Know 13 28.26% 20.34% 32.61%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 3 6.52% 8.47% 15.22%

More than one prior event 5 10.87% 6.78% 4.35%

N/A or Unknown 38 82.61% 84.75% 80.43%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 2 4.35% 3.39% 0.00%

No 5 10.87% 10.17% 10.87%

Don’t Know 1 2.17% 1.69% 8.70%

N/A 38 82.61% 84.75% 80.43%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”
101

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below 

reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of death. 

Nineteen (41.30%) Airmen who died by suicide in 2011 had a history of at least one documented behavioral 

health disorder (Table 4.15). Eight (17.39%) had at least two co-occurring diagnoses. As indicated in Table 

4.16, thirteen decedents (28.26%) had a mood disorder; the most frequent diagnosis was major depression 

(n = 8, 17.39%). As summarized in Table 4.17, five (10.87%) had an anxiety disorder, including PTSD (n = 2, 

4.35%) and generalized anxiety disorder (n = 1, 2.17%). Personality disorders were rare (n = 1, 2.17%), as 

were psychotic disorders (n = 1, 2.17%; Table 4.18). No decedents were known to have a history of traumatic 

brain injury, and six (13.04%) had a known history of substance abuse.

TABLE 4.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 27 58.70% 54.24% 60.87%

1 DX 11 23.91% 22.03% 15.22%

2 DX 5 10.87% 13.56% 19.57%

3 DX 3 6.52% 10.17% 4.35%

4 or more DX 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

TABLE 4.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 13 28.26% 15.25% 28.26%

No 27 58.70% 76.27% 54.35%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 17.39%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

No 39 84.78% 91.53% 78.26%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 19.57%

 Major depression Yes 8 17.39% 3.39% 8.70%

No 32 69.57% 88.14% 69.57%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 21.74%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 1.69% 2.17%

No 40 86.96% 89.83% 73.91%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

 Other mood disorder Yes 3 6.52% 10.17% 15.22%

No 37 80.43% 81.36% 65.22%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 19.57%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 3 6.52% 0.00% 0.00%

No 37 80.43% 91.53% 82.61%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 17.39%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 2 4.35% 0.00% 0.00%

No 38 82.61% 91.53% 82.61%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 17.39%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
102

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 4.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

TABLE 4.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 5 10.87% 15.25% 23.91%

No 35 76.09% 77.97% 56.52%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 6.78% 19.57%

 PTSD Yes 2 4.35% 3.39% 4.35%

No 38 82.61% 88.14% 71.74%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

 Panic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 3.39% 0.00%

No 40 86.96% 88.14% 76.09%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 1 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 84.78% 91.53% 76.09%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 40 86.96% 91.53% 76.09%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 1 2.17% 1.69% 15.22%

No 39 84.78% 89.83% 63.04%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 21.74%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 2 4.35% 5.08% 4.35%

No 38 82.61% 88.14% 76.09%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 6.78% 19.57%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 1 2.17% 1.69% 0.00%

No 39 84.78% 91.53% 80.43%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 6.78% 19.57%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 1 2.17% 3.39% 4.35%

No 39 84.78% 88.14% 71.74%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 23.91%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 84.78% 91.53% 80.43%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 8.47% 19.57%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 6 13.04% 18.64% 13.04%

No 30 65.22% 69.49% 56.52%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 11.86% 30.43%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 0 0.00% 1.69%

No 40 86.96% 88.14%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 10.17%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.
103

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Treatment History

Table 4.19 provides data on Air Force suicide decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment 

prior to death. The majority (n = 32, 69.57%) had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment 

Facility (MTF). Sixteen decedents (34.78%) were treated at a MTF within one month of their suicides. Eleven 

Airmen (23.91%) had a known history of a physical health problem, and five decedents (10.87%) had received 

physical health diagnoses within the month prior to suicide.

Eight Air Force decedents (17.39%) received substance abuse treatment services, and four (8.70%) received 

help from family advocacy programs. Only one Airman (2.17%) utilized chaplain services. Seventeen of the 

decedents (36.96%) had received outpatient behavioral health treatment; six (35.29%, 13.04% of total) had 

received treatment within the month prior to suicide. Eight Airmen (17.39%) received inpatient behavioral 

health treatment, three of whom (37.50%, 6.52% of total) had been treated during the month prior to suicide.

TABLE 4.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 32 69.57% 62.71% 60.87%

 Within 30 days 16 34.78% 44.07% 32.61%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 28 60.87% 52.54% 43.48%

No 10 21.74% 25.42% 15.22%

Don’t Know 4 8.70% 11.86% 23.91%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 11 23.91% 15.25% 34.78%

 Within 30 days 5 10.87% 8.47% 13.04%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 7 15.22% 11.86% 17.39%

No 28 60.87% 62.71% 36.96%

Don’t Know 7 15.22% 22.03% 28.26%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 8 17.39% 22.03% 21.74%

 Within 30 days 1 2.17% 6.78% 10.87%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 2 4.35% 8.47% 10.87%

No 34 73.91% 71.19% 60.87%

Don’t Know 4 8.70% 6.78% 17.39%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 4 8.70% 11.86% 6.52%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 2.17% 5.08% 2.17%

No 38 82.61% 81.36% 71.74%

Don’t Know 4 8.70% 6.78% 21.74%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 1 2.17% 10.17% 10.87%

 Within 30 days 1 2.17% 6.78% 4.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 2.17% 8.47% 6.52%

No 17 36.96% 44.07% 23.91%

Don’t Know 28 60.87% 45.76% 65.22%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 17 36.96% 44.07% 39.13%

 Within 30 days 6 13.04% 18.64% 21.74%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 19.57% 28.81% 23.91%

No 25 54.35% 49.15% 45.65%
104

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Table 4.20 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by decedents prior to suicide. 

Eleven decedents (23.91%) had known prescriptions for psychotropic medications, most frequently 

antidepressants (n = 9, 19.57%).

TABLE 4.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

Don’t Know 4 8.70% 6.78% 15.22%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 8 17.39% 13.56% 17.39%

 Within 30 days 3 6.52% 6.78% 0.00%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 6.52% 6.78% 2.17%

No 33 71.74% 77.97% 60.87%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 8.47% 21.74%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 11 23.91% 23.73% 21.74%

No 25 54.35% 62.71% 54.35%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 23.91%

 Antidepressants Yes 9 19.57% 22.03% 21.74%

No 27 58.70% 64.41% 54.35%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 23.91%

 Antianxiety Yes 6 13.04% 11.86% 6.52%

No 30 65.22% 72.88% 67.39%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 15.25% 26.09%

 Antimanics Yes 0 0.00% 3.39% 0.00%

No 36 78.26% 81.36% 73.91%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 15.25% 26.09%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

No 35 76.09% 86.44% 71.74%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 26.09%

 Antipsychotics Yes 3 6.52% 5.08% 4.35%

No 33 71.74% 81.36% 71.74%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 23.91%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 4.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
105

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Family and Relationship History

Almost one-half of the 2011 Air Force DoDSERs (n = 21, 45.65%) indicated a history of a failed intimate 

relationship; three (14.29%, 6.52% of total) also reported failure of another important relationship. Twelve 

(57.14%, 26.09% of total) decedents experienced a failed relationship during the month prior to suicide. 

TABLE 4.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 21 45.65% 50.85% 56.52%

 Within 30 days 12 26.09% 37.29% 23.91%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 14 30.43% 38.98% 32.61%

No 15 32.61% 35.59% 23.91%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 19.57%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 3 6.52% 22.03% 6.52%

 Within 30 days 1 2.17% 10.17% 4.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 2.17% 11.86% 4.35%

No 25 54.35% 52.54% 47.83%

Don’t Know 18 39.13% 25.42% 45.65%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 21 45.65% 54.24% 56.52%

 Within 30 days 12 26.09% 38.98% 23.91%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 14 30.43% 40.68% 32.61%

No 15 32.61% 32.20% 23.91%

Don’t Know 10 21.74% 13.56% 19.57%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Table 4.22 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may be associated with the suicide. Seven 

Air Force decedents (15.22%) were known to have had a family member with behavioral health problems, and 

six (13.04%) had experienced the death of a family member by suicide. Four decedents (8.70%) were known 

to have experienced the death of a family member by means other than suicide. 

TABLE 4.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 42 91.30% 83.05% 76.09%

Don’t Know 4 8.70% 16.95% 23.91%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 6 13.04% 0.00% 6.52%

No 29 63.04% 74.58% 50.00%

Don’t Know 11 23.91% 25.42% 43.48%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 3.39% 4.35%

No 32 69.57% 67.80% 41.30%

Don’t Know 14 30.43% 28.81% 54.35%
106

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 4 8.70% 13.56% 6.52%

No 30 65.22% 59.32% 36.96%

Don’t Know 12 26.09% 27.12% 56.52%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 1 2.17% 1.69% 2.17%

No 33 71.74% 67.80% 39.13%

Don’t Know 12 26.09% 30.51% 58.70%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 1 2.17% 3.39% 4.35%

No 30 65.22% 69.49% 45.65%

Don’t Know 15 32.61% 27.12% 50.00%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 7 15.22% 16.95% 15.22%

No 18 39.13% 45.76% 30.43%

Don’t Know 21 45.65% 37.29% 54.35%

Administrative and Legal History

Ten Airmen who died by suicide in 2011 (21.74%) had at least one known administrative or legal issue, and 

four (8.70%) had more than one issue (Table 4.23). The most frequent administrative or legal issue was Article 

15 proceedings (n = 5, 10.87%), followed by civil legal problems (n = 4, 8.70%).

TABLE 4.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 0 0.00% 6.78% 4.35%

No 40 86.96% 74.58% 71.74%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 18.64% 23.91%

HX ARTICLE 15 Yes 5 10.87% 15.25% 10.87%

No 36 78.26% 66.10% 60.87%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 18.64% 28.26%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 2 4.35% 6.78% 2.17%

No 38 82.61% 77.97% 71.74%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 15.25% 26.09%

HX AWOL Yes 2 4.35% 3.39% 2.17%

No 39 84.78% 79.66% 71.74%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 16.95% 26.09%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 3 6.52% 6.78% 8.70%

No 37 80.43% 77.97% 71.74%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 15.25% 19.57%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 4 8.70% 13.56% 15.22%

No 33 71.74% 66.10% 52.17%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 20.34% 32.61%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 0 0.00% 3.39% 10.87%

No 38 82.61% 77.97% 56.52%

Don’t Know 8 17.39% 18.64% 32.61%

TABLE 4.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER FAMILY HISTORY (CONT.) 
107

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 10 21.74% 33.90% 32.61%

No 31 67.39% 47.46% 41.30%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 18.64% 26.09%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 4 8.70% 18.64% 17.39%

No 37 80.43% 45.76% 41.30%

Don’t Know 5 10.87% 35.59% 41.30%

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both reported abuse victimization and reported abuse perpetration 

(Table 4.24). Two Air Force suicide decedents (4.35%) were reportedly victims of physical abuse, and four 

(8.70%) were reportedly victims of sexual abuse. None of the decedents were reportedly victims of emotional 

abuse or sexual harassment. Reported frequencies of perpetration of abuse were low among Air Force 

decedents, with two (4.35%) reports each for physical and sexual abuse perpetration, and one (2.17%) report 

each for emotional abuse and sexual harassment perpetration.

TABLE 4.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 4.35% 8.47% 4.35%

No 35 76.09% 71.19% 65.22%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 20.34% 30.43%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 4 8.70% 1.69% 2.17%

No 36 78.26% 76.27% 67.39%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 22.03% 30.43%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 8.47% 6.52%

No 37 80.43% 71.19% 63.04%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 20.34% 30.43%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 38 82.61% 79.66% 65.22%

Don’t Know 8 17.39% 20.34% 34.78%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 4.35% 10.17% 10.87%

No 35 76.09% 71.19% 50.00%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 18.64% 39.13%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 4.35% 5.08% 4.35%

No 38 82.61% 77.97% 54.35%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 16.95% 41.30%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 1 2.17% 3.39% 0.00%

No 36 78.26% 79.66% 54.35%

Don’t Know 9 19.57% 16.95% 45.65%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

No 38 82.61% 83.05% 54.35%

Don’t Know 7 15.22% 16.95% 43.48%

TABLE 4.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 
108

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 4.25). Two Airmen 

(4.35%) who died by suicide in 2011 had experienced significant debt. Ten decedents (21.74%) either had lost 

a position or experienced job instability. Six Airmen (13.04%) were known to have had interpersonal issues 

with their supervisors or coworkers and five airmen (10.87%) had received poor work evaluations. 

TABLE 4.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 2 4.35% 10.17% 8.70%

No 29 63.04% 67.80% 54.35%

Don’t Know 15 32.61% 22.03% 36.96%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 10 21.74% 13.56% 30.43%

No 30 65.22% 71.19% 41.30%

Don’t Know 6 13.04% 15.25% 28.26%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 6 13.04% 10.17% 8.70%

No 33 71.74% 71.19% 56.52%

Don’t Know 7 15.22% 18.64% 34.78%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 5 10.87% 10.17% 15.22%

No 34 73.91% 71.19% 54.35%

Don’t Know 7 15.22% 18.64% 30.43%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0.00% 1.69% 0.00%

No 38 82.61% 76.27% 63.04%

Don’t Know 8 17.39% 22.03% 36.96%

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Two Airmen died by suicide while deployed in Afghanistan (4.35%) and one occurred while deployed in Iraq 

(2.17%, Table 4.26). Nine of the Airmen who died by suicide in 2011 (19.57%) had previously served in OEF, 

OIF, or OND locations (Table 4.27). One decedent (2.17%) was known to have had direct combat experience, 

but was not injured and did not witness combat-related killing (Table 4.28).

TABLE 4.26. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 2 4.35% 1.69% 2.17%

Iraq 1 2.17% 0.00% 2.17%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

Not OEF/OND 43 93.48% 98.31% 93.48%
109

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 4.27. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 4.28. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 AIR FORCE DODSER COMBAT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 2 4.35% 10.17% 8.70%

Iraq 4 8.70% 11.86% 13.04%

Kuwait 1 2.17% 0.00% 4.35%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 2 4.35% 1.69% 2.17%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 37 80.43% 76.27% 71.74%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 1 2.17% 5.08% 6.52%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 0 0.00% 3.39% 4.35%

 Injured in combat 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

 Witnessed killing in combat 0 0.00% 3.39% 4.35%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 0 0.00% 3.39% 2.17%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 45 97.83% 94.92% 93.48%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
110

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

AIR FORCE DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

DoDSER POCs submitted 251 DoDSERs for 2011 Air Force suicide attempts. As indicated in Table 4.29, 

these DoDSERs provide data on suicide attempts for 241 individuals. Two attempts were reported (DoDSERs 

submitted) for 8 (3.29%) individuals, and three attempts were reported by 1 individual. The tables in this 

section use a denominator of 243. Percentages for 2010 DoDSER data are provided for comparison. Specific 

suicide attempt count data for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are 

available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 4.29. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 251 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 241 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 232 96.27%

2 8 3.32%

3 1 0.41%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 0 0.00%

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated 

with or contributed to the suicide attempts. These factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, 

suicide attempt method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 4.30 contains DoDSER demographic data for Airmen who attempted suicide in 2011. Airmen who 

attempted suicide were most often male (n = 161, 64.14%), Caucasian (n = 178, 70.92%), under age twentyfive (n = 131, 52.19%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 231, 92.03%), junior enlisted (n = 158, 62.95%), Regular 

component (n = 241, 96.02%), and without a college education (n = 192, 76.50%).

TABLE 4.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TOTAL 251 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 161 64.14% 63.49%

Female 90 35.86% 36.51%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 3 1.20% 0.41%

Asian or Pacific Islander 8 3.19% 1.66%

Black/African American 46 18.33% 15.35%

White/Caucasian 178 70.92% 74.69%

Other/Don’t Know 16 6.37% 7.88%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 20 7.97%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 231 92.03%
111

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Event Setting

The most frequent location for Air Force suicide attempts was in the United States (n = 223, 88.84%), followed 

by Asian countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan (n = 10, 3.98%; Table 4.31). As indicated in Table 4.32, 

suicide attempts primarily occurred in the Service Members’ residences (n = 197, 78.49%). The most frequent 

“Other” settings include parks or nature reserves (n = 5, 1.99%), hotels (n = 3, 1.20%), and on base (n = 3, 

1.20%). 

AGE RANGE Under 25 131 52.19% 56.43%

25-29 63 25.10% 23.65%

30-39 49 19.52% 16.18%

40 + 8 3.19% 3.73%

RANK E1-E4 158 62.95% 64.58%

E5-E9 82 32.67% 30.00%

Officer 9 3.59% 5.00%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.42%

Cadet/Midshipman 3 1.20% 0.00%

COMPONENT Regular 241 96.02% 97.50%

Reserve 4 1.59% 0.83%

National Guard 2 0.80% 1.25%

Other 4 1.59% 0.42%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 1 0.40% 0.42%

GED 1 0.40% 0.42%

High school graduate 101 40.24% 40.42%

Some college or technical school 89 35.46% 36.25%

Degree/certificate less than four years 30 11.95% 6.25%

Four-year college degree 8 3.19% 5.83%

Master’s degree or greater 2 0.80% 2.92%

Don’t Know 19 7.57% 7.50%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 104 41.43% 47.30%

Married 102 40.64% 36.93%

Legally Separated 8 3.19% 4.15%

Divorced 32 12.75% 10.37%

Widowed 1 0.40% 0.00%

Don’t Know 4 1.59% 1.24%

Note: Ethnicity data unavailable prior to 2011.

TABLE 4.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS (CONT.) 
112

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 4.32. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 223 88.84% 78.84%

Iraq 2 0.80% 0.41%

Afghanistan 4 1.59% 0.83%

Asia 10 3.98% 7.88%

Europe 7 2.79% 9.13%

Canada or Mexico 1 0.40% 0.41%

Other 1 0.40% 1.66%

Don’t Know 3 1.20% 0.83%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 197 78.49% 81.74%

Residence of friend or family 17 6.77% 3.32%

Work/jobsite 6 2.39% 1.66%

Automobile (away from residence) 10 3.98% 2.49%

Inpatient medical facility 1 0.40% 0.00%

Other 20 7.97% 9.96%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.83%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 4.33, drug use was the most frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 148, 58.96%), 

followed by injury with a sharp or blunt object (n = 41, 16.33%). 

TABLE 4.33. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD 

TABLE 4.31. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 12 4.78% 1.66%

Firearm, military issue 1 0.40% 0.00%

Hanging 23 9.16% 7.05%

Drugs 148 58.96% 60.17%

Alcohol 6 2.39% 5.39%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 3 1.20% 1.24%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.83%

Chemicals 4 1.59% 0.00%

Drowning 3 1.20% 1.24%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.41%

Sharp or blunt object 41 16.33% 15.77%

Jumping from high place 2 0.80% 2.49%

Lying in front of moving object 3 1.20% 0.41%
113

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Substance Use during the Event

DoDSER POCs collected data on known alcohol and drug use during Air Force suicide attempts. As indicated 

in Table 4.34, 78 Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (31.08%) included evidence of alcohol use, and 158 

(62.95%) included evidence of drug use during the suicide attempt. Forty-six DoDSERs (18.33%) included 

information about both drugs and alcohol. These frequencies include Airmen who used drugs as a suicide 

attempt method (n = 148, 58.96%), as described above.

TABLE 4.34. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 78 31.08% 40.25%

No 144 57.37% 53.11%

Don’t Know 29 11.55% 6.64%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 158 62.95% 65.15%

No 82 32.67% 31.54%

Don’t Know 11 4.38% 3.32%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 9 3.59% 4.56%

Used, no overdose 8 3.19% 2.49%

Were not used 223 88.84% 89.63%

Don’t know 11 4.38% 3.32%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 96 38.25% 42.74%

Used, no overdose 20 7.97% 7.88%

Were not used 124 49.40% 46.06%

Don’t know 11 4.38% 3.32%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 49 19.52% 18.26%

Used, no overdose 8 3.19% 6.22%

Were not used 183 72.91% 72.20%

Don’t know 11 4.38% 3.32%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 46 18.33% 26.56%

No 172 68.53% 65.15%

Don’t Know 33 13.15% 8.30%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Communication of Intent

Most DoDSERs for Air Force suicide attempts included no known history of Airmen communicating with others 

about intent to harm themselves (n = 190, 75.70%; Table 4.35). Approximately one-fourth of DoDSERs (n = 

61, 24.30%) indicated that Airmen had communicated their intent to hurt themselves to at least one individual 

prior to attempting suicide. These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 35, 57.38%, 13.94% of 

Crashing a motor vehicle 2 0.80% 0.83%

Other 2 0.80% 0.83%

Don’t Know 1 0.40% 1.66%

TABLE 4.33. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.) 
114

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 4.36. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 190 75.70% 69.71%

1 49 19.52% 23.24%

2 11 4.38% 5.81%

3 1 0.40% 1.24%

4 0 0.00% 0.00%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 35 13.94% 24.07%

Written 13 5.18% 2.07%

Other or Unknown 9 3.59% 2.90%

Multiple Modes 4 1.59% 1.24%

No Known Communication 190 75.70% 69.71%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

TABLE 4.37. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 17 6.77% 6.22%

Friend 16 6.37% 6.22%

Behavioral Health Provider 6 2.39% 3.32%

Chaplain 0 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 12 4.78% 2.49%

Other or Unidentified 20 7.97% 4.98%

Made Multiple Communications 12 4.78% 7.05%

No Known Communication 190 75.70% 69.71%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

total; Table 4.36). As indicated in Table 4.37, Airmen most frequently communicated with their spouses (n = 17, 

27.87%, 6.77% of total) or friends (n = 16, 26.23%, 6.37% of total).

TABLE 4.35. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT 

Additional Event Information

Table 4.38 provides information about other details of 2011 Air Force suicide attempts. There was information 

to indicate that the majority of the Airmen (n = 162, 64.54%) had intended to die. Approximately one-fourth 

of suicide attempts (n = 60, 23.90%) appeared planned or premeditated. One hundred two suicide attempts 

(40.64%) took place in a location potentially observable by others, and 30 (11.95%) left suicide notes.
115

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 4.39 provides details about the living situations of Airmen who attempted suicide in 2011. Most 

DoDSERs indicated that the Airmen lived in homes or apartments outside of their installations (n = 128, 

51.00%), while 73 (29.08%) lived in shared living environments on their installations. Married Airmen (n = 102) 

most often lived with their spouses at the time of their suicide attempts (n = 57, 55.88% of married Airmen, 

22.71% of total), and 27 were separated due to relationship issues (26.47% of married Airmen, 10.76% of 

total). About one-third of Airmen had minor children (n = 86, 34.26%), and most resided with their children at 

the time of the suicide attempt (n = 50, 58.14% of Airmen with children, 19.92% of total). Twenty-two (8.76%) 

Airmen were known to have had access to firearms either in their homes or in other accessible locations.

TABLE 4.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 162 64.54% 70.12%

No 43 17.13% 14.11%

Don’t Know 46 18.33% 15.77%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 1 0.40% 0.83%

No 243 96.81% 93.36%

Don’t Know 7 2.79% 5.81%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 60 23.90% 25.31%

No 146 58.17% 53.53%

Don’t Know 45 17.93% 21.16%

OBSERVABLE Yes 102 40.64% 41.08%

No 111 44.22% 44.81%

Don’t Know 38 15.14% 14.11%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 30 11.95% 12.86%

No 196 78.09% 74.27%

Don’t Know 25 9.96% 12.86%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 73 29.08% 33.61%

Bachelor quarters 8 3.19% 3.73%

On-base family housing 28 11.16% 7.88%

Owned or leased apartment or house 128 51.00% 43.57%

Other 10 3.98% 3.73%

Don’t Know 4 1.59% 7.47%

TABLE 4.38. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 
116

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment for Airmen who attempted suicide was their permanent duty station (n = 167, 

66.53%; Table 4.40). Other environments with higher frequencies of suicide attempts included training (n = 17, 

6.77%), leave (n = 14, 5.58%), and medical hold (n = 11, 4.38%).

TABLE 4.40. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resides with spouse 57 22.71% 21.16%

Separated due to relationship issues 27 10.76% 7.05%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 16 6.37% 4.15%

Don’t Know 2 0.80% 4.56%

Unmarried at time of event 149 59.36% 63.07%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 126 50.20% 48.55%

No 117 46.61% 43.57%

Don’t Know 8 3.19% 7.88%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 86 34.26% 24.07%

No 161 64.14% 75.93%

Don’t Know 4 1.59% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 50 19.92% 13.28%

No 33 13.15% 9.54%

Don’t Know 7 2.79% 1.24%

No Children 161 64.14% 75.93%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 22 8.76% 9.96%

No 190 75.70% 75.52%

Don’t Know 39 15.54% 14.52%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 167 66.53% 76.76%

Leave 14 5.58% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 4 1.59% 1.66%

Medical Hold 11 4.38% 0.41%

TDY 1 0.40% 0.41%

AWOL 2 0.80% 0.00%

Under Command Observation 4 1.59% 0.00%

Deployed 5 1.99% 2.07%

Training 17 6.77% 2.07%

Other 12 4.78% 4.15%

Multiple Duty Environments 17 6.77% 2.90%

Duty Environment Unknown 32 12.75% 9.54%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 4.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
117

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

As summarized in Table 4.42, approximately one-third of DoDSERs included evidence of prior history of selfharm (n = 78, 31.08%), and 13 (5.18%) in the month prior to the attempt. DoDSERs indicated that Airmen had 

harmed themselves during the month prior to attempting suicide. Of those with a prior history of self-harm, 36 

(46.15%, 14.34% of total) had more than one prior event. Thirty-nine DoDSERs (15.54%) indicated that the 

suicide attempts were similar to prior self-harm events.

TABLE 4.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MONTH January 20 7.97% 7.05%

February 23 9.16% 5.81%

March 20 7.97% 5.81%

April 28 11.16% 9.13%

May 20 7.97% 9.54%

June 18 7.17% 8.30%

July 21 8.37% 9.96%

August 24 9.56% 8.71%

September 12 4.78% 13.28%

October 24 9.56% 10.79%

November 26 10.36% 6.64%

December 15 5.98% 4.98%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 78 31.08% 26.97%

 Within 30 days 13 5.18% 7.47%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 30 11.95% 12.86%

No 162 64.54% 63.90%

Don’t Know 11 4.38% 9.13%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 42 16.73% 13.69%

More than one prior event 36 14.34% 13.28%

Suicide Attempts by Month

No clear pattern was evident for Air Force suicide attempts by month (Table 4.41).

TABLE 4.41. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BY MONTH 
118

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about the history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below 

reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the 

suicide attempt. One hundred seventy Airmen who attempted suicide (67.73%) had a history of at least one 

documented behavioral health disorder (Table 4.43). Seventy-nine (31.47%) had at least two co-occurring 

diagnoses. As indicated in Table 4.44, 109 Airmen (43.43%) had a diagnosis of any mood disorder, most 

frequently major depressive disorder (n = 56, 54.90%, 22.31% of total). One hundred two Airmen (40.64%) 

had a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder; the most frequent were of unspecified type (n = 52, 75.36%, 20.72% of 

total; Table 4.45). Table 4.46 summarizes the data regarding other behavioral health diagnoses. Seventeen 

Airmen (6.77%) were known to have a personality disorder, 58 Airmen (23.11%) had a known history of 

substance abuse, 6 Airmen (2.39%) had a known traumatic brain injury, and 3 (1.20%) had a diagnosis of 

psychotic disorder.

TABLE 4.43. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 81 32.27% 33.20%

1 DX 91 36.25% 29.46%

2 DX 56 22.31% 18.26%

3 DX 17 6.77% 10.79%

4 or more DX 6 2.39% 8.30%

N/A or Unknown 173 68.92% 73.03%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 39 15.54% 16.60%

No 35 13.94% 7.88%

Don’t Know 4 1.59% 2.49%

N/A 173 68.92% 73.03%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 4.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY (CONT.) 

TABLE 4.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 109 43.43% 42.32%

No 133 52.99% 53.94%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 3.73%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 12 4.78% 2.90%

No 230 91.63% 91.70%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 5.39%

 Major depression Yes 56 22.31% 16.60%

No 186 74.10% 78.84%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 4.56%
119

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 4.45. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 102 40.64% 29.46%

No 132 52.59% 65.98%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.56%

 PTSD Yes 23 9.16% 7.05%

No 211 84.06% 87.97%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.98%

 Panic disorder Yes 3 1.20% 2.07%

No 231 92.03% 92.95%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.98%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 14 5.58% 3.73%

No 220 87.65% 91.29%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.98%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 3 1.20% 0.00%

No 231 92.03% 95.02%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.98%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 17 6.77% 4.98%

No 217 86.45% 90.04%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.98%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 52 20.72% 2.49%

No 182 72.51% 92.95%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.56%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 9 3.59% 9.13%

No 225 89.64% 86.31%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 4.56%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 4.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.)

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 14 5.58% 2.07%

No 228 90.84% 92.12%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 5.81%

 Other mood disorder Yes 39 15.54% 6.22%

No 203 80.88% 88.38%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 5.39%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 10 3.98% 6.22%

No 232 92.43% 90.04%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 3.73%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 10 3.98% 8.30%

No 232 92.43% 87.97%

Don’t Know 9 3.59% 3.73%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
120

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 4.46. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

Treatment History

Table 4.47 provides data on use of medical and behavioral health treatment by Airmen prior to suicide 

attempts. The majority of Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (n = 188, 74.90%) included a history of 

treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), 137 (72.87%, 54.58% of total) within the month prior to 

attempting suicide. Seventy-one DoDSERs (28.29%) included a known physical health problem. Most 

DoDSERs reported use of outpatient behavioral health services (n = 169, 67.33%), over one-half within the 

month prior to attempting suicide (n = 116, 68.64%, 46.22% of total). Seventy DoDSERs (27.89%) indicated 

that the Airmen had previously been hospitalized at an inpatient psychiatry unit, 35 (50.00%, 13.94% of total) 

within the month prior to the suicide attempt. Approximately one-fifth of DoDSERs (n = 49, 19.52%) included 

previous substance abuse treatment.

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 17 6.77% 8.71%

No 223 88.84% 84.65%

Don’t Know 11 4.38% 6.64%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 3 1.20% 0.00%

No 241 96.02% 95.44%

Don’t Know 7 2.79% 4.56%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 58 23.11% 21.99%

No 180 71.71% 68.88%

Don’t Know 13 5.18% 9.13%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 6 2.39% 0.41%

No 232 92.43% 89.21%

Don’t Know 13 5.18% 10.37%

TABLE 4.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 188 74.90% 64.73%

 Within 30 days 137 54.58% 45.23%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 167 66.53% 58.09%

No 51 20.32% 23.65%

Don’t Know 12 4.78% 11.62%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 71 28.29% 28.22%

 Within 30 days 39 15.54% 16.60%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 50 19.92% 21.58%

No 163 64.94% 61.83%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 9.96%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 49 19.52% 23.65%

 Within 30 days 27 10.76% 11.62%
121

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

As indicated in Table 4.48, 177 Airmen who attempted suicide (70.52%) included known prescriptions for 

psychotropic medication prior to the suicide attempt. Antidepressants (n = 87, 49.15% of those with known 

prescriptions, 34.66% of total) and antianxiety (n = 51, 28.81% of those with known prescriptions, 20.32% of 

total) were the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medications. 

TABLE 4.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 177 70.52% 52.28%

No 68 27.09% 41.08%

Don’t Know 6 2.39% 6.64%

 Antidepressants Yes 87 34.66% 43.98%

No 82 32.67% 47.72%

Don’t Know 82 32.67% 8.30%

 Antianxiety Yes 51 20.32% 23.24%

No 117 46.61% 65.56%

Don’t Know 83 33.07% 11.20%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 34 13.55% 16.18%

No 197 78.49% 73.44%

Don’t Know 5 1.99% 2.90%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 36 14.34% 7.47%

 Within 30 days 12 4.78% 2.49%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 19 7.57% 3.73%

No 210 83.67% 89.21%

Don’t Know 5 1.99% 3.32%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 40 15.94% 6.64%

 Within 30 days 23 9.16% 2.90%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 29 11.55% 4.56%

No 142 56.57% 63.90%

Don’t Know 69 27.49% 29.46%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 169 67.33% 69.71%

 Within 30 days 116 46.22% 53.11%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 134 53.39% 58.51%

No 76 30.28% 27.39%

Don’t Know 6 2.39% 2.90%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 70 27.89% 24.90%

 Within 30 days 35 13.94% 9.96%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 50 19.92% 15.35%

No 175 69.72% 71.78%

Don’t Know 6 2.39% 3.32%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 4.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
122

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Over one-half of DoDSERs for Airmen who attempted suicide (n = 147, 58.57%) included a known failure 

in a spousal or intimate relationship, with 97 (65.99%, 38.65% of total) indicating the failure occurred within 

the month prior to suicide (Table 4.49). Fifty-two DoDSERs (20.72%) included a failure in another important 

relationship, with 36 of these (69.23%, 14.34% of total) occurring within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 4.49. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 147 58.57% 53.53%

 Within 30 days 97 38.65% 36.93%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 125 49.80% 43.15%

No 88 35.06% 38.59%

Don’t Know 16 6.37% 7.88%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 52 20.72% 14.94%

 Within 30 days 36 14.34% 7.88%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 42 16.73% 11.20%

No 174 69.32% 67.63%

Don’t Know 25 9.96% 17.43%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 165 65.74% 58.51%

 Within 30 days 106 42.23% 41.49%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 136 54.18% 47.30%

No 70 27.89% 34.02%

Don’t Know 16 6.37% 7.47%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

 Antimanics Yes 11 4.38% 2.49%

No 158 62.95% 85.89%

Don’t Know 82 32.67% 11.62%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 8 3.19% 4.56%

No 160 63.75% 84.23%

Don’t Know 83 33.07% 11.20%

 Antipsychotics Yes 25 9.96% 7.47%

No 144 57.37% 80.91%

Don’t Know 82 32.67% 11.62%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 4.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE (CONT.)
123

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Table 4.50 summarizes other family and relationship factors. Nineteen DoDSERs for Airmen (7.57%) included 

the loss of a family member to suicide, and 19 (7.57%) indicated that a friend of the Airmen had died by 

suicide. Many DoDSERs included the death of a family member (n = 39, 15.54%) or friend (n = 12, 4.78%) by 

other means. Approximately one-third of DoDSERs indicated a family member had behavioral health problems 

(n = 87, 34.66%).

TABLE 4.50. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 1 0.40% 0.00%

No 240 95.62% 90.87%

Don’t Know 10 3.98% 9.13%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 19 7.57% 8.71%

No 215 85.66% 77.18%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 14.11%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 19 7.57% 6.22%

No 207 82.47% 74.27%

Don’t Know 25 9.96% 19.50%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 39 15.54% 15.35%

No 191 76.10% 66.80%

Don’t Know 21 8.37% 17.84%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 12 4.78% 8.71%

No 215 85.66% 74.69%

Don’t Know 24 9.56% 16.60%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 31 12.35% 9.13%

No 197 78.49% 72.61%

Don’t Know 23 9.16% 18.26%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 87 34.66% 41.91%

No 125 49.80% 41.91%

Don’t Know 39 15.54% 16.18%

Administrative and Legal History

Over one-third of DoDSERs for Airmen who attempted suicide included at least one administrative or legal 

issue (n = 103, 41.04%), and 32 (12.75%) included more than one issue (Table 4.51). The most frequent 

administrative or legal problems were medical board proceedings (n = 38, 15.14%) and Article 15 proceedings 

(n = 33, 13.15%). 

TABLE 4.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 9 3.59% 2.49%

No 212 84.46% 88.38%

Don’t Know 30 11.95% 9.13%
124

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

HX ARTICLE 15 Yes 33 13.15% 13.69%

No 127 50.60% 77.18%

Don’t Know 91 36.25% 9.13%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 21 8.37% 6.64%

No 198 78.88% 85.48%

Don’t Know 32 12.75% 7.88%

HX AWOL Yes 10 3.98% 3.73%

No 213 84.86% 88.38%

Don’t Know 28 11.16% 7.88%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 38 15.14% 10.79%

No 203 80.88% 84.65%

Don’t Know 10 3.98% 4.56%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 16 6.37% 11.20%

No 204 81.27% 78.01%

Don’t Know 31 12.35% 10.79%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 16 6.37% 7.05%

No 215 85.66% 83.40%

Don’t Know 20 7.97% 9.54%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 103 41.04% 35.68%

No 138 54.98% 55.60%

Don’t Know 10 3.98% 8.71%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 32 12.75% 13.28%

No 209 83.27% 54.36%

Don’t Know 10 3.98% 32.37%

TABLE 4.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 4.52). 

Several DoDSERs for Airmen who attempted suicide in 2011 indicated a history of victimization by physical 

abuse (n = 62, 24.70%), sexual abuse (n = 53, 21.12%), emotional abuse (n = 68, 27.09%), and sexual 

harassment (n = 8, 3.19%). DoDSERs for Airmen who attempted suicide reported a lower frequency of 

perpetration of physical abuse (n = 14, 5.58%), sexual abuse (n = 4, 1.59%), emotional abuse (n = 14, 5.58%), 

and sexual harassment (n = 2, 0.80%).

TABLE 4.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 62 24.70% 21.16%

No 174 69.32% 68.05%

Don’t Know 15 5.98% 10.79%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 53 21.12% 19.09%

No 188 74.90% 69.71%

Don’t Know 10 3.98% 11.20%
125

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 4.53). Approximately onethird of DoDSERs for Airmen who attempted suicide in 2011 indicated a history of job loss or instability (n = 81, 

32.27%). Seventy DoDSERs (27.89%) included interpersonal problems with either supervisors or coworkers, 

and 40 (15.94%) included prior poor work evaluations.

TABLE 4.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 32 12.75% 9.13%

No 170 67.73% 74.69%

Don’t Know 49 19.52% 16.18%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 81 32.27% 35.68%

No 151 60.16% 53.53%

Don’t Know 19 7.57% 10.79%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 70 27.89% 26.56%

No 135 53.78% 61.83%

Don’t Know 46 18.33% 11.62%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 40 15.94% 12.86%

No 184 73.31% 75.52%

Don’t Know 27 10.76% 11.62%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 9 3.59% 3.32%

No 218 86.85% 80.91%

Don’t Know 24 9.56% 15.77%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 68 27.09% 29.05%

No 165 65.74% 60.58%

Don’t Know 18 7.17% 10.37%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 8 3.19% 3.32%

No 219 87.25% 82.99%

Don’t Know 24 9.56% 13.69%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 14 5.58% 5.81%

No 216 86.06% 83.40%

Don’t Know 21 8.37% 10.79%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 4 1.59% 1.24%

No 230 91.63% 88.80%

Don’t Know 17 6.77% 9.96%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 14 5.58% 2.90%

No 214 85.26% 85.89%

Don’t Know 23 9.16% 11.20%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 2 0.80% 0.41%

No 229 91.24% 87.97%

Don’t Know 20 7.97% 11.62%

TABLE 4.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.) 
126

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Four Airmen (1.59%) attempted suicide while deployed in Afghanistan, and two Airmen attempted suicide 

while deployed in Iraq (0.80%; Table 4.54). Sixteen Air Force suicide attempt DoDSERs (6.37%) included 

information about prior OEF/OIF/OND deployments (Table 4.55). Thirty-seven DoDSERs (14.74%) included 

experiences of direct combat (Table 4.56).

TABLE 4.54. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN THEATER

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 4 1.59% 0.83%

Iraq 2 0.80% 0.41%

Not OEF/OND 245 97.61% 98.76%

TABLE 4.55. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 9 3.59% 4.98%

Iraq 6 2.39% 15.35%

Kuwait 1 0.40% 1.24%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 0 0.00% 2.07%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 235 93.63% 76.35%

TABLE 4.56. CY 2011 AND 2010 AIR FORCE SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMBAT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 37 14.74% 6.22%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 14 5.58% 2.07%

 Injured in combat 7 2.79% 0.41%

 Witnessed killing in combat 14 5.58% 2.90%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 15 5.98% 2.90%

 Killed others in combat 7 2.79% 1.24%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 214 85.26% 93.78%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
127

Chapter 4: Air Force DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Summary

This chapter provides data on Air Force suicides and suicide attempts that occurred in 2011. Data are 

presented for 46 Airmen who died by suicide and 241 Airmen who attempted suicide in 251 separate incidents. 

Decedents and those who attempted suicide were primarily male, Caucasian, non-Hispanic or Latino, under 

age twenty-five, junior enlisted, Regular component, and without a college degree. 

Most suicide events took place in the United States in the personal residences of Airmen. The most frequent 

methods for Airmen who died by suicide were by use of non-military issue firearms and hanging. Suicide 

attempt methods were most frequently drug overdose, harming oneself with a sharp or blunt object, and 

hanging. Drug and alcohol use was much more frequent among nonfatal Air Force suicide events. The 

majority of Airmen who died by suicide or had attempted suicide were not known to have communicated with 

others about their likelihood of harming themselves.

Airmen with nonfatal suicide events had more known behavioral health disorders. Additionally, those who 

attempted suicide had a higher prevalence of prior abuse victimization. Failed intimate relationships were 

frequent among Airmen with suicide events. The most frequent administrative or legal issue was Article 15 

proceedings. 

Few Airmen were deployed at the time of their suicide events. For those with prior deployments, only one had 

experienced direct combat.
128

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

CHAPTER 5:

ARMY DoDSER

Army DoDSER Submissions and Point of Contact (POC) Compliance

2011 Reported Suicides

One hundred fifty-nine Army suicides were confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System 

(AFMES) for calendar year (CY) 2011 (Table 5.1). Army Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports 

(DoDSERs) were submitted and analyzed for all 159 confirmed suicides for a submission compliance rate of 

100%. In addition, the tables provide percentages for 2009 and 2010 DoDSER data for comparison. Specific 

counts for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at 

http://t2health.org.

TABLE 5.1. ARMY AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DODSERS SUBMITTED

ARMY RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have 

been associated with the suicide events. These factors include decedents’ demographic characteristics, event 

setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 5.2 contains demographic data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). The majority 

of Army 2011 suicides were completed by males (n = 156, 93.41%). Decedents were primarily Caucasian (n = 

135, 80.84%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 157, 94.01%), junior enlisted (n = 86, 51.50%), Regular component 

(n = 142, 85.03%), and without a college degree (n = 140, 83.84%).

2011 2010 2009 2008

Total DoDSERs Included in Annual Report 159 147 154 121

Total AFMES Confirmed and Pending Suicides 167 160 164 140

AFMES Confirmed Suicides (By 31 January) 159 147 162 135

DoDSER Submission Compliance 100% 100% 95% 89%

Data from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2011 as of 4/26/2012 for CY 2011; as of 1 April for previous years
129

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 5.2. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA AND RATES FOR ARMY SUICIDES

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

(N = 160) 

Percent

(N = 166) 

Percent

TOTAL 167 100.00% 100.00% 22.90 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 156 93.41% 85.86% 24.90 94.38% 97.59%

Female 11 6.59% 14.14% * 5.63% 2.41%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 1 0.60% 0.79% * 2.50% 2.41%

Asian or Pacific Islander 12 7.19% 3.74% * 6.88% 6.63%

Black/African American 17 10.18% 19.41% * 12.50% 11.45%

White/Caucasian 135 80.84% 70.80% 26.13 78.13% 79.52%

Other/Don’t Know 2 1.20% 5.26% * 0.00% 0.00%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 10 5.99% 10.85% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 157 94.01% 89.15% 24.48 

AGE RANGE Under 25 56 33.53% 31.84% 24.10 47.50% 43.64%

25-29 56 33.53% 23.76% 32.29 28.75% 29.70%

30-34 20 11.98% 15.84% 17.30 10.63% 11.52%

35-39 19 11.38% 11.87% * 6.88% 8.48%

40-44 15 8.98% 9.37% * 6.25% 5.45%

45+ 1 0.60% 7.33% * 0.00% 1.21%

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 0.65% * 0.00% 0.00%

E1-E4 86 51.50% 42.92% 27.46 58.13% 58.43%

E5-E9 69 41.32% 39.03% 24.23 38.13% 30.12%

Officer 12 7.19% 14.56% * 3.75% 9.04%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 2.85% * 0.00% 1.20%

COMPONENT Regular 142 85.03% 77.58% 25.08 88.75% 89.16%

Reserve 8 4.79% 7.79% * 4.38% 1.81%

National Guard 17 10.18% 14.63% * 6.88% 9.04%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 4 2.40% 0.92% * 1.25% 1.20%

GED 24 14.37% 8.05% 40.83 13.13% 20.48%

High school graduate 101 60.48% 57.90% 23.90 65.00% 58.43%

Some college or technical school 11 6.59% 4.52% * 4.38% 6.63%

Degree/certificate less than four years 9 5.39% 6.97% * 6.88% 1.81%

Four-year college degree 12 7.19% 10.68% * 6.88% 7.83%

Master’s degree or greater 1 0.60% 8.81% * 0.00% 2.41%

Don’t Know 5 2.99% 2.14% * 2.50% 1.20%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 57 34.13% 35.24% 22.16 41.88% 36.14%

Married 92 55.09% 6.41% 21.70 50.63% 50.60%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.13% * 0.00% 1.81%

Divorced 15 8.98% 58.10% * 6.88% 10.84%

Widowed 3 1.80% 0.10% * 0.00% 0.60%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.03% * 0.63% 0.00%

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “DoD Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and 

Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.
130

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Event Setting

As in the previous two years, Army suicides most frequently took place in the United States (n = 126, 79.25%). 

Nine suicides occurred during deployment in Iraq (5.66%) and 14 occurred in Afghanistan (8.81%; Table 

5.3). As summarized in Table 5.4, suicides primarily occurred in either the Soldiers’ own residences (n = 88, 

55.35%) or the residences of friends or family members (n = 14, 8.81%). “Other” settings included hotels (n = 

5, 3.21%), parks and nature reserves (n = 3, 1.92%), vacant or secluded property (n = 2, 1.28%), and latrines 

(n = 3, 1.92%).

TABLE 5.3. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

Event Method

As indicated in Table 5.5, the primary methods for Army suicide in 2011 were the use of non-military issue 

firearms (n = 74, 46.54%), hanging (n = 28, 17.61%), and use of military issue firearms (n = 20, 12.58%). 

TABLE 5.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT METHOD 

TABLE 5.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 126 79.25% 78.91% 73.20%

Iraq 9 5.66% 8.16% 14.38%

Afghanistan 14 8.81% 8.16% 1.96%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Asia 1 0.63% 3.40% 3.27%

Europe 7 4.40% 0.68% 4.58%

Canada or Mexico 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.65%

Other 0 0.00% 0.68% 1.31%

Don’t Know 2 1.26% 0.00% 0.65%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 88 55.35% 53.06% 58.17%

Residence of friend or family 14 8.81% 12.93% 9.15%

Work/jobsite 10 6.29% 7.48% 5.23%

Automobile (away from residence) 11 6.92% 4.76% 6.54%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.68% 0.00%

Other 36 22.64% 21.09% 20.92%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 74 46.54% 48.98% 40.52%

Firearm, military issue 20 12.58% 19.05% 18.95%

Hanging 28 17.61% 21.09% 21.57%
131

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Substance Use during the Event

Comprehensive information about substance use during suicide is unavailable for many Army suicides in 2011. 

As summarized in Table 5.6, approximately one-fourth of decedents for whom information was available used 

alcohol during the suicide event (n = 34, 47.22% of DoDSERs with alcohol use data, 21.38% of total). Fewer 

were known to have used drugs during the event (n = 12, 18.75% of DoDSERs with drug use data, 7.55% 

of total). Four Soldiers used both drugs and alcohol during their suicide events (6.25% of DoDSERs with 

substance abuse data, 2.52% of total). As in the previous two years, drug use most frequently consisted of 

misuse of over-the-counter drugs (n = 5, 3.14%). These frequencies include Soldiers who used drugs as a 

suicide method (n = 4, 2.52%), as described above.

TABLE 5.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE

Drugs 4 2.52% 4.08% 4.58%

Alcohol 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.65%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 1 0.63% 0.00% 4.58%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.68% 1.31%

Drowning 0 0.00% 2.04% 0.00%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 1 0.63% 0.00% 0.65%

Jumping from high place 2 1.26% 0.00% 1.31%

Lying in front of moving object 1 0.63% 0.68% 1.31%

Other 3 1.89% 0.68% 2.61%

Don’t Know 23 14.47% 2.72% 1.96%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 34 21.38% 22.45% 21.57%

No 38 23.90% 38.10% 39.22%

Don’t Know 87 54.72% 39.46% 39.22%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 12 7.55% 8.84% 5.88%

No 52 32.70% 44.90% 46.41%

Don’t Know 95 59.75% 46.26% 47.71%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 1.36% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 1 0.63% 1.36% 0.65%

Were not used 63 39.62% 51.02% 51.63%

Don’t know 95 59.75% 46.26% 47.71%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 4 2.52% 2.72% 3.92%

Used, no overdose 4 2.52% 3.40% 0.00%

Were not used 56 35.22% 47.62% 48.37%

Don’t know 95 59.75% 46.26% 47.71%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 5 3.14% 2.04% 1.31%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Were not used 59 37.11% 51.70% 50.98%

Don’t know 95 59.75% 46.26% 47.71%

TABLE 5.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.) 
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Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the prior two years, most Army decedents had no known history of communicating with others 

about intent to harm themselves (n = 120, 75.47%; Table 5.7). Approximately one-fifth of Soldiers who died 

by suicide were known to have communicated with at least one individual regarding their potential to die by 

suicide (n = 31, 19.50%). These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 24, 15.09%; Table 5.8). 

DoDSER POCs indicated that six Soldiers used text messages to indicate potential for self-harm (3.77%) and 

two used Facebook (1.26%); included in “Other” category and “Multiple Modes”). As indicated in Table 5.9, 

decedents most frequently communicated with their spouses (n = 18, 11.32%) and behavioral health providers 

(n = 8, 5.03%). The predominant “Other” response was family members (n = 4, 40.00% of “Other”, 2.52% of 

total).

TABLE 5.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 5.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 4 2.52% 4.08% 1.31%

No 57 35.85% 46.94% 47.06%

Don’t Know 98 61.64% 48.98% 51.63%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 120 75.47% 67.35% 70.59%

1 31 19.50% 27.89% 19.61%

2 6 3.77% 4.08% 6.54%

3 2 1.26% 0.68% 1.31%

4 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.31%

5 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.65%

TABLE 5.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 24 15.09% 20.41% 16.34%

Written 6 3.77% 5.44% 3.92%

Other or Unknown 6 3.77% 2.72% 7.19%

Multiple Modes 3 1.89% 4.08% 1.96%

No Known Communication 120 75.47% 67.35% 70.59%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 18 11.32% 11.56% 7.19%

Friend 8 5.03% 4.08% 5.23%

Behavioral Health Provider 8 5.03% 4.76% 0.65%

Chaplain 2 1.26% 0.00% 0.00%

TABLE 5.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE (CONT.)
133

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Additional Event Information

Table 5.10 provides information about other details of 2011 Army suicides. For the majority (n = 88, 55.35%), 

there was information to indicate that the decedents intended to die. Over one-fourth of the suicides appeared 

premeditated (n = 46, 28.93%). Forty-one Army decedents (25.79%) died in a location where the suicide was 

potentially observable by others. Twenty-nine Service Members (18.24%) left suicide notes.

TABLE 5.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

Supervisor 2 1.26% 1.36% 1.31%

Other or Unidentified 10 6.29% 6.12% 5.23%

Made Multiple Communications 8 5.03% 4.76% 9.80%

No Known Communication 120 75.47% 67.35% 70.59%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 88 55.35% 68.03% 76.47%

No 6 3.77% 11.56% 6.54%

Don’t Know 65 40.88% 20.41% 16.99%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 2.72% 1.96%

No 106 66.67% 80.27% 86.93%

Don’t Know 53 33.33% 17.01% 11.11%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 46 28.93% 34.69% 42.48%

No 35 22.01% 35.37% 30.72%

Don’t Know 78 49.06% 29.93% 26.80%

OBSERVABLE Yes 41 25.79% 25.85% 22.88%

No 68 42.77% 58.50% 69.28%

Don’t Know 50 31.45% 15.65% 7.84%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 29 18.24% 25.85% 24.84%

No 60 37.74% 51.02% 53.59%

Don’t Know 70 44.03% 23.13% 21.57%

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 5.11 provides details about the living situations of Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011. Decedents 

most frequently lived in homes or apartments outside of their installations (n = 60, 37.74%) or shared living 

environments on their installations (n = 54, 33.96%). Of those who were married (n = 72), over one-half lived 

with their spouses (n = 42, 58.33% of married, 26.42% of total), and 20 were known to be separated due to 

TABLE 5.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT (CONT.) 
134

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

relationship issues (27.78% of married, 12.58% of total). Most decedents lived with others (n = 70, 44.03%). 

Fifty-nine (37.11%) Army decedents had minor children, and 25 (15.72%) lived with their children at the time of 

death. One-half of decedents had access to firearms in either their homes or immediate environments (n = 72, 

45.28%).

TABLE 5.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 54 33.96% 39.46% 41.83%

Bachelor quarters 1 0.63% 0.68% 0.65%

On-base family housing 7 4.40% 10.88% 4.58%

Owned or leased apartment or house 60 37.74% 35.37% 39.87%

Other 7 4.40% 7.48% 9.15%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 6.12% 3.92%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resided with spouse 42 26.42% 24.49% 20.26%

Separated due to relationship issues 20 12.58% 14.29% 11.76%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 4 2.52% 5.44% 11.76%

Don’t Know 6 3.77% 4.08% 3.27%

Unmarried at time of event 87 54.72% 51.70% 52.94%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 40 25.16% 24.49% 32.68%

No 70 44.03% 63.27% 54.90%

Don’t Know 49 30.82% 12.24% 12.42%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 59 37.11% 38.10% 39.87%

No 47 29.56% 61.90% 60.13%

Don’t Know 53 33.33% 0.00% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 25 15.72% 17.01% 14.38%

No 33 20.75% 19.73% 24.18%

Don’t Know 54 33.96% 1.36% 1.31%

No Children 47 29.56% 61.90% 60.13%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 72 45.28% 53.74% 52.29%

No 20 12.58% 21.77% 23.53%

Don’t Know 67 42.14% 24.49% 24.18%

Duty Environment

Consistent with the previous two years, the primary duty environment of Army suicide decedents was their 

permanent duty station (n = 93, 58.49%; Table 5.12). Twenty-five were deployed (15.72%) and 10 (6.29%) 

were on leave at the time of death. Of the 25 decedents who were deployed, one died while on emergency 

leave from deployment and one died while on Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) status. 

TABLE 5.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 93 58.49% 51.70% 51.63%

Leave 10 6.29% 0.00% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.00% 8.16% 9.80%
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Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the prior two years, no clear pattern existed for Army suicides by month (Table 5.13).

TABLE 5.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH

Medical Hold 4 2.52% 0.68% 0.65%

TDY 3 1.89% 0.00% 0.65%

AWOL 7 4.40% 2.72% 3.92%

Under Command Observation 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Deployed 25 15.72% 16.33% 16.34%

Training 8 5.03% 1.36% 2.61%

Other 12 7.55% 4.76% 5.23%

Multiple Duty Environments 15 9.43% 7.48% 8.50%

Duty Environment Unknown 15 9.43% 6.80% 0.65%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 16 10.06% 10.20% 12.42%

February 5 3.14% 8.84% 13.07%

March 8 5.03% 8.16% 7.84%

April 21 13.21% 7.48% 5.88%

May 18 11.32% 6.12% 11.76%

June 8 5.03% 13.61% 5.23%

July 21 13.21% 8.84% 7.84%

August 15 9.43% 9.52% 6.54%

September 15 9.43% 11.56% 4.58%

October 17 10.69% 5.44% 12.42%

November 6 3.77% 5.44% 6.54%

December 9 5.66% 4.76% 5.88%

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Nineteen Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011 (11.95%) had a known history of self-harm (Table 5.14), and 10 

decedents (6.29%) were known to have at least two prior incidents of self-harm.

TABLE 5.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
136

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 5.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

Behavioral Health Disorders 

The DoDSER items collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data 

below reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of 

death. Seventy-five Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011 (47.17%) had a history of at least one documented 

behavioral health disorder (Table 5.15). Forty-three (27.04%) had at least two co-occurring diagnoses. 

As indicated in Table 5.16, thirty-three decedents (20.75%) had a mood disorder, most frequently major 

depressive disorder (n = 18, 11.32%). Thirty-four Soldiers (21.38%) were known to have had an anxiety 

disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n = 15, 9.43%; Table 5.17). As summarized in Table 

5.18, three decedents (1.89%) were known to have personality disorders and seven (4.40%) had previously 

sustained a traumatic brain injury. Over one-fourth of Army decedents (n = 40, 25.16%) had a known history of 

substance abuse.

TABLE 5.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 19 11.95% 14.97% 19.61%

 Within 30 days 3 1.89% 2.04% 3.92%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 3.14% 4.08% 7.19%

No 64 40.25% 54.42% 56.86%

Don’t Know 76 47.80% 30.61% 23.53%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 9 5.66% 8.84% 10.46%

More than one prior event 10 6.29% 6.12% 9.15%

N/A or Unknown 140 88.05% 85.03% 80.39%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 8 5.03% 3.40% 3.27%

No 10 6.29% 9.52% 12.42%

Don’t Know 1 0.63% 2.04% 3.92%

N/A 140 88.05% 85.03% 80.39%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 5.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 84 52.83% 54.42% 54.25%

1 DX 32 20.13% 17.01% 22.22%

2 DX 17 10.69% 18.37% 13.73%

3 DX 16 10.06% 4.08% 5.23%

4 or more DX 10 6.29% 6.12% 4.58%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 33 20.75% 17.69% 27.45%

No 93 58.49% 63.27% 62.09%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.05% 10.46%
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Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

 Bipolar disorder Yes 3 1.89% 0.68% 0.65%

No 123 77.36% 80.27% 86.27%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.05% 13.07%

 Major depression Yes 18 11.32% 8.84% 13.73%

No 108 67.92% 71.43% 74.51%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.73% 11.76%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 2 1.26% 1.36% 1.31%

No 124 77.99% 78.91% 86.27%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.73% 12.42%

 Other mood disorder Yes 13 8.18% 3.40% 3.27%

No 113 71.07% 77.55% 83.66%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.05% 13.07%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 2 1.26% 1.36% 3.27%

No 124 77.99% 79.59% 86.27%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.05% 10.46%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 2 1.26% 2.04% 5.23%

No 124 77.99% 78.91% 84.31%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 19.05% 10.46%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 5.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 34 21.38% 16.33% 18.95%

No 95 59.75% 66.67% 69.28%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.01% 11.76%

 PTSD Yes 15 9.43% 6.12% 9.15%

No 114 71.70% 76.19% 78.43%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.69% 12.42%

 Panic disorder Yes 1 0.63% 0.00% 0.00%

No 128 80.50% 82.31% 86.93%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.69% 13.07%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 10 6.29% 0.68% 1.31%

No 119 74.84% 81.63% 86.27%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.69% 12.42%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 129 81.13% 82.31% 86.93%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.69% 13.07%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 10 6.29% 6.80% 3.92%

No 119 74.84% 76.19% 82.35%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.01% 13.73%

TABLE 5.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.) 
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Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Treatment History

Table 5.19 provides data on Army suicide decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to 

death. The majority (n = 97, 61.01%) had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility 

(MTF). Fifty-three decedents (33.33%) were treated at a MTF within the month prior to suicide. Thirty-two 

Soldiers (20.13%) had a known history of a physical health problem and 15 decedents (9.43%) had received 

physical health diagnoses within the month prior to suicide.

Twenty-six Army decedents (16.35%) had received substance abuse treatment services, and 13 (8.18%) 

received help from family advocacy programs. Eleven Soldiers (6.92%) utilized chaplain services. Nearly 

one-half of decedents (n = 76, 47.80%) had received outpatient behavioral health treatment, with 34 (21.38%) 

receiving treatment within the month prior to suicide. Twenty-four Soldiers (15.09%) had received inpatient 

behavioral health treatment, five of whom (3.14%) were treated within the month prior to suicide. Seven Army 

decedents (4.40%) were assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit.

TABLE 5.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 9 5.66% 0.68% 1.31%

No 120 75.47% 82.31% 86.93%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.01% 11.76%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 11 6.92% 2.04% 3.27%

No 118 74.21% 80.95% 84.97%

Don’t Know 30 18.87% 17.01% 11.76%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 3 1.89% 3.40% 4.58%

No 122 76.73% 78.23% 83.01%

Don’t Know 34 21.38% 18.37% 12.42%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 3 1.89% 0.00% 1.31%

No 122 76.73% 81.63% 86.93%

Don’t Know 34 21.38% 18.37% 11.76%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 40 25.16% 27.89% 22.88%

No 72 45.28% 48.98% 60.13%

Don’t Know 47 29.56% 23.13% 16.99%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 7 4.40% 4.08%

No 117 73.58% 77.55%

Don’t Know 35 22.01% 18.37%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.

TABLE 5.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS (CONT.)
139

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 5.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2008 ARMY DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 97 61.01% 57.14% 62.09%

 Within 30 days 53 33.33% 36.73% 40.52%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 71 44.65% 43.54% 53.59%

No 29 18.24% 27.21% 28.76%

Don’t Know 33 20.75% 15.65% 9.15%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 32 20.13% 18.37% 22.88%

 Within 30 days 15 9.43% 12.93% 16.34%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 24 15.09% 14.97% 18.30%

No 57 35.85% 48.30% 52.94%

Don’t Know 70 44.03% 33.33% 24.18%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 26 16.35% 23.81% 14.38%

 Within 30 days 12 7.55% 8.16% 7.19%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 13 8.18% 10.88% 7.19%

No 92 57.86% 60.54% 72.55%

Don’t Know 41 25.79% 15.65% 13.07%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 13 8.18% 8.84% 6.54%

 Within 30 days 2 1.26% 1.36% 1.96%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 4 2.52% 2.72% 2.61%

No 98 61.64% 68.71% 75.82%

Don’t Know 48 30.19% 22.45% 17.65%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 11 6.92% 7.48% 10.46%

 Within 30 days 8 5.03% 4.76% 9.15%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 5.66% 6.12% 9.80%

No 104 65.41% 35.37% 41.18%

Don’t Know 44 27.67% 57.14% 48.37%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 76 47.80% 44.22% 50.33%

 Within 30 days 34 21.38% 26.53% 28.10%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 46 28.93% 30.61% 32.03%

No 58 36.48% 42.18% 42.48%

Don’t Know 25 15.72% 13.61% 7.19%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 24 15.09% 12.24% 18.95%

 Within 30 days 5 3.14% 6.12% 2.61%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 5.03% 7.48% 9.15%

No 101 63.52% 70.75% 71.24%

Don’t Know 34 21.38% 17.01% 9.80%

IN A WARRIOR TRANSITION UNIT Yes 7 4.40% 4.76%

No 124 77.99% 27.21%

Don’t Know 28 17.61% 68.03%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Note: Warrior Transition Unit data unavailable prior to 2010.
140

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Table 5.20 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by decedents prior to suicide. 

Forty-seven decedents (29.56%) had known prescriptions for psychotropic medications, most frequently 

antidepressants (n = 43, 27.04%) and antianxiety medication (n = 18, 11.32%).

TABLE 5.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Seventy-one 2011 Army decedents (44.65%) had a known failure in a spousal or intimate relationship; 36 

(22.64%) experienced the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 5.21). Thirteen decedents (8.18%) 

had a failure in another important relationship, many of these (n = 6, 3.77%) occurred within the month prior to 

suicide. Almost one-half of all Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011 had some form of failed relationship (n = 

75, 47.17%), with 38 (23.90%) that occurred within the month prior to death.

TABLE 5.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 47 29.56% 28.57% 35.95%

No 70 44.03% 48.98% 49.67%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 22.45% 14.38%

 Antidepressants Yes 43 27.04% 22.45% 30.07%

No 74 46.54% 53.74% 55.56%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 23.81% 14.38%

 Antianxiety Yes 18 11.32% 9.52% 13.73%

No 99 62.26% 64.63% 70.59%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 25.85% 15.69%

 Antimanics Yes 2 1.26% 1.36% 0.65%

No 115 72.33% 72.11% 83.66%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 26.53% 15.69%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 3 1.89% 3.40% 2.61%

No 114 71.70% 70.75% 82.35%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 25.85% 15.03%

 Antipsychotics Yes 6 3.77% 4.76% 7.84%

No 111 69.81% 70.07% 76.47%

Don’t Know 42 26.42% 25.17% 15.69%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 71 44.65% 51.02% 50.33%

 Within 30 days 36 22.64% 27.89% 27.45%
141

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Table 5.22 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may have been associated with the suicide. 

Eighteen Army decedents (11.32%) were known to have had a family member with behavioral health problems, 

8 (5.03%) had experienced the death of a family member by suicide, and 13 (8.18%) had experienced nonsuicide deaths of a family member. Friends of six decedents (3.77%) had died by suicide prior to the Soldiers’ 

deaths, and five decedents’ friends (3.14%) had died by other means. Four decedents (2.52%) were known to 

have had family members with significant physical health problems.

TABLE 5.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 51 32.08% 33.33% 35.29%

No 25 15.72% 23.13% 21.57%

Don’t Know 63 39.62% 25.85% 28.10%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 13 8.18% 14.29% 15.03%

 Within 30 days 6 3.77% 8.84% 10.46%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 10 6.29% 10.88% 11.76%

No 54 33.96% 42.86% 46.41%

Don’t Know 92 57.86% 42.86% 38.56%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 75 47.17% 53.74% 54.90%

 Within 30 days 38 23.90% 32.65% 31.37%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 55 34.59% 38.10% 39.22%

No 21 13.21% 20.41% 18.95%

Don’t Know 63 39.62% 25.85% 26.14%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 101 63.52% 72.79% 81.70%

Don’t Know 58 36.48% 27.21% 18.30%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 8 5.03% 2.72% 3.92%

No 61 38.36% 50.34% 64.05%

Don’t Know 90 56.60% 46.94% 32.03%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 6 3.77% 3.40% 0.65%

No 61 38.36% 45.58% 60.78%

Don’t Know 90 56.60% 51.02% 38.56%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 13 8.18% 2.72% 4.58%

No 60 37.74% 51.02% 61.44%

Don’t Know 86 54.09% 46.26% 33.99%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 5 3.14% 7.48% 3.27%

No 58 36.48% 44.22% 56.21%

Don’t Know 96 60.38% 48.30% 40.52%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 4 2.52% 3.40% 7.84%

No 69 43.40% 51.02% 60.78%

Don’t Know 86 54.09% 45.58% 31.37%

TABLE 5.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE (CONT.)
142

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Administrative and Legal History

Approximately one-third of Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011 (n = 51, 32.08%) had at least one known 

administrative or legal issue, and 19 (11.95%) had more than one issue (Table 5.23). The most frequent 

administrative or legal issues were Article 15 proceedings (n = 21, 13.21%) and civil legal problems (n = 21, 

13.21%).

TABLE 5.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 18 11.32% 7.48% 20.26%

No 42 26.42% 34.01% 30.72%

Don’t Know 99 62.26% 58.50% 49.02%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 4 2.52% 4.76% 7.19%

No 94 59.12% 67.35% 75.16%

Don’t Know 61 38.36% 27.89% 17.65%

HX ARTICLE 15 Yes 21 13.21% 21.09% 12.42%

No 75 47.17% 53.06% 66.67%

Don’t Know 63 39.62% 25.85% 20.92%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 9 5.66% 12.93% 9.15%

No 91 57.23% 59.86% 73.20%

Don’t Know 59 37.11% 27.21% 17.65%

HX AWOL Yes 6 3.77% 6.80% 9.15%

No 96 60.38% 68.03% 75.82%

Don’t Know 57 35.85% 25.17% 15.03%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 7 4.40% 6.12% 10.46%

No 100 62.89% 75.51% 74.51%

Don’t Know 52 32.70% 18.37% 15.03%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 21 13.21% 14.29% 11.11%

No 71 44.65% 56.46% 63.40%

Don’t Know 67 42.14% 29.25% 25.49%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 5 3.14% 4.76% 5.88%

No 84 52.83% 63.95% 71.90%

Don’t Know 70 44.03% 31.29% 22.22%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 51 32.08% 44.22% 39.87%

No 56 35.22% 32.65% 41.18%

Don’t Know 52 32.70% 23.13% 18.95%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 19 11.95% 16.33% 15.03%

No 88 55.35% 29.93% 38.56%

Don’t Know 52 32.70% 53.74% 46.41%

TABLE 5.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAMILY HISTORY (CONT.) 
143

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 5.24). Ten 

Army suicide decedents (6.29%) were reported to have been victims of physical abuse, and seven (4.40%) 

were reported to have been victims of sexual abuse. Thirteen Soldiers (8.18%) had reportedly been victims 

of emotional abuse. Fourteen decedents (8.81%) had reportedly physically abused others, six (3.77%) had 

reportedly sexually abused others, and two (1.26%) were reported to have perpetrated emotional abuse.

TABLE 5.24 CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

The DoDSER includes data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 5.25). Thirteen 

Soldiers who died by suicide in 2011 (8.18%) had experienced significant debt. Thirty-four decedents (21.38%) 

had either lost a position or had experienced job instability. Eighteen Soldiers (11.32%) were known to have 

had interpersonal issues with their supervisors or coworkers. Poor evaluations were reported for 24 decedents 

(15.09%). Three Army suicide decedents (1.89%) were known to have been hazed in the workplace.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 10 6.29% 4.76% 6.54%

No 68 42.77% 53.74% 53.59%

Don’t Know 81 50.94% 41.50% 39.87%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 7 4.40% 2.04% 3.92%

No 70 44.03% 56.46% 56.86%

Don’t Know 82 51.57% 41.50% 39.22%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 13 8.18% 3.40% 6.54%

No 62 38.99% 53.74% 52.29%

Don’t Know 84 52.83% 42.86% 41.18%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 0.63% 0.68% 0.65%

No 76 47.80% 56.46% 58.17%

Don’t Know 82 51.57% 42.86% 41.18%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 14 8.81% 8.16% 9.15%

No 63 39.62% 48.30% 52.94%

Don’t Know 82 51.57% 43.54% 37.91%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 6 3.77% 2.72% 3.92%

No 71 44.65% 55.10% 55.56%

Don’t Know 82 51.57% 42.18% 40.52%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 2 1.26% 4.08% 3.92%

No 72 45.28% 53.06% 54.90%

Don’t Know 85 53.46% 42.86% 41.18%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 1.36% 2.61%

No 73 45.91% 56.46% 55.56%

Don’t Know 86 54.09% 42.18% 41.83%
144

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 5.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

Deployment Factors

DoDSER items capture detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data 

include deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations 

Deployment and Combat History

Of the 23 Soldiers who died by suicide (14.47%) while deployed to either Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 

or Operation New Dawn (OND), 14 (8.81% of total) took place in Afghanistan and 9 (5.66% of total) took 

place in Iraq (Table 5.26). The majority of decedents (n = 95, 59.75%) reported a history of OEF, Operation 

Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or OND deployment (Table 5.27). Thirty decedents (18.87%) had known direct combat 

experiences, including participation in combat that resulted in injuries (n = 16, 10.06%), sustaining injuries 

(n = 4, 2.52%), witnessing killing (n = 12, 7.55%), seeing dead bodies (n =11, 6.92%), and killing others (n = 4, 

2.52%; Table 5.28).

TABLE 5.26. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 13 8.18% 11.56% 7.84%

No 60 37.74% 46.94% 55.56%

Don’t Know 86 54.09% 41.50% 36.60%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 34 21.38% 21.09% 25.49%

No 54 33.96% 45.58% 47.06%

Don’t Know 71 44.65% 33.33% 27.45%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 18 11.32% 13.61% 13.07%

No 64 40.25% 51.02% 54.90%

Don’t Know 77 48.43% 35.37% 32.03%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 24 15.09% 14.29% 15.69%

No 62 38.99% 51.70% 58.82%

Don’t Know 73 45.91% 34.01% 25.49%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 3 1.89% 2.72% 2.61%

No 72 45.28% 63.27% 62.09%

Don’t Know 84 52.83% 34.01% 35.29%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 14 8.81% 8.16% 1.96%

Iraq 9 5.66% 8.16% 14.38%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 136 85.53% 83.67% 83.66%
145

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 5.27. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 5.28. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER COMBAT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 31 19.50% 13.61% 1.96%

Iraq 47 29.56% 38.10% 51.63%

Kuwait 2 1.26% 1.36% 3.27%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 15 9.43% 8.84% 8.50%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 64 40.25% 38.10% 34.64%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 30 18.87% 14.29% 24.84%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 16 10.06% 8.84% 20.26%

 Injured in combat 4 2.52% 2.04% 5.88%

 Witnessed killing in combat 12 7.55% 8.84% 15.69%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 11 6.92% 6.12% 15.69%

 Killed others in combat 4 2.52% 6.12% 7.84%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 129 81.13% 85.71% 75.16%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
146

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

DoDSER POCs submitted 440 DoDSERs for 2011 Army suicide attempts. As indicated in Table 5.29, 

these DoDSERs provide data on suicide attempts for 432 individuals. Two suicide attempt DoDSERs were 

submitted for 8 (1.85%) individuals. The tables in this section use a denominator of 432 for suicide attempts. 

Percentages for 2009 and 2010 DoDSER data are provided for comparison. Specific suicide attempt, selfharm, and ideation count data for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports and are 

available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 5.29. CY 2011 ARMY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

ARMY DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR NONFATAL EVENTS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 440 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 432 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 424 98.51%

2 8 1.85%

3 0 0.00%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 0 0.00%

One hundred eighty-eight Army DoDSERs were submitted for 186 individuals who were known to harm 

themselves without intent to die (Table 5.30). The tables in this section use a denominator of 186 for self-harm 

without intent to die.

Eight hundred eighty eight Army DoDSERs for suicidal ideation without self-harm behavior were submitted 

for 859 individuals (Table 5.31). Twenty-seven individual Soldiers (3.14%) had two 2011 Army DoDSERs for 

suicidal ideation, and two Soldiers (0.23%) had three 2011 Army DoDSERs. The tables in this section use a 

denominator of 859 for suicidal ideation.

TABLE 5.31. CY 2011 ARMY SUICIDAL IDEATION DODSERS

TABLE 5.30. CY 2011 ARMY DODSERS FOR SELF-HARM WITHOUT INTENT TO DIE 

Count Percent

TOTAL SELF-HARM DoDSERs 188 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 186 100.00%

SELF-HARM DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 186 100.00%

2 2 1.08%

3 0 0.00%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SELF-HARM AND SUICIDE 0 0.00%

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDAL IDEATION DoDSERs 888 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 859 100.00%

SUICIDAL IDEATION DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 859 100.00%

2 27 3.14%

3 2 0.23%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SUICIDE 2 0.23%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 147

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated with the suicide events. These 

factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, self-harm method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of 

intent with others.

Demographics

Table 5.32 contains DoDSER demographic data for Soldiers who attempted suicide, harmed themselves without intent to die, or were known to 

experience suicidal ideation in 2011. Soldiers who attempted suicide were most often male (n = 334, 75.91%), Caucasian (n = 244, 55.45%), nonHispanic or Latino (n = 389, 88.41%), under the age of twenty-five (n = 229, 52.05%), junior enlisted (n = 332, 75.45%), Regular component (n = 

411, 93.41%), and without a college degree (n = 330, 75.00%). 

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

TOTAL 440 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 188 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 888 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 334 75.91% 79.42% 74.31% 134 71.28% 73.84% 71.76% 700 78.83% 79.85% 77.22%

Female 106 24.09% 20.58% 25.69% 54 28.72% 26.16% 28.24% 188 21.17% 20.15% 22.78%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 7 1.59% 1.69% 1.19% 1 0.53% 1.27% 0.29% 7 0.79% 0.98% 0.83%

Asian or Pacific Islander 20 4.55% 2.42% 2.77% 5 2.66% 3.38% 3.75% 22 2.48% 2.29% 2.73%

Black/African American 85 19.32% 17.19% 15.81% 30 15.96% 14.35% 11.53% 148 16.67% 15.03% 15.41%

White/Caucasian 244 55.45% 63.92% 67.19% 129 68.62% 65.82% 72.05% 586 65.99% 67.54% 66.78%

Other/Don’t Know 84 19.09% 14.77% 13.04% 23 12.23% 15.19% 12.39% 125 14.08% 14.16% 14.25%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 51 11.59% 21 11.17% 96 10.81%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 389 88.41% 167 88.83% 792 89.19%

AGE RANGE Under 25 229 52.05% 53.03% 59.49% 106 56.38% 55.27% 64.27% 485 54.62% 53.38% 63.02%

25-29 112 25.45% 25.18% 23.91% 39 20.74% 27.00% 21.61% 201 22.64% 22.66% 18.99%

30-39 71 16.14% 15.74% 13.44% 34 18.09% 13.50% 10.66% 136 15.32% 16.56% 13.52%

40 + 28 6.36% 6.05% 3.16% 9 4.79% 4.22% 3.46% 66 7.43% 7.41% 4.48%

TABLE 5.32. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
148

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

RANK E1-E4 332 75.45% 72.15% 74.31% 146 77.66% 78.90% 79.83% 675 76.01% 75.05% 80.38%

E5-E9 99 22.50% 23.49% 21.54% 35 18.62% 14.77% 14.70% 184 20.72% 19.61% 15.63%

Officer 7 1.59% 3.63% 2.57% 4 2.13% 3.80% 3.46% 25 2.82% 3.81% 2.00%

Warrant Officer 2 0.45% 0.73% 0.20% 3 1.60% 0.84% 0.29% 2 0.23% 0.11% 0.42%

Cadet/Midshipman 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.40% 0 0.00% 1.27% 1.44% 2 0.23% 1.42% 1.58%

COMPONENT Regular 411 93.41% 93.22% 91.30% 175 93.09% 92.41% 90.78% 773 87.05% 91.18% 89.19%

Reserve 11 2.50% 2.66% 3.16% 4 2.13% 4.22% 1.44% 49 5.52% 3.59% 3.08%

National Guard 17 3.86% 4.12% 4.94% 8 4.26% 2.11% 6.63% 64 7.21% 3.92% 6.65%

Other 1 0.23% 0.00% 0.59% 1 0.53% 1.27% 1.15% 3 0.34% 1.31% 1.08%

EDUCATION Some high school 1 0.23% 0.97% 1.38% 3 1.60% 0.84% 1.44% 15 1.69% 1.53% 0.58%

GED 39 8.86% 13.80% 17.59% 19 10.11% 14.35% 13.54% 71 8.00% 11.11% 13.87%

High school graduate 155 35.23% 38.50% 33.99% 96 51.06% 42.62% 49.28% 412 46.40% 40.52% 47.51%

Some college 135 30.68% 22.76% 28.46% 43 22.87% 24.89% 20.46% 223 25.11% 23.64% 20.60%

Degree less than four years 20 4.55% 6.05% 4.15% 2 1.06% 3.38% 1.44% 30 3.38% 4.36% 3.07%

Four-year college degree 12 2.73% 4.36% 3.75% 4 2.13% 4.22% 4.32% 28 3.15% 3.92% 3.65%

Master’s degree or greater 8 1.82% 1.94% 0.59% 2 1.06% 1.27% 1.73% 14 1.58% 1.74% 1.08%

Don’t Know 70 15.91% 11.62% 10.08% 19 10.11% 8.44% 7.78% 95 10.70% 13.18% 9.63%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 158 35.91% 35.35% 43.08% 82 43.62% 37.97% 47.26% 391 44.03% 41.07% 48.88%

Married 213 48.41% 44.79% 43.68% 89 47.34% 52.74% 42.36% 381 42.91% 43.90% 38.26%

Legally Separated 15 3.41% 6.54% 3.16% 4 2.13% 2.53% 3.17% 27 3.04% 5.45% 3.90%

Divorced 33 7.50% 9.69% 7.91% 6 3.19% 4.22% 5.76% 56 6.31% 6.75% 5.98%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.24% 0.40% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.11% 0.33% 0.00%

Don’t Know 21 4.77% 3.39% 1.78% 7 3.72% 2.53% 1.44% 33 3.72% 2.51% 2.99%

Note: Ethnicity data unavailable prior to 2011.

TABLE 5.32. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

Event Setting

Army nonfatal suicide events in 2011 most frequently occurred in the United States (n = 389, 88.41%; Table 5.33). As indicated in Table 5.34, 

suicide attempts occurred primarily in the Soldiers’ residences (n = 351, 79.77%) or the residences of friends or family members (n = 22, 5.00%). 

The most frequent “Other” settings for Army suicide attempts included hotels (n = 5, 3.21%) and parks and nature reserves (n = 3, 1.92%). 
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 149

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 389 88.41% 81.84% 78.85% 171 90.96% 84.39% 85.30% 842 94.82% 91.29% 88.98%

Iraq 1 0.23% 6.05% 8.70% 5 2.66% 4.22% 5.19% 16 1.80% 1.96% 4.14%

Afghanistan 13 2.95% 3.39% 1.58% 6 3.19% 2.53% 1.73% 10 1.13% 0.76% 0.75%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.59% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.58% 1 0.11% 0.33% 0.25%

Asia 16 3.64% 3.15% 3.56% 2 1.06% 5.06% 2.02% 1 0.11% 1.20% 0.50%

Europe 14 3.18% 4.60% 4.74% 2 1.06% 3.38% 4.03% 11 1.24% 3.92% 4.39%

Canada or Mexico 1 0.23% 0.24% 0.59% 1 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.11% 0.25%

Central or South America 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.11% 0.00% 0.08%

Other 6 1.36% 0.73% 0.79% 1 0.53% 0.42% 0.58% 5 0.56% 0.44% 0.00%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.59% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.58% 1 0.11% 0.00% 0.66%

TABLE 5.34. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT SETTING FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Event Method

As indicated in Table 5.35, drug use was the most frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 266, 60.45%), followed by injury with a sharp or blunt 

object (n = 45, 10.23%) and hanging (n = 37, 8.41%). 

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 351 79.77% 80.87% 79.45% 164 87.23% 78.48% 83.57%

Residence of friend or family 22 5.00% 3.39% 5.14% 3 1.60% 5.49% 2.88%

Work/jobsite 15 3.41% 3.39% 1.98% 4 2.13% 3.80% 4.03%

Automobile (away from residence) 16 3.64% 5.08% 5.34% 8 4.26% 1.69% 2.59%

Inpatient medical facility 4 0.91% 1.45% 0.59% 1 0.53% 3.38% 2.02%

Other 32 7.27% 5.81% 7.51% 8 4.26% 7.17% 4.90%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

TABLE 5.33. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
150

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 19 4.32% 3.39% 3.75% 3 1.60% 3.80% 2.02%

Firearm, military issue 11 2.50% 3.63% 5.34% 2 1.06% 0.84% 2.59%

Hanging 37 8.41% 8.47% 8.10% 8 4.26% 2.95% 4.32%

Drugs 266 60.45% 57.63% 55.93% 81 43.09% 53.16% 48.99%

Alcohol 17 3.86% 2.91% 2.17% 6 3.19% 2.11% 4.61%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 12 2.73% 1.21% 0.79% 1 0.53% 0.00% 0.58%

Gas, utility (or other) 2 0.45% 0.24% 0.40% 0 0.00% 0.84% 0.00%

Chemicals 10 2.27% 1.45% 1.38% 3 1.60% 0.84% 0.29%

Drowning 0 0.00% 0.24% 0.20% 0 0.00% 0.42% 0.58%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.24% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.42% 0.29%

Sharp or blunt object 45 10.23% 12.11% 15.22% 50 26.60% 27.43% 27.67%

Jumping from high place 5 1.14% 2.18% 0.99% 2 1.06% 1.27% 1.44%

Lying in front of moving object 2 0.45% 0.48% 0.79% 0 0.00% 0.42% 0.29%

Crashing a motor vehicle 6 1.36% 1.94% 2.17% 2 1.06% 0.00% 0.58%

Other 5 1.14% 1.94% 1.98% 21 11.17% 2.53% 3.46%

Don’t Know 3 0.68% 1.94% 0.79% 9 4.79% 2.95% 2.31%

TABLE 5.35. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER EVENT METHOD FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Substance Use during the Event

DoDSER POCs collected data on alcohol and drug use during nonfatal suicide events (Table 5.36). For both 

suicide attempts and self-harm without intent to die, drug use was more frequent than the use of alcohol. 

DoDSERs included alcohol use for 134 Army suicide attempts (30.45%) and included drug use for 267 Army 

suicide attempts (60.68%). Drug use most frequently involved the misuse of prescription drugs (n = 176, 

40.00%). These frequencies include Soldiers who used drugs as a suicide attempt method, as described 

above.

TABLE 5.36. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 134 30.45% 30.27% 27.47% 43 22.87% 20.25% 27.09%

No 228 51.82% 58.11% 64.03% 135 71.81% 70.89% 67.44%

Don’t Know 78 17.73% 11.62% 8.50% 10 5.32% 8.86% 5.48%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 267 60.68% 63.20% 59.68% 89 47.34% 53.16% 50.14%

No 146 33.18% 31.96% 34.78% 91 48.40% 41.35% 45.53%

Don’t Know 27 6.14% 4.84% 5.53% 8 4.26% 5.49% 4.32%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 27 6.14% 7.02% 3.36% 9 4.79% 3.38% 2.59%

Used, no overdose 4 0.91% 2.66% 2.37% 5 2.66% 2.95% 2.59%

Were not used 382 86.82% 85.47% 78.85% 166 88.30% 88.19% 84.44%

Don’t know 27 6.14% 4.84% 15.42% 8 4.26% 5.49% 10.37%
151

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Communication of Intent

As summarized in Table 5.37, DoDSERs indicated that most Soldiers were not known to communicate with 

others prior to attempting suicide (n = 325, 73.86%) or harming themselves in other ways without intent to die 

(n = 159, 84.57%). As indicated in Table 5.38, the most frequent mode of communication of intent was verbal 

(n = 64 suicide attempts, 14.55% and n = 19 self-harm events, 10.11%). Table 5.39 shows with whom Soldiers 

communicated.

TABLE 5.37. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR 

NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

TABLE 5.38. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF 

RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 325 73.86% 78.93% 76.88% 159 84.57% 86.08% 84.15%

1 94 21.36% 16.71% 17.59% 22 11.70% 11.81% 12.39%

2 12 2.73% 3.15% 3.75% 6 3.19% 1.69% 2.88%

3 8 1.82% 0.97% 1.19% 0 0.00% 0.42% 0.58%

4 1 0.23% 0.24% 0.40% 1 0.53% 0.00% 0.00%

5 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.20% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENTVerbal 64 14.55% 15.50% 16.60% 19 10.11% 10.97% 12.39%

Written 23 5.23% 3.87% 2.77% 7 3.72% 1.69% 1.44%

Other or Unknown 19 4.32% 0.97% 1.19% 2 1.06% 1.27% 0.86%

Multiple Modes 9 2.05% 0.73% 1.98% 1 0.53% 0.00% 0.58%

No Known Communication 325 73.86% 78.93% 77.47% 159 84.57% 86.08% 84.73%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

 Prescription Overdose 176 40.00% 42.86% 39.13% 36 19.15% 21.94% 23.05%

Used, no overdose 27 6.14% 6.78% 5.93% 27 14.36% 17.72% 14.12%

Were not used 210 47.73% 45.52% 47.04% 117 62.23% 54.85% 56.20%

Don’t know 27 6.14% 4.84% 7.91% 8 4.26% 5.49% 6.63%

 OTC Overdose 75 17.05% 15.01% 15.61% 13 6.91% 8.44% 9.22%

Used, no overdose 12 2.73% 2.42% 2.77% 10 5.32% 4.22% 4.90%

Were not used 326 74.09% 77.72% 67.00% 157 83.51% 81.86% 75.50%

Don’t know 27 6.14% 4.84% 14.62% 8 4.26% 5.49% 10.37%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND 

DRUGS USED

Yes 85 19.32% 20.58% 17.39% 21 11.17% 10.55% 13.54%

No 271 61.59% 65.62% 71.94% 154 81.91% 78.48% 78.10%

Don’t Know 84 19.09% 13.80% 10.67% 13 6.91% 10.97% 8.36%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 5.36. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)
152

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

TABLE 5.39. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR NONFATAL 

SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 46 10.45% 5.81% 4.74% 8 4.26% 2.11% 2.02%

Friend 35 7.95% 4.36% 3.36% 10 5.32% 2.11% 2.59%

Behavioral Health Provider 18 4.09% 1.94% 3.16% 8 4.26% 3.80% 3.17%

Chaplain 0 0.00% 0.48% 0.40% 0 0.00% 1.27% 0.00%

Supervisor 16 3.64% 1.69% 1.19% 2 1.06% 1.69% 2.59%

Other or Unidentified 26 5.91% 2.42% 4.15% 8 4.26% 0.84% 1.44%

Multiple Communications 21 4.77% 4.36% 5.53% 7 3.72% 2.11% 3.46%

No Known Communication 325 73.86% 78.93% 77.47% 159 84.57% 86.08% 84.73%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Additional Event Information

Table 5.40 provides information about other details of 2011 Army suicide attempts. For the majority of suicide 

attempts (n = 298, 67.73%), there was information to indicate that the Soldiers intended to die. The high 

proportion of “Don’t Know” responses suggests that all inferences should be made with caution.

TABLE 5.40. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die)

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 298 67.73% 72.64% 70.36%

No 62 14.09% 9.44% 12.25%

Don’t Know 80 18.18% 17.92% 17.39%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 7 1.59% 0.73% 1.58% 1 0.53% 1.27% 0.29%

No 395 89.77% 88.62% 92.09% 181 96.28% 94.51% 97.69%

Don’t Know 38 8.64% 10.65% 6.32% 6 3.19% 4.22% 2.02%

PLANNED/ PREMEDITATEDYes 117 26.59% 27.60% 27.27% 20 10.64% 12.24% 10.66%

No 248 56.36% 47.46% 58.30% 143 76.06% 72.15% 74.35%

Don’t Know 75 17.05% 24.94% 14.43% 25 13.30% 15.61% 14.99%

OBSERVABLE Yes 173 39.32% 39.95% 46.25% 115 61.17% 46.41% 55.91%

No 192 43.64% 41.16% 38.34% 50 26.60% 32.91% 29.97%

Don’t Know 75 17.05% 18.89% 15.42% 23 12.23% 20.68% 14.12%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 46 10.45% 10.90% 12.45% 2 1.06% 2.53% 2.02%

No 346 78.64% 69.01% 76.48% 178 94.68% 88.19% 89.05%

Don’t Know 48 10.91% 20.10% 11.07% 8 4.26% 9.28% 8.93%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 153

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of residence, general living situation, and duty 

environment.

Situational Factors

Table 5.41 provides details about the living situations of Soldiers with nonfatal suicide events in 2011. Army suicide attempt DoDSERs indicated 

that the most frequent living environments were shared living environments on installations (n = 203, 46.14%) or private homes or apartments 

outside of installations (n = 143, 32.50%). Married Soldiers most often lived with their spouses at the time of the suicide attempt (n = 113, 25.68%) 

and many were separated due to relationship issues (n = 56, 12.73%). One hundred seventy-one Army suicide attempt DoDSERs indicated that 

the Soldiers had minor children (n = 171, 38.86%). DoDSERs for 66 Army suicide attempts (15.00%) included known access to firearms. 

TABLE 5.41. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF 

EVENT

Shared military living environment 203 46.14% 48.91% 58.89% 93 49.47% 55.27% 58.21% 456 51.35% 49.89% 64.37%

Bachelor quarters 2 0.45% 0.97% 0.79% 0 0.00% 0.84% 0.00% 9 1.01% 0.65% 0.75%

On-base family housing 43 9.77% 7.51% 6.32% 15 7.98% 5.91% 5.19% 70 7.88% 8.17% 6.46%

Owned or leased apartment or house 143 32.50% 36.08% 24.51% 72 38.30% 29.11% 26.80% 268 30.18% 32.14% 20.96%

Ship 1 0.23% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.08%

Other 16 3.64% 1.69% 4.35% 5 2.66% 5.06% 4.32% 36 4.05% 3.70% 2.98%

Don’t Know 32 7.27% 4.84% 5.14% 3 1.60% 3.80% 5.48% 49 5.52% 5.45% 4.39%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCEResides with spouse 113 25.68% 21.07% 19.96% 51 27.13% 22.78% 21.90% 197 22.18% 23.64% 16.82%

Separated 56 12.73% 11.62% 8.70% 18 9.57% 14.35% 8.36% 85 9.57% 9.59% 8.45%

Apart (not separated) 38 8.64% 11.14% 13.44% 18 9.57% 14.77% 9.80% 78 8.78% 9.69% 11.35%

Don’t Know 6 1.36% 0.97% 1.98% 2 1.06% 0.84% 2.59% 21 2.36% 0.98% 1.49%

Unmarried at time of event 227 51.59% 55.21% 55.93% 99 52.66% 47.26% 57.35% 507 57.09% 56.10% 61.89%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 145 32.95% 38.26% 26.68% 49 26.06% 28.69% 17.87% 234 26.35% 28.98% 18.89%

No 248 56.36% 49.88% 60.28% 116 61.70% 57.81% 66.57% 572 64.41% 60.46% 69.18%

Don’t Know 47 10.68% 11.86% 13.04% 23 12.23% 13.50% 15.56% 82 9.23% 10.57% 11.93%
154

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 171 38.86% 37.77% 35.18% 48 25.53% 32.07% 25.94% 287 32.32% 34.75% 26.35%

No 231 52.50% 62.23% 64.82% 107 56.91% 67.93% 74.06% 540 60.81% 65.25% 73.57%

Don’t Know 38 8.64% 0.00% 0.00% 33 17.55% 0.00% 0.00% 61 6.87% 0.00% 0.08%

CHILDREN RESIDED 

WITH

Yes 71 16.14% 14.53% 11.07% 29 15.43% 13.08% 9.80% 114 12.84% 15.47% 8.70%

No 91 20.68% 21.79% 22.92% 16 8.51% 18.57% 15.56% 163 18.36% 17.86% 15.82%

Don’t Know 27 6.14% 1.45% 1.19% 36 19.15% 0.42% 0.58% 71 8.00% 1.42% 1.91%

No Children 231 52.50% 62.23% 64.82% 107 56.91% 67.93% 74.06% 540 60.81% 65.25% 73.57%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 66 15.00% 14.77% 15.61% 13 6.91% 11.81% 10.37% 112 12.61% 9.37% 11.52%

No 263 59.77% 62.95% 66.01% 152 80.85% 76.37% 72.91% 610 68.69% 73.09% 72.66%

Don’t Know 111 25.23% 22.28% 18.38% 23 12.23% 11.81% 16.71% 166 18.69% 17.54% 15.82%

TABLE 5.41. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

Duty Environment

Table 5.42 summarizes duty environments of Soldiers with nonfatal suicide events. The majority of DoDSERs for Army suicide attempts indicated 

that the Soldiers were stationed at their permanent duty station (n = 284, 64.55%). Thirteen DoDSERs (2.95%) indicated that the Soldiers were 

deployed during the suicide event, and 32 were in training (7.27%). 

TABLE 5.42. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 284 64.55% 58.11% 61.07% 125 66.49% 65.40% 67.44% 510 57.43% 64.16% 64.95%

Leave 13 2.95% 0.00% 0.40% 5 2.66% 0.42% 0.29% 19 2.14% 0.11% 0.50%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 0.23% 1.69% 2.37% 0 0.00% 1.27% 0.58% 4 0.45% 1.63% 0.41%

Medical Hold 17 3.86% 1.45% 1.98% 6 3.19% 0.42% 2.59% 10 1.13% 0.87% 1.91%

TDY 5 1.14% 0.00% 0.20% 2 1.06% 0.00% 0.29% 0 0.00% 0.22% 0.17%

AWOL 5 1.14% 0.97% 0.99% 1 0.53% 0.84% 1.15% 15 1.69% 0.22% 0.66%

Under Command Observation 4 0.91% 0.00% 0.59% 1 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 7 0.79% 0.33% 0.25%

Deployed 13 2.95% 7.99% 10.08% 11 5.85% 4.64% 6.63% 34 3.83% 2.83% 4.72%

Training 32 7.27% 4.60% 10.67% 29 15.43% 4.64% 6.92% 129 14.53% 6.10% 12.01%
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 155

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Nonfatal Suicide Events by Month

No clear pattern was evident for Army nonfatal suicide events by month (Table 5.43).

TABLE 5.43. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS BY MONTH

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 39 8.86% 10.41% 14.03% 20 10.64% 7.59% 10.66% 87 9.80% 8.39% 8.37%

February 50 11.36% 7.99% 6.92% 20 10.64% 6.75% 8.93% 58 6.53% 8.71% 8.45%

March 36 8.18% 5.81% 11.07% 17 9.04% 12.24% 12.68% 103 11.60% 9.37% 8.78%

April 43 9.77% 6.54% 8.70% 20 10.64% 7.17% 8.07% 58 6.53% 9.37% 10.02%

May 27 6.14% 6.30% 8.30% 10 5.32% 10.97% 7.49% 76 8.56% 9.80% 10.52%

June 32 7.27% 10.65% 8.70% 17 9.04% 8.44% 8.07% 86 9.68% 8.39% 10.44%

July 34 7.73% 8.47% 8.70% 20 10.64% 10.97% 9.80% 92 10.36% 8.93% 8.53%

August 41 9.32% 8.72% 9.49% 13 6.91% 6.33% 8.65% 61 6.87% 7.73% 8.53%

September 35 7.95% 7.75% 8.70% 19 10.11% 8.02% 4.61% 86 9.68% 9.59% 7.54%

October 28 6.36% 7.51% 8.30% 10 5.32% 7.17% 8.65% 65 7.32% 8.39% 8.29%

November 43 9.77% 9.44% 3.75% 13 6.91% 9.28% 6.92% 73 8.22% 6.32% 5.14%

December 32 7.27% 10.41% 3.36% 9 4.79% 5.06% 5.48% 43 4.84% 5.01% 5.39%

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated with subsequent suicidal behavior. 

These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant 

treatment histories, including prescribed medication. 

Other 18 4.09% 0.73% 2.96% 4 2.13% 1.27% 1.15% 30 3.38% 1.42% 1.82%

Multiple Duty Environments 30 6.82% 10.41% 6.13% 19 10.11% 14.35% 10.09% 50 5.63% 4.47% 6.46%

Duty Environment Unknown 79 17.95% 14.04% 2.57% 24 12.77% 6.75% 2.88% 183 20.61% 17.65% 6.13%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 5.42. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)
156

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 128 29.09% 30.99% 39.33% 52 27.66% 31.65% 35.16% 195 21.96% 26.91% 26.01%

 Within 30 days 20 4.55% 6.05% 6.92% 17 9.04% 6.75% 7.49% 44 4.95% 4.47% 4.14%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 35 7.95% 9.93% 11.07% 28 14.89% 12.24% 11.24% 67 7.55% 7.95% 6.55%

No 253 57.50% 56.90% 52.96% 125 66.49% 54.01% 54.18% 582 65.54% 60.02% 61.64%

Don’t Know 59 13.41% 12.11% 7.71% 11 5.85% 14.35% 10.66% 111 12.50% 13.07% 12.34%

Number prior selfinjuriesOne prior event 59 13.41% 12.59% 9.72% 19 10.11% 15.61% 8.43% 103 11.60% 13.83% 7.65%

More than one prior event 69 15.68% 18.40% 29.37% 33 17.55% 16.03% 26.16% 92 10.36% 13.07% 18.12%

N/A or Unknown 312 70.91% 69.01% 60.91% 136 72.34% 68.35% 65.41% 693 78.04% 73.09% 74.23%

Event similar to prior 

self-injury

Yes 67 15.23% 17.19% 19.21% 36 19.15% 16.46% 22.48%

No 51 11.59% 10.41% 16.44% 7 3.72% 9.28% 8.93%

Don’t Know 10 2.27% 3.39% 3.56% 9 4.79% 5.91% 3.75%

N/A 312 70.91% 69.01% 60.79% 136 72.34% 68.35% 64.84%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Prior Self-Injury 

Nearly one-third of Army DoDSERs for attempted suicide included a known history of prior self-harm (n = 128, 29.09%; Table 5.44). Sixty-nine 

DoDSERs for Army suicide attempts (15.68%) included evidence of more than one prior event. 

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect any known history of behavioral health 

disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the suicide event. Most DoDSERs for Army suicide attempts included history of at least 

one documented behavioral health disorder (n = 264, 60.00%; Table 5.45). As indicated in Table 5.46, over one-third of Army suicide attempt 

DoDSERs (n = 163, 37.05%) included known history of a mood disorder, primarily major depressive disorder (n = 100, 22.73%). Nearly one-fourth 

of DoDSERs for Army suicide attempts included known history of an anxiety disorder (n = 172, 39.09%), the most frequent were of unspecified type 

(n = 83, 18.86%), followed by PTSD (n = 61, 13.86%; Table 5.47). As summarized in Table 5.48, 24 DoDSERs (5.45%) included known personality 

TABLE 5.44. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 157

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIAGNOSESNo DX 176 40.00% 35.11% 43.08% 74 39.36% 37.97% 39.19% 429 48.31% 39.76% 45.57%

1 DX 143 32.50% 25.42% 29.25% 53 28.19% 24.47% 26.51% 217 24.44% 26.69% 29.00%

2 DX 68 15.45% 22.28% 15.02% 35 18.62% 15.19% 19.31% 138 15.54% 16.34% 15.49%

3 DX 39 8.86% 10.17% 8.50% 21 11.17% 13.92% 11.82% 60 6.76% 10.13% 6.55%

4 or more DX 14 3.18% 7.02% 4.15% 5 2.66% 8.44% 3.17% 44 4.95% 7.08% 3.40%

TABLE 5.46. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MOOD DISORDERS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 163 37.05% 38.98% 38.54% 58 30.85% 34.18% 39.48% 218 24.55% 31.37% 36.37%

No 231 52.50% 50.36% 51.58% 122 64.89% 51.90% 51.59% 564 63.51% 58.71% 52.78%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 10.65% 9.88% 8 4.26% 13.92% 8.93% 106 11.94% 9.91% 10.85%

Bipolar disorder Yes 16 3.64% 2.18% 3.16% 2 1.06% 2.95% 2.88% 25 2.82% 2.40% 3.81%

No 378 85.91% 81.60% 84.39% 178 94.68% 80.59% 86.46% 757 85.25% 85.51% 83.51%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 16.22% 12.45% 8 4.26% 16.46% 10.66% 106 11.94% 12.09% 12.68%

Major depression Yes 100 22.73% 18.64% 18.77% 32 17.02% 18.14% 18.16% 132 14.86% 13.94% 15.33%

No 294 66.82% 67.55% 69.76% 148 78.72% 66.67% 71.76% 650 73.20% 74.18% 72.41%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 13.80% 11.46% 8 4.26% 15.19% 10.09% 106 11.94% 11.87% 12.26%

Dysthymic disorder Yes 11 2.50% 1.21% 0.79% 5 2.66% 2.11% 2.02% 8 0.90% 1.53% 1.74%

No 383 87.05% 83.78% 86.36% 175 93.09% 81.43% 86.46% 774 87.16% 85.29% 85.75%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 15.01% 12.85% 8 4.26% 16.46% 11.53% 106 11.94% 13.18% 12.51%

Other mood disorderYes 33 7.50% 8.23% 8.89% 17 9.04% 6.75% 10.66% 57 6.42% 6.21% 9.86%

No 361 82.05% 76.27% 78.66% 163 86.70% 77.64% 78.10% 725 81.64% 80.72% 77.38%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 15.50% 12.45% 8 4.26% 15.61% 11.24% 106 11.94% 13.07% 12.76%

disorders, 3 (0.68%) included psychosis, 127 (28.86%) included known substance abuse history, and 19 Army suicide attempt DoDSERs (4.32%) 

included traumatic brain injuries.

TABLE 5.45. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
158

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

TABLE 5.47. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 172 39.09% 28.09% 23.91% 47 25.00% 30.80% 27.95% 169 19.03% 24.07% 17.81%

No 225 51.14% 60.77% 67.19% 130 69.15% 57.81% 63.11% 612 68.92% 66.34% 72.08%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 11.14% 8.89% 11 5.85% 11.39% 8.93% 107 12.05% 9.59% 10.11%

PTSD Yes 61 13.86% 9.69% 9.68% 20 10.64% 12.66% 10.95% 92 10.36% 9.91% 7.46%

No 336 76.36% 76.51% 79.84% 157 83.51% 75.53% 79.25% 689 77.59% 79.85% 81.77%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 13.80% 10.47% 11 5.85% 11.81% 9.80% 107 12.05% 10.24% 10.77%

Panic disorder Yes 10 2.27% 0.97% 0.79% 4 2.13% 0.84% 0.58% 13 1.46% 0.44% 0.33%

No 387 87.95% 84.26% 88.74% 173 92.02% 85.65% 88.76% 768 86.49% 88.13% 88.15%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 14.77% 10.47% 11 5.85% 13.50% 10.66% 107 12.05% 11.44% 11.52%

Generalized anxiety 

disorder

Yes 29 6.59% 2.42% 1.98% 12 6.38% 4.64% 3.17% 46 5.18% 1.85% 2.32%

No 368 83.64% 83.29% 87.15% 165 87.77% 81.86% 86.74% 735 82.77% 86.38% 86.25%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 14.29% 10.87% 11 5.85% 13.50% 10.09% 107 12.05% 11.76% 11.43%

Acute stress disorder Yes 6 1.36% 0.24% 0.40% 0 0.00% 0.84% 0.00% 6 0.68% 0.44% 0.00%

No 391 88.86% 85.23% 89.13% 177 94.15% 85.65% 89.34% 775 87.27% 88.13% 88.57%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 14.53% 10.47% 11 5.85% 13.50% 10.66% 107 12.05% 11.44% 11.43%

Other anxiety disorder Yes 20 4.55% 7.26% 5.34% 16 8.51% 3.38% 5.48% 39 4.39% 5.12% 3.23%

No 377 85.68% 78.69% 84.98% 161 85.64% 84.39% 83.86% 742 83.56% 83.12% 85.34%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 14.04% 9.68% 11 5.85% 12.24% 10.66% 107 12.05% 11.76% 11.43%

Unspecified mood 

disorder

Yes 21 4.77% 4.60% 0.99% 6 3.19% 1.69% 1.15% 18 2.03% 2.51% 1.24%

No 373 84.77% 84.75% 89.13% 174 92.55% 84.39% 89.91% 764 86.04% 87.58% 87.90%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 10.65% 9.88% 8 4.26% 13.92% 8.93% 106 11.94% 9.91% 10.85%

Multiple mood DX Yes 11 2.50% 4.12% 5.93% 1 0.53% 2.53% 4.61% 10 1.13% 4.79% 4.39%

No 383 87.05% 85.23% 84.19% 179 95.21% 83.54% 86.46% 772 86.94% 85.29% 84.76%

Don’t Know 46 10.45% 10.65% 9.88% 8 4.26% 13.92% 8.93% 106 11.94% 9.91% 10.85%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 5.46. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER MOOD DISORDERS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 159

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

TABLE 5.48. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 83 18.86% 2.42% 1.19% 2 1.06% 0.84% 0.58% 10 1.13% 0.65% 0.91%

No 314 71.36% 86.44% 89.92% 175 93.09% 87.76% 90.49% 771 86.82% 89.76% 88.98%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 11.14% 8.89% 11 5.85% 11.39% 8.93% 107 12.05% 9.59% 10.11%

Multiple anxiety DX Yes 30 6.82% 5.08% 4.55% 6 3.19% 7.59% 7.20% 31 3.49% 5.66% 3.56%

No 367 83.41% 83.78% 86.56% 171 90.96% 81.01% 83.86% 750 84.46% 84.75% 86.33%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 11.14% 8.89% 11 5.85% 11.39% 8.93% 107 12.05% 9.59% 10.11%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY 

DISORDER

Yes 24 5.45% 5.81% 6.13% 5 2.66% 5.06% 11.24% 28 3.15% 3.27% 5.97%

No 362 82.27% 81.11% 83.60% 169 89.89% 81.86% 77.23% 749 84.35% 85.62% 83.10%

Don’t Know 54 12.27% 13.08% 10.28% 14 7.45% 13.08% 11.53% 111 12.50% 11.11% 10.94%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERYes 3 0.68% 1.94% 0.79% 1 0.53% 1.27% 0.29% 9 1.01% 0.87% 1.66%

No 384 87.27% 86.68% 89.53% 173 92.02% 86.50% 89.91% 774 87.16% 89.11% 88.57%

Don’t Know 53 12.05% 11.38% 9.68% 14 7.45% 12.24% 9.80% 105 11.82% 10.02% 9.78%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 127 28.86% 24.21% 27.87% 51 27.13% 28.69% 29.97% 222 25.00% 24.18% 26.68%

No 256 58.18% 63.68% 62.25% 124 65.96% 57.38% 61.96% 576 64.86% 65.36% 63.05%

Don’t Know 57 12.95% 12.11% 9.88% 13 6.91% 13.92% 8.07% 90 10.14% 10.46% 10.27%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC 

BRAIN INJURY

Yes 19 4.32% 3.15% 1 0.53% 3.38% 25 2.82% 4.79%

No 370 84.09% 85.47% 173 92.02% 83.12% 757 85.25% 85.51%

Don’t Know 51 11.59% 11.38% 14 7.45% 13.50% 106 11.94% 9.69%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.

TABLE 5.47. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

Treatment History

Table 5.49 provides data on the use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to nonfatal suicide events. Over one-half of Army suicide 

attempt DoDSERs (n = 272, 61.82%) indicated that Soldiers had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), 201 
160

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY 

TREATMENT FACILITY

Yes 272 61.82% 50.61% 43.48% 92 48.94% 48.95% 40.06% 500 56.31% 62.53% 47.47%

 Within 30 days 201 45.68% 34.14% 27.87% 66 35.11% 34.18% 25.36% 313 35.25% 38.78% 33.80%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 233 52.95% 42.62% 34.98% 77 40.96% 42.19% 31.70% 396 44.59% 50.65% 42.09%

No 131 29.77% 42.13% 45.65% 87 46.28% 37.55% 49.57% 318 35.81% 28.32% 42.17%

Don’t Know 37 8.41% 7.26% 10.87% 9 4.79% 13.50% 10.37% 70 7.88% 9.15% 10.36%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH 

PROBLEM

Yes 116 26.36% 21.55% 20.55% 23 12.23% 21.94% 16.71% 171 19.26% 20.70% 19.14%

 Within 30 days 77 17.50% 13.08% 12.85% 14 7.45% 11.39% 9.51% 82 9.23% 11.00% 8.86%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 90 20.45% 16.71% 15.42% 17 9.04% 16.03% 13.26% 100 11.26% 13.29% 12.43%

No 252 57.27% 68.77% 69.17% 152 80.85% 68.78% 78.39% 613 69.03% 72.44% 72.74%

Don’t Know 72 16.36% 9.69% 10.28% 13 6.91% 9.28% 4.90% 104 11.71% 6.86% 8.12%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE 

SERVICES

Yes 80 18.18% 19.37% 15.02% 27 14.36% 19.83% 17.29% 113 12.73% 16.01% 16.24%

 Within 30 days 54 12.27% 9.44% 7.91% 17 9.04% 9.70% 9.80% 64 7.21% 9.59% 9.36%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 59 13.41% 13.56% 9.88% 22 11.70% 13.08% 12.97% 81 9.12% 11.66% 12.26%

No 317 72.05% 73.12% 75.69% 153 81.38% 67.51% 73.78% 696 78.38% 76.58% 73.49%

Don’t Know 43 9.77% 7.51% 9.29% 8 4.26% 12.66% 8.93% 79 8.90% 7.41% 10.27%

FAMILY ADVOCACY 

PROGRAMS

Yes 42 9.55% 7.02% 6.13% 12 6.38% 5.06% 6.34% 51 5.74% 7.41% 5.14%

 Within 30 days 23 5.23% 2.91% 2.17% 7 3.72% 1.27% 2.02% 26 2.93% 3.81% 1.74%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 27 6.14% 4.12% 4.35% 9 4.79% 2.53% 4.03% 32 3.60% 4.68% 3.07%

No 334 75.91% 83.05% 83.79% 163 86.70% 81.01% 83.00% 739 83.22% 83.88% 84.01%

Don’t Know 64 14.55% 9.93% 10.08% 13 6.91% 13.92% 10.66% 98 11.04% 8.71% 10.85%

(73.79% of MTF treatment seekers, 45.68% of total) within the month prior to attempting suicide. One hundred sixteen Army suicide attempt 

DoDSERs (26.36%) included evidence of a known physical health problem. Eighty DoDSERs (18.18%) indicated prior substance abuse treatment. 

Most Army suicide attempt DoDSERs (n = 270, 61.36%) indicated that Soldiers had received outpatient behavioral health services, many within 

the month prior to attempting suicide (n = 205, 46.59%). One hundred fifteen DoDSERs (26.14%) indicated that the Soldiers had previously been 

hospitalized at an inpatient psychiatry unit; 44 (10.00%) had been hospitalized within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 5.49. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 161

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 50 11.36% 13.08% 18.18% 11 5.85% 10.97% 12.10% 120 13.51% 14.92% 17.32%

 Within 30 days 31 7.05% 7.26% 11.46% 7 3.72% 7.59% 7.20% 85 9.57% 10.46% 12.59%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 42 9.55% 9.20% 16.21% 9 4.79% 9.28% 9.51% 104 11.71% 12.53% 15.66%

No 260 59.09% 60.77% 60.47% 129 68.62% 58.65% 62.82% 615 69.26% 54.47% 50.79%

Don’t Know 130 29.55% 26.15% 21.34% 48 25.53% 30.38% 25.07% 153 17.23% 30.61% 31.90%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTHYes 270 61.36% 66.59% 56.92% 105 55.85% 62.03% 61.96% 451 50.79% 65.36% 62.88%

 Within 30 days 205 46.59% 45.52% 41.11% 82 43.62% 41.77% 43.23% 304 34.23% 47.82% 44.82%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 229 52.05% 54.00% 47.83% 95 50.53% 48.10% 50.72% 366 41.22% 54.25% 51.78%

No 136 30.91% 29.06% 36.96% 77 40.96% 28.27% 31.41% 365 41.10% 29.63% 30.65%

Don’t Know 34 7.73% 4.36% 6.13% 6 3.19% 9.70% 6.63% 72 8.11% 5.01% 6.46%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL 

HEALTH

Yes 115 26.14% 24.94% 27.67% 40 21.28% 26.16% 29.68% 161 18.13% 27.23% 26.68%

 Within 30 days 44 10.00% 9.69% 11.26% 20 10.64% 9.28% 10.95% 63 7.09% 11.55% 10.69%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 71 16.14% 15.01% 17.19% 26 13.83% 16.03% 19.60% 101 11.37% 16.88% 16.16%

No 289 65.68% 69.01% 65.22% 140 74.47% 62.87% 62.82% 650 73.20% 66.12% 65.53%

Don’t Know 36 8.18% 6.05% 7.11% 8 4.26% 10.97% 7.49% 77 8.67% 6.64% 7.79%

IN A WARRIOR TRANSITION UNITYes 29 6.59% 6.54% 14 7.45% 9.28% 25 2.82% 6.64%

No 259 58.86% 8.47% 135 71.81% 2.53% 588 66.22% 5.56%

Don’t Know 152 34.55% 84.99% 39 20.74% 88.19% 275 30.97% 87.80%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Note: Warrior Transition Unit data unavailable prior to 2010.

TABLE 5.49. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

As indicated in Table 5.50, over two-thirds of DoDSERs for Soldiers who attempted suicide (n = 296, 67.27%) indicated known prescriptions for 

psychotropic medication prior to the suicide event. The most frequently prescribed psychotropic medications were antidepressants (n = 159, 

53.72% of those with known prescriptions, 36.14% of total) and antianxiety medications (n = 78, 26.35% of those with known prescriptions, 

17.73% of total). 
162

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC 

MEDS

Yes 296 67.27% 48.18% 40.51% 74 39.36% 46.84% 44.67% 282 31.76% 42.37% 41.18%

No 116 26.36% 42.86% 51.38% 102 54.26% 42.19% 45.24% 502 56.53% 47.17% 47.97%

Don’t Know 28 6.36% 8.96% 8.10% 12 6.38% 10.97% 10.09% 104 11.71% 10.46% 10.85%

Antidepressants Yes 159 36.14% 38.50% 35.18% 66 35.11% 41.77% 40.06% 236 26.58% 37.36% 35.87%

No 132 30.00% 50.36% 56.13% 110 58.51% 45.99% 49.57% 542 61.04% 50.54% 51.70%

Don’t Know 149 33.86% 11.14% 8.70% 12 6.38% 12.24% 10.37% 110 12.39% 12.09% 12.43%

 Antianxiety Yes 78 17.73% 20.10% 15.61% 0 0.00% 21.10% 19.02% 112 12.61% 17.10% 14.66%

No 203 46.14% 65.86% 73.32% 102 54.26% 63.71% 68.30% 651 73.31% 69.50% 71.09%

Don’t Know 159 36.14% 14.04% 11.07% 86 45.74% 15.19% 12.68% 125 14.08% 13.40% 14.25%

 Antimanics Yes 7 1.59% 3.15% 1.38% 3 1.60% 2.11% 1.73% 10 1.13% 2.51% 2.40%

No 276 62.73% 81.84% 86.17% 170 90.43% 82.70% 85.30% 755 85.02% 84.10% 82.60%

Don’t Know 157 35.68% 15.01% 12.45% 15 7.98% 15.19% 12.97% 123 13.85% 13.40% 15.00%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 8 1.82% 2.18% 1.58% 2 1.06% 1.69% 2.59% 13 1.46% 2.07% 2.15%

No 273 62.05% 82.57% 86.56% 171 90.96% 83.12% 84.73% 750 84.46% 84.20% 82.93%

Don’t Know 159 36.14% 15.25% 11.86% 15 7.98% 15.19% 12.68% 125 14.08% 13.73% 14.91%

 Antipsychotics Yes 31 7.05% 7.75% 9.29% 22 11.70% 8.44% 11.82% 37 4.17% 5.99% 7.21%

No 252 57.27% 77.24% 78.66% 151 80.32% 76.37% 76.37% 731 82.32% 80.72% 78.29%

Don’t Know 157 35.68% 15.01% 12.06% 15 7.98% 15.19% 11.82% 120 13.51% 13.29% 14.50%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 5.50. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These data include information about family 

histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial and administrative difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

DoDSERs for one-half of Soldiers who attempted suicide (n = 224, 50.91%) indicated the known failure of a spousal or intimate relationship, with 
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 163

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Table 5.52 summarizes other family and relationship factors. The most frequent family-related stressor was family behavioral health problems (n = 

122 suicide attempt DoDSERs, 27.73%; n = 49 self-harm DoDSERs, 26.06%; n = 187 suicidal ideation DoDSERs, 21.06%).

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE 

RELATIONSHIP

Yes 224 50.91% 54.00% 50.00% 81 43.09% 52.32% 52.74% 335 37.73% 44.66% 39.35%

 Within 30 days 137 31.14% 33.66% 30.24% 39 20.74% 23.21% 25.65% 130 14.64% 22.44% 17.56%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 168 38.18% 41.16% 37.94% 58 30.85% 37.97% 40.92% 205 23.09% 30.94% 26.51%

No 160 36.36% 37.53% 41.70% 99 52.66% 39.66% 40.63% 474 53.38% 49.35% 53.02%

Don’t Know 56 12.73% 8.47% 8.30% 8 4.26% 8.02% 6.63% 79 8.90% 5.99% 7.62%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIPYes 82 18.64% 15.50% 17.00% 18 9.57% 10.97% 11.24% 148 16.67% 11.76% 12.43%

 Within 30 days 47 10.68% 9.44% 8.89% 7 3.72% 7.59% 5.48% 57 6.42% 5.56% 5.05%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 58 13.18% 11.38% 11.66% 8 4.26% 8.86% 7.49% 81 9.12% 7.30% 7.46%

No 273 62.05% 68.77% 69.37% 151 80.32% 76.79% 80.40% 625 70.38% 77.02% 76.80%

Don’t Know 85 19.32% 15.74% 13.64% 19 10.11% 12.24% 8.36% 115 12.95% 11.22% 10.77%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 248 56.36% 57.87% 55.53% 87 46.28% 56.12% 56.20% 373 42.00% 46.95% 44.16%

 Within 30 days 144 32.73% 37.29% 34.39% 39 20.74% 27.00% 28.82% 138 15.54% 24.40% 20.55%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 175 39.77% 44.55% 41.90% 58 30.85% 41.77% 43.80% 214 24.10% 32.46% 29.33%

No 136 30.91% 34.38% 36.17% 91 48.40% 35.86% 37.18% 436 49.10% 47.28% 48.47%

Don’t Know 56 12.73% 7.75% 8.30% 8 4.26% 8.02% 6.63% 79 8.90% 5.77% 7.37%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

137 (31.14%) indicating that the failure occurred within the month prior to attempting suicide (Table 5.51). Eighty-two (18.64%) indicated the failure 

of another important relationship, with over one-fourth of these (n = 47, 10.68%) occurring within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 5.51. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
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Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 2 0.45% 0.00% 0.20% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.29% 1 0.11% 0.11% 0.08%

No 378 85.91% 93.70% 91.90% 176 93.62% 94.09% 94.52% 805 90.65% 95.32% 93.37%

Don’t Know 60 13.64% 6.30% 7.91% 12 6.38% 5.91% 5.19% 82 9.23% 4.58% 6.55%

HX FAMILY MEMBER 

SUICIDE

Yes 28 6.36% 6.30% 6.13% 7 3.72% 4.22% 3.75% 52 5.86% 7.08% 4.47%

No 334 75.91% 81.84% 82.61% 164 87.23% 87.34% 89.34% 724 81.53% 85.95% 86.50%

Don’t Know 78 17.73% 11.86% 11.26% 17 9.04% 8.44% 6.92% 112 12.61% 6.97% 9.03%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 43 9.77% 7.75% 7.51% 6 3.19% 5.06% 4.03% 73 8.22% 5.99% 6.63%

No 309 70.23% 78.69% 80.43% 163 86.70% 85.23% 89.05% 694 78.15% 85.95% 83.68%

Don’t Know 88 20.00% 13.56% 12.06% 19 10.11% 9.70% 6.92% 121 13.63% 8.06% 9.69%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY 

MEMBER

Yes 76 17.27% 15.25% 13.24% 24 12.77% 15.19% 8.93% 156 17.57% 14.71% 10.69%

No 281 63.86% 72.88% 75.69% 147 78.19% 75.95% 84.44% 622 70.05% 77.67% 80.28%

Don’t Know 83 18.86% 11.86% 11.07% 17 9.04% 8.86% 6.63% 110 12.39% 7.63% 9.03%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 54 12.27% 9.69% 9.88% 17 9.04% 11.39% 5.48% 125 14.08% 12.09% 9.20%

No 293 66.59% 76.76% 77.08% 152 80.85% 78.90% 88.18% 646 72.75% 78.54% 81.11%

Don’t Know 93 21.14% 13.56% 13.04% 19 10.11% 9.70% 6.34% 117 13.18% 9.37% 9.69%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 48 10.91% 7.99% 8.30% 13 6.91% 8.86% 9.80% 90 10.14% 8.39% 6.79%

No 305 69.32% 79.42% 79.45% 161 85.64% 82.28% 83.57% 683 76.91% 82.46% 83.18%

Don’t Know 87 19.77% 12.59% 12.25% 14 7.45% 8.86% 6.63% 117 13.18% 9.15% 10.02%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL 

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Yes 122 27.73% 26.63% 32.02% 49 26.06% 27.00% 32.28% 187 21.06% 28.87% 29.25%

No 218 49.55% 53.51% 51.38% 118 62.77% 56.96% 54.47% 551 62.05% 56.86% 53.11%

Don’t Know 100 22.73% 19.85% 16.60% 21 11.17% 16.03% 13.26% 150 16.89% 14.27% 17.65%

Administrative and Legal History

Table 5.53 summarizes administrative and legal problems reported by Army DoDSER POCs for nonfatal suicide events in 2011. One hundred 

seventy-three DoDSERs for Soldiers who attempted suicide (39.32%) included at least one administrative or legal issue and 49 (11.14%) included 

TABLE 5.52. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FAMILY HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 165

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

more than one issue. The most frequent administrative or legal problems were medical board proceedings (n = 63, 14.32%), Article 15 proceedings 

(n = 49, 11.14%), administrative separation (n = 35, 7.95%), and civil legal issues (n = 35, 7.95%). 

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 12 2.73% 2.66% 4.15% 3 1.60% 0.84% 3.75% 20 2.25% 2.83% 3.07%

No 376 85.45% 86.44% 84.58% 168 89.36% 90.30% 88.76% 780 87.84% 87.69% 86.83%

Don’t Know 52 11.82% 10.90% 11.26% 17 9.04% 8.86% 7.49% 88 9.91% 9.48% 10.11%

HX ARTICLE 15 Yes 49 11.14% 19.37% 19.76% 26 13.83% 15.61% 20.46% 129 14.53% 14.92% 17.07%

No 223 50.68% 67.07% 68.18% 147 78.19% 74.26% 70.32% 654 73.65% 74.73% 71.33%

Don’t Know 168 38.18% 13.56% 12.06% 15 7.98% 10.13% 9.22% 105 11.82% 10.35% 11.60%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 35 7.95% 12.83% 10.67% 20 10.64% 9.70% 9.51% 74 8.33% 8.93% 10.44%

No 349 79.32% 74.09% 78.46% 153 81.38% 80.17% 82.13% 722 81.31% 80.07% 79.54%

Don’t Know 56 12.73% 13.08% 10.87% 15 7.98% 10.13% 8.36% 92 10.36% 11.00% 10.02%

HX AWOL Yes 21 4.77% 7.26% 6.13% 8 4.26% 5.91% 9.22% 57 6.42% 6.32% 9.11%

No 365 82.95% 82.81% 83.79% 166 88.30% 84.81% 85.59% 748 84.23% 84.64% 82.10%

Don’t Know 54 12.27% 9.93% 10.08% 14 7.45% 9.28% 5.19% 83 9.35% 9.04% 8.78%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 63 14.32% 8.47% 7.71% 18 9.57% 10.13% 8.07% 78 8.78% 11.00% 6.46%

No 319 72.50% 79.90% 81.62% 157 83.51% 78.48% 86.17% 721 81.19% 78.32% 84.18%

Don’t Know 58 13.18% 11.62% 10.67% 13 6.91% 11.39% 5.76% 89 10.02% 10.68% 9.36%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMSYes 35 7.95% 10.41% 9.29% 10 5.32% 6.33% 6.63% 67 7.55% 8.28% 6.46%

No 343 77.95% 74.82% 79.05% 161 85.64% 83.54% 85.01% 727 81.87% 81.59% 83.43%

Don’t Know 62 14.09% 14.77% 11.66% 17 9.04% 10.13% 8.36% 94 10.59% 10.13% 10.11%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR 

PROMOTION

Yes 19 4.32% 5.57% 2.96% 2 1.06% 2.11% 3.46% 35 3.94% 3.81% 1.66%

No 328 74.55% 77.48% 83.79% 165 87.77% 88.19% 87.32% 734 82.66% 83.33% 86.25%

Don’t Know 93 21.14% 16.95% 13.24% 21 11.17% 9.70% 9.22% 119 13.40% 12.85% 12.10%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL 

ISSUE

Yes 173 39.32% 42.62% 38.14% 66 35.11% 34.18% 37.75% 293 33.00% 38.13% 33.72%

No 215 48.86% 46.00% 52.96% 109 57.98% 57.38% 57.35% 512 57.66% 53.92% 57.91%

Don’t Know 52 11.82% 11.38% 8.89% 13 6.91% 8.44% 4.90% 83 9.35% 7.95% 8.37%

TABLE 5.53. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
166

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Abuse History

Table 5.54 provides Army DoDSER data about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration. DoDSERs for Soldiers who attempted suicide 

included a reported history of physical abuse (n = 88, 20.00%), sexual abuse (n = 78, 17.73%), emotional abuse (n = 92, 20.91%), and sexual 

harassment (n = 18, 4.09%). Army suicide attempt DoDSERs included less frequently reported histories of perpetration of physical abuse (n = 33, 

7.50%), sexual abuse (n = 7, 1.59%), emotional abuse (n = 10, 2.27%), and sexual harassment (n = 3, 0.68%).

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/

LEGAL ISSUES

Yes 49 11.14% 16.22% 14.03% 16 8.51% 9.70% 15.56% 108 12.16% 12.20% 13.42%

No 339 77.05% 42.62% 49.01% 159 84.57% 53.16% 53.31% 697 78.49% 51.20% 54.27%

Don’t Know 52 11.82% 41.16% 36.96% 13 6.91% 37.13% 31.12% 83 9.35% 36.60% 32.31%

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL 

ABUSE

Yes 88 20.00% 21.79% 22.13% 27 14.36% 18.57% 20.46% 174 19.59% 19.72% 20.30%

No 256 58.18% 64.89% 65.02% 117 62.23% 58.65% 63.69% 573 64.53% 69.50% 65.70%

Don’t Know 96 21.82% 13.32% 12.85% 44 23.40% 22.78% 15.85% 141 15.88% 10.78% 14.00%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL 

ABUSE

Yes 78 17.73% 17.19% 16.40% 34 18.09% 15.61% 14.41% 101 11.37% 16.78% 12.84%

No 269 61.14% 69.98% 70.16% 111 59.04% 64.56% 69.16% 644 72.52% 73.09% 71.75%

Don’t Know 93 21.14% 12.83% 13.44% 43 22.87% 19.83% 16.43% 143 16.10% 10.13% 15.41%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL 

ABUSE

Yes 92 20.91% 22.76% 24.51% 28 14.89% 19.41% 18.44% 176 19.82% 19.06% 20.96%

No 252 57.27% 63.68% 61.26% 114 60.64% 58.65% 63.69% 564 63.51% 69.50% 64.04%

Don’t Know 96 21.82% 13.56% 14.23% 46 24.47% 21.94% 17.87% 148 16.67% 11.44% 15.00%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENTYes 18 4.09% 5.33% 3.75% 3 1.60% 4.64% 2.02% 29 3.27% 2.51% 3.31%

No 321 72.95% 80.39% 81.03% 138 73.40% 71.73% 81.27% 710 79.95% 86.06% 80.86%

Don’t Know 101 22.95% 14.29% 15.22% 47 25.00% 23.63% 16.71% 150 16.89% 11.44% 15.82%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSEYes 33 7.50% 5.57% 5.53% 5 2.66% 3.38% 5.19% 23 2.59% 3.70% 4.56%

No 315 71.59% 79.42% 80.63% 140 74.47% 73.42% 78.96% 721 81.19% 84.31% 82.35%

Don’t Know 92 20.91% 15.01% 13.83% 43 22.87% 23.21% 15.85% 144 16.22% 11.98% 13.09%

TABLE 5.53. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

TABLE 5.54. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 167

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

Table 5.55 provides Army DoDSER data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace. Nearly one-third of DoDSERs for Soldiers who 

attempted suicide in 2011 included experience of job loss or instability (n = 138, 31.36%). One hundred nine (24.77%) included problems with 

either supervisors or coworkers, and 63 (14.32%) included prior poor work evaluations. 

HX PERPETRATOR 

SEXUAL ABUSE

Yes 7 1.59% 2.42% 1.58% 0 0.00% 1.27% 0.86% 6 0.68% 0.54% 0.99%

No 337 76.59% 82.81% 84.39% 145 77.13% 75.95% 83.00% 737 83.00% 87.25% 85.50%

Don’t Know 96 21.82% 14.77% 14.03% 43 22.87% 22.78% 16.14% 145 16.33% 12.20% 13.50%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSEYes 10 2.27% 3.63% 2.96% 4 2.13% 2.11% 0.86% 14 1.58% 1.42% 2.32%

No 331 75.23% 80.87% 82.21% 141 75.00% 75.11% 82.13% 723 81.42% 85.84% 84.18%

Don’t Know 99 22.50% 15.50% 14.82% 43 22.87% 22.78% 17.00% 151 17.00% 12.75% 13.50%

HX PERPETRATOR 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Yes 3 0.68% 0.73% 0.20% 0 0.00% 0.42% 0.29% 1 0.11% 0.22% 1.08%

No 339 77.05% 84.02% 85.18% 144 76.60% 76.37% 83.00% 740 83.33% 87.47% 85.58%

Don’t Know 98 22.27% 15.25% 14.62% 44 23.40% 23.21% 16.71% 147 16.55% 12.31% 13.34%

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCYYes 54 12.27% 12.11% 9.68% 18 9.57% 12.24% 10.37% 98 11.04% 11.66% 10.44%

No 304 69.09% 68.04% 75.69% 151 80.32% 77.22% 78.96% 671 75.56% 77.45% 78.96%

Don’t Know 82 18.64% 19.85% 14.62% 19 10.11% 10.55% 10.66% 119 13.40% 10.89% 10.60%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITYYes 138 31.36% 33.90% 27.87% 45 23.94% 27.85% 30.26% 231 26.01% 27.67% 29.83%

No 222 50.45% 54.00% 60.28% 132 70.21% 64.56% 63.98% 554 62.39% 65.25% 61.81%

Don’t Know 80 18.18% 12.11% 11.86% 11 5.85% 7.59% 5.76% 103 11.60% 7.08% 8.37%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUESYes 109 24.77% 24.94% 24.70% 39 20.74% 24.05% 28.24% 202 22.75% 23.75% 26.68%

No 257 58.41% 58.60% 60.87% 135 71.81% 63.71% 63.98% 572 64.41% 67.10% 63.13%

Don’t Know 74 16.82% 16.46% 14.43% 14 7.45% 12.24% 7.78% 114 12.84% 9.15% 10.19%

TABLE 5.54. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)

TABLE 5.55. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS
168

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Soldiers’ three most recent deployments. Data include deployment location information as well as the 

history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

As summarized in Table 5.56, DoDSERs for Army suicide attempts included one suicide attempt in Iraq (0.23%) and 13 in Afghanistan (2.95%). 

Twenty-five Army suicide attempt DoDSERs (5.59%) included at least one OEF, OIF, or OND deployment (Table 5.57), and 145 DoDSERs for Army 

suicide attempts (32.95%) included direct combat history (Table 5.58). 

TABLE 5.56. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS IN THEATER

HX POOR WORK EVALUATIONYes 63 14.32% 17.43% 13.04% 25 13.30% 16.88% 22.77% 130 14.64% 14.38% 16.49%

No 282 64.09% 61.02% 72.33% 140 74.47% 71.73% 67.72% 629 70.83% 73.31% 71.58%

Don’t Know 95 21.59% 21.55% 14.62% 23 12.23% 11.39% 9.51% 129 14.53% 12.31% 11.93%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE 

HAZING

Yes 29 6.59% 5.57% 5.73% 4 2.13% 3.38% 3.75% 50 5.63% 4.47% 2.90%

No 310 70.45% 74.09% 78.85% 166 88.30% 82.28% 88.47% 712 80.18% 81.92% 85.42%

Don’t Know 101 22.95% 20.34% 15.42% 18 9.57% 14.35% 7.78% 126 14.19% 13.62% 11.68%

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 13 2.95% 3.39% 1.58% 6 3.19% 2.53% 1.73% 10 1.13% 0.76% 0.75%

Iraq 1 0.23% 6.05% 8.70% 5 2.66% 4.22% 5.19% 16 1.80% 1.96% 4.14%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.59% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.58% 1 0.11% 0.33% 0.25%

Not OEF/OND 426 96.82% 90.56% 89.13% 177 94.15% 93.25% 92.51% 861 96.96% 96.95% 94.86%

TABLE 5.55. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS (CONT.)
Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report 169

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

TABLE 5.58. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER COMBAT HISTORY FOR NONFATAL SUICIDE EVENTS

TABLE 5.57. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 ARMY DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/

OIF/OND

Afghanistan 19 4.32% 9.93% 2.17% 36 19.15% 11.39% 3.75% 17 1.91% 15.03% 2.98%

Iraq 6 1.36% 34.38% 41.50% 56 29.79% 29.96% 31.12% 24 2.70% 26.80% 31.81%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.97% 2.37% 1 0.53% 0.84% 2.02% 1 0.11% 1.20% 1.74%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 0 0.00% 7.51% 2.57% 1 0.53% 6.33% 3.46% 7 0.79% 6.64% 3.15%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 415 94.32% 47.22% 51.38% 94 50.00% 51.48% 59.65% 839 94.48% 50.33% 60.31%

Suicide Attempt Self-Harm (no intent to die) Ideation Only

2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009 2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 145 32.95% 19.61% 24.11% 21 11.17% 16.03% 18.16% 169 19.03% 20.04% 15.66%

Resulted in injuries/casualties 54 12.27% 12.35% 17.59% 12 6.38% 11.81% 10.37% 114 12.84% 14.49% 10.69%

 Injured in combat 24 5.45% 5.33% 4.94% 0 0.00% 5.49% 4.03% 37 4.17% 4.79% 4.56%

 Witnessed killing in combat 49 11.14% 13.56% 16.80% 12 6.38% 11.81% 9.80% 110 12.39% 14.38% 10.52%

 Saw dead bodies 50 11.36% 14.29% 18.18% 13 6.91% 12.24% 10.37% 116 13.06% 14.81% 10.44%

 Killed others in combat 28 6.36% 8.96% 8.30% 0 0.00% 4.64% 4.61% 51 5.74% 8.50% 4.97%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 295 67.05% 80.39% 75.89% 167 88.83% 83.97% 81.84% 719 80.97% 79.96% 84.34%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
170

Chapter 5: Army DoDSER for Nonfatal Events

Summary

This chapter provides data on Army suicides and nonfatal suicide events that occurred in 2011. Data are presented for 159 Soldiers who died by 

suicide and 424 Soldiers who attempted suicide in 440 separate incidents. Decedents and those with nonfatal suicide events were primarily male, 

Caucasian, non-Hispanic or Latino, under age twenty-five, junior enlisted, Regular component Soldiers, and without a college degree. 

Most suicide events took place in the United States in the Soldiers’ own residences. The most frequent methods for Soldiers who died by suicide 

were non-military issue firearm usage and hanging. Suicide attempt methods were most often drug overdose, harming oneself with a sharp or blunt 

object, and hanging. Drug and alcohol use was much more frequent among nonfatal Army suicide events than among fatal Army suicide events. 

The majority of Soldiers who died by suicide or had attempted suicide were not known to have communicated with others about their likelihood of 

harming themselves.

Soldiers with nonfatal suicide events had more known behavioral health disorders than Soldiers with fatal suicide events, but they had similar 

behavioral health treatment usage prior to the event. Additionally, those who attempted suicide had a higher prevalence of prior abuse victimization. 

Failed intimate relationships were frequent among Soldiers with suicide events. The most frequent administrative or legal issue was medical board 

proceedings. 
171

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

CHAPTER 6:

MARINE CORPS DoDSER

Marine Corps DoDSER Submissions & Point of Contact (POC) Compliance

2011 Reported Suicides

Thirty-one Marine Corps suicides were confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) for 

calendar year (CY) 2011 (Table 6.1). Marine Corps Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs) 

were submitted and analyzed for all 31 confirmed suicides for a submission compliance rate of 100%. The 

tables in this section include data for all decedents. In addition, the tables provide the percentages from 2009 

and 2010 DoDSER data for comparison. Specific counts for previous years are available in the previous 

DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 6.1. MARINE CORPS AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DODSERS SUBMITTED

MARINE CORPS RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have 

been associated with the suicide events. These factors include decedents’ demographic characteristics, event 

setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 6.2 contains demographic data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). All Marine 

Corps suicides were completed by males in 2011. Decedents were primarily Caucasian (n = 26, 81.25%), nonHispanic or Latino (n = 31, 96.88%), under age twenty-five (n = 23, 71.88%), junior enlisted (n = 21, 65.63%), 

Regular component (n = 31, 96.88%), and without a college degree (n = 29, 90.63%).

2011 2010 2009 2008

Total DoDSERs Included in Annual Report 31 37 51 42

Total AFMES Confirmed and Pending Suicides 32 37 52 42

AFMES Confirmed Suicides (By 31 January) 31 37 51 41

DoDSER Submission Compliance 100% 100% 100% 100%

Data from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2011 as of 4/26/2012 for CY 2011; as of 4/1/2012 for previous years
172

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 6.2. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA AND RATES FOR MARINE CORPS SUICIDES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

(N = 37) 

Percent

(N = 52) 

Percent

TOTAL 32 100.00% 100.00% 14.87 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 32 100.00% 93.31% 15.90 97.30% 100.00%

Female 0 0.00% 6.69% * 2.70% 0.00%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 1 3.13% 1.07% * 0.00% 0.00%

Asian or Pacific Islander 2 6.25% 3.25% * 5.41% 1.92%

Black/African American 3 9.38% 10.21% * 8.11% 5.77%

White/Caucasian 26 81.25% 78.76% 15.34 86.49% 92.31%

Other/Don’t Know 0 0.00% 6.71% * 0.00% 0.00%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 1 3.13% 13.98% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 31 96.88% 86.02% 16.74 

AGE RANGE Under 25 23 71.88% 55.48% 19.26 59.46% 76.92%

25-29 6 18.75% 22.54% * 21.62% 9.62%

30-34 2 6.25% 10.19% * 13.51% 5.77%

35-39 0 0.00% 6.63% * 2.70% 5.77%

40-44 0 0.00% 3.56% * 0.00% 0.00%

45+ 1 3.13% 1.60% * 2.70% 1.92%

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

E1-E4 21 65.63% 57.89% 16.85 59.46% 75.00%

E5-E9 9 28.13% 31.06% * 32.43% 21.15%

Officer 2 6.25% 10.01% * 8.11% 1.92%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 1.04% * 0.00% 1.92%

COMPONENT Regular 31 96.88% 93.38% 14.87 97.30% 100.00%

Reserve 1 3.13% 6.62% * 2.70% 0.00%

National Guard 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 0.09% * 0.00% 0.00%

GED 4 12.50% 2.99% * 2.70% 13.46%

High school graduate 25 78.13% 82.33% 14.11 81.08% 80.77%

Some college or technical school 0 0.00% 0.85% * 2.70% 3.85%

Degree/certificate less than four years 1 3.13% 1.88% * 2.70% 0.00%

Four-year college degree 2 6.25% 8.79% * 5.41% 1.92%

Master’s degree or greater 0 0.00% 2.53% * 5.41% 0.00%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.54% * 0.00% 0.00%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 18 56.25% 47.33% * 48.65% 48.08%

Married 12 37.50% 4.00% * 45.95% 42.31%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.16% * 2.70% 0.00%

Divorced 2 6.25% 48.47% * 2.70% 9.62%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.05% * 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “DoD Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and 

Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.
173

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Event Setting

As in the previous two years, Marine Corps suicides most frequently took place in the United States (n = 

28, 90.32%). Two suicides occurred during deployment to Afghanistan (6.45%) and one occurred in Asia 

(3.23%, Table 6.3). As shown in Table 6.4, suicides primarily occurred in the Marines’ own residences (n = 15, 

48.39%), followed by the residences of friends or family (n = 4, 12.90%) and automobile (away from residence; 

n = 3, 9.68%). “Other” (write-in) responses included public parks (n = 3, 9.68%), secluded or vacant property 

(n = 1, 3.23%), and jumping off a bridge (n = 1, 3.23%). 

TABLE 6.3. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

TABLE 6.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER EVENT SETTING 

Event Method

As indicated in Table 6.5, the primary methods for suicide included the use of non-military issue firearms 

(n = 14, 45.16%), hanging (n = 7, 22.58%), and the use of military issue firearms (n = 3, 9.68%). 

TABLE 6.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 28 90.32% 81.08% 75.00%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00% 15.38%

Afghanistan 2 6.45% 10.81% 5.77%

Djibouti 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

Asia 1 3.23% 5.41% 0.00%

Other 0 0.00% 0.00% 3.85%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 15 48.39% 51.35% 61.54%

Residence of friend or family 4 12.90% 8.11% 11.54%

Work/jobsite 2 6.45% 13.51% 5.77%

Automobile (away from residence) 3 9.68% 5.41% 7.69%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 7 22.58% 21.62% 13.46%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 14 45.16% 45.95% 30.77%

Firearm, military issue 3 9.68% 18.92% 28.85%

Hanging 7 22.58% 21.62% 30.77%

Drugs 2 6.45% 2.70% 0.00%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%
174

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Substance Use during the Event

Comprehensive information about substance use during suicide is unavailable for most Marine Corps suicides 

in 2011 (n = 17, 54.84%; Table 6.6). Where information was available, it indicated that four Marines used 

alcohol during the suicide event (22.22% of DoDSERs with alcohol use data, 12.90% of total). Fewer were 

known to have used drugs (n = 3, 21.43% of DoDSERs with drug use data, 9.68% of total). These frequencies 

include two Marines who used drugs as a suicide method, as described above.

TABLE 6.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE

Gas, utility (or other) 2 6.45% 5.41% 0.00%

Fire, steam, etc. 1 3.23% 2.70% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 1 3.23% 0.00% 3.85%

Lying in front of moving object 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

Crashing a motor vehicle 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 1 3.23% 0.00% 1.92%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 4 12.90% 18.92% 13.46%

No 14 45.16% 35.14% 42.31%

Don’t Know 13 41.94% 45.95% 44.23%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 3 9.68% 5.41% 5.77%

No 11 35.48% 37.84% 36.54%

Don’t Know 17 54.84% 56.76% 57.69%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 1 3.23% 0.00% 1.92%

Were not used 13 41.94% 43.24% 40.38%

Don’t know 17 54.84% 56.76% 57.69%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 1 3.23% 2.70% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 2.70% 3.85%

Were not used 13 41.94% 37.84% 38.46%

Don’t know 17 54.84% 56.76% 57.69%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 1 3.23% 0.00% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Were not used 13 41.94% 43.24% 42.31%

Don’t know 17 54.84% 56.76% 57.69%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

No 14 45.16% 40.54% 38.46%

Don’t Know 17 54.84% 59.46% 59.62%

TABLE 6.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.) 
175

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the previous two years, most Marine Corps decedents had no known history of communicating 

with others about intent to harm themselves (n = 26, 83.87%; Table 6.7). Only five Marines who died by 

suicide were known to have communicated with at least one individual regarding their potential to die by 

suicide (16.13%). These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 4, 12.90%; Table 6.8). One 

DoDSER included text messages as an “Other” (write-in) response (3.23%). As indicated in Table 6.9, 

decedents most frequently communicated with their spouse (n = 3, 9.68%). “Other” (write-in) responses 

included the use of Facebook (n = 1, 3.23%).

TABLE 6.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 6.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 6.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 26 83.87% 67.57% 73.08%

1 5 16.13% 24.32% 15.38%

2 0 0.00% 5.41% 9.62%

4 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

5 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 4 12.90% 10.81% 17.31%

Written 0 0.00% 5.41% 0.00%

Other or Unknown 1 3.23% 13.51% 3.85%

Multiple Modes 0 0.00% 2.70% 5.77%

No Known Communication 26 83.87% 67.57% 73.08%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 3 9.68% 0.00% 5.77%

Friend 0 0.00% 8.11% 3.85%

Behavioral Health Provider 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Chaplain 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

Other or Unidentified 2 6.45% 13.51% 5.77%

Made Multiple Communications 0 0.00% 8.11% 11.54%

No Known Communication 26 83.87% 67.57% 73.08%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
176

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Additional Event Information

Table 6.10 provides information about other details of 2011 Marine Corps suicides. There was evidence 17 

(54.84%) decedents intended to die. Eight suicides appeared to be premeditated (25.81%). Two Marine 

Corps decedents (6.45%) died in a location where the suicide was potentially observable by others. Nearly 

one-fourth left suicide notes (n = 7, 22.58%).

TABLE 6.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 17 54.84% 64.86% 73.08%

No 7 22.58% 5.41% 5.77%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 29.73% 21.15%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

No 31 100.00% 81.08% 84.62%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 16.22% 15.38%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 8 25.81% 40.54% 34.62%

No 9 29.03% 27.03% 30.77%

Don’t Know 14 45.16% 32.43% 34.62%

OBSERVABLE Yes 2 6.45% 16.22% 11.54%

No 27 87.10% 70.27% 75.00%

Don’t Know 2 6.45% 13.51% 13.46%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 7 22.58% 37.84% 17.31%

No 19 61.29% 45.95% 59.62%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 16.22% 23.08%

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 6.11 provides details about the living situations of Marines who died by suicide in 2011. The most 

frequent living environment for decedents were private homes and apartments outside of their installations 

(n = 13, 41.94%) or shared military housing on their installations (n = 7, 22.58%). Of those who were 

married (n = 12), over one-half lived with their spouses (n = 7, 53.85% of married, 22.58% of total) and four 

were separated (30.77% of married, 12.90% of total). Most decedents lived with others (n = 24, 77.42%). 

Five Marine Corps decedents (16.13%) had minor children, and two (6.45%) lived with their children at the 

time of death. Nearly one-half of decedents had access to firearms in either their homes or other accessible 

locations (n = 14, 45.16%).
177

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 6.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment of Marine Corps suicides was their permanent duty station (n = 15, 48.39%; 

Table 6.12). Five Marines died by suicide while on leave (16.13%).

TABLE 6.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 7 22.58% 37.84% 36.54%

Bachelor quarters 6 19.35% 16.22% 19.23%

On-base family housing 2 6.45% 8.11% 3.85%

Owned or leased apartment or house 13 41.94% 32.43% 28.85%

Ship 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 3 9.68% 5.41% 5.77%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 5.77%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resided with spouse 7 22.58% 16.22% 15.38%

Separated due to relationship issues 4 12.90% 10.81% 5.77%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 1 3.23% 18.92% 19.23%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 0.00% 5.77%

Unmarried at time of event 18 58.06% 54.05% 53.85%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 7 22.58% 24.32% 25.00%

No 24 77.42% 70.27% 71.15%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 5.41% 3.85%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 5 16.13% 29.73% 21.15%

No 26 83.87% 70.27% 78.85%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 2 6.45% 16.22% 7.69%

No 3 9.68% 13.51% 11.54%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

No Children 26 83.87% 70.27% 78.85%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 14 45.16% 54.05% 50.00%

No 11 35.48% 29.73% 28.85%

Don’t Know 6 19.35% 16.22% 21.15%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 15 48.39% 62.16% 42.31%

Leave 5 16.13% 0.00% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.00% 2.70% 7.69%

Medical Hold 1 3.23% 0.00% 0.00%

TDY 3 9.68% 5.41% 5.77%

AWOL 4 12.90% 2.70% 7.69%

Deployed 2 6.45% 13.51% 13.46%

Training 1 3.23% 2.70% 5.77%
178

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the prior two years, no clear pattern existed for Marine Corps suicides by month (Table 6.13).

TABLE 6.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH

Other 3 9.68% 2.70% 1.92%

Multiple Duty Environments 4 12.90% 2.70% 15.38%

Duty Environment Unknown 1 3.23% 5.41% 0.00%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 2 6.45% 18.92% 5.77%

February 2 6.45% 5.41% 1.92%

March 4 12.90% 8.11% 7.69%

April 2 6.45% 5.41% 9.62%

May 2 6.45% 18.92% 7.69%

June 5 16.13% 2.70% 17.31%

July 4 12.90% 16.22% 17.31%

August 2 6.45% 5.41% 3.85%

September 3 9.68% 5.41% 1.92%

October 2 6.45% 8.11% 7.69%

November 2 6.45% 0.00% 7.69%

December 1 3.23% 5.41% 11.54%

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Four Marines who died by suicide in 2011 (12.90%) had a known history of self-harm (Table 6.14) and one 

decedent (3.23%) was known to have at least two prior incidents of self-harm.

TABLE 6.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 4 12.90% 16.22% 13.46%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 0.00% 5.77%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 0 0.00% 2.70% 9.62%

TABLE 6.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
179

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below 

reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of death. 

Thirteen Marines who died by suicide in 2011 (41.94%) had a history of at least one documented behavioral 

health disorder (Table 6.15). Four (12.90%) had at least two co-occurring diagnoses. As indicated in Tables 

6.16 and 6.17, five decedents (16.13%) had a mood disorder, and four (12.90%) had an anxiety disorder. 

One Marine was previously diagnosed with a personality disorder (3.23%), and one decedent (3.23%) had 

sustained a traumatic brain injury (Table 6.18). Ten decedents (32.26%) had a known history of substance 

abuse.

TABLE 6.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES

No 22 70.97% 72.97% 65.38%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 10.81% 21.15%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 3 9.68% 10.81% 5.77%

More than one prior event 1 3.23% 5.41% 7.69%

N/A or Unknown 27 87.10% 83.78% 86.54%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 1 3.23% 2.70% 3.85%

No 3 9.68% 13.51% 9.62%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

N/A 27 87.10% 83.78% 86.54%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 6.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER MOOD DISORDERS

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 18 58.06% 62.16% 53.85%

1 DX 9 29.03% 18.92% 28.85%

2 DX 0 0.00% 8.11% 7.69%

3 DX 2 6.45% 2.70% 3.85%

4 or more DX 2 6.45% 8.11% 5.77%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 5 16.13% 21.62% 21.15%

No 21 67.74% 72.97% 63.46%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 15.38%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

No 26 83.87% 91.89% 75.00%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 25.00%

 Major depression Yes 1 3.23% 8.11% 9.62%

No 25 80.65% 86.49% 69.23%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 21.15%

TABLE 6.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY (CONT.) 
180

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 6.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 1 3.23% 0.00% 0.00%

No 25 80.65% 94.59% 75.00%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 25.00%

 Other mood disorder Yes 3 9.68% 2.70% 3.85%

No 23 74.19% 89.19% 73.08%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 8.11% 23.08%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 3.85%

No 26 83.87% 91.89% 80.77%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 15.38%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 0 0.00% 5.41% 3.85%

No 25 80.65% 89.19% 80.77%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 15.38%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 4 12.90% 10.81% 13.46%

No 22 70.97% 83.78% 67.31%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 19.23%

 PTSD Yes 1 3.23% 5.41% 1.92%

No 25 80.65% 89.19% 76.92%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 21.15%

 Panic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 26 83.87% 94.59% 78.85%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 21.15%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

No 26 83.87% 94.59% 76.92%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 21.15%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 26 83.87% 94.59% 78.85%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 21.15%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 2 6.45% 2.70% 0.00%

No 24 77.42% 91.89% 80.77%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 19.23%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 1 3.23% 0.00% 0.00%

No 26 83.87% 94.59% 80.77%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 19.23%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 2 6.45% 2.70% 9.62%

No 25 80.65% 91.89% 71.15%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 19.23%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 6.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.)
181

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Treatment History

Table 6.19 provides data on Marine Corps suicide decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment 

prior to death. Fifteen (48.39%) had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). 

Ten decedents (32.26%) were treated at an MTF within the month prior to suicide. Eight Marines (25.81%) 

had a known history of a physical health problem and three decedents (9.68%) had received physical health 

diagnoses within the month prior to suicide.

Eight Marine Corps decedents (25.81%) received substance abuse treatment services, one (3.23%) received 

help from a family advocacy program, and one Marine (3.23%) was known to have utilized chaplain services. 

Nearly one-fifth of decedents (n = 6, 19.35%) had received outpatient behavioral health treatment. Three 

(9.68%) received treatment within the month prior to suicide. Three Marines (9.68%) received inpatient 

behavioral health treatment, one of whom (3.23%) was treated within the month prior to suicide.

TABLE 6.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 6.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 1 3.23% 8.11% 7.69%

No 27 87.10% 83.78% 75.00%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 8.11% 17.31%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 3.23% 0.00% 1.92%

No 27 87.10% 91.89% 82.69%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 8.11% 15.38%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 10 32.26% 27.03% 28.85%

No 17 54.84% 64.86% 55.77%

Don’t Know 4 12.90% 8.11% 15.38%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 1 3.23% 2.70%

No 27 87.10% 81.08%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 16.22%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 15 48.39% 45.95% 59.62%

 Within 30 days 10 32.26% 32.43% 36.54%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 12 38.71% 40.54% 46.15%

No 13 41.94% 45.95% 28.85%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 8.11% 11.54%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 8 25.81% 24.32% 7.69%

 Within 30 days 3 9.68% 13.51% 5.77%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 16.13% 16.22% 7.69%

No 19 61.29% 67.57% 75.00%

Don’t Know 4 12.90% 8.11% 17.31%
182

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Table 6.20 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by decedents prior to 

suicide. Five decedents (16.13%) had known prescriptions for psychotropic medications, most frequently 

antidepressants (n = 4, 12.90%).

TABLE 6.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 8 25.81% 18.92% 17.31%

 Within 30 days 2 6.45% 10.81% 11.54%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 4 12.90% 10.81% 11.54%

No 18 58.06% 67.57% 65.38%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 13.51% 17.31%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 1 3.23% 13.51% 5.77%

 Within 30 days 1 3.23% 2.70% 1.92%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 3.23% 5.41% 5.77%

No 23 74.19% 64.86% 65.38%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 21.62% 28.85%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 1 3.23% 21.62% 21.15%

 Within 30 days 1 3.23% 16.22% 11.54%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 3.23% 16.22% 15.38%

No 17 54.84% 54.05% 55.77%

Don’t Know 11 35.48% 24.32% 23.08%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 6 19.35% 32.43% 34.62%

 Within 30 days 3 9.68% 16.22% 15.38%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 9.68% 27.03% 21.15%

No 22 70.97% 54.05% 50.00%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 13.51% 15.38%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 3 9.68% 13.51% 7.69%

 Within 30 days 1 3.23% 2.70% 1.92%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 3.23% 5.41% 3.85%

No 26 83.87% 78.38% 73.08%

Don’t Know 2 6.45% 8.11% 19.23%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 5 16.13% 16.22% 9.62%

No 19 61.29% 64.86% 65.38%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 25.00%

 Antidepressants Yes 4 12.90% 10.81% 7.69%

No 20 64.52% 70.27% 65.38%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 26.92%

 Antianxiety Yes 2 6.45% 2.70% 3.85%

No 22 70.97% 78.38% 69.23%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 26.92%

TABLE 6.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
183

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Thirteen 2011 Marine Corps suicide decedents (41.94%) had a known failure of a spousal or intimate 

relationship, with 11 (35.48%) experiencing the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 6.21). Four 

decedents (12.90%) had a failure in another important relationship; two of these (6.45%) occurred in the month 

prior to the suicide event. 

TABLE 6.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

 Antimanics Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 1.92%

No 24 77.42% 78.38% 71.15%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 26.92%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 3.85%

No 24 77.42% 78.38% 69.23%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 26.92%

 Antipsychotics Yes 1 3.23% 10.81% 1.92%

No 23 74.19% 70.27% 71.15%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 18.92% 26.92%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 13 41.94% 35.14% 42.31%

 Within 30 days 11 35.48% 18.92% 26.92%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 12 38.71% 29.73% 28.85%

No 13 41.94% 48.65% 32.69%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 16.22% 25.00%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 4 12.90% 8.11% 9.62%

 Within 30 days 2 6.45% 5.41% 5.77%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 9.68% 5.41% 5.77%

No 15 48.39% 62.16% 44.23%

Don’t Know 12 38.71% 29.73% 46.15%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 16 51.61% 40.54% 42.31%

 Within 30 days 12 38.71% 21.62% 26.92%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 14 45.16% 32.43% 28.85%

No 6 19.35% 43.24% 32.69%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 16.22% 25.00%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 6.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE (CONT.) 
184

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Table 6.22 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may be associated with the suicide. One 

Marine Corps decedent (3.23%) was known to have a family member who had died by suicide and one 

(3.23%) was known to have a friend who had died by suicide. One decedent (3.23%) was known to have 

family members with behavioral health problems.

TABLE 6.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

Administrative and Legal History

Over one-half of Marines who died by suicide in 2011 (n = 19, 61.29%) had at least one known administrative 

or legal issue, and 10 (32.26%) had more than one issue (Table 6.23). The most frequent administrative or 

legal issue was non-judicial punishment (n = 15, 48.39%), followed by absence without leave (n = 6, 19.35%), 

administrative separation (n = 4, 12.90%), and civil legal problems (n = 4, 12.90%).

TABLE 6.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 29 93.55% 94.59% 92.31%

Don’t Know 2 6.45% 5.41% 7.69%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 1 3.23% 10.81% 3.85%

No 21 67.74% 70.27% 65.38%

Don’t Know 9 29.03% 18.92% 30.77%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 1 3.23% 0.00% 1.92%

No 20 64.52% 72.97% 63.46%

Don’t Know 10 32.26% 27.03% 34.62%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 0 0.00% 8.11% 1.92%

No 21 67.74% 70.27% 67.31%

Don’t Know 10 32.26% 21.62% 30.77%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

No 21 67.74% 67.57% 53.85%

Don’t Know 10 32.26% 32.43% 44.23%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 3.85%

No 23 74.19% 67.57% 63.46%

Don’t Know 8 25.81% 29.73% 32.69%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 1 3.23% 5.41% 7.69%

No 14 45.16% 40.54% 21.15%

Don’t Know 16 51.61% 54.05% 71.15%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 3 9.68% 13.51% 7.69%

No 27 87.10% 83.78% 86.54%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 2.70% 5.77%
185

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 6.24). Five 

Marine Corps suicide decedents (16.13%) had reportedly experienced physical abuse, one (3.23%) had 

reportedly experienced sexual abuse, and three (9.68%) had reportedly been victims of emotional abuse. 

There was evidence that three decedents (9.68%) had physically abused others.

TABLE 6.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

HX NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT Yes 15 48.39% 35.14% 38.46%

No 13 41.94% 62.16% 59.62%

Don’t Know 31 100.00% 2.70% 1.92%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 4 12.90% 5.41% 11.54%

No 26 83.87% 89.19% 84.62%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 5.41% 3.85%

HX AWOL Yes 6 19.35% 18.92% 15.38%

No 24 77.42% 78.38% 82.69%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 2.70% 1.92%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 3 9.68% 5.41% 1.92%

No 27 87.10% 91.89% 90.38%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 2.70% 7.69%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 4 12.90% 10.81% 5.77%

No 20 64.52% 75.68% 78.85%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 13.51% 15.38%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 6 19.35% 13.51% 9.62%

No 23 74.19% 83.78% 84.62%

Don’t Know 2 6.45% 2.70% 5.77%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 19 61.29% 54.05% 50.00%

No 11 35.48% 40.54% 46.15%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 5.41% 3.85%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 10 32.26% 24.32% 19.23%

No 20 64.52% 40.54% 46.15%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 35.14% 34.62%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 5 16.13% 5.41% 5.77%

No 17 54.84% 72.97% 59.62%

Don’t Know 9 29.03% 21.62% 34.62%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 1 3.23% 5.41% 9.62%

No 20 64.52% 72.97% 55.77%

Don’t Know 10 32.26% 21.62% 34.62%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 3 9.68% 5.41% 7.69%

No 17 54.84% 67.57% 57.69%

Don’t Know 11 35.48% 27.03% 34.62%

TABLE 6.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.)
186

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 20 64.52% 75.68% 61.54%

Don’t Know 11 35.48% 24.32% 38.46%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 3 9.68% 13.51% 7.69%

No 22 70.97% 70.27% 65.38%

Don’t Know 6 19.35% 16.22% 26.92%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

No 25 80.65% 70.27% 73.08%

Don’t Know 6 19.35% 27.03% 26.92%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 0 0.00% 5.41% 1.92%

No 23 74.19% 72.97% 71.15%

Don’t Know 8 25.81% 21.62% 26.92%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 24 77.42% 72.97% 73.08%

Don’t Know 7 22.58% 27.03% 26.92%

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 6.25). Over one-fourth of 

Marines who died by suicide in 2011 (n = 9, 29.03%) had received a poor work evaluation. Eight decedents 

(25.81%) had experienced job loss or instability, and four (12.90%) were known to have had interpersonal 

issues with their supervisors or coworkers. Excessive debt or bankruptcy was reported for four decedents 

(12.90%).

TABLE 6.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 4 12.90% 5.41% 15.38%

No 17 54.84% 70.27% 48.08%

Don’t Know 10 32.26% 24.32% 36.54%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 8 25.81% 16.22% 28.85%

No 20 64.52% 72.97% 55.77%

Don’t Know 3 9.68% 10.81% 15.38%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 4 12.90% 16.22% 23.08%

No 21 67.74% 72.97% 63.46%

Don’t Know 6 19.35% 10.81% 13.46%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 9 29.03% 24.32% 28.85%

No 21 67.74% 67.57% 61.54%

Don’t Know 1 3.23% 8.11% 9.62%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 1.92%

No 26 83.87% 94.59% 82.69%

Don’t Know 5 16.13% 5.41% 15.38%

TABLE 6.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.) 
187

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Two Marine Corps suicides in 2011 (6.45%) took place while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 

in Afghanistan (Table 6.26). Sixteen of the Marines (51.61%) had previously served in Afghanistan, Iraq, or 

Kuwait (Table 6.27), and two (6.45%) had been deployed to more than one location. Nine decedents (29.03%) 

had known direct combat experiences, including participation in combat that resulted in injuries for others (n = 

6, 19.35%), injuries for themselves (n = 2, 6.45%), witnessing killing (n = 3, 9.68%), seeing dead bodies (n = 3, 

9.68%), and killing others (n = 1, 3.23%; Table 6.28).

TABLE 6.26. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER 

TABLE 6.27. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 6.28. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER COMBAT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 2 6.45% 10.81% 5.77%

Djibouti 0 0.00% 2.70% 0.00%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00% 15.38%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 29 93.55% 86.49% 78.85%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 8 18.81% 13.51% 5.77%

Iraq 6 19.35% 29.73% 48.08%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 2.70% 1.92%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 2 6.45% 10.81% 11.54%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 15 48.39% 43.24% 32.69%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 9 29.03% 8.11% 17.31%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 6 19.35% 5.41% 1.92%

 Injured in combat 2 6.45% 5.41% 0.00%

 Witnessed killing in combat 3 9.68% 5.41% 3.85%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 3 9.68% 5.41% 3.85%

 Killed others in combat 1 3.23% 5.41% 0.00%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 22 70.97% 91.89% 82.69%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

MARINE CORPS DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

DoDSER POCs submitted 157 DoDSERs for 2011 Marine Corps suicide attempts. Seven additional Marine 

Corps suicide attempts (including one second attempt) did not have DoDSERs submitted at the time of this 

report. As indicated in Table 6.29, these DoDSERs provide data on suicide attempts for 156 individuals. Two 

attempts were reported (DoDSERs submitted) for 1 individual. Additionally, one Marine with a 2011 suicide 

attempt DoDSER subsequently died by suicide in 2011 and was included in the preceding section. The 

tables in this section use a denominator of 156 The percentages for 2010 DoDSER data are provided for 

comparison. Specific suicide attempt count data for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual 

reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 6.29. CY 2011 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 157 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 156 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 156 99.36%

2 1 0.64%

3 0 0.00%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 1 0.64%

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated 

with the suicide attempts. These factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, suicide attempt 

method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 6.30 contains DoDSER demographic data for Marines who attempted suicide in 2011. Marines who 

attempted suicide were most often male (n = 128, 81.53%), Caucasian (n = 114, 72.61%), non-Hispanic or 

Latino (n = 138, 87.90%), under age twenty-five (n = 115, 73.25%), junior enlisted (n = 120, 76.43%), Regular 

component (n = 155, 98.73%), and without a college degree (n = 137, 87.26%).

TABLE 6.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TOTAL 157 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 128 81.53% 84.77%

Female 29 18.47% 15.23%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 2 1.27% 1.32%

Asian or Pacific Islander 5 3.18% 4.64%

Black/African American 25 15.92% 9.93%

White/Caucasian 114 72.61% 70.86%

Other/Don’t Know 11 7.01% 13.25%
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Event Setting

In 2011, Marine Corps suicide attempts most frequently took place in the United States (n = 138, 87.90%) 

followed by Asian countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan (n = 15, 9.55%; Table 6.31). As indicated in 

Table 6.32, suicide attempts occurred primarily in the Marines’ residences (n = 126, 80.25%), followed by 

automobiles (n = 8, 5.10%) or residence of friends or family members (n = 8, 5.10%). The most frequent 

“Other” (write-in response) setting was in hotels (n = 3, 1.91%).

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 19 12.10%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 138 87.90%

AGE RANGE Under 25 115 73.25% 83.44%

25-29 30 19.11% 11.92%

30-39 8 5.10% 3.97%

40 + 4 2.55% 0.66%

RANK E1-E4 120 76.43% 86.09%

E5-E9 32 20.38% 12.58%

Officer 4 2.55% 1.32%

Warrant Officer 1 0.64% 0.00%

Cadet/Midshipman 0 0.00% 0.00%

COMPONENT Regular 155 98.73% 96.69%

Reserve 2 1.27% 3.31%

National Guard 0 0.00% 0.00%

Other 0 0.00% 0.00%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 1.32%

GED 2 1.27% 1.32%

High school graduate 115 73.25% 75.50%

Some college or technical school 20 12.74% 9.93%

Degree/certificate less than four years 1 0.64% 0.66%

Four-year college degree 7 4.46% 1.32%

Master’s degree or greater 0 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 12 7.64% 9.93%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 81 51.59% 47.02%

Married 63 40.13% 46.36%

Legally Separated 4 2.55% 1.99%

Divorced 6 3.82% 3.97%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 3 1.91% 0.66%

Note: Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.

TABLE 6.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS (CONT.)
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 6.31. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

TABLE 6.32. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 138 87.90% 90.07%

Afghanistan 2 1.27% 2.65%

Asia 15 9.55% 4.64%

Europe 0 0.00% 0.66%

Canada or Mexico 1 0.64% 0.66%

Other 2 1.27% 1.32%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 126 80.25% 80.13%

Residence of friend or family 8 5.10% 3.97%

Work/jobsite 3 1.91% 3.31%

Automobile (away from residence) 8 5.10% 6.62%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00%

Other 12 7.64% 5.96%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 6.33, drug use was the most frequent method for suicide attempts (n = 101, 64.33%), 

injury with a sharp or blunt object (n = 17, 10.83%), and followed by hanging (n = 15, 9.55%). 

TABLE 6.33. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 6 3.82% 1.32%

Firearm, military issue 2 1.27% 1.99%

Hanging 15 9.55% 11.26%

Drugs 101 64.33% 55.63%

Alcohol 4 2.55% 4.64%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 2 1.27% 0.66%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 0.00%

Chemicals 5 3.18% 0.66%

Drowning 1 0.64% 0.00%

Fire, steam, etc. 0 0.00% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 17 10.83% 15.23%

Jumping from high place 0 0.00% 3.31%

Lying in front of moving object 1 0.64% 0.66%

Crashing a motor vehicle 3 1.91% 2.65%

Other 0 0.00% 1.99%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00%
191

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Substance Use during the Event

DoDSER POCs collected data on alcohol and drug use during Marine Corps suicide attempts (Table 6.34). 

Fifty-two DoDSERs (33.12%) reported alcohol use during the suicide attempt, and 102 (64.97%) reported drug 

use. Twenty-seven DoDSERs (17.20%) reported both drugs and alcohol. These frequencies include Marines 

who used drugs as a suicide attempt method, as described above.

TABLE 6.34. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 52 33.12% 31.13%

No 64 40.76% 47.68%

Don’t Know 41 26.11% 21.19%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 102 64.97% 58.28%

No 38 24.20% 31.79%

Don’t Know 17 10.83% 9.93%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 4 2.55% 3.97%

Used, no overdose 0 0.00% 3.31%

Were not used 134 85.35% 82.78%

Don’t know 19 12.10% 9.93%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 59 37.58% 33.77%

Used, no overdose 13 8.28% 7.28%

Were not used 66 42.04% 49.01%

Don’t know 19 12.10% 9.93%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 35 22.29% 19.21%

Used, no overdose 3 1.91% 3.31%

Were not used 101 64.33% 67.55%

Don’t know 18 11.46% 9.93%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 27 17.20% 18.54%

No 81 51.59% 56.95%

Don’t Know 49 31.21% 24.50%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Communication of Intent

Most DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide included no history of communication with others about 

intent to self-harm (n = 137, 87.26%; Table 6.35). Twenty DoDSERs (12.74%) indicated that Marines were 

known to have communicated their intent to hurt themselves to at least one individual. These communications 

were most frequently verbal (n = 13, 8.28%; Table 6.36). One DoDSER included text messages as an “Other” 

(write-in) response (0.64%). As indicated in Table 6.37, Marines most frequently communicated their potential 

for self-harm to a spouse (n = 9, 5.73%) or friends (n = 7, 4.46%).
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 6.35. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 137 87.26% 85.43%

1 18 11.46% 11.26%

2 2 1.27% 3.31%

3 0 0.00% 0.00%

4 0 0.00% 0.00%

TABLE 6.36. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 6.37. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 13 8.28% 10.60%

Written 5 3.18% 0.66%

Multiple Modes 1 0.64% 0.00%

Other or Unknown 1 0.64% 3.31%

No Known Communication 137 87.26% 85.43%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 9 5.73% 4.64%

Friend 7 4.46% 3.31%

Behavioral Health Provider 2 1.27% 1.32%

Chaplain 0 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 0 0.00% 0.00%

Other or Unidentified 4 2.55% 1.99%

Made Multiple Communications 2 1.27% 3.31%

No Known Communication 137 87.26% 85.43%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Additional Event Information

Table 6.38 provides information about other details of 2011 Marine Corps suicide attempts. For the majority 

(n = 83, 52.87%), there was information to indicate that the decedents had intended to die. Nearly one-fourth 

of suicide attempts (n = 36, 22.93%) appeared to be planned or premeditated. Nearly one-half of the suicide 

attempts (n = 70, 44.59%) occurred in a location potentially observable by others. Ten Marines (6.37%) left 

suicide notes.
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 6.38. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 6.39 provides details about the living situations of Marines who attempted suicide in 2011. DoDSERs 

most frequently reported that Marines lived in shared military housing on their installations (n = 76, 48.41%). 

Approximately one-third lived in private homes outside of the installation (n = 54, 34.39%). Of the 63 married 

Marines (40.13%), 33 (52.39% of married Marines, 21.02% of total) resided with their spouses at the time of 

the suicide attempt, and 13 (20.64% of married Marines, 8.28% of total) were separated due to relationship 

issues. Forty-two DoDSERs indicated that Marines had minor children (26.75%), 18 of whom resided with their 

children at the time of the suicide attempt (42.86% of Marines with children, 11.46% of total). Ten DoDSERs 

for suicide attempts (6.37%) indicated that the Marines were known to have access to firearms in either their 

homes or other accessible locations.

TABLE 6.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 83 52.87% 69.54%

No 22 14.01% 15.23%

Don’t Know 52 33.12% 15.23%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 1.32%

No 147 93.63% 90.07%

Don’t Know 10 6.37% 8.61%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 36 22.93% 24.50%

No 85 54.14% 50.33%

Don’t Know 36 22.93% 25.17%

OBSERVABLE Yes 70 44.59% 46.36%

No 54 34.39% 32.45%

Don’t Know 33 21.02% 21.19%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 10 6.37% 8.61%

No 124 78.98% 72.85%

Don’t Know 23 14.65% 18.54%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 76 48.41% 44.37%

Bachelor quarters 7 4.46% 7.28%

On-base family housing 7 4.46% 4.64%

Owned or leased apartment or house 54 34.39% 24.50%

Other 2 1.27% 5.30%

Don’t Know 11 7.01% 13.91%
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment for Marine Corps suicide attempts was with permanent duty station (n = 22, 

14.01%), followed by training (n = 11, 7.01%; Table 6.40). 

TABLE 6.40. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resides with spouse 33 21.02% 16.56%

Separated due to relationship issues 13 8.28% 16.56%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 13 8.28% 6.62%

Don’t Know 94 59.87% 6.62%

Unmarried at time of event 4 2.55% 53.64%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 23 14.65% 15.89%

No 90 57.32% 61.59%

Don’t Know 44 28.03% 22.52%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 42 26.75% 21.19%

No 106 67.52% 78.81%

Don’t Know 9 5.73% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 18 11.46% 10.60%

No 19 12.10% 8.61%

Don’t Know 14 8.92% 1.99%

No Children 106 67.52% 78.81%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 10 6.37% 7.95%

No 84 53.50% 53.64%

Don’t Know 63 40.13% 38.41%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 22 14.01% 72.19%

Leave 5 3.18% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.00% 2.65%

Medical Hold 9 5.73% 0.00%

TDY 2 1.27% 1.32%

AWOL 3 1.91% 0.66%

Under Command Observation 0 0.00% 0.00%

Deployed 2 1.27% 1.99%

Training 11 7.01% 5.96%

Other 6 3.82% 4.64%

Multiple Duty Environments 0 0.00% 4.64%

Duty Environment Unknown 97 61.78% 5.96%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 6.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
195

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Clinical Health Factors 

DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Approximately one-fourth of DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide included history of prior self-harm 

(n = 34, 21.66%), and five (3.18%) indicated that the Marines had harmed themselves within the month prior to 

attempting suicide (Table 6.42). Of those with prior history of self-harm, 17 DoDSERs (10.83%) included more 

than one prior event. 

TABLE 6.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

Suicide Attempts by Month

No clear pattern was evident for Marine Corps suicide attempts by month (Table 6.41).

TABLE 6.41. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BY MONTH

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MONTH January 14 8.92% 11.26%

February 21 13.38% 11.92%

March 14 8.92% 9.27%

April 15 9.55% 11.26%

May 8 5.10% 12.58%

June 11 7.01% 7.95%

July 15 9.55% 5.96%

August 11 7.01% 7.95%

September 13 8.28% 3.97%

October 9 5.73% 5.96%

November 12 7.64% 9.27%

December 14 8.92% 2.65%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 34 21.66% 20.53%

 Within 30 days 5 3.18% 2.65%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 5.10% 4.64%

No 93 59.24% 56.29%

Don’t Know 30 19.11% 23.18%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 17 10.83% 9.93%

More than one prior event 17 10.83% 10.60%

N/A or Unknown 123 78.34% 79.47%
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 17 10.83% 11.26%

No 15 9.55% 5.30%

Don’t Know 2 1.27% 3.97%

N/A 123 78.34% 79.47%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about the history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect 

any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the suicide 

attempt. One hundred one DoDSERs for Marines in 2011 (64.33%) included a history of at least one 

documented behavioral health disorder (Table 6.43). Forty-six (29.30%) included at least two co-occurring 

diagnoses. As indicated in Table 6.44, nearly one-third of Marine DoDSERs for suicide attempts (n = 46, 

29.30%) included a diagnosis of mood disorder, most frequently major depressive disorder (n = 24, 15.29%). 

Thirty-six DoDSERs (22.93%) included the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, most frequently PTSD (n = 24, 

15.29%; Table 6.45). Fifty-three (33.76%) indicated a known history of substance abuse, and 14 (8.92%) 

indicated a known personality disorder (Table 6.46). Eight DoDSERs for Marines (5.10%) indicated history of 

traumatic brain injury, and one (0.64%) included a history of psychotic disorder. 

TABLE 6.43. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 56 35.67% 43.71%

1 DX 55 35.03% 23.84%

2 DX 24 15.29% 17.22%

3 DX 14 8.92% 9.93%

4 or more DX 8 5.10% 5.30%

TABLE 6.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 46 29.30% 31.79%

No 90 57.32% 52.98%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 15.23%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 6 3.82% 3.31%

No 40 25.48% 75.50%

Don’t Know 111 70.70% 21.19%

 Major depression Yes 24 15.29% 13.25%

No 22 14.01% 65.56%

Don’t Know 111 70.70% 21.19%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 4 2.55% 3.31%

No 42 26.75% 74.83%

Don’t Know 111 70.70% 21.85%

TABLE 6.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY (CONT.) 
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 6.45. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

 Other mood disorder Yes 12 7.64% 4.64%

No 34 21.66% 73.51%

Don’t Know 111 70.70% 21.85%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 4 2.55% 3.31%

No 132 84.08% 81.46%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 15.23%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 3 1.91% 3.97%

No 135 85.99% 80.79%

Don’t Know 19 12.10% 15.23%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 36 22.93% 16.56%

No 104 66.24% 66.89%

Don’t Know 17 10.83% 16.56%

 PTSD Yes 24 15.29% 5.30%

No 12 7.64% 76.82%

Don’t Know 121 77.07% 17.88%

 Panic disorder Yes 1 0.64% 0.66%

No 35 22.29% 80.13%

Don’t Know 121 77.07% 19.21%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 4 2.55% 1.99%

No 32 20.38% 77.48%

Don’t Know 121 77.07% 20.53%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00%

No 36 22.93% 79.47%

Don’t Know 121 77.07% 20.53%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 11 7.01% 4.64%

No 129 82.17% 76.16%

Don’t Know 17 10.83% 19.21%

 Unspecified anxiety disorder Yes 2 1.27% 0.00%

No 138 87.90% 83.44%

Don’t Know 17 10.83% 16.56%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 5 3.18% 3.97%

No 31 19.75% 79.47%

Don’t Know 121 77.07% 16.56%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 6.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.) 
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 6.46. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

Treatment History

Table 6.47 provides data on Marines’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to attempting 

suicide. Ninety DoDSERs (57.32%) included history of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF); 46 

(29.30%) Marines received treatment within the month prior to attempting suicide. Twenty-four DoDSERs 

(15.29%) included a known physical health problem. Eighty-six DoDSERs (54.78%) included treatment from 

outpatient behavioral health services; 45 (28.66%) within the month prior to attempting suicide. Twenty-nine 

DoDSERs (18.47%) included history of hospitalization in an inpatient psychiatry unit, 9 (5.73%) within the 

month prior to the suicide attempt. Twenty-eight DoDSERs (17.83%) indicated prior treatment for substance 

abuse.

TABLE 6.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 14 8.92% 9.27%

No 127 80.89% 69.54%

Don’t Know 16 10.19% 21.19%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 0.64% 1.99%

No 141 89.81% 79.47%

Don’t Know 15 9.55% 18.54%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 53 33.76% 23.84%

No 63 40.13% 56.29%

Don’t Know 41 26.11% 19.87%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 8 5.10% 3.31%

No 130 82.80% 77.48%

Don’t Know 19 12.10% 19.21%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 90 57.32% 45.03%

 Within 30 days 46 29.30% 29.80%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 69 43.95% 38.41%

No 52 33.12% 41.72%

Don’t Know 15 9.55% 13.25%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 24 15.29% 17.22%

 Within 30 days 12 7.64% 9.27%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 19 12.10% 12.58%

No 114 72.61% 64.24%

Don’t Know 19 12.10% 18.54%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 28 17.83% 17.22%

 Within 30 days 13 8.28% 5.30%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 15 9.55% 8.61%

No 101 64.33% 63.58%

Don’t Know 28 17.83% 19.21%
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

As indicated in Table 6.48, one-third of DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide (n = 55, 35.03%) included 

known prescriptions for psychotropic medication prior to the suicide attempt. The most frequently prescribed 

psychotropics included antidepressants (n = 50, 90.91% of those with known prescriptions, 31.85% of total), 

antianxiety medication (n = 18, 32.73% of those with known prescriptions, 11.46% of total), and antipsychotics 

(n = 14, 25.45% of those with known prescriptions, 8.92% of total).

TABLE 6.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 9 5.73% 4.64%

 Within 30 days 4 2.55% 1.32%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 3.18% 1.99%

No 111 70.70% 66.23%

Don’t Know 37 23.57% 29.14%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 10 6.37% 8.61%

 Within 30 days 6 3.82% 2.65%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 5.10% 5.30%

No 82 52.23% 50.33%

Don’t Know 65 41.40% 41.06%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 86 54.78% 50.33%

 Within 30 days 45 28.66% 32.45%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 62 39.49% 42.38%

No 61 38.85% 39.07%

Don’t Know 10 6.37% 10.60%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 29 18.47% 9.93%

 Within 30 days 9 5.73% 0.66%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 15 9.55% 4.64%

No 122 77.71% 75.50%

Don’t Know 6 3.82% 14.57%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 55 35.03% 34.44%

No 86 54.78% 49.67%

Don’t Know 16 10.19% 15.89%

 Antidepressants Yes 50 31.85% 29.14%

No 91 57.96% 52.98%

Don’t Know 16 10.19% 17.88%

 Antianxiety Yes 18 11.46% 9.27%

No 117 74.52% 70.20%

Don’t Know 22 14.01% 20.53%

 Antimanics Yes 3 1.91% 2.65%

No 133 84.71% 76.16%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 21.19%

TABLE 6.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These 

data include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial, administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Nearly one-half of DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide (n = 77, 49.04%) indicated a known failure in a 

spousal or intimate relationship; 46 (29.30%) Marines experienced the failure within the month prior to suicide 

attempt (Table 6.49). Sixteen (10.19%) indicated the failure in another important relationship, the majority of 

these (n = 10, 62.50% of those with a failure in another important relationship, 6.37% of total) occurred within 

the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 6.49. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

 Anticonvulsants Yes 1 0.64% 0.66%

No 135 85.99% 78.15%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 21.19%

 Antipsychotics Yes 14 8.92% 8.61%

No 122 77.71% 71.52%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 19.87%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 77 49.04% 50.33%

 Within 30 days 46 29.30% 23.84%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 55 35.03% 33.77%

No 61 38.85% 36.42%

Don’t Know 19 12.10% 13.25%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 16 10.19% 13.91%

 Within 30 days 10 6.37% 5.96%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 11 7.01% 8.61%

No 112 71.34% 60.26%

Don’t Know 29 18.47% 25.83%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 82 52.23% 50.33%

 Within 30 days 47 29.94% 25.83%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 57 36.31% 35.76%

No 55 35.03% 36.42%

Don’t Know 17 10.83% 13.25%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

TABLE 6.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE (CONT.)
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Administrative and Legal History

Fifty-nine DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide included at least one administrative or legal issue 

(37.58%) and 20 (12.74%) included more than one issue (Table 6.51). The most frequent administrative or 

legal problems were non-judicial punishment (n = 30, 19.11%), medical board proceedings (n = 13, 8.28%), 

and administrative separation (n = 12, 7.64%).

TABLE 6.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

Table 6.50 summarizes other family and relationship factors. Fifty-three DoDSERs for Marines who attempted 

suicide (33.76%) included the known history of a family member with a behavioral health problem. Seven 

DoDSERs (4.46%) included the experience of a family member’s suicide and 19 (12.10%) included the 

experience of a non-suicide death of a family member. Five DoDSERs (3.18%) included the history of a 

friend’s death by suicide, and 11 (7.01%) included the death of a friend by other means.

TABLE 6.50. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00%

No 148 94.27% 88.08%

Don’t Know 9 5.73% 11.92%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 7 4.46% 4.64%

No 130 82.80% 76.82%

Don’t Know 20 12.74% 18.54%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 5 3.18% 5.96%

No 129 82.17% 73.51%

Don’t Know 23 14.65% 20.53%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 19 12.10% 8.61%

No 118 75.16% 68.87%

Don’t Know 20 12.74% 22.52%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 11 7.01% 6.62%

No 120 76.43% 69.54%

Don’t Know 26 16.56% 23.84%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 11 7.01% 7.28%

No 123 78.34% 72.19%

Don’t Know 23 14.65% 20.53%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 53 33.76% 29.14%

No 78 49.68% 45.70%

Don’t Know 26 16.56% 25.17%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 6 3.82% 5.30%

No 128 81.53% 70.20%

Don’t Know 23 14.65% 24.50%
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 6.52). 

DoDSERs for Marines who attempted suicide in 2011 included a reported history of emotional abuse (n = 

25, 15.92%), physical abuse (n = 29, 18.47%), and sexual abuse (n = 21, 13.38%). Six (3.82%) included a 

reported history of physically abusing others and three included a reported history of perpetrating emotional 

abuse (1.91%). Two DoDSERs included a reported history of perpetrating sexual abuse (1.27%).

TABLE 6.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT Yes 30 19.11% 16.56%

No 101 64.33% 60.26%

Don’t Know 26 16.56% 23.18%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 12 7.64% 11.26%

No 118 75.16% 68.87%

Don’t Know 27 17.20% 19.87%

HX AWOL Yes 10 6.37% 6.62%

No 126 80.25% 72.85%

Don’t Know 21 13.38% 20.53%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 13 8.28% 4.64%

No 125 79.62% 76.82%

Don’t Know 19 12.10% 18.54%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 10 6.37% 9.27%

No 114 72.61% 65.56%

Don’t Know 33 21.02% 25.17%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 4 2.55% 3.97%

No 115 73.25% 65.56%

Don’t Know 38 24.20% 30.46%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 59 37.58% 39.07%

No 67 42.68% 42.38%

Don’t Know 31 19.75% 18.54%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 20 12.74% 11.92%

No 106 67.52% 35.76%

Don’t Know 31 19.75% 52.32%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 29 18.47% 15.89%

No 98 62.42% 61.59%

Don’t Know 30 19.11% 22.52%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 21 13.38% 10.60%

No 104 66.24% 64.90%

Don’t Know 32 20.38% 24.50%

TABLE 6.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 
203

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 6.53). Ten DoDSERs for 

Marines who attempted suicide in 2011 (6.37%) included a known history of excessive debt. Forty DoDSERs 

included job loss or instability (25.48%), 24 (15.29%) included problems with either supervisors or coworkers, 

and 19 (12.10%) included poor work evaluations. DoDSER data indicated that seven (4.56%) Marines were 

victims of hazing in the workplace.

TABLE 6.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 25 15.92% 17.88%

No 94 59.87% 57.62%

Don’t Know 38 24.20% 24.50%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 6 3.82% 0.66%

No 114 72.61% 70.86%

Don’t Know 37 23.57% 28.48%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 6 3.82% 1.99%

No 124 78.98% 71.52%

Don’t Know 27 17.20% 26.49%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 1.27% 0.66%

No 126 80.25% 72.85%

Don’t Know 29 18.47% 26.49%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 3 1.91% 1.32%

No 126 80.25% 72.85%

Don’t Know 28 17.83% 25.83%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 0.00%

No 129 82.17% 73.51%

Don’t Know 28 17.83% 26.49%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 10 6.37% 6.62%

No 96 61.15% 68.21%

Don’t Know 51 32.48% 25.17%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 40 25.48% 21.85%

No 84 53.50% 50.99%

Don’t Know 33 21.02% 27.15%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 24 15.29% 20.53%

No 88 56.05% 47.68%

Don’t Know 45 28.66% 31.79%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 19 12.10% 14.57%

No 90 57.32% 54.30%

Don’t Know 48 30.57% 31.13%

TABLE 6.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.) 
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Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Service Members’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

Two suicide attempts (1.27%) occurred in Afghanistan during OEF deployment (Table 6.54). Seventy-three 

DoDSERs (46.50%) included information about prior OEF, OIF, or OND deployments (Table 6.55). Thirty-six 

DoDSERs (22.93%) included experiences of direct combat (Table 6.56).

TABLE 6.54. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN THEATER

TABLE 6.55. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 6.56. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMBAT HISTORY

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 7 4.46% 4.64%

No 106 67.52% 63.58%

Don’t Know 44 28.03% 31.79%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 2 1.27% 2.65%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 155 98.73% 97.35%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 36 22.93% 7.95%

Iraq 26 16.56% 27.15%

Kuwait 1 0.64% 0.66%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 10 6.37% 2.65%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 84 53.50% 61.59%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 36 22.93% 12.58%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 26 16.56% 6.62%

 Injured in combat 14 8.92% 5.30%

 Witnessed killing in combat 25 15.92% 4.64%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 26 16.56% 4.64%

 Killed others in combat 18 11.46% 1.99%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 121 77.07% 87.42%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 6.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 MARINE CORPS SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES (CONT.) 
205

Chapter 6: Marine Corps DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Summary

This chapter provides data on Marine Corps suicides and suicide attempts that occurred in 2011. Data 

are presented for 31 Marines who died by suicide and 156 Marines who attempted suicide in 157 separate 

incidents. Decedents and those who attempted suicide were primarily male, Caucasian, non-Hispanic or 

Latino, under age twenty-five, enlisted, Regular component Marines, and without a college degree. 

Most suicide events took place in the United States and in the personal residences. Non-military issue firearm 

use was the most frequent method of suicide. The most frequent suicide attempt methods were drug overdose, 

harming oneself with a sharp or blunt object, and hanging. Drug and alcohol use was more frequent among 

nonfatal Marine Corps suicide events. The majority of Marines who died by suicide or had attempted suicide 

were not known to have communicated to others their likelihood of harming themselves.

The percentage of known behavioral health disorders was higher for Marines who attempted suicide than 

for those who died by suicide. Known behavioral health treatment use was also higher among Marines who 

attempted suicide compared to decedents. Failed intimate relationships were frequent among Marines with 

suicide events. The most frequent administrative or legal issue was non-judicial punishment. 
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

CHAPTER 7:

NAVY DoDSER

Navy DoDSER Submissions and Point of Contact (POC) Compliance

2011 Reported Suicides

Fifty-one Navy suicides were confirmed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) for calendar 

year (CY) 2011 (Table 7.1). Navy Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs) were submitted 

and analyzed for all 51 confirmed suicides, for a submission compliance rate of 100%. The tables in this 

section include data for all decedents. In addition, the tables provide percentages for 2010 and 2009 DoDSER 

data for comparison. Specific data counts for prior years are available in the previous DoDSER annual reports 

and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 7.1. NAVY AFMES CONFIRMED AND PENDING SUICIDES AND DODSERS SUBMITTED

NAVY RESULTS FOR COMPLETED SUICIDES

2011 2010 2009 2008

Total DoDSERs Included in Annual Report 51 38 46 41

Total AFMES Confirmed and Pending Suicides 52 38 47 41

AFMES Confirmed Suicides (By 31 January) 51 38 45 39

DoDSER Submission Compliance 100% 100% 100% 100%

Data from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2011 as of 4/26/2012 for CY 2011; as of 1 April for previous years

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors of decedents that may have 

been associated with the suicide events. These factors include decedents’ demographic characteristics, event 

setting, suicide method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 7.2 contains demographic data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). All but 1 of 

the 52 Navy 2011 suicides were completed by males (n = 51, 98.08%). Decedents were primarily Caucasian 

(n = 36, 69.23%), non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 46, 88.46%), over age twenty-five (n = 37, 72.55%), junior 

enlisted (n = 19, 36.54%), Regular component (n = 52, 100%), and without a college degree (n = 44, 84.61%).
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.2. CY 2011 AFMES AND DMDC DEMOGRAPHIC DATA AND RATES FOR NAVY SUICIDES (N = 39)

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Service 

Total %

Rate/ 

100K

(N = 39) 

Percent

(N = 48) 

Percent

TOTAL 52 100.00% 100.00% 14.98 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 51 98.08% 83.33% 17.63 94.87% 95.83%

Female 1 1.92% 16.67% * 5.13% 4.17%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 2 3.85% 4.23% * 2.56% 6.25%

Asian or Pacific Islander 2 3.85% 6.42% * 5.13% 4.17%

Black/African American 9 17.31% 17.43% * 12.82% 12.50%

White/Caucasian 36 69.23% 60.88% 17.03 76.92% 72.92%

Other/Don’t Know 3 5.77% 11.04% * 2.56% 4.17%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 6 11.54% 15.55% * 

Non-Hispanic or Latino 46 88.46% 84.45% 17.48 

AGE RANGE Under 25 14 26.92% 35.67% * 56.41% 28.26%

25-29 17 32.69% 24.30% * 15.38% 17.39%

30-34 8 15.38% 15.80% * 7.69% 28.26%

35-39 8 15.38% 12.18% * 17.95% 15.22%

40-44 3 5.77% 7.40% * 2.56% 4.35%

45+ 2 3.85% 4.65% * 0.00% 6.52%

RANK Cadet 0 0.00% 1.41% * 0.00% 0.00%

E1-E4 19 36.54% 39.53% * 0.29 56.41% 29.17%

E5-E9 28 53.85% 42.48% 18.98 0.65 35.90% 64.58%

Officer 5 9.62% 16.10% * 0.04 7.69% 4.17%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.47% * 0.02 0.00% 2.08%

COMPONENT Regular 52 100.00% 93.62% 14.98 97.44% 95.83%

Reserve 0 0.00% 6.38% * 2.56% 4.17%

National Guard 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 1 1.92% 0.77% * 0.00% 0.00%

GED 4 7.69% 2.86% * 10.26% 6.25%

High school graduate 36 69.23% 67.22% 15.42 76.92% 72.92%

Some college or technical school 3 5.77% 1.73% * 2.56% 4.17%

Degree/certificate less than four years 1 1.92% 5.57% * 2.56% 4.17%

Four-year college degree 2 3.85% 8.90% * 0.00% 8.33%

Master’s degree or greater 2 3.85% 6.48% * 2.56% 0.00%

Don’t Know 3 5.77% 6.47% * 5.13% 4.17%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 15 28.85% 46.12% * 56.41% 16.67%

Married 33 63.46% 0.17% 17.72 38.46% 60.42%

Legally Separated 0 0.00% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

Divorced 3 5.77% 53.63% * 5.13% 8.33%

Widowed 1 1.92% 0.00% * 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.08% * 0.00% 14.58%

Note: Rates calculated only for cells with at least 20 individuals. “DoD Total %” column reflects population-level DMDC data for all Active Duty and 

Activated or Deployed Reserves. Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011.
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Event Setting

As in the previous three years, Navy suicides most frequently took place in the United States (n = 44, 86.27%; 

Table 7.3). Suicides primarily occurred in the Sailors’ own residences (n = 34, 66.67%; Table 7.4). “Other” 

(write-in response) settings included parks, or other outdoor settings (n = 3, 5.88%) and hotel rooms (n = 2, 

3.92%).

TABLE 7.3. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 44 86.27% 89.47% 91.30%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Asia 1 1.96% 2.63% 2.17%

Europe 2 3.92% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 3 5.88% 5.26% 6.52%

Don’t Know 1 1.96% 2.63% 0.00%

TABLE 7.4. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 34 66.67% 52.63% 58.70%

Residence of friend or family 4 7.84% 7.89% 4.35%

Work/jobsite 3 5.88% 10.53% 15.22%

Automobile (away from residence) 3 5.88% 0.00% 0.00%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 6 11.76% 28.95% 21.74%

Don’t Know 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 7.5, Sailors primarily used non-military issue firearms as the suicide method (n = 26, 

50.98%), followed by hanging (n = 15, 29.41%). One Sailor died using a military issue firearm. Methods used 

for the remaining suicides included drugs (n = 4, 7.84%), vehicle exhaust (n = 1, 1.96%) utility gas (n = 1, 

1.96%), drowning (n = 1, 1.96%), and jumping from a high place (n = 1, 1.96%). 

TABLE 7.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 26 50.98% 44.74% 39.13%

Firearm, military issue 1 1.96% 0.00% 6.52%

Hanging 15 29.41% 26.32% 23.91%

Drugs 4 7.84% 10.53% 2.17%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 1 1.96% 0.00% 6.52%

Gas, utility (or other) 1 1.96% 7.89% 4.35%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Communication of Intent

Consistent with the previous three years, most Navy decedents had no known history of communicating with 

others about intent to harm themselves (n = 36, 70.59%; Table 7.7). Fifteen Sailors who died by suicide were 

Substance Use during the Event

Comprehensive information about substance use during suicide is unavailable for many Navy suicides in 2011. 

Where information was available it indicated that over one-third used alcohol during the suicide event (n = 13, 

39.39% of DoDSERs with alcohol use data, 25.49% of total; Table 7.6). One-fifth of Sailors (n = 7, 21.88% 

of DoDSERs with drug use data, 13.73% of total) were known to have used drugs during the suicide event. 

These frequencies include Sailors who used drugs as a suicide method (n = 4, 7.84%), as described above.

TABLE 7.6. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE

Drowning 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

Sharp or blunt object 0 0.00% 5.26% 6.52%

Jumping from high place 1 1.96% 5.26% 4.35%

Lying in front of moving object 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other 1 1.96% 0.00% 6.52%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 13 25.49% 21.05% 19.57%

No 20 39.22% 39.47% 54.35%

Don’t Know 18 35.29% 39.47% 26.09%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 7 13.73% 18.42% 2.17%

No 25 49.02% 52.63% 67.39%

Don’t Know 19 37.25% 28.95% 30.43%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 2 3.92% 2.63% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 2 3.92% 0.00% 0.00%

Were not used 28 54.90% 68.42% 69.57%

Don’t know 19 37.25% 28.95% 30.43%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 1 1.96% 7.89% 2.17%

Used, no overdose 2 3.92% 5.26% 0.00%

Were not used 29 56.86% 57.89% 67.39%

Don’t know 19 37.25% 28.95% 30.43%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 1 1.96% 7.89% 0.00%

Used, no overdose 2 3.92% 0.00% 2.17%

Were not used 29 56.86% 63.16% 67.39%

Don’t know 19 37.25% 28.95% 30.43%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 3 5.88% 2.63% 0.00%

No 28 54.90% 52.63% 67.39%

Don’t Know 20 39.22% 44.74% 32.61%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 7.5. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER EVENT METHOD (CONT.) 
210

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

known to have communicated with at least one individual regarding their potential to die by suicide (29.41%). 

These communications were most frequently verbal (n = 8, 15.69%; Table 7.8). As indicated in Table 7.9, 

decedents most frequently communicated with either their spouses (n = 8, 15.69%) or friends (n = 7, 13.73%). 

TABLE 7.7. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 7.8. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

TABLE 7.9. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 36 70.59% 65.79% 73.91%

1 10 19.61% 26.32% 21.74%

2 4 7.84% 7.89% 4.35%

3 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 8 15.69% 28.95% 13.04%

Written 3 5.88% 5.26% 0.00%

Other or Unknown 4 7.84% 0.00% 6.52%

Multiple Modes 0 0.00% 0.00% 4.35%

No Known Communication 36 70.59% 65.79% 76.09%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 8 15.69% 13.16% 10.87%

Friend 7 13.73% 2.63% 4.35%

Behavioral Health Provider 1 1.96% 2.63% 0.00%

Chaplain 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

Supervisor 2 3.92% 0.00% 0.00%

Other or Unidentified 1 1.96% 7.89% 4.35%

Made Multiple Communications 5 9.80% 7.89% 4.35%

No Known Communication 36 70.59% 65.79% 76.09%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Additional Event Information

Table 7.10 provides information about other details of 2011 Navy suicides. There was information to indicate 

that the majority of decedents (n = 36, 70.59%) intended to die. Approximately one-third of the suicides 

appeared to be premeditated (n = 15, 29.41%). Six Navy decedents (11.76%) died in a location where the 

suicide was potentially observable by others. Nearly one-fourth (n = 12, 23.53%) left suicide notes.
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 7.11 provides details about the living situations of Sailors who died by suicide in 2011. The most 

frequent living environments for decedents were homes or apartments outside of their installations (n = 28, 

54.90%). Of decedents who were married (n = 31, 60.78%), approximately one-half lived with their spouses 

(n = 14, 45.16% of married, 27.45% of total), and 10 were separated due to relationship issues (32.26% of 

married, 19.61% of total). Most decedents lived with others (n = 29, 56.86%). Twenty-six Navy decedents 

(50.98%) had minor children, and 12 (23.53%) lived with their children at the time of death. Over one-half of 

decedents had access to firearms either in their homes or other accessible locations (n = 29, 56.86%).

TABLE 7.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

TABLE 7.10. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 36 70.59% 76.32% 82.61%

No 8 15.69% 5.26% 2.17%

Don’t Know 7 13.73% 18.42% 15.22%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

No 49 96.08% 97.37% 91.30%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 2.63% 6.52%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 15 29.41% 36.84% 43.48%

No 20 39.22% 39.47% 28.26%

Don’t Know 16 31.37% 23.68% 28.26%

OBSERVABLE Yes 6 11.76% 13.16% 23.91%

No 39 76.47% 73.68% 73.91%

Don’t Know 6 11.76% 13.16% 2.17%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 12 23.53% 26.32% 34.78%

No 35 68.63% 65.79% 54.35%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 7.89% 10.87%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 6 11.76% 21.05% 2.17%

Bachelor quarters 7 13.73% 10.53% 8.70%

On-base family housing 5 9.80% 7.89% 4.35%

Owned or leased apartment or house 28 54.90% 44.74% 73.91%

Ship 3 5.88% 5.26% 6.52%

Other 0 0.00% 10.53% 2.17%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 0.00% 2.17%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment of Navy suicides was their permanent duty station (n = 32, 62.75%; Table 7.12). 

Other environments where suicides occurred included during leave (n = 7, 13.73%) and training (n = 5, 9.80%). 

One Sailor (1.96%) died by suicide shipboard.

TABLE 7.12. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resided with spouse 14 27.45% 21.05% 32.61%

Separated due to relationship issues 10 19.61% 15.79% 13.04%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 6 11.76% 0.00% 10.87%

Don’t Know 1 1.96% 5.26% 2.17%

Unmarried at time of event 20 39.22% 57.89% 41.30%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 16 31.37% 26.32% 41.30%

No 29 56.86% 73.68% 58.70%

Don’t Know 6 11.76% 0.00% 0.00%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 26 50.98% 23.68% 45.65%

No 24 47.06% 76.32% 54.35%

Don’t Know 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 12 23.53% 13.16% 30.43%

No 14 27.45% 10.53% 15.22%

Don’t Know 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

No Children 24 47.06% 76.32% 54.35%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 29 56.86% 52.63% 43.48%

No 12 23.53% 31.58% 30.43%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 15.79% 26.09%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 32 62.75% 63.16% 63.04%

Leave 7 13.73% 0.00% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 1 1.96% 5.26% 10.87%

Medical Hold 2 3.92% 0.00% 2.17%

TDY 3 5.88% 0.00% 2.17%

AWOL 3 5.88% 2.63% 6.52%

Deployed 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

Training 5 9.80% 7.89% 4.35%

Other 4 7.84% 7.89% 6.52%

Multiple Duty Environments 7 13.73% 13.16% 0.00%

Duty Environment Unknown 1 1.96% 0.00% 4.35%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Suicide Completions by Month

As in the previous three years, no clear pattern existed for Navy suicides by month (Table 7.13). 

TABLE 7.11. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
213

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

Eight Sailors who died by suicide in 2011 (15.69%) had a known history of self-harm (Table 7.14). Of these 

eight Sailors, five (62.50% of those with a known history of self-harm; 9.80% of total) had more than one 

known occurrence of self-harm. 

TABLE 7.14. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

TABLE 7.13. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER SUICIDES BY MONTH

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

MONTH January 5 9.80% 0.00% 4.35%

February 7 13.73% 7.89% 13.04%

March 5 9.80% 5.26% 8.70%

April 5 9.80% 7.89% 6.52%

May 6 11.76% 10.53% 10.87%

June 3 5.88% 5.26% 6.52%

July 1 1.96% 13.16% 8.70%

August 5 9.80% 7.89% 13.04%

September 5 9.80% 5.26% 6.52%

October 4 7.84% 10.53% 6.52%

November 1 1.96% 13.16% 6.52%

December 3 5.88% 13.16% 8.70%

Note: One event occurred on 12/31/2010 and was included in 2011

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 8 15.69% 2.63% 10.87%

 Within 30 days 2 3.92% 0.00% 2.17%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 9.80% 0.00% 8.70%

No 31 60.78% 73.68% 65.22%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 23.68% 23.91%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 3 5.88% 0.00% 8.70%

More than one prior event 5 9.80% 2.63% 2.17%

N/A or Unknown 43 84.31% 97.37% 89.13%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 2 3.92% 2.63% 4.35%

No 4 7.84% 0.00% 2.17%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 0.00% 4.35%

N/A 43 84.31% 97.37% 89.13%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about decedents’ history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below 

reflect any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of death. 

Twenty-two Sailors who died by suicide in 2011 (43.14%) had a history of at least one documented behavioral 

health disorder (Table 7.15). Ten (19.61%) had at least two co-occurring diagnoses. As indicated in Tables 

7.16 and 7.17, nine decedents (17.65%) were known to have had a mood disorder and seven (13.73%) were 

known to have had an anxiety disorder. Thirteen decedents (25.49%) had a known history of substance abuse 

(Table 7.18).

TABLE 7.15. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 29 56.86% 63.16% 69.57%

1 DX 12 23.53% 18.42% 17.39%

2 DX 7 13.73% 10.53% 10.87%

3 DX 1 1.96% 5.26% 2.17%

4 or more DX 2 3.92% 2.63% 0.00%

TABLE 7.16. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 9 17.65% 13.16% 17.39%

No 31 60.78% 73.68% 56.52%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 26.09%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 40 78.43% 86.84% 69.57%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 30.43%

 Major depression Yes 5 9.80% 5.26% 8.70%

No 36 70.59% 81.58% 63.04%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 28.26%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 1 1.96% 2.63% 4.35%

No 39 76.47% 84.21% 65.22%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 30.43%

 Other mood disorder Yes 2 3.92% 5.26% 2.17%

No 38 74.51% 81.58% 67.39%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 30.43%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 2 3.92% 0.00% 2.17%

No 37 72.55% 86.84% 71.74%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 26.09%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 86.84% 73.91%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 26.09%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
215

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.17. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

TABLE 7.18. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 7 13.73% 13.16% 13.04%

No 34 66.67% 73.68% 65.22%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 21.74%

 PTSD Yes 0 0.00% 2.63% 4.35%

No 41 80.39% 84.21% 71.74%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 23.91%

 Panic disorder Yes 1 1.96% 2.63% 0.00%

No 40 78.43% 84.21% 76.09%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 23.91%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

No 40 78.43% 84.21% 76.09%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 15.79% 23.91%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 41 80.39% 86.84% 76.09%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 23.91%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 5 9.80% 2.63% 4.35%

No 36 70.59% 84.21% 71.74%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 23.91%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 5 9.80% 2.63% 2.17%

No 36 70.59% 84.21% 76.09%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 21.74%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 5 9.80% 2.63% 2.17%

No 36 70.59% 84.21% 76.09%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 13.16% 21.74%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 1 1.96% 0.00% 4.35%

No 40 78.43% 84.21% 69.57%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 15.79% 26.09%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

No 41 80.39% 84.21% 71.74%

Don’t Know 9 17.65% 15.79% 28.26%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 13 25.49% 26.32% 17.39%

No 29 56.86% 57.89% 52.17%

Don’t Know 9 17.65% 15.79% 30.43%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 1 1.96% 0.00%

No 40 78.43% 84.21%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 15.79%

Note: Traumatic Brain Injury data unavailable prior to 2010.
216

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Treatment History

Table 7.19 provides data on Navy suicide decedents’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to 

death. The majority (n = 29, 56.86%) had received some form of treatment at a Military Treatment Facility 

(MTF). Thirteen decedents (25.49%) were treated at an MTF within one month prior to suicide. Eleven 

Sailors (21.57%) had a known history of a physical health problem, and three decedents (5.88%) had received 

physical health diagnoses within the month prior to suicide.

Five Navy decedents (9.80%) had received substance abuse treatment services, and three (5.88%) received 

help from family advocacy programs. Ten Sailors (19.61%) utilized chaplain services. Over one-fourth 

of decedents (n = 15, 29.41%) had received outpatient behavioral health treatment, and five (9.80%) had 

received treatment within the month prior to suicide. Eight Sailors (15.69%) received inpatient behavioral 

health treatment, two (3.92%) of whom received treatment within the month prior to suicide.

TABLE 7.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 29 56.86% 55.26% 45.65%

 Within 30 days 13 25.49% 39.47% 26.09%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 20 39.22% 52.63% 39.13%

No 16 31.37% 42.11% 32.61%

Don’t Know 6 11.76% 2.63% 21.74%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 11 21.57% 10.53% 19.57%

 Within 30 days 3 5.88% 5.26% 6.52%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 9.80% 7.89% 8.70%

No 33 64.71% 78.95% 65.22%

Don’t Know 7 13.73% 10.53% 15.22%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 5 9.80% 10.53% 17.39%

 Within 30 days 0 0.00% 2.63% 4.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 3 5.88% 5.26% 6.52%

No 35 68.63% 78.95% 60.87%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 10.53% 21.74%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 3 5.88% 7.89% 6.52%

 Within 30 days 1 1.96% 5.26% 0.00%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 1 1.96% 7.89% 0.00%

No 34 66.67% 68.42% 63.04%

Don’t Know 14 27.45% 23.68% 30.43%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 10 19.61% 5.26% 13.04%

 Within 30 days 4 7.84% 5.26% 4.35%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 9.80% 5.26% 10.87%

No 19 37.25% 68.42% 47.83%

Don’t Know 22 43.14% 26.32% 39.13%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 15 29.41% 28.95% 19.57%

 Within 30 days 5 9.80% 18.42% 6.52%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 15.69% 23.68% 6.52%

No 25 49.02% 60.53% 56.52%
217

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These data 

include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial and administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Table 7.20 summarizes psychotropic medications known to have been used by decedents prior to suicide. 

Approximately one-fourth of decedents (n = 12, 23.53%) had known prescriptions for psychotropic 

medications, most frequently antidepressants (n = 8, 15.69%).

TABLE 7.20. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 10.53% 23.91%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 8 15.69% 2.63% 8.70%

 Within 30 days 2 3.92% 2.63% 2.17%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 6 11.76% 2.63% 2.17%

No 33 64.71% 81.58% 71.74%

Don’t Know 10 19.61% 15.79% 19.57%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 12 23.53% 15.79% 4.35%

No 27 52.94% 63.16% 58.70%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 21.05% 36.96%

 Antidepressants Yes 8 15.69% 13.16% 4.35%

No 31 60.78% 65.79% 58.70%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 21.05% 36.96%

 Antianxiety Yes 4 7.84% 10.53% 2.17%

No 35 68.63% 65.79% 60.87%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 23.68% 36.96%

 Antimanics Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 76.32% 63.04%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 23.68% 36.96%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 76.32% 63.04%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 23.68% 36.96%

 Antipsychotics Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 76.32% 63.04%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 23.68% 36.96%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 7.19. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Family and Relationship History

The majority of 2011 Navy decedents (n = 29, 56.86%) had a known failure in a spousal or intimate 

relationship; 20 (39.22%) were known to have experienced the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 

7.21). Six decedents (11.76%) experienced a failure in another important relationship; most of these (n = 5, 

9.80%) occurred within the month prior to suicide. Most Sailors who died by suicide in 2011 had some form of 

failed relationship (n = 30, 58.82%); twenty-one (41.18%) of these occurred within the month prior to suicide.

TABLE 7.21. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE

Table 7.22 summarizes other family and relationship factors that may be associated with the suicide. Five 

Navy decedents (9.80%) were known to have lost a family member to suicide, and eight (15.69%) were known 

to have experienced a death of a family member by other means. Three Sailors had experienced the death of 

a friend (5.88%). Four decedents (7.84%) were known to have had family members with a significant illness, 

and six (11.76%) were known to have had family members with behavioral health problems.

TABLE 7.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 29 56.86% 57.89% 56.52%

 Within 30 days 20 39.22% 36.84% 32.61%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 22 43.14% 47.37% 41.30%

No 15 29.41% 28.95% 30.43%

Don’t Know 7 13.73% 13.16% 13.04%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 6 11.76% 10.53% 19.57%

 Within 30 days 5 9.80% 7.89% 6.52%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 5 9.80% 10.53% 8.70%

No 29 56.86% 60.53% 56.52%

Don’t Know 16 31.37% 28.95% 23.91%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 30 58.82% 60.53% 58.70%

 Within 30 days 21 41.18% 39.47% 32.61%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 23 45.10% 50.00% 41.30%

No 13 25.49% 26.32% 30.43%

Don’t Know 7 13.73% 13.16% 10.87%

*Data presented for “Within 90 days” includes all individuals with history “Within 30 days.”

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 47 92.16% 92.11% 91.30%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 7.89% 8.70%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 5 9.80% 10.53% 0.00%

No 30 58.82% 65.79% 78.26%

Don’t Know 16 31.37% 23.68% 21.74%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.17%

No 30 58.82% 73.68% 63.04%
219

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Don’t Know 21 41.18% 26.32% 34.78%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 8 15.69% 5.26% 15.22%

No 29 56.86% 63.16% 63.04%

Don’t Know 14 27.45% 31.58% 21.74%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 3 5.88% 5.26% 4.35%

No 28 54.90% 57.89% 60.87%

Don’t Know 20 39.22% 36.84% 34.78%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 4 7.84% 10.53% 6.52%

No 32 62.75% 65.79% 73.91%

Don’t Know 15 29.41% 23.68% 19.57%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 6 11.76% 10.53% 4.35%

No 19 37.25% 47.37% 39.13%

Don’t Know 26 50.98% 42.11% 56.52%

Administrative and Legal History

Approximately one-half of Sailors who died by suicide in 2011 (n = 25, 49.02%) had at least one known 

administrative or legal issue, and nine (17.65%) had more than one issue (Table 7.23). The most frequent 

administrative or legal issue was non-judicial punishment (n = 11, 21.57%), followed by civil legal problems 

(n = 8, 15.69%), administrative separation (n = 5, 9.80%), and history of non-selection for promotion (n = 5, 

9.80%).

TABLE 7.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 3 5.88% 5.26% 4.35%

No 46 90.20% 92.11% 93.48%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 2.63% 2.17%

NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT Yes 11 21.57% 18.42% 15.22%

No 36 70.59% 78.95% 78.26%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 2.63% 6.52%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 5 9.80% 2.63% 8.70%

No 42 82.35% 94.74% 91.30%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 2.63% 0.00%

HX AWOL Yes 4 7.84% 10.53% 15.22%

No 44 86.27% 84.21% 82.61%

Don’t Know 3 5.88% 5.26% 2.17%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 4 7.84% 0.00% 6.52%

No 43 84.31% 94.74% 91.30%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 5.26% 2.17%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 8 15.69% 10.53% 19.57%

No 38 74.51% 78.95% 69.57%

Don’t Know 5 9.80% 10.53% 10.87%

TABLE 7.22. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER FAMILY HISTORY (CONT.) 
220

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 7.24). 

Two Navy decedents (3.92%) reportedly experienced physical abuse, one (1.96%) reportedly experienced 

sexual abuse, and three (5.88%) reportedly experienced emotional abuse. Three decedents (5.88%) 

reportedly perpetrated physical abuse, two decedents (3.92%) reportedly perpetrated sexual abuse, 

and two decedents (3.92%) reportedly perpetrated emotional abuse. One decedent (1.96%) reportedly 

perpetrated sexual harassment.

TABLE 7.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 5 9.80% 10.53% 8.70%

No 42 82.35% 84.21% 86.96%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 5.26% 4.35%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 25 49.02% 39.47% 43.48%

No 24 47.06% 52.63% 47.83%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 7.89% 8.70%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 9 17.65% 13.16% 23.91%

No 40 78.43% 50.00% 43.48%

Don’t Know 2 3.92% 36.84% 32.61%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 2 3.92% 0.00% 10.87%

No 36 70.59% 68.42% 71.74%

Don’t Know 13 25.49% 31.58% 17.39%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 1 1.96% 5.26% 2.17%

No 37 72.55% 65.79% 78.26%

Don’t Know 13 25.49% 28.95% 19.57%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 3 5.88% 2.63% 8.70%

No 36 70.59% 60.53% 69.57%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 36.84% 21.74%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 65.79% 80.43%

Don’t Know 12 23.53% 34.21% 19.57%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 3 5.88% 2.63% 6.52%

No 37 72.55% 84.21% 78.26%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 15.22%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 2 3.92% 0.00% 4.35%

No 38 74.51% 86.84% 78.26%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 13.16% 17.39%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 2 3.92% 0.00% 4.35%

No 38 74.51% 81.58% 73.91%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 18.42% 21.74%

TABLE 7.23. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 
221

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 7.25). Six Sailors 

(11.76%) who died by suicide in 2011 had experienced significant debt. Nine decedents (17.65%) had either 

lost a position or experienced job instability. Two Sailors (3.92%) were known to have had interpersonal issues 

with their supervisors or coworkers. Eight decedents (15.69%) had a history of poor work evaluations. No 

decedents were known to have experienced unit or workplace hazing.

TABLE 7.25. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

No 39 76.47% 84.21% 82.61%

Don’t Know 11 21.57% 15.79% 17.39%

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Sailors’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

One Navy suicide event (1.96%) occurred on Shipboard during OND deployment (Table 7.26). Fourteen of 

the Sailors who died by suicide in 2011 (27.45%) had previously served as part of OEF, OIF, or OND; and 

four (7.84%) had multiple deployments (Table 7.27). Four decedents (7.84%) had direct combat experiences, 

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 6 11.76% 7.89% 17.39%

No 31 60.78% 71.05% 58.70%

Don’t Know 14 27.45% 21.05% 23.91%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 9 17.65% 18.42% 28.26%

No 37 72.55% 73.68% 69.57%

Don’t Know 5 9.80% 7.89% 2.17%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 2 3.92% 7.89% 13.04%

No 42 82.35% 81.58% 80.43%

Don’t Know 7 13.73% 10.53% 6.52%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 8 15.69% 10.53% 8.70%

No 39 76.47% 86.84% 84.78%

Don’t Know 4 7.84% 2.63% 6.52%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

No 46 90.20% 92.11% 91.30%

Don’t Know 5 9.80% 7.89% 8.70%

TABLE 7.24. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.) 
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Completed Suicides

TABLE 7.27. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

TABLE 7.28. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER COMBAT HISTORY 

including participation in combat that resulted in injuries (n = 3, 5.88%), witnessing killing (n = 1, 1.96%), 

seeing dead bodies (n = 1, 1.96%, and killing others in combat (n = 1, 1.96%; Table 7.28).

TABLE 7.26. CY 2011 AND 2009-2010 NAVY DODSER SUICIDES IN THEATER

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

THEATER OND 1 1.96% 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 50 98.04% 100.00% 100.00%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 1 1.96% 2.63% 2.17%

Iraq 8 15.69% 5.26% 4.35%

Kuwait 1 1.96% 0.00% 2.17%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 4 7.84% 0.00% 2.17%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 37 72.55% 92.11% 89.13%

2011 2010 2009

Count Percent Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 4 7.84% 7.89% 2.17%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 3 5.88% 5.26% 0.00%

 Injured in combat 0 0.00% 2.63% 0.00%

 Witnessed killing in combat 1 1.96% 2.63% 2.17%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 1 1.96% 2.63% 2.17%

 Killed others in combat 1 1.96% 2.63% 2.17%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 47 92.16% 92.11% 97.83%

Note: Categories are not discrete.
223

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Dispositional/Personal Factors

This section reports data that describe individual characteristics and behaviors that may have been associated 

with the suicide attempts. These factors include demographic characteristics, event setting, suicide attempt 

method, substance use during the event, intent to die, and communication of intent with others.

Demographics

Table 7.30 contains DoDSER demographic data for Sailors who attempted suicide in 2011. Males represented 

the majority (n = 64, 73.56%). Sailors who attempted suicide were predominantly Caucasian (n = 63, 72.41%), 

non-Hispanic or Latino (n = 78, 89.66%), under age twenty-five (n = 54, 62.07%), junior enlisted (n = 54, 

62.07%), Regular component (n = 86, 98.85%), and without a college degree (n = 69, 79.31%).

TABLE 7.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TOTAL 87 100.00% 100.00%

GENDER Male 64 73.56% 75.86%

Female 23 26.44% 24.14%

RACE American Indian or Alaskan Native 1 1.15% 1.72%

Asian or Pacific Islander 3 3.45% 3.45%

Black/African American 17 19.54% 17.24%

White/Caucasian 63 72.41% 62.07%

Other/Don’t Know 3 3.45% 15.52%

ETHNICITY Hispanic or Latino 9 10.34%

Non-Hispanic or Latino 78 89.66%

NAVY DODSERS SUBMITTED FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

DoDSER POCs submitted 87 DoDSERs for 2011 Navy suicide attempts. As indicated in Table 7.29, these 

DoDSERs provide data on suicide attempts for 86 individuals. Two attempts were reported (DoDSERs 

submitted) for one individual. The tables in this section use a denominator of 87. Percentages for 2010 

DoDSER data are provided for comparison. Specific suicide attempt count data for prior years are available in 

the previous DoDSER annual reports and are available for download at http://t2health.org.

TABLE 7.29. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSERS

Count Percent

TOTAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs 87 100.00%

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED 86 100.00%

SUICIDE ATTEMPT DoDSERs SUBMITTED PER INDIVIDUAL 1 85 98.84%

2 1 1.16%

3 0 0.00%

INDIVIDUALS WITH 2011 DoDSERs FOR BOTH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND SUICIDE 0 0.00%
224

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

AGE RANGE Under 25 54 62.07% 56.90%

25-29 15 17.24% 18.97%

30-39 17 19.54% 20.69%

40 + 1 1.15% 3.45%

RANK E1-E4 54 62.07% 56.90%

E5-E9 27 31.03% 36.21%

Officer 5 5.75% 5.17%

Warrant Officer 0 0.00% 0.00%

Cadet/Midshipman 1 1.15% 1.72%

COMPONENT Regular 86 98.85% 87.93%

Reserve 1 1.15% 10.34%

National Guard 0 0.00% 0.00%

Other 0 0.00% 1.72%

EDUCATION Some high school, did not graduate 0 0.00% 0.00%

GED 2 2.30% 5.17%

High school graduate 38 43.68% 48.28%

Some college or technical school 29 33.33% 24.14%

Degree/certificate less than four years 4 4.60% 3.45%

Four-year college degree 4 4.60% 8.62%

Master’s degree or greater 3 3.45% 1.72%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 8.62%

MARITAL STATUS Never Married 47 54.02% 56.90%

Married 28 32.18% 34.48%

Legally Separated 1 1.15% 1.72%

Divorced 9 10.34% 3.45%

Widowed 0 0.00% 0.00%

Don’t Know 2 2.30% 3.45%

Note: Ethnicity data not reported prior to 2011

TABLE 7.30. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DEMOGRAPHICS (CONT.) 

Event Setting

In 2011, Navy suicide attempts most frequently occurred in the United States (n = 78, 89.66%), followed by 

Europe (n = 4, 4.60%; Table 7.31). As indicated in Table 7.32, suicide attempts occurred primarily in the 

Sailors’ residences (n = 68, 78.16%), followed by automobiles (n = 7, 8.05%). 

TABLE 7.31. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION United States 78 89.66% 74.14%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00%

Afghanistan 1 1.15% 0.00%

Asia 2 2.30% 10.34%

Europe 4 4.60% 5.17%

Other 0 0.00% 8.62%

Don’t Know 2 2.30% 1.72%
225

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.32. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT SETTING 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT SETTING Residence (own) or barracks 68 78.16% 70.69%

Residence of friend or family 1 1.15% 8.62%

Work/jobsite 1 1.15% 8.62%

Automobile (away from residence) 7 8.05% 3.45%

Inpatient medical facility 0 0.00% 0.00%

Other 10 11.49% 8.62%

Event Method

As indicated in Table 7.33, drugs were the most frequent method for suicide attempt (n = 48, 55.17%), followed 

by injury with a sharp or blunt object (n = 11, 12.64%), hanging (n = 9, 10.34%), and non-military firearm use (n 

= 6, 6.90%). 

TABLE 7.33. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER EVENT METHOD 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EVENT METHOD Firearm, non-military issue 6 6.90% 50.00%

Firearm, military issue 1 1.15% 0.00%

Hanging 9 10.34% 1.72%

Drugs 48 55.17% 1.72%

Alcohol 5 5.75% 3.45%

Gas, vehicle exhaust 2 2.30% 1.72%

Gas, utility (or other) 0 0.00% 5.17%

Chemicals 1 1.15% 1.72%

Drowning 0 0.00% 3.45%

Sharp or blunt object 11 12.64% 18.97%

Jumping from high place 2 2.30% 3.45%

Lying in front of moving object 0 0.00% 0.00%

Crashing a motor vehicle 2 2.30% 0.00%

Other 0 0.00% 8.62%

Don’t Know 0 0.00% 0.00%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Substance Use during the Event

DoDSER POCs collected data on alcohol and drug use during Navy suicide attempts (Table 7.34). Thirty-two 

DoDSERs (36.78%) included alcohol use during the suicide attempt, and fifty-two (59.77%) included drug use. 

The most frequent type of drug use was the misuse of prescription medication (n = 34, 39.08%). These counts 

include Sailors who used drugs as a suicide attempt method (n = 48, 55.17%), as described above.

TABLE 7.34. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER SUBSTANCE(S) USED DURING SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

ALCOHOL USED Yes 32 36.78% 31.03%

No 47 54.02% 58.62%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 10.34%

ANY DRUGS USED Yes 52 59.77% 51.72%

No 31 35.63% 43.10%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 5.17%

 Illegal drugs Overdose 6 6.90% 1.72%

Used, no overdose 4 4.60% 0.00%

Were not used 73 83.91% 93.10%

Don’t know 4 4.60% 5.17%

 Prescription drugs Overdose 34 39.08% 29.31%

Used, no overdose 6 6.90% 6.90%

Were not used 43 49.43% 58.62%

Don’t know 4 4.60% 5.17%

 Over the counter drugs Overdose 16 18.39% 13.79%

Used, no overdose 4 4.60% 6.90%

Were not used 63 72.41% 74.14%

Don’t know 4 4.60% 5.17%

BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS USED Yes 19 21.84% 17.24%

No 57 65.52% 72.41%

Don’t Know 11 12.64% 10.34%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Communication of Intent

Most Sailors who attempted suicide were not known to have communicated with others about their intent to 

harm themselves (n = 75, 86.21%; Table 7.35). Of those who did communicate with others, the most frequent 

mode of communication was verbal (n = 7, 8.05%; Table 7.36). As indicated in Table 7.37, Sailors most 

frequently communicated with their spouses (n = 3, 3.45%), friends (n = 4, 4.60%), or behavioral healthcare 

providers (n = 3, 3.45%). 
227

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.36. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MODE OF COMMUNICATED INTENT Verbal 7 8.05% 8.62%

Written 2 2.30% 1.72%

Other or Unknown 1 1.15% 1.72%

Multiple Modes 2 2.30% 1.72%

No Known Communication 75 86.21% 86.21%

Note: Multiple modes include a combination of verbal, written, or other mode of communicating intent to suicide (e.g., text).

Additional Event Information

Table 7.38 provides information about other details of 2011 Navy suicide attempts. There was information 

to indicate that the majority of (n = 60, 68.97%) Sailors intended to die. Eighteen suicide attempts (20.69%) 

appeared to be planned or premeditated. Twenty-six suicide attempts (29.89%) occurred in a location 

potentially observable by others. Nine Sailors (10.34%) left suicide notes.

TABLE 7.37. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMMUNICATION Spouse 3 3.45% 0.00%

Friend 4 4.60% 3.45%

Behavioral Health Provider 3 3.45% 3.45%

Supervisor 1 1.15% 1.72%

Other or Unidentified 2 2.30% 3.45%

Made Multiple Communications 3 3.45% 1.72%

No Known Communication 75 86.21% 86.21%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 7.35. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF TYPES OF RECIPIENTS OF 

COMMUNICATED INTENT

0 75 86.21% 86.21%

1 9 10.34% 12.07%

2 3 3.45% 0.00%

3 0 0.00% 1.72%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Contextual Factors

This section describes DoDSER data that pertain to situational and contextual factors such as place of 

residence, general living situation, and duty environment.

Situational Factors

Table 7.39 provides details about the living situations of Sailors who attempted suicide in 2011. The most 

frequent living environments were private homes outside of installations (n = 36, 41.38%) and shared living 

environments on installations (n = 29, 33.33%). Most DoDSERs indicated that the Sailors were unmarried 

at the time of the event (n = 59, 67.82%). Over one-half of married Sailors (n = 18, 64.29% of married 

Sailors, 20.69% of total) had been living with their spouses at the time of their suicide attempts, and four were 

separated because of relationship issues (14.29% of married Sailors, 4.60% of total). Twenty-five DoDSERs 

indicated that the Sailors had minor children (28.74%), and approximately one-half resided with their children 

at the time of the suicide attempt (n = 13, 52.00% of Sailors with children, 14.94% of total). Seven DoDSERs 

(8.05%) indicated that the Sailors were known to have access to firearms in either their homes or in other 

accessible locations.

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

INTENDED TO DIE Yes 60 68.97% 84.48%

No 19 21.84% 12.07%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 3.45%

DEATH RISK GAMBLING Yes 0 0.00% 3.45%

No 80 91.95% 94.83%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 1.72%

PLANNED/PREMEDITATED Yes 18 20.69% 37.93%

No 53 60.92% 48.28%

Don’t Know 16 18.39% 13.79%

OBSERVABLE Yes 26 29.89% 32.76%

No 42 48.28% 62.07%

Don’t Know 19 21.84% 5.17%

SUICIDE NOTE LEFT Yes 9 10.34% 12.07%

No 69 79.31% 68.97%

Don’t Know 9 10.34% 18.97%

TABLE 7.38. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION 

TABLE 7.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

RESIDENCE AT TIME OF EVENT Shared military living environment 29 33.33% 29.31%

Bachelor quarters 5 5.75% 5.17%

On-base family housing 7 8.05% 3.45%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Duty Environment

The primary duty environment for Sailors who attempted suicide was their permanent duty station (n = 67, 

77.01%; Table 7.40). 

TABLE 7.40. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER DUTY ENVIRONMENT 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DUTY ENVIRONMENT Permanent Duty Station 67 77.01% 55.17%

Leave 2 2.30% 0.00%

Psychiatric Hospitalization 0 0.00% 1.72%

Medical Hold 0 0.00% 3.45%

TDY 1 1.15% 5.17%

AWOL 2 2.30% 1.72%

Under Command Observation 1 1.15% 0.00%

Deployed 1 1.15% 3.45%

Training 6 6.90% 3.45%

Other 0 0.00% 10.34%

Multiple Duty Environments 3 3.45% 5.17%

Duty Environment Unknown 10 11.49% 10.34%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Owned or leased apartment or house 36 41.38% 53.45%

Ship 4 4.60% 5.17%

Other 3 3.45% 1.72%

Don’t Know 3 3.45% 1.72%

MARRIED SERVICE MEMBER RESIDENCE Resides with spouse 18 20.69% 17.24%

Separated due to relationship issues 4 4.60% 8.62%

Apart for other reasons/deployed 5 5.75% 8.62%

Don’t Know 1 1.15% 0.00%

Unmarried at time of event 59 67.82% 65.52%

RESIDED ALONE Yes 35 40.23% 36.21%

No 41 47.13% 55.17%

Don’t Know 11 12.64% 8.62%

HAD MINOR CHILDREN Yes 25 28.74% 29.31%

No 60 68.97% 70.69%

Don’t Know 2 2.30% 0.00%

CHILDREN RESIDED WITH Yes 13 14.94% 18.97%

No 11 12.64% 10.34%

Don’t Know 1 1.15% 0.00%

No Children 60 68.97% 70.69%

FIREARM IN IMMEDIATE/LIVING ENVIRONMENTYes 7 8.05% 5.17%

No 66 75.86% 62.07%

Don’t Know 14 16.09% 32.76%

TABLE 7.39. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER HOME ENVIRONMENT (CONT.) 
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Suicide Attempts by Month

As in the prior three years, no clear pattern existed for Navy suicide attempts by month (Table 7.41). 

TABLE 7.41. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY DODSER SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BY MONTH

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

MONTH January 7 8.05% 6.90%

February 12 13.79% 5.17%

March 14 16.09% 8.62%

April 9 10.34% 8.62%

May 5 5.75% 10.34%

June 2 2.30% 12.07%

July 8 9.20% 10.34%

August 5 5.75% 1.72%

September 7 8.05% 8.62%

October 7 8.05% 17.24%

November 8 9.20% 1.72%

December 3 3.45% 8.62%

Clinical Health Factors 

The DoDSER items capture detailed information on behavioral and symptom factors that may be associated 

with subsequent suicidal behavior. These factors include data on prior self-harm, previous diagnoses of 

behavioral health disorders and behavioral health issues, and relevant treatment histories, including prescribed 

medication. 

Prior Self-Injury 

DoDSER POCs reported a known history of prior self-harm for one-third of suicide attempts (n = 29, 33.33%), 

and six (6.90%) self-harm incidents were known to have occurred within the month prior to the suicide attempt 

(Table 7.42). Of those with prior history of self-harm, 14 (48.28%, 16.09% of total) had more than one prior 

event. Thirteen suicide attempts (14.94%) were similar to the Sailors’ prior self-harm events.

TABLE 7.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX PRIOR SELF-INJURY Yes 29 33.33% 27.59%

 Within 30 days 6 6.90% 8.62%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 13 14.94% 15.52%

No 52 59.77% 56.90%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 15.52%

 Number prior self-injuries One prior event 15 17.24% 10.34%

More than one prior event 14 16.09% 17.24%

N/A or Unknown 58 66.67% 72.41%
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Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Behavioral Health Disorders 

DoDSER POCs collect information about the history of behavioral health diagnoses. The data below reflect 

any known history of behavioral health disorders and are not limited to diagnoses at the time of the suicide 

event. The majority of Navy DoDSERs for attempted suicide included a history of at least one documented 

behavioral health disorder (n = 51, 58.62%; Table 7.43). Twenty (22.99%) had at least two co-occurring 

diagnoses. As indicated in Table 7.44, 28 DoDSERs (32.18%) indicated that Sailors had been diagnosed with 

a mood disorder; the most frequent was major depressive disorder (n = 15, 29.41%, 17.24% of total). Thirtyfive DoDSERs for suicide attempts (40.23%) included Sailors’ known diagnoses of anxiety disorders, the 

most frequent were of unspecified type (n = 22, 25.29%), followed by PTSD (n = 7, 8.05%) and generalized 

anxiety disorder (n = 7, 8.05%; Table 7.45). Three DoDSERs (3.45%) included documentation of personality 

disorders, and 18 (20.69%) included a known history of substance abuse (Table 7.46). Three DoDSERs 

(3.45%) indicated that Sailors had sustained a traumatic brain injury.

TABLE 7.43. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMORBIDITY RATES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSES

No DX 36 41.38% 37.93%

1 DX 31 35.63% 27.59%

2 DX 17 19.54% 12.07%

3 DX 2 2.30% 15.52%

4 or more DX 1 1.15% 6.90%

TABLE 7.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ MOOD DISORDER Yes 28 32.18% 43.10%

No 54 62.07% 53.45%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 3.45%

 Bipolar disorder Yes 3 3.45% 0.00%

No 868 997.70% 94.83%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 5.17%

 Major depression Yes 15 17.24% 27.59%

No 67 77.01% 68.97%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 3.45%

 Dysthymic disorder Yes 0 0.00% 1.72%

No 82 94.25% 89.66%

 Event similar to prior self-injury Yes 13 14.94% 8.62%

No 15 17.24% 17.24%

Don’t Know 1 1.15% 1.72%

N/A 58 66.67% 72.41%

TABLE 7.42. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PRIOR SELF-INJURY (CONT.)
232

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

TABLE 7.45. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ANXIETY DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/ ANXIETY DISORDER Yes 35 40.23% 22.41%

No 48 55.17% 70.69%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 6.90%

 PTSD Yes 7 8.05% 8.62%

No 76 87.36% 84.48%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 6.90%

 Panic disorder Yes 2 2.30% 1.72%

No 81 93.10% 89.66%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 8.62%

 Generalized anxiety disorder Yes 7 8.05% 3.45%

No 76 87.36% 86.21%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 10.34%

 Acute stress disorder Yes 0 0.00% 0.00%

No 83 95.40% 89.66%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 10.34%

 Other anxiety disorder Yes 0 0.00% 1.72%

No 83 95.40% 87.93%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 10.34%

 Unspecified anxiety DX Yes 22 25.29% 1.72%

No 61 70.11% 91.38%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 6.90%

 Multiple anxiety DX Yes 3 3.45% 5.17%

No 80 91.95% 87.93%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 6.90%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 8.62%

 Other mood disorder Yes 6 6.90% 3.45%

No 76 87.36% 86.21%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 10.34%

 Unspecified mood disorder Yes 5 5.75% 1.72%

No 77 88.51% 94.83%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 3.45%

 Multiple mood DX Yes 0 0.00% 8.62%

No 82 94.25% 87.93%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 3.45%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 7.44. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER MOOD DISORDERS (CONT.) 
233

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

SEEN AT MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY Yes 50 57.47% 36.21%

 Within 30 days 33 37.93% 20.69%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 41 47.13% 32.76%

No 33 37.93% 55.17%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 8.62%

HX PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM Yes 16 18.39% 12.07%

 Within 30 days 8 9.20% 3.45%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 9 10.34% 5.17%

No 65 74.71% 79.31%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 8.62%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Yes 11 12.64% 12.07%

 Within 30 days 6 6.90% 1.72%

TABLE 7.46. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OTHER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

DX W/PERSONALITY DISORDER Yes 3 3.45% 6.90%

No 76 87.36% 86.21%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 6.90%

DX W/PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Yes 2 2.30% 0.00%

No 78 89.66% 93.10%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 6.90%

HX SUBSTANCE ABUSE Yes 18 20.69% 22.41%

No 60 68.97% 70.69%

Don’t Know 9 10.34% 6.90%

DX W/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Yes 3 3.45% 3.45%

No 78 89.66% 91.38%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 5.17%

Treatment History

Table 7.47 provides data on Sailors’ use of medical and behavioral health treatment prior to attempting suicide. 

Over one-half of Navy DoDSERs (n = 50, 57.47%) indicated that Sailors had received some form of treatment 

at an MTF, 33 (66.00%, 37.93% of total) within the month prior to attempting suicide. Sixteen Navy DoDSERs 

(18.39%) included evidence of a known physical health problem. Forty-six Navy DoDSERs (52.87%) indicated 

that Sailors had received outpatient behavioral health services, many within the month prior to attempting 

suicide (n = 24, 52.17%, 27.59% of total). Nineteen Navy DoDSERs (21.84%) indicated that the Sailors had 

previously been hospitalized at an inpatient psychiatry unit; seven of those Sailors (36.84%, 8.05% of total) 

had been hospitalized within the month prior to the suicide attempt. Eleven Navy suicide attempt DoDSERs 

(12.64%) included prior substance abuse treatment.
234

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

As indicated in Table 7.48, DoDSERs for 52 Navy suicide attempts (59.77%) included psychotropic medication 

usage prior to the suicide attempt. Antidepressants (n = 34, 65.38% of DoDSERs with known prescriptions, 

39.08% of total DoDSERs) and antianxiety medication (n = 16, 30.77% of DoDSERs with known prescriptions, 

18.39% of total DoDSERs) were the most frequently prescribed psychotropics.

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 8 9.20% 5.17%

No 70 80.46% 81.03%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 6.90%

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Yes 5 5.75% 6.90%

 Within 30 days 2 2.30% 5.17%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 2 2.30% 6.90%

No 70 80.46% 79.31%

Don’t Know 12 13.79% 13.79%

CHAPLAIN SERVICES Yes 10 11.49% 15.52%

 Within 30 days 5 5.75% 6.90%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 7 8.05% 12.07%

No 57 65.52% 62.07%

Don’t Know 20 22.99% 22.41%

OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 46 52.87% 44.83%

 Within 30 days 24 27.59% 27.59%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 40 45.98% 32.76%

No 35 40.23% 50.00%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 5.17%

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Yes 19 21.84% 17.24%

 Within 30 days 7 8.05% 5.17%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 14 16.09% 10.34%

No 64 73.56% 79.31%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 3.45%

TABLE 7.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

TAKEN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDS Yes 52 59.77% 39.66%

No 34 39.08% 55.17%

Don’t Know 1 1.15% 5.17%

 Antidepressants Yes 34 39.08% 34.48%

No 38 43.68% 58.62%

Don’t Know 15 17.24% 6.90%

 Antianxiety Yes 16 18.39% 15.52%

No 53 60.92% 75.86%

Don’t Know 18 20.69% 8.62%

TABLE 7.47. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER TREATMENT HISTORY (CONT.) 
235

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

Historical/Developmental Factors

DoDSER data are collected on historical and developmental factors that precede a suicide event. These data 

include information about family histories and interpersonal relationships, legal, financial and administrative 

difficulties, and reports of prior abuse.

Family and Relationship History

Forty DoDSERs for Sailors who attempted suicide (45.98%) included a known failure of a spousal or intimate 

relationship; 27 (31.03%) Sailors experienced the failure within the month prior to suicide (Table 7.49). 

Seventeen Navy DoDSERs (19.54%) included a failure in another important relationship; nine (10.34%) of 

those failures occurred within the month prior to the suicide attempt. 

TABLE 7.49 CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FAILED RELATIONSHIPS PRIOR TO SUICIDE ATTEMPT

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX FAILED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP Yes 40 45.98% 58.62%

 Within 30 days 27 31.03% 32.76%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 32 36.78% 39.66%

No 39 44.83% 36.21%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 5.17%

HX FAILED OTHER RELATIONSHIP Yes 17 19.54% 10.34%

 Within 30 days 9 10.34% 5.17%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 11 12.64% 5.17%

No 60 68.97% 72.41%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 17.24%

HX ANY FAILED RELATIONSHIP (INTIMATE 

AND/OR OTHER)

Yes 44 50.57% 62.07%

 Within 30 days 27 31.03% 34.48%

 Within 90 days (inclusive)* 32 36.78% 41.38%

No 35 40.23% 34.48%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 3.45%

 Antimanics Yes 1 1.15% 0.00%

No 68 78.16% 91.38%

Don’t Know 18 20.69% 8.62%

 Anticonvulsants Yes 0 0.00% 3.45%

No 69 79.31% 87.93%

Don’t Know 18 20.69% 8.62%

 Antipsychotics Yes 6 6.90% 6.90%

No 63 72.41% 84.48%

Don’t Know 18 20.69% 8.62%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

TABLE 7.48. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE (CONT.) 
236

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Table 7.50 summarizes other family and relationship factors. DoDSERs did not indicate that Sailors who 

attempted suicide had histories of loss of a spouse to suicide; however, six (6.90%) included the loss of a 

family member to suicide and eight (9.20%) included the loss of a friend to suicide. Fifteen had experienced 

the death of a family member (17.24%), and 12 had experienced the death of a friend (13.79%) by means 

other than suicide. Approximately one-third of DoDSERs indicated that Sailors had a family member 

with behavioral health problems (n = 30, 34.48%), and 16 Navy DoDSERs (18.39%) included a history of 

clinically-significant family illness.

TABLE 7.50. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FAMILY HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX SPOUSE SUICIDE Yes 0 0.00% 3.45%

No 83 95.40% 94.83%

Don’t Know 4 4.60% 1.72%

HX FAMILY MEMBER SUICIDE Yes 6 6.90% 5.17%

No 73 83.91% 82.76%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 12.07%

HX FRIEND SUICIDE Yes 8 9.20% 6.90%

No 69 79.31% 81.03%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 12.07%

HX DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER Yes 15 17.24% 18.97%

No 66 75.86% 72.41%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 8.62%

HX DEATH OF FRIEND Yes 12 13.79% 10.34%

No 67 77.01% 74.14%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 15.52%

HX FAMILY ILLNESS Yes 16 18.39% 10.34%

No 65 74.71% 81.03%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 8.62%

HX FAMILY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMSYes 30 34.48% 37.93%

No 46 52.87% 46.55%

Don’t Know 11 12.64% 15.52%

Administrative and Legal History

Thirty-one DoDSERs for Sailors who attempted suicide included at least one administrative or legal issue 

(35.63%) and 14 (16.09%) included more than one issue (Table 7.51). The most frequent administrative or 

legal problems were administrative separation (n = 12, 13.79%) and medical board (n = 11, 12.64%). 

TABLE 7.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX COURTS MARTIAL Yes 4 4.60% 3.45%

No 75 86.21% 87.93%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 8.62%
237

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX VICTIM PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 23 26.44% 10.34%

No 56 64.37% 74.14%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 15.52%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 13 14.94% 5.17%

No 66 75.86% 77.59%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 17.24%

Abuse History

The DoDSER includes information about both abuse victimization and abuse perpetration (Table 7.52). 

DoDSERs for Sailors who attempted suicide in 2011 included a reported history of physical abuse (n = 23, 

26.44%), sexual abuse (n = 13, 14.94%), emotional abuse (n = 26, 29.89%), and sexual harassment (n = 3, 

3.45%). The frequencies of abuse perpetration were lower than those for victimization. There was evidence 

that four (4.60%) reportedly perpetrated physical abuse, one (1.15%) each reportedly perpetrated sexual and 

emotional abuse, and three (3.45%) reportedly perpetrated sexual harassment.

NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT Yes 9 10.34% 20.69%

No 75 86.21% 63.79%

Don’t Know 3 3.45% 15.52%

HX ADMIN SEPARATION Yes 12 13.79% 6.90%

No 66 75.86% 81.03%

Don’t Know 9 10.34% 12.07%

HX AWOL Yes 6 6.90% 6.90%

No 74 85.06% 84.48%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 8.62%

HX MEDICAL BOARD Yes 11 12.64% 5.17%

No 71 81.61% 89.66%

Don’t Know 5 5.75% 5.17%

HX CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS Yes 7 8.05% 6.90%

No 68 78.16% 79.31%

Don’t Know 12 13.79% 13.79%

HX NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION Yes 4 4.60% 1.72%

No 73 83.91% 77.59%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 20.69%

HAD ANY ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUE Yes 31 35.63% 34.48%

No 53 60.92% 55.17%

Don’t Know 3 3.45% 10.34%

HAD MULTIPLE ADMIN/LEGAL ISSUES Yes 14 16.09% 12.07%

No 70 80.46% 51.72%

Don’t Know 3 3.45% 36.21%

TABLE 7.51. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL HISTORY (CONT.) 
238

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Financial and Workplace Difficulties

DoDSER collects data on economic hardship and problems in the workplace (Table 7.53). The most frequently 

reported difficulty was job loss or instability (n = 31, 35.63%), followed by supervisor or coworker issues (n = 

19, 21.84%).

TABLE 7.53. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER FINANCIAL AND WORKPLACE DIFFICULTIES 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

EXCESSIVE DEBT/BANKRUPTCY Yes 10 11.49% 6.90%

No 67 77.01% 79.31%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 13.79%

HX JOB LOSS/INSTABILITY Yes 31 35.63% 27.59%

No 47 54.02% 63.79%

Don’t Know 9 10.34% 8.62%

HX SUPERVISOR/COWORKER ISSUES Yes 19 21.84% 13.79%

No 58 66.67% 68.97%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 17.24%

HX POOR WORK EVALUATION Yes 8 9.20% 10.34%

No 66 75.86% 77.59%

Don’t Know 13 14.94% 12.07%

HX UNIT/WORKPLACE HAZING Yes 5 5.75% 3.45%

No 71 81.61% 79.31%

Don’t Know 11 12.64% 17.24%

HX VICTIM EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 26 29.89% 13.79%

No 54 62.07% 65.52%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 20.69%

HX VICTIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 3 3.45% 0.00%

No 74 85.06% 75.86%

Don’t Know 10 11.49% 24.14%

HX PERPETRATOR PHYSICAL ABUSE Yes 4 4.60% 5.17%

No 76 87.36% 77.59%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 17.24%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL ABUSE Yes 1 1.15% 0.00%

No 78 89.66% 79.31%

Don’t Know 8 9.20% 20.69%

HX PERPETRATOR EMOTIONAL ABUSE Yes 1 1.15% 3.45%

No 79 90.80% 75.86%

Don’t Know 7 8.05% 20.69%

HX PERPETRATOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT Yes 3 3.45% 0.00%

No 78 89.66% 82.76%

Don’t Know 6 6.90% 17.24%

TABLE 7.52. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER ALLEGED ABUSE HISTORY (CONT.)
239

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

TABLE 7.56. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER COMBAT HISTORY

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

COMBAT HISTORY HISTORY OF DIRECT COMBAT 26 29.89% 8.62%

Combat resulted in injuries/casualties for others 11 12.64% 6.90%

 Injured in combat 5 5.75% 5.17%

 Witnessed killing in combat 11 12.64% 6.90%

 Saw dead bodies in combat 10 11.49% 6.90%

 Killed others in combat 6 6.90% 3.45%

NO DIRECT COMBAT HISTORY 61 70.11% 91.38%

Note: Categories are not discrete.

Deployment Factors

DoDSER captures detailed information about Sailors’ three most recent deployments. Data include 

deployment location information as well as the history of direct combat operations. 

Deployment and Combat History

One Navy suicide attempt in 2011 (1.15%) took place while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom 

(OEF) in Afghanistan (Table 7.54). Two DoDSERs (2.30%) included information about prior OEF, OIF, or 

OND deployments (Table 7.55). Twenty-six DoDSERs (29.89%) included experiences of direct combat, as 

summarized in Table 7.56.

TABLE 7.54. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN THEATER

TABLE 7.55. CY 2011 AND 2010 NAVY SUICIDE ATTEMPT DODSER OEF/OIF/OND DEPLOYMENT HISTORY 

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

THEATER Afghanistan 1 1.15% 0.00%

Iraq 0 0.00% 0.00%

Not OEF/OND 86 98.85% 0.00%

2011 2010

Count Percent Percent

HX DEPLOYMENT OEF/OIF/OND Afghanistan 2 2.30% 1.72%

Iraq 0 0.00% 22.41%

Kuwait 0 0.00% 1.72%

Multiple OEF/OIF/OND locations 0 0.00% 0.00%

No history of OEF/OIF/OND deployment 85 97.70% 74.14%
240

Chapter 7: Navy DoDSER for Suicide Attempts

Summary

This chapter provides data on Navy suicides and suicide attempts that occurred in 2011. Data are presented 

for 51 Sailors who died by suicide and 86 Sailors who attempted suicide in 87 separate incidents. Both 

decedents and those who attempted suicide were primarily male, Caucasian, non-Hispanic or Latino, under 

age twenty-five, junior enlisted, Regular component, and without a college degree. 

Most suicide events took place in the United States and in the Sailors’ own residences. The most frequent 

methods for Sailors who died by suicide were non-military issue firearm use and hanging. Suicide attempt 

methods were most often drug overdose and use of sharp or blunt objects. Drug and alcohol use was more 

frequent among nonfatal Navy suicide events. The majority of Sailors who died by suicide or had attempted 

suicide were not known to have communicated with others about their likelihood of harming themselves.

Sailors with nonfatal suicide events had more known behavioral health disorders and more behavioral health 

treatment use prior to the event. Additionally, those who attempted suicide had a higher prevalence of prior 

abuse victimization. Failed intimate relationships were frequent among Sailors with suicide events. 
241

Glossary

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

APPENDIX A:

Glossary

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.).

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.

Death-risk gambling

Self harm (without intent to die)

Medical Evaluation Board

Planned and/or premeditated

Suicide

Suicide attempt

Suicidal ideation

Article 15

Psychotropic Medications 

Deployed
242

Glossary

Traumatic Brain Injury 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.
243

Acronyms

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

APPENDIX B:

Acronyms

Air Force

Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Absent without leave

Common access card

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Calendar year

Defense Manpower Data Center

Department of Defense

Department of Defense Suicide Event Report

Diagnosis

General equivalency diploma

History

Medical treatment facility

Operation Enduring Freedom

Operation New Dawn

Office of Special Investigations

Over the counter

Point of contact

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Rate ratio

Suicide Prevention Program Manager

National Center for Telehealth & Technology

Temporary duty

Uniform Code of Military Justice

AF

AFMES

AFIP

AWOL

CAC

CDC

CY

DMDC

DoD

DoDSER

DX

GED

HX

MTF

OEF

OND

OSI

OTC

POC

PTSD

RR

SPPM

T2

TDY

UCMJ
244

References

APPENDIX C:

References

[1] Injury Prevention & Control: Data & Statistics (WISQARS): Fatal Injury Reports 1999-2009, National or 

Regional. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/ fatal_

injury_reports.html/. January 11, 2012. Accessed June 28, 2012.

[2] Berman A, Bradley J, Carroll B, Certain RG, Gabrelcik JC, Green R, et al. The Challenge and the Promise: 

Strengthening the Force, Preventing Suicide and Saving Lives. Department of Defense Task Force on the 

Prevention of Suicide by Members of the Armed Forces; 2010.

[3] Office of the Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Standardized Suicide Nomenclature (Self-Directed 

Violence Classification System) Policy” October 11, 2011.

[4] Brenner LA, Breshears RE, Betthauser LM, Bellon KK, Holman E, Harwood JE, et al. Implementation of a 

suicide nomenclature within two VA healthcare settings. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2011; 18(2): 116-28.

[5] Silverman MM, Berman AL, Sanddal ND, O’Carroll PW, Joiner TE Rebuilding the tower of Babel: A 

revised nomenclature for the study of suicide and suicidal behaviors. Part 2: Suicide-related ideations, 

communications, and behaviors. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2007; 37(3): 264-77.

[6] Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum, “Standardized DoD Suicide Data 

and Reporting.” June 18, 2006.

[7] Logan J, Skopp NA, Karch D, Reger MA, Gahm GA. Characteristics of suicides among US army active 

duty personnel in 17 US states from 2005 to 2007. Am J Public Health. 2012; 102 Suppl 1: S40-S44. 
245

Feedback & Suggestions

Calendar Year 2011 Annual Report

APPENDIX D:

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 2011 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