military suicides

[ivanhowe]

When a soldier takes his own life, he must be a victim of forces beyond his control. Our government is concerned because of the growing numbers of such cases. The reasons a soldier kills himself maybe varied, but if here is no outward sign, how can it be prevented. A former marine, a neatnik went to the local store, bought some rope and hanged himself. None of his friends could have seen it coming. The subject is a serious one and no disrespect towards such victims is intended.
Is it possible that deep within the individual, a suicidal tendency may exist? Some men here experiment with it through their photos. Maybe a pre-induction military test might determine such a condition. Or maybe the armed forces would have trouble with that in cases of certain death missions. Nathan Hale, my hero, undertook the mission of spying for Gen. Washington, even though his friend warned him of the suicidal nature. Do we cover the condition with the word "bravery"?
Perhaps this is a subject that needs further imput. Heroes and wannabe heroes are welcome.

 

[KiltedSoldier]

Ivan - having seen some it is always sad when a soldier kills himself, we are trained to fight, kill and die for our country, but not to kill ourselves. I think soldiers kill themselves when they do not fit in with their Unit, lack the warrior spirit and strength, are weak willed people who should not have been soldiers sometimes, and unlike civilians at least in my country they have the opportunity ie a loaded weapon, the ones I know about all blew their head off with a weapon in their mouth fired up. Never knew of one who hanged himself. Then there are those with PTSD, they are the saddest - good soldiers who couldn't take it or get help. I don't think volunteering for a mission with a high chance of death is suicide, it is self sacrifice which a good soldier will do when it is his time. Highlanders as assault troops have often been asked to charge enemy positions first, take the bullets and as many enemy as possible before others attack - we do it even though we know the assault companies will likely nearly all die - it is not suicide.

 

[ivanhowe]

I ran into a former neighbor who was in the Vietnam war. I know he spent a whole year in his room.I asked him if he got over the demons of war and he said- no. Could guilt of killing be bothering these soldiers who take their own life? Would the angel of death be a kinder one, sympathetic with one who has suffered with the pains of actions beyond his own control Many soldiers say _War is hell.

 

[PiercedChest]

Just two thoughts:

War is hell, and the US do not have a reputation for treating their - often mentally injured - veterans kindly (or even properly).

Fantasies and reality are very different things. I sincerely hope I'll never experience IRL what I fantasize about sometimes.