Military Leader Resources

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, you should take their distress seriously, listen without judgment, and help them get to a professional for evaluation and treatment. If someone is in imminent danger of harming himself or herself, do not leave the person alone. You may need to take emergency steps to get help, such as calling 9-1-1. When someone is in a suicidal crisis, it is important to limit access to firearms or other lethal means of committing suicide, including medications or sharp objects.

Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress
United States Air Force
Good general information in the section on suicidal behaviors, with specifics about identifying service members at risk, improving protective factors for a unit, and more. Although written for Air Force leadership, information is relevant for other branches of the military.

Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress
United States Navy
Good general information here with a section on suicide. Learn to recognize signs, ways to respond and intervene. Understand what leaders can expect from mental health services, and more. Although written for Navy leadership, information is relevant for other branches of the military.

Leader's Guide for Managing Marines in Distress
United States Marine Corps
General information about suicidal behavior, including definitions, risk factors, why Marines may not seek help, and more. Although written for Marine Corps leadership, information is relevant for other branches of the military.

Suicide Prevention: A Resource Manual for the United States Army
American Association of Suicidology and U.S. Army
Suicide prevention program created for Army leadership.

U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
Suicide prevention and survivor resources for service members and families.

Web Resources for Military Leaders

Military OneSource

Navy Personnel Command
Resources are appropriate for all branches of the military about managing suicidal behaviors.

Mental Health Self Assessment Program
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.

Referrals customized by individual bases and National Guard Units
Individual Military bases and National Guard Units are invited to add the online Mental Health Self Assessment screening link to their organization's web site. This will provide a direct link to mental health screening and referral services for your service members/families. Sign up by calling the Screening for Mental Health office at (781) 239-0071 (9-5 EST) or online.

Shoulder to Shoulder No Soldier Stands Alone: Prevent Suicide. Be Willing to Help
U.S. Army Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Army Suicide Prevention Task Force has also produced a new “Suicide Pamphlet for Leaders” to help Army commanders. The pamphlet also details how and when to intervene and provides resources.