Letter to General James Amos - Marine Suicides

Letter

Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49) sent a letter yesterday to the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General James Amos, seeking a response from the Marine Corps on recent reports that Marine suicides have risen at an alarming rate. Issa's letter asked for more information on the Marine Corps' efforts to prevent suicide and asked how Congress can improve support for successful prevention efforts.

"After a downward trend in suicide, the Marine Corps suffered a 50% increase in suicides in 2012 -- the highest increase in the Department of Defense," wrote Issa in the letter to Amos. "This is a complicated issue that needs the support of the entire community to address. We owe those servicemembers and their families affected by this tragic issue all the help we can provide. I am committed to work with the Commandant, our Marine support community at Camp Pendleton, and the 49th Congressional District to educate and prevent these tragedies."

The Marine Corps has taken important steps to address this issue, such as Never Leave a Marine Behind training and Force Preservation Councils; however, the recent spike in Marine Corps suicides suggests there is still much work to be done.

Congressman Issa represents the 49th District of California which includes Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He is a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and the House Navy and Marine Corps Caucus.

Only available in PDF format, please see source to view document.

Source