How Do Chaplains in the United States Army Work to Assist in Stemming the Tide of Suicide Cases?
Abstract
The Army Chaplain Corps has served through all the major wars that the United States has fought. Their purpose has been to give balance to the command and at the same time ensure that the morale of the Soldier, his family, and his unit are spiritually and emotionally high. The current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have contributed to increased stress and depression among Soldiers, which are compounded by the current economic crisis. This situation has led to an unprecedented number of suicides among Army personnel. In response, the Army has implemented a number of prevention programs aimed at saving Soldiers' lives and reducing the incidence of self-harming behaviors. Army chaplains remain the primary referral for troubled soldiers, and they are working with community health professionals and social workers to halt this situation. This paper examines the work of Army chaplains in suicide prevention, and what they can do to enhance their prevention and intervention efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 11, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA512993
Entities
People
- Patrick West
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College