Are Suicides Taken Seriously In The US Army Today?
So, are suicides taken seriously in the US Army today? The answer is a complicated mix of “yes” at the policy level and “not always” at the unit level. The Army has the regulations (AR 600-92), the research, and the funding. What it often lacks is the execution—the staffing at local clinics, the timely release of doctrine, and a culture that truly prioritizes the person over the mission. We need to move away from “check the box” training and toward a public health model that addresses financial stress, housing, and the physical brain damage caused by service. The families of soldiers like Austin Valley and Brandon Caserta deserve an Army that acts before the crisis, not just after.