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The U.S. Department of Defense Has an Excellent System to Report and Track Suicides, but It Could Benefit from Additional Guidance and Improvements

• The U.S. Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) system helps monitor suicides in the military and generally surpasses similar systems used in civilian settings, but it would benefit from certain improvements.
• DoDSER lacks a field to indicate data sources, making it difficult to compare data, analyze trends, or determine the reliability of information, particularly for reservists and National Guard members who are not on active duty.
• DoD currently has no policies or procedures addressing what to do after a suicide death to prevent subsequent suicides, though resources are available to help those bereaved, and processes are in place to honor the service member and his or her family. The limited research literature points to potential opportunities to improve the current system, including screening service members in high-risk groups and helping support personnel recognize and treat those experiencing debilitating grief.

Military Suicide Loss Survivors Report a Range of Experiences in Navigating DoD Support Programs

• In interviews, military suicide loss survivors reported different experiences with DoD-provided casualty assistance officers (CAOs). Some found these officers extremely knowledgeable and supportive, while others felt that their CAO provided confusing or conflicting information.
• Loss survivors felt that the next of kin of service members who had died by suicide were treated differently by the military and that parents of service members were treated differently from spouses.
• Loss survivors found the investigative process emotionally difficult and found it challenging to navigate the administrative requirements in applying for benefits -- something that must occur soon after a death.