US Army suicides up from a year ago

US Army suicides up from a year agoWashington - The number of soldiers in the US Army who have taken their own lives climbed during 2007, the service said in a report released Thursday.

There were 115 suicide cases during the year, up from 108 in 2006. Forty-three per cent of the soldiers who killed themselves took place after they had returned from a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, the Army said. There are still two cases under investigation.

"War is hard on soldiers and it can be even harder on families," Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum said. "When Soldiers return home, most will experience a readjustment period."

Cornum said most soldiers make good transitions to domestic life after combat while others require some sort of treatment for Post- Dramatic Stress Disorder. The Army has added hundreds of more counselors in recent years to help soldiers as they return home, the general said.

The Army has also worked to improve methods for identifying soldiers who may need treatment and made an effort to reduce any stigmas attached to seeking psychological help, Cornum said.

In 2007, 24 per cent of the suicides took place among soldiers while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for the first time. Seven per cent took place during subsequent deployments. Twenty six per cent of the deaths occurred while the soldiers were stationed at home. (dpa)

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