Suicide Prevention: DOD Should Enhance Oversight, Staffing, Guidance, and Training Affecting Certain Remote Installations
Fast Facts
DOD recorded 384 active-duty servicemember suicides in 2020—an increase of 33.5% in the suicide rate since 2016. Some were outside the contiguous U.S., in remote locations with harsh living conditions and fewer resources.
Feelings of isolation while separated from family and friends and less access to mental health services are risk factors in these locations that may contribute to suicides.
We examined suicide data for servicemembers at remote installations, prevention efforts, and more. DOD has not fully assessed suicide risk at these installations. Our 14 recommendations address this and other issues.
A Suicide Prevention Month Display in 2021
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the military services have collected statutorily required suicide data for servicemembers and dependents, including those assigned to remote installations outside the contiguous United States (OCONUS). GAO's analysis suggested that these remote installations accounted for a slightly higher proportion of reported suicide attempts, but a lower proportion of reported suicide deaths relative to the proportion of servicemembers assigned to these locations in 2016-2020 (see figure). DOD officials stated that although access to non-military firearms is limited at installations outside the U.S., remote OCONUS installations can present risk factors like less access to mental health services and increased social isolation. However, DOD has not fully assessed suicide risk at these installations. Establishing a process to do so could enhance related suicide prevention efforts.
Average Proportions of Reported Servicemember Suicide Deaths and Attempts Compared to Active-Duty Population by Geographic Category, 2016 through 2020
Note: Due to data limitations, GAO was unable to identify a geographic category for 2.9 percent of reported suicide attempts, 1.8 percent of reported suicide deaths, and less than one percent of active duty personnel. These proportions are not adjusted for sex or age. Suicide attempts may be under- or inconsistently reported. These limitations could affect comparisons across geographic categories.
DOD and the military services have established suicide prevention policies, programs, and activities—such as counseling and efforts to encourage lethal means safety—for servicemembers and dependents, including those assigned to remote OCONUS installations. However, gaps exist in implementation. For example, the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps have not ensured implementation of key prevention activities, such as designating key prevention personnel. As a result, these services lack reasonable assurance that such activities are implemented across all installations, including remote OCONUS locations, and cannot ensure access to key suicide prevention resources.
DOD and the military services have established some suicide response guidance and training for key personnel, but gaps exist. For example, DOD has established guidance that fully addresses commanders' response to suicide deaths, but not suicide attempts. Further, DOD has not established statutorily required training for commanders on responding to suicide deaths and attempts. By establishing comprehensive suicide response guidance and training for commanders, DOD can better ensure that commanders are prepared to provide support to suicide attempt survivors and the bereaved.
Why GAO Did This Study
In 2020, DOD recorded 384 active component suicide deaths, representing a 33.5 percent increase in the suicide rate since 2016. Some of these servicemembers were stationed at remote OCONUS installations, defined by GAO as meeting DOD criteria involving factors such as harsh living conditions and limited resources.
In response to a provision in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, this report examines, among other objectives, the extent to which DOD and the military services have, in relation to remote OCONUS installations (1) collected required suicide incident data, and what is known about the incidence of suicide and related risk factors among servicemembers during 2016-2020; (2) established and ensured implementation of policies, programs, and activities that address suicide prevention; and (3) established guidance and training for key personnel for responding to suicide deaths and attempts. GAO analyzed data, policies, and guidance; reviewed installation-level documents; and interviewed officials from DOD, the military services, and four installations.
Recommendations
GAO is making 14 recommendations, including that DOD establish a process to assess suicide risk at remote OCONUS installations, three services establish oversight of installations, and DOD improve guidance and training for commanders. DOD generally concurred with the recommendations and described related actions. GAO believes the recommendations are valid, as discussed in the report.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should ensure the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in collaboration with the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, establishes a process to assess risk factors for suicide and related challenges associated with OCONUS installations that could be considered remote and take any appropriate actions. (Recommendation 1) |
DOD partially concurred with this recommendation. In July 2022, DOD officials stated that the Defense Suicide Prevention Office is collaborating with the Office of Force Resiliency and the military departments to implement the recommendation by developing processes that allow the military departments to tailor appropriate actions to the unique needs of each military installation. In April 2025, DOD officials stated that DOD stakeholders continue to collaborate and have begun drafting associated revisions to guidance, including through a forthcoming directive-type memorandum on the DOD Suicide Postvention System. The officials estimated actions to implement the recommendation will be completed by July 2026. When we confirm what actions DOD has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should establish a policy that requires the designation of Directors of Psychological Health at Navy and Marine Corps installations and provides implementing guidance for these personnel, in accordance with DOD policy. (Recommendation 2) |
The Navy concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Navy was developing a policy to implement the requirement for Directors of Psychological Health. In June 2023, the Department of the Navy issued a policy that requires the designation of Directors of Psychological Health at Navy and Marine Corps installations and provides implementing guidance detailing the roles and responsibilities of these individuals. Additionally, in May 2024, the Navy provided us with a list of individuals it had appointed to Director of Psychological Health positions at Navy installations. By taking these actions, the Navy has taken steps to ensure that Directors of Psychological Health are implemented and working to promote the psychological health of servicemembers and their families at its installations. As of June 2024, this recommendation has been closed as implemented.
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Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should establish oversight mechanisms, such as by updating the content of the program status report and clarifying the requirement for its submission, to ensure that installation-level suicide prevention program requirements are implemented in accordance with DOD and service policies. (Recommendation 3) |
The Army concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Army Resilience Directorate is developing a suicide prevention policy compliance tool to track fidelity of policy execution and inform program effectiveness. In August 2024, the Army informed us of ongoing efforts to establish oversight of installation-level suicide prevention programs, including a self-inspection checklist and staff assistance visits to selected installations each year. In June 2025, Army officials stated the Army has begun a new effort to establish oversight of installation and command level suicide prevention programs and related efforts, which will involve designating and providing training to personnel who will carry out such oversight responsibilities. This effort is distinct from the self-inspection checklist and staff assistance visits that were previously cited by the Army. To fully address this recommendation, the Army will need to provide documentation of its oversight efforts once implemented. When we confirm what actions the Army has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should establish oversight mechanisms, such as by specifying oversight requirements in policy, to ensure that command-level suicide prevention program requirements are implemented in accordance with DOD and service policies. (Recommendation 4) |
The Navy concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Navy will update its suicide prevention program instruction to include oversight mechanisms to ensure that command-level suicide prevention program requirements are implemented in accordance with DOD and service policies. In August 2023, the Navy stated that the update to its instruction is in progress but has been delayed due to the incorporation of additional requirements. In April 2025, the Navy stated that the publication of the instruction was further delayed until August 2025 due to the pending release of a DOD directive type memorandum on the DOD Suicide Postvention System. When we confirm what actions the Navy has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should ensure that the Commandant of the Marine Corps establishes oversight mechanisms, such as by specifying oversight requirements in policy, to ensure that command-level suicide prevention program requirements are implemented in accordance with DOD and service policies. (Recommendation 5) |
The Navy concurred with this recommendation, and in April 2025, the Marine Corps updated its suicide prevention guidance to require that command appointed suicide prevention program officers and coordinators are identified using a duty code in the Marine Corps Total Force System to help ensure these personnel maintain ongoing oversight of command-level suicide prevention programs. The policy also requires these personnel to participate in quarterly meetings with the Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Capability office. The Marine Corps provided documentation of recent quarterly meetings, as well as monthly informational emails to the suicide prevention program officers and coordinators, which cover program updates and requirements. Additionally, command-level suicide prevention programs are subject to Inspector General Marine Corps inspections every two to four years. The Marine Corps provided us with an inspection checklist that covers several requirements for command level suicide prevention programs and a schedule for inspections to be completed during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. By taking these actions, the Marine Corps can better ensure that required suicide prevention program activities are implemented in accordance with DOD and Marine Corps policies and that servicemembers and dependents have access to suicide prevention resources.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Director, DHA, develops a strategy to address shortages in primary care behavioral health providers, including at OCONUS installations that could be considered remote. (Recommendation 6) |
DOD concurred with this recommendation. In March 2023, DOD provided us with standardized contract language for primary care behavioral health personnel intended to improve recruitment and retention of these personnel by more accurately describing the positions and recommending recruitment incentives. Subsequently, in April 2024, according to the documentation we reviewed, DOD developed a plan to expand primary care behavioral health services by using existing behavioral health personnel to provide telehealth services to other DOD medical treatment facilities. Additionally, DOD's plan includes converting 151 primary care behavioral health positions from contract to DOD civilian in fiscal year 2025. By developing this plan, DOD has taken steps to improve its ability to provide access to behavioral health services and treat common mental health conditions through primary care, which can also help improve access to other behavioral health resources on DOD installations. As of May 2024, this recommendation has been closed as implemented.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in collaboration with DSPO, establishes guidance, such as by updating the department's suicide prevention policy, to address commanders' response to suicide attempts, including the extent of any responsibilities related to reintegration of servicemembers into the workplace following a suicide attempt. (Recommendation 7) |
DOD partially concurred with this recommendation. In April 2024, DOD stated that the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, in collaboration with the Military Departments and other DOD stakeholders, is working to revise policies and procedures to address commanders' response to suicide attempts. In April 2025, DOD officials stated that DOD stakeholders continue to collaborate and have begun drafting associated revisions to guidance, including through a forthcoming directive-type memorandum on the DOD Suicide Postvention System. The officials estimated actions to implement the recommendation will be completed by July 2026. When we confirm what actions DOD has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in collaboration with DSPO, establishes training resources for commanders that address their response to suicide deaths and attempts. (Recommendation 8) |
DOD partially concurred with this recommendation. In April 2024, DOD stated the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, in collaboration with the Military Departments and other DOD stakeholders, is working to revise policies and procedures to establish training resources for commanders that address their response to suicide deaths and attempts. In April 2025, DOD officials stated that DOD stakeholders continue to collaborate and have begun drafting associated revisions to guidance, including through a forthcoming directive-type memorandum on the DOD Suicide Postvention System. The officials estimated actions to implement the recommendation will be completed by July 2026. When we confirm what actions DOD has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should develop, and ensure the availability of, training for suicide prevention program managers that covers the scope of their responsibilities, including those related to responding to suicide deaths and attempts. (Recommendation 9) |
The Army concurred with this recommendation. In response, in July 2025, the Army deployed an eight-module virtual onboarding training for its suicide prevention program managers that covers the roles and responsibilities of these personnel, among other topics related to the Army's suicide prevention program. In addition to the self-paced online course, the Army provided in-person training to 26 suicide prevention program managers in July 2024 and plans to provide additional in-person training sessions. By providing required training to suicide prevention program managers, the Army can better ensure that these personnel are familiar with key concepts and requirements of the Army's suicide prevention program and are thus equipped to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with DOD and service requirements.
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Department of the Air Force | The Secretary of the Air Force should develop, and ensure the availability of, training for suicide prevention program managers that covers the scope of their responsibilities, including those related to responding to suicide deaths and attempts. (Recommendation 10) |
The Air Force concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Air Force was developing required training for suicide prevention program managers. In March 2024, the Air Force provided us with course syllabi that the Air Force stated had been approved by Air University, in addition to documentation that the training was delivered to personnel in the suicide prevention program manager role in March 2024. In May 2024, the Air Force provided us with course materials demonstrating that the required training covers suicide prevention program managers' responsibilities related to the response to suicide deaths and attempts. By providing required training to suicide prevention program managers, the Air Force is able to better ensure that these personnel are familiar with key concepts and requirements of the Air Force's suicide prevention program, including those that relate to the response to suicide deaths and attempts. As of June 2024, this recommendation has been closed as implemented.
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Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should develop a process to ensure that installation suicide prevention program managers complete required training. (Recommendation 11) |
The Army concurred with this recommendation. In response, the Army developed a dashboard to monitor the completion of suicide prevention program managers' required training. In April 2025, the Army provided us with screenshots of the dashboard, which show the number of suicide prevention program managers assigned to an organizational unit and whether the program manager for each installation within the organizational unit has completed required training. As of July 2025, the Army also launched online onboarding training for these personnel. By establishing oversight of suicide prevention program managers' completion of required training, the Army can better ensure that these key personnel are equipped to carry out their responsibilities for suicide response in accordance with DOD and service requirements.
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Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should develop a process to ensure that command suicide prevention program managers complete required training. (Recommendation 12) |
The Navy concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Navy will update its suicide prevention policy to ensure that suicide prevention program managers complete required training. In August 2023, the Navy stated that the update to its instruction is in progress but has been delayed due to the incorporation of additional requirements. In April 2025, the Navy stated that the publication of the instruction was further delayed due until August 2025 to the pending release of a DOD directive type memorandum on the DOD Suicide Postvention System. When we confirm what actions the Navy has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Department of the Air Force | The Secretary of the Air Force should develop a process to ensure that installation suicide prevention program managers complete required training. (Recommendation 13) |
The Air Force concurred with this recommendation, and in July 2022, stated that the Air Force had begun developing a plan requiring suicide prevention program managers to track completion of required training through an online database. In April 2024, the Air Force provided us with documentation of a Prevention Workforce Training Tracker that tracks the completion of training for suicide prevention program managers, which the documentation shows was in use as of January 2024. According to Air Force documentation, this tracker allows the Air Force Personnel Command to view training completion across the prevention workforce, including whether training is completed within one year of hire, as required. By establishing oversight of suicide prevention program managers' completion of required training, the Air Force can better ensure that these key personnel are equipped to carry out their responsibilities for suicide response in accordance with DOD and service requirements. As of June 2024, this recommendation has been closed as implemented.
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Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should ensure that the Commandant of the Marine Corps develops a process to ensure that command suicide prevention program managers complete required training. (Recommendation 14) |
The Navy concurred with this recommendation. In response, the Marine Corps updated its suicide prevention program policy in April 2025 to require that commanders ensure that suicide prevention program managers are identified as having that role in the Marine Corps Total Force System. The policy also requires the Marine and Family Programs division to assign required training to all personnel coded as suicide prevention program managers in the Marine Corps Total Force System and to ensure that training completion is monitored on a monthly basis. As part of this monitoring, the policy requires the Marine and Family Programs division to develop compliance tools, such as tracking metrics for suicide prevention program managers' training. By establishing oversight of suicide prevention program managers' completion of required training, the Marine Corps has better ensured that these key personnel are equipped to carry out their responsibilities for suicide response in accordance with DOD and service requirements.
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