Understanding the Impacts of Military Unit Suicides on Fellow Soldiers as Witnessed by Battalion Commanders

The growing concern over the increase of suicides in the military remains a topic of discussion for senior leaders as they seek to provide services and resources to those in need. However, little research exists to address the impact of suicides on the soldiers who remain in units after suicides occur. The purpose of this thematic analysis study was to explore the observed experiences of battalion commanders who have witnessed the impact of suicide on their soldiers. Through the semistructured interviews of 4 battalion commanders, this research described the experiences of soldiers in military units where suicides had occurred. McCann and Pearlmanâs constructivist self-development theory, which defines how individuals experience and deal with trauma expertly, guided this study. Findings indicate that the concept of family is essential for some soldiers, and the bond that soldiers develop working alongside each other is frequently more reliable than those established by birth. This research also found that in units where suicides have occurred, soldiers experienced issues with isolation, depression, and substance abuse after the suicide and, in some cases, chose not to seek treatment. Participants reported this lack of seeking treatment had an impact on unit readiness to continue the mission; and that the reluctance to seeking treatment was both a personal and professional decision for some soldiers. Finally, the study addressed the need for additional training for senior military leaders in the face of the growing problem of suicide. The results of this study could be used to help senior military officials develop and implement programs to address the ongoing issues that soldiers and units face following soldier suicide thus resulting in positive social change