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Troop Support

Help for our Troops

Four thousand one hundred thirteen. That number represents the total amount of American military causalities, to date, since the “War on Terror,” began five years, three months and twelve days ago on March 19, 2003 (antiwar.com). As days pass, the number of dead soldiers continues to grow on a daily rate. Although many factors contribute to the increasing death toll, Army statistics say that many military deaths are not due to bombers, snipers, improvised explosive devices or exhaustion, which is what many people believe. Rather, one thing that most people do not consider or realize is that an increasing amount of dead soldiers comes from factors not on the battlefield, but instead, comes from battles within the soldier’s own mind; this means self-inflicted wounds or suicide. Sadly enough, the increased numbers of suicide can be prevented if Congress provided better medical care for our returning troops. This essay will then talk about military suicide statistics; preventive factors and how I believe Congress must put in more money to help treat and aid troops returning from war.
According to Army statistics, the number of United States soldiers, both men and women, attempting suicide or inflicting injury skyrocketed in the past five years. In 2002, there were a reported 310 attempts equaling to almost one attempt per day. However in 2007, the number of soldiers trying to kill themselves increased to 2,100 attempts (cnn.com). That means five soldiers tried taking their lives every single day, and sadly, in the same year, 118 soldiers were successful. That number means 118 out of the 901 deaths were determined to be suicides (icasualties.com).
Like all humans- work, financial obligations and a need to succeed – increase the amount of stress in our daily lives, but one thing soldiers have to worry about, which majority of society does not is; any second they risk the chance of being shot at or blown up. For many soldiers, it...