When a service member dies by suicide, those close to the member often experience shock, anger, guilt, and sorrow. As such, a service member suicide may adversely impact the well-being of family and friends, as well as the morale and readiness of that member's unit. Response to suicidal thoughts (ideation), attempts, and deaths often involve coordinated efforts among command and unit leadership, medical professionals, counselors, and others across the military community. Under the authority given to Congress in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and provide for organizing disciplining and regulating them, it may be important for Congress to understand the scope of this issue, the efforts previously taken to address it, and considerations for confronting the issue in the future.
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