Should Failed Suicide Attempts Result in Punishment

Should military commanders have the authority to court-martial troops who try to commit suicide?  Believe it or not, there is a Marine who is currently appealing his case. He was convicted of “self-injury” after slitting his wrists in his barracks in 2010

This is not the first court-martial and it likely won’t be the last.  Behind closed doors, our troops in all branches are being disciplined and treated without compassion and respect in the aftermath of failed suicide attempts.  

Join us for VOW Talk Radio to discuss this hot topic.  We are going to hear from families and veterans themselves, who have lived through the failed suicide attempts, and have personally experienced the deplorable response by military officers and medical personnel.

Why does the military criminalize attempted suicide?  Suicides among active-duty troops have soared in recent years and 2012 is actually on track to set a new all time record high.  It seems like punishment would undermine the Department of Defense efforts to prevent troops from taking their own lives.  Would you go forward and ask for help if you knew that you could potentially be prosecuted?

We need to address this problem and we need to find a solution.  Join the discussion during our live show by clicking here.  If you can’t listen live, you can download the show by clicking here.

Please take a moment to sign a petition to ensure that those with combat injuries and mental illness are not punished for attempted suicide.  Our troops need better health care and treatment options.