Stress and Suicide in the U.S. Army: Effects of Relocation on Service Members’ Mental Health

The timing & rate of suicide were investigated in the U.S. Army, & moves do not appear to have been a strong determinant of suicide during 1980-83. The significant migration from civilian to military life did not produce a detectable increase in the Army suicide rate compared to that of civilians. Further, the timing of suicides & moves does not show a statistical correlation for the Army as a whole. There does appear to be a small effect for the youngest third of the Army associated with moves.