U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Recruit Training Deaths in San Diego, California, 1973-1985; a Review of 31 Cases

This study describes the circumstances & causes of all recruit deaths occurring at the Naval Training Command & the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, from 1973 through 1985. 31 male recruits died in training during this period – 4 of these deaths were due to suicide. The authors recommend thorough photographic documentation of autopsy findings, as well as toxicologic studies, cultures & hemoglobin electrophoresis to answer any questions that may arise from family inquiries. (33 refs.)