Chris McGhee’s battle for thorough military suicide data spotlights the urgent need for comprehensive reporting to combat growing mental health issues in the armed forces.
At a Glance
- Chris McGhee criticizes the Department of Defense for incomplete suicide data reporting.
- The released report highlights 5,997 suicides between 2011-2022 but lacks essential details.
- Sen. Angus King supports making the suicide study an annual report.
- McGhee continues his fight for full data to enhance military suicide prevention efforts.
Chris McGhee Pushes for Detailed Military Suicide Data
After 20 years of service as an aircraft maintenance mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, Chris McGhee transitioned to a legal career driven by the emotional distress he encountered amongst his peers. Disturbed by the high suicide rates, McGhee launched efforts to compile detailed suicide data by specific military roles, aiming to aid targeted prevention strategies.
In collaboration with Senator Angus King, McGhee’s persistent advocacy led to the Department of Defense releasing a report. However, this report, while groundbreaking, fell short of the comprehensive detail mandated by the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lacking precise year-by-year data and specific job titles, the report left considerable room for improvement.
Striving for Complete Details
McGhee spent four years advocating for transparent suicide data across military branches. His collaboration with Sen. King yielded legislative proposals mandating detailed reporting on suicide rates by military occupation. Despite a report release, McGhee remains unsatisfied, noting its failure to meet essential criteria such as yearly breakdowns.
“A culture of essentially ignoring people’s humanity and low emotional intelligence created a hostile and toxic work environment that wasn’t even recognized as such,” said McGhee, now a lawyer from Scarborough.
The DOD’s report disclosed 5,997 suicides from 2011 to 2022, but McGhee called for deeper insights, including precise job codes and year-by-year data to identify emerging trends. Sen. King has proposed making military suicide studies an annual mandate to ensure continuous oversight and improvement. The incomplete data still signify a pivotal step towards recognizing and addressing the mental health crisis in the military.
Suicide rates in the military are rising, but only 1/3 of service members disclose their thoughts. @EricRicePhD & Aditi Hande’s study reveals key relationships that drive disclosure, offering insights for better suicide prevention. Watch here: https://t.co/lb0bdAnHB0 @USCViterbi pic.twitter.com/ZfoSsj7QKx
— USC Center for AI in Society (@CAIS_USC) September 10, 2024
Proven Prevention Programs and Future Steps
The Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP), initiated to lower suicide rates, revealed significant success, except for a noticeable spike in 2004. Despite these fluctuations, the program’s multifaceted approach, emphasizing leadership involvement and community-based measures, demonstrated its potential.
As a lawyer, McGhee continues his fight, urging Congress to press the Pentagon for comprehensive reporting. The stakes remain high, with the first quarter of 2024 witnessing a troubling rise in suicide rates among Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel. Lawmakers are working on enhancing military quality of life and investing in ongoing suicide prevention efforts. Their goal is clear: actionable data to inform effective policies and save lives.
