“Fewer Service members died by suicide in 2022 (492) than last year (524). The suicide rate for the Active Component increased by 3% compared to 2021. For the Reserve and National Guard, rates decreased by 12% and 18%,” the report said. “The overall trend from 2011-2022 for the Active Component is increasing.”
Of the 492 cases of suicide in 2022, 331 were committed by active service members, 64 by those in reserve and 97 by members of the National Guard, the report said.
Nearly 70% of suicides were carried out by firearms, which continues to be the most common method, followed by hanging at 29%, the report added.
Nearly 70% of those who committed suicide were young or under 30 years old and 93% were male, according to the report.