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Soldiers

Army Trains Noncommissioned Officers to Identify and Support Potentially Suicidal Soldiers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

FORT STEWART, Ga. -- The U.S. Army has provided specialized training to noncommissioned officers to equip them with the skills to identify and support potentially suicidal Soldiers. The two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) course, held at Fort Stewart's Marne Chapel, focuses on training Soldiers on how to identify and communicate with a potential suicidal individual. Chaplain Carlos Whitley, 92nd Engineer Battalion, stated that the training is crucial in making Soldiers first responders for potential suicidal individuals, providing them with the tools to facilitate conversations and guide them towards professional help.

Key Takeaways:

  • ASIST training is a two-day course that focuses on teaching Soldiers how to identify and communicate with a potentially suicidal individual.
  • The training is the second tier of suicide prevention training for the Army, following ACE training, which advises Soldiers on how to identify a suicidal individual and get them to a healthcare professional.
  • The training is essential in making Soldiers first responders for potential suicidal individuals, similar to a combat medic on the battlefield.
  • The training focuses on teaching individuals how to have a conversation with a potentially suicidal individual, aid them in finding professional help, and provide necessary tools for the conversation.
  • The training is not easily accomplished and requires Chaplains and professional counselors to have attended the training to effectively facilitate it.
  • The 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and 92nd Engineer Battalion have trained 91 individuals and plan to have 280 trained ASIST Soldiers by January.

Statistics:

  • 280 ASIST-trained Soldiers are planned to be trained by January.
  • The training has already been completed for 91 individuals in the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and 92nd Engineer Battalion.
  • The training is mandatory for noncommissioned officers to equip them with the skills to identify and support potentially suicidal soldiers.

Sources:

  • [Sgt. Dustin Gautney, 2HBCT Public Affairs]
  • [Chaplain (Capt.) Carlos Whitley, 92nd Eng. Bn.]

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