Firearm Access Increases Risk for Suicide Mortality Among Military-Connected Youth

Research has shown that youth with a parent in the U.S. military are more likely to experience suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts compared to their peers without a parent in the military. Firearm access has been identified as a significant risk factor for suicide mortality among this population. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding firearm access and behaviors among military-connected youth. A recent study published in Military Medicine conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles and abstracts to evaluate firearm access, carrying, and storage among military-connected youth.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that military-connected youth are more likely to report suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts compared to their peers without a parent in the military.
• Firearm access increases the risk for suicide mortality among youth, particularly in the context of parental deployment.
• Current evidence suggests that military-connected youth may be at increased risk for firearm carrying, which portends higher risk for firearm injury, including suicide.
• Future study of military-connected youth should prioritize comprehensive data collection to inform and optimize effective interventions designed to benefit military-connected youth.
• The study found that 7 studies examined firearm carrying among military-connected youths, 0 studies examined firearm access, and 0 studies examined firearm storage.
• Most studies indicated an increased risk of firearm carrying among military-connected youths compared to their peers, particularly in the context of parental deployment.

Statistics:

• 7 studies examined firearm carrying among military-connected youths.
• 0 studies examined firearm access.
• 0 studies examined firearm storage.
• The study reported that military-connected youth are more likely to report suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts compared to their peers without a parent in the military.
• The study found that firearm access increases the risk for suicide mortality among youth, particularly in the context of parental deployment.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Researchers Detail New Data in Military Medicine - Suicide. Mental Health Weekly Digest. 2025.
• Firearm Access Among Military-Connected Youth: A Systematic Review. Military Medicine. 2025.
• NewsRx. Researchers at Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey Report New Data on Suicide (Firearm Access Among Military-Connected Youth: A Systematic Review). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 13, 2025; p 300.