The U.S. Army suffered a record 32 suicides in July, the most since it began releasing monthly figures in 2009. The number includes 22 active-duty soldiers and 10 reservists. Army officials cautioned that investigations are underway in most of the deaths to confirm the exact cause. "Every suicide represents a tragic loss," Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the vice chief of staff of the Army, said in a written statement. "While the high number of potential suicides in July is discouraging, we are confident our efforts are having a positive impact." The service also has tapped the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct a five-year, $50 million study and statistical analysis of suicide in the Army, an effort that includes surveys, data mining and medical testing. Chiarelli, meanwhile, has devoted hundreds of hours to studying the suicide problem and its possible links to post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries caused by battlefield explosions.
