Dissertation

Chaplains and Curbing Service Member Suicide

Davis, James

2022

Overview

Through this work, I will show just how vital a role Chaplains play in the lives of service members to help curb the ever-increasing veteran suicide rate when service members exit the military. Chaplains play a prominent role throughout the career of all service members, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Chaplains, no matter the religious stance or denomination, are the ones whom service members go to when in times of trouble and severe stress or anxiety. Whether through a ministry of presence or participation in various suicide prevention programs and command programs for the general well-being of service members, Chaplains serve a significant role in service member’s lives, and in their families. Where Chaplains may be missing an extensive ministry is just before service members exit their military obligations. While suicide rates among the veteran population have “…decreased 23.1% from 25.7 million in 2001 to 19.8 million in 2019” according to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, this number is still too high. The question that this thesis hopes to answer is: \"How can Chaplains help reduce veteran and service member suicide rates through pre-separation programs and actions?\" This study will demonstrate effective programs and actions to answer the research question.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Divinity
• ISBN: 9798438722694