Well, @logisticus, @celineoh, @adam.szczpka, @captaink2008, and all of the others who’ve taken the time to respond and or read this post, I’ve had the opportunity to try out my own personal actions on contact yet again.

Last night I received a cryptic message from one of my new Soldiers (I just inherited a detachment of 80, located 100+ miles from my main Company HQ) , that another Soldier (also from the DET) was having some issues, had already called the Suicide Response Hotline to talk, wanted to call and talk to me but she didn’t know how. I called the initial Soldier, got her number, asked the kid some background questions and then engaged…  About 30 minutes later she thanked me for the talk and we hung-up. She wasn’t as bad off as the Soldier that prompted this string, but it did make me think back to it since I was able to refine some of my own personal battle drills (it also dawned on me I created the attached at one point, so I’m posting it here for use). So to answer my own questions:

1) How can you create a climate within your organizations where Soldiers can come forward without fear of reprisal?

I can say this with authority; get in front of your Soldiers. Reinforce constantly that they are needed, they are an important part of the team, and that what they do affects other people and the unit. Teach the Suicide intervention class, or at least come in at the end in order to look them all in the eye and tell them;

-You care about them and they are an important part of the unit.

-Everyone needs to take a knee at some point, if they need to talk remind then that you are always available.

-There is no shame in asking for help; it takes strength to admit when you need assistance. There will be no backlash; again, reinforce you are always available.

-Be open and willing to tell them about a time when you needed help, needed to take a knee, or sought out behavioral health services (but only if you actually have – Joe will see through a line of pasture-pie).

-Reinforce, that you are always available if they need you.

Do these things, constantly, and you’re on your way to creating a climate where Soldiers know they won’t be stigmatized if they seek assistance. This was the second Soldier that told me that it was the class I taught, that made her feel that it was okay to come froward and talk. However I do caution, don’t cross the line into being the push-over either. Soldiers need to talk, sometimes they need assistance, but don’t be that Officer that allows Joe to circumvent the CoC when there might be something the NCOs can take care of. Sometimes what Joe really needs is a kick in the pants, and “suck it up” might just be the right answer.

2) What are your battle drills when and if you come face to face with this situation? (I attached a copy of one I created a couple of years ago for an R3SP SOP I created).

Assess the situation. Going in I try to get as much background as possible, first and foremost – IS THE SOLDIER CURRENTLY AT RISK. Then I find the Soldier’s age; marital status and or number of kids; custody issues; civilian occupation; etc. It’s then I call the Soldier, ask them how they’re doing, and begin, point blank; “Are your okay? Are you in a safe place? Are you thinking about harming yourself?” I find starting with the first two questions, puts the Soldier at ease, and makes asking the third easier. Now, what their answers are will definitely determine on what actions I take next. Are they ready to pull the trigger, or are they just in a dark place and need to talk? Find out where they are, who they’re with, whether or not they have means (e.g. POW, medications, are driving, etc.), and what’s going on in their lives right now. Talk to them. Use their first name. Be awkward, it’s okay to show you’re human and not some omnipotent being that has the power of life and death over them. Tell a joke, try to lighten the mood some (I deal with messed up situations with humor, so the dad-jokes come easy). Do whatever you can in order to allow that Soldier to open up to you so you can get the full story and complete awareness of the situation (my first guy, I didn’t realize he was right on the edge).

Act on the situation. Again, depending on the severity it will determine a call to the police for a well-check, or simply a text to the Chaplain. Acting also means following up. Once one of these situations rears its head, it doesn’t go away overnight. Double tap with BHO, to both check your course of action, but also to update them in case things get worse. Again, follow-up; a simple “you doing okay?” text could mean the world.

3) What advice can you give to PLs and Commanders who may come face to face with this situation?

The best advice, think about it now, right now, before it happens. Think about how you’ll answer, what things you’ll ask, who you should contact, text or call. Think about the anecdote you’ll use to keep them interested while you’re furiously texting someone to get to where they are. The Guard and Reserves have it bad since we’re so spread out. The two Soldiers I’ve dealt with live 1 hour and 3.5 hours from me; have a plan for who to call in what area.

With luck, as a leader you’ll never have to deal with a Soldier in need. However, the flip side of that coin is that with luck, you’ll deal with the Soldier in need opposed to a self-harm incident.