Reducing Suicide in Army Formations, BDE and BN Commander's Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to thoroughly examine, from a leadership perspective, the fundamental concepts and engagement necessary to develop and execute an effective suicide prevention program. The suicide prevention framework utilizes visibility tools, which assess risk and protective factors. The suicide prevention framework also establishes a unit forum to operationalize the suicide prevention program through the operations process. There is no single action that can prevent suicide. However, leaders who apply consistent and systematic whole-of-person approaches can positively impact individual and unit readiness. This handbook presents a vision of an Army built on a culture of trust. Soldiers can build strength and confidence in each another through the application of these principles, practices, and qualities.