What is the leading cause of death among active duty military members?

The leading cause of death among active duty military members is typically considered to be suicide. This troubling statistic reflects the significant mental health challenges faced by service members, often exacerbated by the stresses of military life, deployment, and the impact of combat experiences.

While natural causes, fatal accidents, and homicides do contribute to mortality rates, they do not surpass the number of deaths attributed to suicide. Fatal accidents can be significant, but they occur less frequently than incidents of self-harm, especially when considering the overall trends in military health and wellness. Understanding these statistics is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of military personnel and implementing effective support systems for those who serve.