Department of the Navy Suicide Incident Report (DONSIR): Summary of Findings, 1999-2007

Abstract : The Department of the Navy Suicide Incident Report (DONSIR) was used to collect data on completed suicides in the Navy (USN) and Marine Corps (USMC) between 1999 and 2007. During that 9-year period, 615 active-duty personnel (365 USN and 250 USMC) committed suicide. The crude suicide rate for the USN was significantly lower than for the USMC, and standardized rates were both significantly lower than for U.S. civilians. Most DON decedents were enlisted men, and suicide rates were significantly higher among men and lower among officers. A significant service difference for race/ethnic group in the USN is based on small counts in the Native American and Other categories. Suicide rates did not differ significantly as a function of age, length of service, or enlisted paygrade. Suicides generally occurred while the decedent was on liberty at a private residence. A firearm was the usual suicide method, though hanging was equally likely used by those on government property at the time. The most commonly noted key risk factor was recent depression, and the most commonly noted associated stressor was problems in a primary romantic relationship. Reported numbers conform to 2006 Department of Defense-wide guidelines regarding active-duty suicide case definition. On January 1, 2008, DONSIR was replaced by the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report.