Armed Forces News

The Air Force has ordered a stand-down from training to address the high rate of suicides among the ranks. Numerous media reports cited a letter issued to the force by Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, and a video statement by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, in which both men speak directly to the need to confront and resolve the issue.
“We need an Air Force culture where it is more common to seek help than to try to go at it alone, Goldfein, Wright and former Air Force Secretary wrote in a letter, as reported by Stars and Stripes.
“We lose more airmen to suicide than any other single enemy,” Wright said.

The move was prompted by alarm over the 78 suicides committed by airmen this year. The stand-down will take place sometime between the beginning of August and mid-September.