The Army’s top general called for a cultural shift that would end casting dispersions upon soldiers who come forward and acknowledge that their combat experiences have placed seemingly insurmountable mental burdens upon them. “We must get rid of the perceived stigma of asking for help and foster a culture of respect and care," Army manpower chief Thomas R. Lamont said in an Oct. 23 speech before an audience at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington. Lamont said the Army must do more to stem the rash of suicides among the ranks, triggered by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lamont said that 150 active-duty soldiers, 105 other soldiers, six family members, and 17 Defense Department civilians have committed suicide to date in 2012.
