POSITION PAPER
ON
AIR FORCE SUICIDE PREVENTION
1. This paper will discuss the issue of whether or not the Air Force (AF) does enough to combat suicide. The paper will begin with the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) and the problems it is facing. Next, the paper will offer solutions to further enhance the program. Lastly, the paper will advocate for the best solution to effectively impact the AF community.
2. Secretary of the AF Deborah James stated during a staff report that the AF is not doing enough and needs to redefine its current approach on suicide prevention.1 The AFSPP provides all airmen a mandatory annual training on suicide prevention that centers on the wingman culture to provide help for airmen susceptible to suicide.2 This program identifies early signs of those who are at risk, but this is not enough to combat suicides.3 In addition to training, the AF provides various resources, such as mental health professionals and a trauma stress response, for those who need help.4 Although the AF does provide the tools necessary to prevent …show more content…
The key solution to the AFSPP is awareness. In order to accomplish awareness the program should be performed on a routine basis along with monthly follow-up to ensure airmen are in good spirits.11 A leader should inform airmen on the benefits of mental health treatment and overcome the opinions associated with treatment among the unit.12 Lt. Col of Public Affairs Chris Karns believes that leadership is knowing your airmen and providing an environment of trust and support.13 Weekly human performance evaluations can help those in charge develop an understanding of their airmen to identify changes in behavior.14 These evaluations will help leaders learn to balance the airmen’s duties and personal lives to prevent feelings of depression.15 Once awareness is achieved leaders can help provide airmen at risk with knowledge on the program and its resources, as well as support in getting the help they
ON
AIR FORCE SUICIDE PREVENTION
1. This paper will discuss the issue of whether or not the Air Force (AF) does enough to combat suicide. The paper will begin with the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) and the problems it is facing. Next, the paper will offer solutions to further enhance the program. Lastly, the paper will advocate for the best solution to effectively impact the AF community.
2. Secretary of the AF Deborah James stated during a staff report that the AF is not doing enough and needs to redefine its current approach on suicide prevention.1 The AFSPP provides all airmen a mandatory annual training on suicide prevention that centers on the wingman culture to provide help for airmen susceptible to suicide.2 This program identifies early signs of those who are at risk, but this is not enough to combat suicides.3 In addition to training, the AF provides various resources, such as mental health professionals and a trauma stress response, for those who need help.4 Although the AF does provide the tools necessary to prevent …show more content…
The key solution to the AFSPP is awareness. In order to accomplish awareness the program should be performed on a routine basis along with monthly follow-up to ensure airmen are in good spirits.11 A leader should inform airmen on the benefits of mental health treatment and overcome the opinions associated with treatment among the unit.12 Lt. Col of Public Affairs Chris Karns believes that leadership is knowing your airmen and providing an environment of trust and support.13 Weekly human performance evaluations can help those in charge develop an understanding of their airmen to identify changes in behavior.14 These evaluations will help leaders learn to balance the airmen’s duties and personal lives to prevent feelings of depression.15 Once awareness is achieved leaders can help provide airmen at risk with knowledge on the program and its resources, as well as support in getting the help they