In 2019 I first explored a troubling trend within the Air Force—a rising tide of suicides among service members. Drawing from my two decades of military experience and insights from colleagues, I noticed patterns that pointed to a broader, systemic issue. Initially, I believed this problem was localized to Holloman Air Force Base. However, as 2019 unfolded, it became evident that this was not confined to a single unit or location.

My quest for understanding led me to submit a FOIA request for suicide data, including job codes, spanning a decade. This step was crucial, as I hoped it would shed light on whether occupational stressors within the Air Force were contributing factors. Surprisingly, just days after my request, the Air Force publicly acknowledged a suicide problem, raising questions about the timing and transparency of their response.

Despite legal mandates for prompt FOIA responses, my request seemed to vanish into a bureaucratic abyss. My follow-ups were met with vague references to backlogs and unresponsiveness. This lack of engagement was disheartening, particularly when considering the gravity of the information sought.

When a response finally arrived, it was lacking in substance. The provided data was broad and failed to delve into the specifics of job codes and occupational stress—elements I believed were critical in understanding the suicide crisis. This omission was concerning, suggesting a possible reluctance to fully confront or disclose the scope of the issue.

In my initial article, I had speculated a link between the Force Reduction measures of 2014 and increasing suicide rates. The drastic personnel cuts, coupled with sustained operational commitments, seemed like a plausible stressor contributing to mental health issues. However, the lack of specific data made it difficult to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

Further complicating matters were the public presentations by the Air Force, which appeared to downplay internal factors like job stress and instead focused on external issues like substance abuse. Such a narrative, while not entirely baseless, risked oversimplifying the complex web of factors that contribute to mental health crises in the military.

The journey to uncover these truths has been a labyrinth of unanswered questions and roadblocks. It's not just about obtaining data; it's about fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The Air Force, like any organization, must be willing to scrutinize itself honestly and openly, especially when the stakes involve the well-being of its members.

As I reflect on this experience, I am left with a sense of frustration but also a resolve to continue seeking answers. The quest for transparency in the military is not just a personal endeavor; it's a matter of public interest and importance. The service members who dedicate their lives to our nation deserve an environment that prioritizes their mental health and well-being. Understanding the root causes of such a devastating trend as suicide is the first step in creating meaningful, lasting change.

This quest for transparency and understanding eventually led to a pivotal interaction with U.S. Senator Angus King. My persistent efforts and findings caught his attention, culminating in a significant legislative response. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act now mandates a comprehensive study of military suicides by job code across all branches and components since 9/11/2001. This monumental step, while crucial, raises an important reflection: such legislative action should not be required to obtain what essentially is critical, potentially lifesaving information.

I can't help but ponder if the Air Force, in hindsight, regrets not providing the data when initially requested. The path to this legislative outcome, while ultimately successful, highlights a systemic reluctance to confront hard truths within military structures. One wonders whether a more forthcoming approach from the beginning could have paved the way for earlier interventions and perhaps, saved lives. As we move forward, the hope is that this study will illuminate the hidden struggles within the military, leading to more effective and compassionate solutions for our service members' mental health challenges.