Everyone has the power and responsibility to protect Soldiers on and off the battlefield. This includes recognizing uncharacteristic and suicidal behaviors.
Effective suicide prevention requires everyone in the unit to be aware of the risk factors for suicide and know how to respond. Commanders, NCOs, supervisors and battle buddies must lead the way.
If a Soldier seems suicidal, the time to take action is NOW. Talk to the Soldier before it is too late.
What to look for: Warning Signs
Distress can lead to the development of unhealthy behaviors. People closest to the Soldier (fellow Soldiers, Family, friends) are in the best position to recognize changes due to distress and to provide support.
Look For:
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Comments that suggest thoughts or plans of suicide
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Rehearsal of suicidal acts
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Giving away possessions
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Obsession with death and dying
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Uncharacteristic behaviors
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Significant change in performance
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Appearing overwhelmed by recent stressor(s)
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Depressed mood; hopelessness
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Withdrawal from social activities
3-7. The Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos
The Soldier's Creed addresses the set of principles that all Soldiers strive to emulate. It captures the essence of what it means to be a Soldier.
The Warrior Ethos—within the Soldier’s Creed—describes a Soldier’s selfless commitment to the nation, the mission, and fellow Soldiers.
All Soldiers are warriors—prepared, trained and fully equipped for war. Soldiers destroy the enemy in close combat, resolve conflict, and then restore the peace. They are also part of a team, bound to each other by integrity and trust.
As Soldiers, you will always be under some level of physical and mental stress, regardless of your rank or specialty. Living by the Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos provides the inner strength and motivation you need to continue performing your duty and executing your mission.
The Soldier’s Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
3-8. The BCT / One Station Unit Training (OSUT) / Advanced Individual Training (AIT) “Golden Rules”
#1 DO NOT bully, haze, assault or harass a fellow Soldier
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DO help and assist your teammate
#2 DO NOT use vulgar language, rude gestures or discriminate against others
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DO treat everyone with dignity and respect
#3 DO NOT kiss, attempt to kiss or touch a fellow Soldier
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DO respect your teammate’s personal space
#4 DO NOT steal or take something that does not belong to you
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DO build trust with teammates through your ethical and disciplined actions
#5 DO NOT go anywhere without your battle buddy
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DO report violations of policies and regulations to your platoon and company leadership
Chapter 4 – BCT / OSUT / AIT 4-1. What to expect
All phases of training builds character, instills discipline and Army Values, improves physical conditioning, and teaches basic combat and occupational skills. All of these contribute in the development of your individual skills and knowledge, resulting in a Soldier capable of serving as a member of a team in your First Unit of Assignment.
BCT / OSUT / AIT are training courses that transform civilians into Soldiers. Over the course of a number of weeks you will develop the character, commitment and competence skills and knowledge to succeed as a Soldier.
BCT – 10 weeks
11B/C (Infantryman) OSUT – 13 weeks, 3 days
12B (Combat Engineer) OSUT – 14 weeks
19D (Cavalry Scout) OSUT – 16 weeks
19K (Armor Crewman) OSUT – 15 weeks
31B (Military Police Officer) OSUT – 19 weeks, 1 day
AIT – Varies by Military Occupational Specialty
4-2. The training company – Your unit
Upon arrival to your training company, the Drill Sergeants and cadre will in-process you and assign you to a platoon, which is a group of 60 Soldiers and 3 Drill Sergeants. Your Drill Sergeants are a mix of highly qualified male and female NCOs with 5-10 years of experience in the Army.
The Company Commander (Captain) is in charge of the Company. The Commander establishes policy and has legal discipline authority over you and all assigned company personnel.
The First Sergeant (1SG), who is the master trainer assists the Commander and supervises the Drill Sergeants and other Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Company.
There are 12 Drill Sergeants assigned to the company. They are responsible for the training and testing you receive. You will also see a Supply Sergeant (could be a civilian) who is responsible for the linen, pillows, cleaning supplies and the work orders needed to maintain the Company.
The training NCO or Training Officer/Executive Officer (XO) is responsible for updating and maintaining training records and the coordination of each day’s training events.
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