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One is one too many
A personal message from the Chief of Army

By CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy
I AM writing to raise awareness of an issue that is of great concern to me - the tragic outcome of some mental health problems - suicide or self-harm.

Mental good health is essential for effective soldiering. We are a team; our operational performance is world class; we are carefully screened and selected; we have a purpose; we should all be proud of being in the Australian Army; and finally we are members of a big extended Army family.

Service in the Army requires individuals, as part of teams, to deal not only with the physical and mental stress of operations, but also the stress of everyday life.

Support in difficult times is always available to all soldiers.

I have three messages for all soldiers to foster an environment that promotes the Army values of courage, initiative and teamwork

• For those who are hurting. Seek help. Look to your mates. We want to help. Use the support that is readily available.
• For commanders. Get involved. Know your troops. Spend time with them. Don't wait for something to happen, do something - take the initiative.
• For all of us. We are taught to look after each other on the battlefield, do the same at home and in the barracks. Look out for your mates. You should be able to see if someone is hurting. Offer to help. Sit down and have a talk. We are a team.

A tragic outcome of some mental health problems is suicide or self-harm. The incidence of suicides in the Army is broadly the same as for the wider community.

Each suicide is a personal, family and Army tragedy, and one suicide is too many. Self-harm can be equally devastating.

You would be aware of the support available to all of us. Continuing education and support is firmly embedded in our training, both at training institutions and in our units.

Defence has implemented a world class comprehensive suicide prevention program, which includes suicide awareness training, mental health support and a 24-hour support line (?1800 628 036).

As well as these formal programs, help and support can be provided by the chain of command, medical and psychological support staff, our chaplains, family and friends and, most importantly our mates.

We are all trained to look after our mates on the battlefield. This is second nature to us. I want us all to think that we have the same obligation to our mates at home and in the barracks as we do on the battlefield.

The Australian Army is built on the ethos of mateship. This is as important at home in our day to day lives as it is on the battlefield. It is not disloyal to make the chain of command aware of a soldier who is experiencing difficulties, or even to provide assistance yourself - it is a courageous action that can often save a life, the life of a mate.

One suicide in Army is too many. We all have a role to play and I ask for your help and involvement.

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