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US Army Releases Figures on Suicides in June


The U.S. Army has released new statistics indicating a record number of suicides occurred in the month of June.

Military officials said Thursday that last month, 32 soldiers either killed themselves or were believed to have done so. The figure includes 21 soldiers on active duty as well as 11 people in the Army reserves or National Guard.

The Army also says there were 88 suicides among active duty members in the first six months of last year. In the first half of this year, the Army reported 80 suicides among active duty members.

Also Thursday, the Army released a new video that addresses the subject of suicides. Officials say it includes testimonials from soldiers who have struggled with the urge to take their own lives.

Last year, experts said soldiers are under tremendous, unprecedented stress because of repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. A 2007 study found the most common triggers include failed personal relationships, legal and financial problems, and job stress.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.

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