Inquirer Editorial: Honor their service

President Obama made a long overdue correction by reversing a policy not to extend condolences to the families of members of the military who commit suicide in a war zone.

After an extensive review, Obama last week changed the White House policy that had caused angst among military families by creating a line that unduly separated survivors.

Previously, a presidential letter of comfort was sent only to the relatives of those who had died in a combat zone of causes other than suicide.

While military families acknowledge that a mere letter won't bring a loved one back, nevertheless it means a lot to have their relatives' service for their country acknowledged by the president.

Suicide remains a significant problem in the military, especially among those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many soldiers are under stress from repeated and extended tours, or financial and legal problems at home.

According to a report released last year, annual suicide rates in the Marine Corps and the Army, the two branches most involved in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, increased steadily from 2004 to 2009. It said 1,100 service members committed suicide from 2004 to 2009 - one suicide every day and a half - but that included veterans who had recently returned home.

Obama's review only considered how to handle suicides in war zones, which is a shortcoming in the revised policy. Most military suicides occur outside combat zones. Many are related to post-traumatic stress disorders or other conditions caused by prior combat duty. Such problems may not show up until the service member comes home.

Experts say a factor in military suicides is the reluctance of service members who need help to seek counseling because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Many soldiers fear repercussions if they admit to having a problem.

Obama acknowledged that service members have taken their own lives not because they were weak, but because they did not get the help they needed. He set the right priority in calling for better efforts to provide the necessary intervention in a timely fashion to prevent such tragedies.

The solution must include more mental-health counselors, screenings, and training to help soldiers recognize suicidal behavior and let someone know if they do.