A new policy brief on suicide in the military starts off on a particularly stark and sober note: 

Suicide among service members and veterans challenges the health of America’s all-volunteer force. While any loss of military personnel weakens the U.S. armed forces, the rapid upswing in suicides among service members and veterans during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan threatens to inflict more lasting harm.

If military service becomes associated with suicide, will it be possible to recruit bright and promising young men and women at current rates? Will parents and teachers encourage young people to join the military when veterans from their own communities have died from suicide?

Full Report (PDF) from the Center for New American Security.