…and the results are startling.

The raw numbers:

Results for 2004

Overall Rates
Veterans: 17.5 to 21.8 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 9.4 per 100,000

Male Rates
Veterans: 30.6 to 38.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 18.3 per 100,000

Female Rates
Veterans: 10.0 to 12.5 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 4.8 per 100,000

Results for 2005

Overall Rates
Veterans: 18.7 to 20.8 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 8.9 per 100,000

Male Rates
Veterans: 31.5 to 35.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 17.6 per 100,000

Female Rates
Veterans: 11.1 to 12.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 4.5 per 100,000

Wow, this is really ridiculous. Think about that, for every 100,000 male troops, 30 are statistically likely to kill themselves. That is unacceptable!

Whether you support the war or not, President Bush or not, this should be a concern. It is a non-partisan issue. Hell, war supporters should be more concerned. If the military starts getting a bad (or worse) reputation, who in the hell is going to want to sign up? Recruiters will be casing more high schools and colleges being forced to spin their lies about military service. Guys on their third and fourth tours will be forced to go back because there is no one to replace them and our military will be less effective. So, taking care of veterans is in their best interest.

For more:

CBS Investigates story

VA Watchdog dot Org

Veterans for Common Sense

Hat tip: Crooks & Liars