Ishita Roy

People In U.S. military's Marine Corps Show Pattern Of Declining Mental Health

US Marine Corps

The <span>Marine Corps</span> drill instructors (DIs) are undoubtedly the backbone of recruit training, shaping civilians into disciplined individuals for the US Military. However, behind this act of bravery, there lies an alarming <span>mental health</span> crisis. It is the suicide of Logan Sowell in 2021 along with six other among the DIs in the past five years which has raised concerns. It also sheds light on the psychological burden faced by those in such high-pressured roles. Reports also indicate that DIs face disproportionately high levels of suicidal ideation, addiction, and divorce compared to other fellow Marines. 

DIs have a very demanding job. It requires them to work 90+ hours weeks, and they run on minimal sleep while maintaining extreme discipline. Their job demands physical endurance and unwavering authority, leaving little room for vulnerability. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of disciplinary action create a suffocating environment where mental health concerns are often ignored. Many, like Angel Acosta III, faced disciplinary action that compounded their stress, making them feel trapped in a downward spiral.

Despite the acknowledgment, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds mental health, especially when it is about those in such harsh services. Accessing mental health services thus remain a challenge for DIs. There is also a lingering fear that asking for help will harm their career or would be seen as a sign of weakness/ In fact, The Washington Post reports that a former DI recalled how colleagues distanced themselves after he admitted needing support, reinforcing the toxic belief that seeking help is sign of weakness.

Without the help that they need, many instructors have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope. This pattern has been noted and it worsens the mental health conditions. Chronic sleep deprivation further exacerbates these issues, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts. The Marine Corps has attempted to enforce work-hour limitations, but enforcement remains unclear, and many still suffer from the effects of prolonged stress and exhaustion.

Marine Corps is not just the only military sector where such a pattern is seen. Earlier in January, year Matthew Livelsberger, who was a Special Forces soldier also died by suicide. He served in the wartime service in Afghanistan died by a "self-inflicted gunshot" on New Year's Day. 

Mental health issues, are often unnoticed, because these are the invisible wounds, which do not have any external signs. Though, mental health issues could be seen in the way the person behaves, however, more often, than not, these are ignored or just termed as "overreacting".

These invisible wounds can also hinder one's ability to regulate their behavior, could also lead to substance abuse, insomnia, and other serious issues. Experts believe, such issues, when unseen and unnoticed can lead to steps like suicide. Recent laws and Pentagon programs have also emphasized screening and self-reporting for such injuries, however, experts and critics doubt if the stigma could be broken and action could be taken?

There are many wellness resources available for the Marine Corps, however the accessibility and effectiveness remain key concerns. There is an urgent need for mental health screenings throughout an instructor’s tenure—not just before training begins. Additionally, reducing stigma, improving work-life balance, and ensuring confidential and immediate access to therapy could prevent further tragedies.

The deaths of these instructors highlight the urgent need for cultural and systemic change within the Marine Corps. Without prioritizing mental well-being, the institution risks losing more of its finest to a battle fought not on the field, but within their own minds.

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The Marine Corps drill instructors (DIs) are undoubtedly the backbone of recruit training, shaping civilians into disciplined individuals for the US Military. However, behind this act of bravery, there lies an alarming mental health crisis. It is the suicide of Logan Sowell in 2021 along with six other among the DIs in the past five years which has raised concerns. It also sheds light on the psychological burden faced by those in such high-pressured roles. Reports also indicate that DIs face disproportionately high levels of suicidal ideation, addiction, and divorce compared to other fellow Marines. DIs have a very demanding job. It requires them to work 90+ hours weeks, and they run on minimal sleep while maintaining extreme discipline. Their job demands physical endurance and unwavering authority, leaving little room for vulnerability. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of disciplinary action create a suffocating environment where mental health concerns are often ignored. Many, like Angel Acosta III, faced disciplinary action that compounded their stress, making them feel trapped in a downward spiral.Help and StigmaDespite the acknowledgment, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds mental health, especially when it is about those in such harsh services. Accessing mental health services thus remain a challenge for DIs. There is also a lingering fear that asking for help will harm their career or would be seen as a sign of weakness/ In fact, The Washington Post reports that a former DI recalled how colleagues distanced themselves after he admitted needing support, reinforcing the toxic belief that seeking help is sign of weakness.The ConsequencesWithout the help that they need, many instructors have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope. This pattern has been noted and it worsens the mental health conditions. Chronic sleep deprivation further exacerbates these issues, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts. The Marine Corps has attempted to enforce work-hour limitations, but enforcement remains unclear, and many still suffer from the effects of prolonged stress and exhaustion.Marine Corps is not just the only military sector where such a pattern is seen. Earlier in January, year Matthew Livelsberger, who was a Special Forces soldier also died by suicide. He served in the wartime service in Afghanistan died by a "self-inflicted gunshot" on New Year's Day. Mental health issues, are often unnoticed, because these are the invisible wounds, which do not have any external signs. Though, mental health issues could be seen in the way the person behaves, however, more often, than not, these are ignored or just termed as "overreacting".These invisible wounds can also hinder one's ability to regulate their behavior, could also lead to substance abuse, insomnia, and other serious issues. Experts believe, such issues, when unseen and unnoticed can lead to steps like suicide. Recent laws and Pentagon programs have also emphasized screening and self-reporting for such injuries, however, experts and critics doubt if the stigma could be broken and action could be taken?What Could Be Done Instead?There are many wellness resources available for the Marine Corps, however the accessibility and effectiveness remain key concerns. There is an urgent need for mental health screenings throughout an instructor’s tenure—not just before training begins. Additionally, reducing stigma, improving work-life balance, and ensuring confidential and immediate access to therapy could prevent further tragedies.The deaths of these instructors highlight the urgent need for cultural and systemic change within the Marine Corps. Without prioritizing mental well-being, the institution risks losing more of its finest to a battle fought not on the field, but within their own minds.