Commandant
2100 Second Street, S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-000
Staff Symbcl: G-WPW-2
Phone: (202) 267-1329
FAX: (202) 267-4862
COMDTINST 1734.1
FEB 28, 1997
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION
Subj: SUICIDE PREVENTION
1.
PURPOSE. To establish policy and guidelines about Coast Guard suicide prevention
2.
ACTION. AREA AND DISTRICT COMMANDERS; COMMANDERS MAINTENANCE
AND LOGISTICS COMMANDS AND COMMANDING OFFICERS OF
HEADQUARTERS UNITS, ASSISTANT COMMANDANTS FOR DIRECTORATES,
CHIEF COUNSEL, AND SPECIAL STAFF OFFICES AT HEADQUARTERS SHALL
ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS DIRECTIVE.
3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. None.
4.
APPICICATION. This Instruction applies to all Coast Guard active duty and reserve
personnel and appropriated civilian, and non-appropriated fund employees and their families.
Pursuant to Memoranda of Understanding with other Uniformed Services members and their
families while either serving with the Coast Guard or using our Coast Guard facilities.
5.
DISCUSSION.
a.
Suicide is the Coast Guard's second leading cause of death, after motor vehicle
accidents. Each suicide is both a tragic waste of human life and an event which entails a
significant degradation in morale, unit cohesion and mission readiness.
b.
Feelings of helplessness and worthlessness are among the leading suicide causes.
Others include problems with relationships at home or work or a failure to cope with
accumulated stress.