Note: that US number is from their 2008 report, and the number is from 2005. Looks like the CDC has a bit of a reporting lag for those numbers, but the couple reports I saw were in that same ballpark. Betting that number doesn't fluctuate that much.
As with most such statistics, there are a lot of possible explanations which are, in fact, inane. Such as a change in reporting standards or habits.
At any rate, what might cause someone whose job it is to walk around with a bullseye on his back on the one hand while being prepared to kill men, women, and children on the other, to feel a bit weird about life?
i imagine romantic relationship troubles arising from distance+raging unemployment don't make for a great return to the u.s.a. for kids who were already in a situation such that their best option at age 18 or 22 was the joining the military under george fucking goddamn bush.
And think of this - Combat deaths at an all time low.
Also - compare the rates with that of the public.
According to the CNN article, the Army rate is 20.2 per 100k, over double the general population. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/05/army.suic…)
At any rate, what might cause someone whose job it is to walk around with a bullseye on his back on the one hand while being prepared to kill men, women, and children on the other, to feel a bit weird about life?
It's a mystery...