The U.S. army's suicide rate is at the highest level in 26 years, a latest military report has found.
The report, obtained by U.S. media on Wednesday, said 99 active-duty army soldiers killed themselves in 2006, the highest number since 1991, when 102 active-duty army soldiers ended their lives in such a way.
The suicide rate for U.S. army now stands at 17.3 percent 100,000, the highest in 26 years.
The report listed several factors which could lead to the suicides, including failed personal relationships, financial problems and most importantly, the stress from their duties, especially the stress of war.
Among the soldiers who committed suicide last year, nearly one fourth were serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
The report pointed to an apparent link between soldiers' suicides and the days they were deployed in war zones.
"Multiple deployments are a risk factor for suicide behaviors," it said.
U.S. Army Chief of Staff George Casey said Tuesday that he is against extending U.S. tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan beyond the current 15 months because it would be "too stressful and risky" for troops.
However, he also said he did not know when officials would be able to cut the length back to 12 months.
Previous studies also found more and more U.S. soldiers developed symptoms of mental disorders after serving multiple tours in Iraq.
Source: Xinhua
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