Sept. 10, 2025

Fractured Brotherhood: Suicide, Identity Loss, and the Crisis within U.S. Special Operations Forces

Throughout the years, the U.S. special operations community has suffered profound loss, both in combat and from within. The suicide epidemic among U.S. service members, particularly those within U.S. special operations forces (SOF), continues to challenge the Department of Defense, mental health professionals, and the foundations of our military culture. Each new death by suicide brings with it haunting echoes of a single, unanswerable question, “Why?” While numerous factors contribute to the elevated suicide rate in U.S. SOF, the most consequential and fundamental drivers are social isolation and loneliness resulting from the loss of community post-transition from military service.