The military saw fewer active duty suicides in calendar year 2021 than in 2020, according to a new report DOD released last week. There were 519 suicides, a 15% decrease.

“While it is encouraging to see the active component suicide rate decrease from 2020 to 2021, one such tragedy is too many, and we must redouble our efforts to prevent these deaths,” said Elizabeth Foster, executive director of the Office of Force Resiliency.

Suicide rates remain higher in the National Guard, where access to behavioral health resources is more limited, as Military.com reported.

“We see them two to three days a month, and it’s a challenge for us. We try to provide the resources,” Maj. Gen. Eric K. Little, director, National Guard Bureau Manpower and Personnel, told reporters Friday.

Air Force photo of We Care Day by Sean M. Worrell