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Top enlisted Marine issues emotional appeal to ‘reach out to somebody’
By Nicholas Slayton ·
Task & Purpose
· Saturday, February 21, 2026
· 1 min read
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The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos Ruiz, has made a public appeal to Marines to seek help when needed. He addressed the issue of suicide in the Marine Corps, noting that some troops may be
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The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos Ruiz, has made a public appeal to Marines to seek help when needed. He addressed the issue of suicide in the Marine Corps, noting that some troops may be struggling with feelings of loneliness and pain. Ruiz encouraged Marines who are not struggling to support their comrades who are.
He also urged those who are struggling to reach out for help, emphasizing that it is available to them. Further details on Ruiz's appeal can be found through his Instagram post, where he discussed the importance of seeking help during difficult times.
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Our analysis The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps' emotional appeal to Marines to seek help and support each other in times of struggle highlights the ongoing crisis of suicide in the military. With 71 Marines dying by suicide in 2023, according to the Department of Defense's annual report, the issue remains a pressing concern. The delay in releasing the 2025 report, due to the government shutdown, means that the most recent data on suicide rates in the military is not yet available. However, quarterly reports for the first half of 2025 suggest that the problem persists. The Sergeant Major's message emphasizes the importance of connectedness and community in preventing suicide, encouraging Marines to reach out to each other and to seek help when needed. This approach underscores the need for a supportive environment and access to resources, which is critical in addressing the complex factors contributing to suicide in the military.
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