Accidents cutting down soldiers

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

<snip>

It is not only Iraqi resistance that is cutting down U.S. forces at an alarming rate. Since the war started March 20, more than 80 have died in noncombat accidents, about 18 percent of the U.S. dead in Iraq.

Many, like Smith, were killed in military vehicles. Others perished when helicopters crashed or weapons misfired.

Accidental military deaths are by no means limited to the Middle East battlefront. A total of 575 service members died in accidents worldwide during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, but most of those happened in the United States and in private motor vehicles while off duty.

The accidents — since 1980, more than 20,000 military personnel have died in accidents while fewer than 1,000 have perished in battle — is exacting a high price in lost soldiers and increased health-care costs.

more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001830562_mishaps06.html

[cliss]

1. I wonder about some of those mishaps....

Are some of those accidents possibly suicide attempts. Or maybe getting injured on purpose, so some of them can go home?

I have read that there have been several suicides.