| The ensuing document serves as a ministry project proposal for the Doctor of Ministry degree. The project studies suicide prevention in the Marine Corps. The author believes in the sacredness of life and views suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.;The Marine Corps has invested time and energy in developing many programs that focus on suicide prevention. How effective are these programs? The "Never Leave a Marine Behind" (NLMB) training emphasizes the "RACE" concept. Recognize: Note changes in personality, emotions and behavior. Ask: Ask the question directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Care: Listen to what they are saying, and don't judge. Finally, Escort: Take them to get help, and never leave them alone. The author has explored the effectiveness of Marine Corps Suicide Prevention training, specifically the NLMB initiative, with Marine Veterans. This program is the only required USMC suicide prevention training. But what are military leaders' personal thoughts, ideas and concepts of the NLMB program? What are their interpretations, perceptions, viewpoints, and values as it relates to the NLMB training? The author's definition for "effectiveness" is determined by whether or not there was a learned and lived experience from their (retired Marines) training in the NLMB program.;Troubled Marines often attempt or die by suicide because they have created a barrier in their mind by thinking that their need for help is a sign of weakness; therefore, many times they do not turn to others for help. When faced with difficult circumstances, people often become depressed, feel hopeless, helpless, and powerless to change their situation. The methodology the author used to explore the effectiveness of the "Never Leave a Marine Behind" program was an Interview Script. The focus group or human subject will consists of 20-25 retired Marines.;The author used the qualitative (narrative) research approach model for the study and a qualitative design. The advantage of the qualitative research design is that it focuses on subjectivity. This allows the persons involved to share personal thoughts, ideas, and concepts, which will be incorporated into the author's findings. |
