DOD Updates Military Suicide Event Tracking Records
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Defense is updating its records system that tracks suicide-related events among Active Duty, Reserve, Space Force, and Coast Guard members. These changes improve clarity, expand who’s included, and update how the data is used to better prevent suicide. The new system is effective now, but the public can comment on some details until August 3, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
DoDSER now covers Space Force, Coast Guard
The Department of Defense updated the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) to expand reporting to include Space Force and Coast Guard members. The system continues to collect records on deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation for Service members covered by DoDSER.
New and revised routine disclosures
DoD is adding standard DoD routine uses (A through J) and changing a disclosure (Routine Use K) to allow sharing DoDSER records with agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security (including the Coast Guard), and the Department of Veterans Affairs for notifications, eligibility, and coordination of benefits. These routine uses are subject to public comment through August 3, 2026 and may take effect after the comment period.
Long retention of DoDSER records
DoDSER master file records will be transferred to inactive storage when 25 years old and destroyed when 75 years old. Annual DoDSER reports are cutoff annually and transferred to the National Archives 3 years after cutoff.
Protected health information subject to HIPAA rules
DoDSER contains protected health information (PHI) and DoD implements HIPAA Privacy Rule compliance under DoD Manual 6025.18 for uses and disclosures of PHI in this system. Additional confidentiality rules for substance abuse program records (42 U.S.C. 290dd-2) also apply.
Access to records requires FOIA steps and fees
Individuals seeking their DoDSER records must submit a written FOIA request using DHA's FOIA procedures, provide a full name and contact method, reasonably describe the records sought, state willingness to pay fees, and provide either a notarized statement or an unsworn declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746. FOIA submissions may be made through www.foia.gov, email, fax, or mail.
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