# SAFEGUARD: Transforming Military Suicide Prevention Through Predictive Analytics and Targeted Interventions

## TL;DR

SAFEGUARD uses machine learning and targeted interventions to prevent suicide-related behaviors in the military.

## Contribution

It introduces a three-tiered system combining digital tools and therapy to address suicide risk at key military career stages.

## Key findings

- Level Up provides personalized cognitive behavioral therapy for new military personnel.
- Operation Life Force offers group therapy to high-risk soldiers during annual physicals.
- Pathfinding supports soldiers post-discharge with case management to prevent suicide.

## Abstract

Machine learning predictive modeling can support scalable prevention of suicide-related behavior (SRB). SAFEGUARD is a three-pronged universal, indicated, and clinical SRB-prevention intervention system focused on key military career touchpoints.

The targeted SAFEGUARD interventions are designed to improve on the mixed results of universal interventions. Level Up uses digital tools, personalized messaging, and remote booster sessions to deliver customized universal military-focused cognitive behavioral therapy skills training designed to reduce SRBs during first duty assignments. Operation Life Force delivers remote group dialectical behavior therapy skills training with a mental toughness focus to soldiers identified during annual physicals as high-risk for SRBs. Pathfinding delivers remote wrap-around case management after psychiatric inpatient discharge to soldiers identified as high-risk for SRBs.

SAFEGUARD is a data-driven system for SRB prevention that delivers targeted best-practice interventions at critical points to optimize impact and efficiently use mental health resources across the military.