Just Pick Up Combats Soldier Suicides

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A new Army directive could be the lifeline soldiers need during the holiday season, but will it be enough?

Story Snapshot

The U.S. Army’s “Just Pick Up” campaign mandates daily leader-soldier check-ins to combat holiday suicides.
Inspired by Alaska’s success, the initiative promotes direct human connection over bureaucratic programs.
The campaign addresses a rising trend of military suicides, emphasizing personal outreach.
It runs through January 15, 2026, aiming to replicate the 11th Airborne Division’s zero-suicide record.
Secretary Dan Driscoll’s personal experiences shaped the campaign’s approach.

Army’s Bold Step to Combat Soldier Suicides

The U.S. Army has launched a decisive initiative known as “Just Pick Up” to address the alarming rates of soldier suicides, particularly during the holiday season. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll initiated the campaign, directing officers and noncommissioned officers to personally engage with soldiers daily via calls, texts, or visits. This approach, inspired by the 11th Airborne Division’s successful zero-suicide streak in Alaska, focuses on fostering personal connections rather than relying solely on institutional programs.

The initiative aims to make a significant impact during this high-risk period, with 260 Army suicides reported last year. The campaign, active from late November 2025 through January 15, 2026, encourages soldiers to utilize the crisis line 988, pressing 1 for military support. The directive is a temporary, yet potentially transformative, step towards reducing suicides by prioritizing direct, human interaction.

The U.S. Army Encourages Soldiers Now To ‘Just Pick Up’https://t.co/8H7rg1P66x

— 19FortyFive (@19_forty_five) January 12, 2026

Historical Context and Motivation

Rising suicide rates have been a persistent challenge for the U.S. Army, with 523 military suicides recorded in 2023 alone. The holiday season amplifies risks due to increased isolation and stress, despite data not indicating a peak during this period. The “Just Pick Up” campaign stems from Secretary Driscoll’s personal experiences, including a pivotal moment during Ranger School’s Winter Mountain Phase, where peer support proved lifesaving. This personal connection to the issue underscores the campaign’s emphasis on leader-soldier bonds over bureaucratic measures.

Historically, the Army has struggled with implementing effective suicide prevention strategies. The 2021 Brandon Act sought to provide confidential mental health access but faced implementation hurdles. The success of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, which achieved a 14-month streak without suicides through routine personal checks, serves as a model for this current effort.

Current Status and Future Implications

As the “Just Pick Up” campaign continues through mid-January 2026, its effectiveness remains to be seen. Early reports are optimistic about its potential to reduce suicides by encouraging a culture of help-seeking and peer support. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption across military branches, complementing existing programs like the Brandon Act and the Military Health System’s Mental Health Hub.

The campaign’s social impact includes reducing stigma and building trust within military communities, while economically, it incurs minimal costs due to its focus on personal outreach. Politically, it places accountability on leadership to address rising suicide rates. This initiative sets a precedent for military-wide peer checks, potentially informing veteran suicide prevention efforts and contrasting with more institutional VA programs.