The use of unit watch or command interest profile in the management of suicide and homicide risk: rationale and guidelines for the military mental health professional

Abstract

Military mental health care professionals have, for decades, recommended that commanders implement a unit watch (now called a "command interest profile" at most Army posts) as a tool for enhancing the safety of personnel in the unit when a soldier presents with suicidal or homicidal ideation. Although these procedures are used extensively in garrison and in operational settings, there exists no specific body of literature or Army publication to offer either a rationale or a set of guidelines for their use. We have successfully used unit watch protocols for years both in the deployment setting and in garrison. This article provides both a rationale and a set of guidelines for their use based on fundamental military psychiatric principles, review of the relevant literature, and anecdotal experience with this intervention. Although further research is indicated, this article provides support for the use of unit watch in military settings.