We analyzed all suicides among draftees during the 10-year period 1981
-1990. The distribution of 50 suicides followed a bimodal curve with t
he first peak occurring 20-60 days from the beginning of the military
service and the second peak during the early specialization training.
Suicides committed during the basic training period were characterized
by the absence of preceding alcohol intoxication, which was significa
ntly more often seen in the suicides committed later during service. M
ost of the cases had been in contact with the medical personnel a shor
t time before suicide, We discuss preventive measures, such as health
education directed to both draftees themselves and the medical personn
el.