From The Banner · Matti Gellman · · 2m
5 suicides at Cyber Command
Five suicides in 5 weeks at Fort Meade’s Cyber Command spark mental health crisis.
In brief
Five suicides in 5 weeks at Fort Meade’s Cyber Command spark mental health crisis. Five civilians working at U.S. Cyber Command and NSA died by suicide within a month amid heightened cyber warfare stress. Originally reported by The Banner.
Suicide cluster at Cyber Command
Five civilians working at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency died by suicide within a month this summer.
Mental health efforts underway
The agencies and Anne Arundel County military installation have tried to address mental health for 18,000 service members and 41,000 civilian employees.
Lawmakers demand action
Maryland’s U.S. senators and Rep. Sarah Elfreth are asking for resources to prevent further tragedies.
High-stress cyber work
Cyber operators work long hours in secure rooms identifying cyberattacks, intensified by the Iran war and AI development.
Isolation from family
Many cyber operators isolate themselves from friends and family due to long shifts and high-stress environments.
Culture of silence
A culture of silence continues to threaten leaders despite mental health becoming an increasing priority.
Ryan Shaban’s perspective
An Army veteran and cybersecurity professional, Shaban says many don’t report mental health concerns due to fear of losing security clearance.
Kevin Paulson’s story
Kevin Paulson, a 40-year-old NSA cyberspace effects officer, died by suicide after working up to 16-hour shifts.
Paulson’s family background
Paulson’s sister Leslie Maynard says he was an extrovert with a sarcastic sense of humor and a nearly photographic memory.
Paulson’s death details
Paulson died on July 6 after a morning run, having scheduled an email to apologize to his boss on June 30.
Maryland suicide rate
In 2012, Fort Meade’s service members had a suicide rate six times higher than Maryland’s state average.
Current mental health efforts
Fort Meade has set up kiosks with resources and holds annual suicide prevention workshops since May.
What happens next
Lawmakers aim to change the Pentagon’s suicide cluster definition to include civilians and add mental health resources.
The big picture
Five civilians working at U.S. Cyber Command and NSA died by suicide within a month amid heightened cyber warfare stress.
