When a wingman identifies a potential suicide risk, what action is recommended?

• A. Confront the person aggressively
• B. Recognize the risk and encourage seeking help
• C. Isolate the person from peers
• D. Ignore and dismiss concerns

Answer: (B)

When a wingman identifies a potential suicide risk, the priority is to recognize the risk and encourage seeking help. This means taking concerns seriously, listening with empathy, and letting the person know they’re not alone. Connect them with trained professionals such as base mental health staff, a chaplain, or a crisis line, and offer to help them reach these resources. If the danger appears imminent, summon immediate assistance to ensure their safety. This approach centers on safety and getting the right support, which is essential for someone in distress. Confronting aggressively, isolating the person, or ignoring concerns can heighten risk or delay needed help, so those responses aren’t appropriate.