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(b) 24-Hour Watch. A unit member is assigned to watch a Soldier 24 hours of the day, to include while the
Soldier sleeps. Staff duty personnel may have this responsibility, if a less stigmatizing way is not available.
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(c) If a peer is assigned to watch the Soldier, cadre must interact with the pair of Soldiers hourly because the
responsibility of watch can be difficult for a peer. In addition, a member of the leadership team must plan a brief
meeting daily with the Soldier at risk, to provide support and encouragement.
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(d) The commander must solicit clear and specific guidance from the behavioral health care provider for the
unit watch. A variety of interventions may be utilized by the command team for a unit watch to include searching the
Soldier’s belongings and living quarters for dangerous items, removing such items from the Soldier’s possession,
prohibiting access to alcohol and drugs, minimizing contact with people that may negatively influence the Soldier’s
behavioral health, continuously observing the Soldier, and ensuring that the Soldier returns for behavioral health
follow-up. Examples of dangerous items would include, but are not limited to, knives, cigarette lighters, jewelry with
sharp edges, blow dryers, and cleaning supplies. Silverware other than sharp knives is acceptable. Medications, to
include over-the-counter Tylenol and Motrin, should be held by the unit and should be dispensed one dose at the time
by a medic or NCO. Leadership may elect to tighten the restrictions recommended by the behavioral health provider.
If any of the actions recommended by the behavioral health provider or established by command limit the Soldier’s
personal freedoms, the commander of the unit must first coordinate with the servicing trial counsel or judge advocate.
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(e) The Soldier will not carry a military issued firearm.
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(3) The unit watch program is to complement the guidance established in DOD Directive 6490.1 and DOD
Instructions 6490.4. The unit watch program must ensure:
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(a) Positive control of the returned IET Soldier, especially during periods of transition, between training events
and from training events to other appointments.
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(b) Soldiers under watch are escorted at all times, and not left alone or unsupervised.
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(c) Those entrusted to conduct unit watch are thoroughly briefed on the importance of being with the Soldier at
all times, and of the essence of mentorship and support as the foundation for guiding a Soldier through a difficult
period.
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(d) While in unit watch status, the Soldier requires follow-up with the behavioral health care provider within
five days of the implementation of the watch. The Soldier will be seen immediately if the chain of command
sincerely believes that the Soldier’s concerns are not remediating, and the Soldier’s risk appears to be increasing.
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d. IET Commanders will ensure all assigned DSs and PSGs, assigned cadre and all members will receive training in
the current Army-approved suicide prevention program, as follows:
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(1) IAW TRADOC Policy Letter 4, Strengthening Resilience and Preventing Suicide, suicide prevention
training must be conducted semiannually for all Soldiers.