WASHINGTON – In a service-wide “stand down,” the Army has ordered soldiers to put aside their usual duties today and spend the day on suicide prevention training as the military struggles with a spike in the number of self-inflicted deaths this year.

The plan will focus on making sure that troops know what behavioral health programs are available to them and helping them get over the embarrassment that keeps many from seeking help.

There are limited exceptions to today’s stand down: Troops with duties such as combat operations in Afghanistan or medical duties in Army hospitals will schedule their training when possible.