Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL)

Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) is a program available to active-duty Sailors who have experienced suicide ideation or a suicide attempt (referred to as Suicide-Related Behavior or SRB).

SAIL is an evidence-based intervention that offers rapid assistance, continuous risk assessment, coordination of care, and help with reintegration. Over a 90-day period following the SRB, a Sailor's risk is assessed at key intervals using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, during each caring contact and a safety plan is managed using the Veterans Affairs Safety Plan.

It is important to note that SAIL does not replace necessary mental health services and is not a form of treatment. The program's case managers are remote counselors from the Fleet and Family Support Center who stay in contact with the Sailor, their healthcare providers, and command leadership to help coordinate care and secure additional resources for reintegration.

While commands are required to refer Sailors to SAIL, a referral can also be initiated by contacting and walking into the Fleet and Family Support Center. Participation in the SAIL program is voluntary.

The SAIL program is primarily governed by instructions outlined in two key NAVADMINs

NAVADMIN 027/17: This policy announced the Navy-wide implementation of the SAIL program and made it mandatory for commands to refer all Sailors who exhibit suicide-related behaviors.
NAVADMIN 021/21: This policy updates and expands upon NAVADMIN 027/17. It does not cancel or supersede the previous instruction. A significant update in NAVADMIN 021/21 is the requirement for Commanding Officers to not only refer the Sailor but also to instruct and verify that the Sailor makes contact with a SAIL case manager. This change was implemented to create a more proactive approach and strengthen the connection between at-risk Sailors and the support services available to them.

Resources

SAIL Information Card: Designed for public display to share information about the SAIL Program.
CNIC SAIL Commander's Toolkit: Developed as a quick reference guide to assist unit commanders in successfully navigating their responsibilities after Suicide-Related Behavior is reported and ensuring that the installation's SAIL program is operating in accordance with NAVADMIN 027/17.

For more information on SAIL visit the Navy Personnel Command Webpage.

Updated 8 April 2026

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