Military Barracks Plagued by Bedbugs, Mold and Sewage, GAO Report Finds

Military Barracks across the United States are facing "serious health and safety risks" with overflowing sewage, mold growing on the walls and other issues, according to a new government report released on Monday.

In a 118 page report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said that some barracks did not even meet minimum living standards set out by the Department of Defense.

"During site visits, we observed a variety of living conditions that service members and unit leaders told us were negatively affecting them, such as the presence of mold, broken fire alarm systems, and extreme temperatures, among others," the report said.

Bedbugs, rodents, cockroaches, and wasps were present at multiple sites, while at one, methane gas was leaking out of aging pipes causing the entire building to smell and posing a health risk.

In photos shared by inspectors, sewage could be seen spilling across a bathroom floor.

Service personnel report the toll of poor living conditions

The GAO conducted interviews with service personnel in group settings and visited 10 installations around the country to observe conditions.

"In one group, a service member reported being aware of a barracks resident who was hospitalized due to a respiratory illness associated with mold," the report said. "Another service member told us about experiencing respiratory issues attributed to the presence of mold in their barracks.

"After three visits to the emergency room, the service member was moved to a different barracks without mold and the medical issues were resolved."

Mold was discovered at five of the installations visited by the GAO, but personnel in all 12 interview groups raised it as an issue.

Other participants reported extreme temperatures due to broken ACs or heating, while some locations had multiple broken windows or locks on doors.

In one instance, the poor security resulted in an ex-spouse breaking in and assaulting a serving member, while at others with easy access, squatters had moved in.

While DOD guidelines state that barracks "must be free of serious risks to health and safety," the report notes that there are not enough specifics on what that means.

There were multiple reports from service personnel of the adverse effect living conditions were having on their mental health.

"Military barracks house hundreds of thousands of service members on
U.S. military installations globally and all enlisted service members begin
their careers living in barracks. Poor living conditions in these facilities
affect service members’ quality of life and undermine readiness and
mission," the report concluded.

Department of Defense "failed" in its responsibilities

The GAO made 31 recommendations for improvement, including updating guidance on minimum standards of living, requiring regular inspections of barracks and other living areas, and greater oversight on repairs and improvements.

In response to the report, the DOD's Assistant Secretary of Defense, Energy Installations and Environment and Chief Housing Officer, Brendan Owens told The Messenger in a statement that he was committed to acting on the findings.

“In return for the commitment and sacrifices that Service members make when they volunteer to defend our nation, the Department of Defense has a moral obligation to ensure that the places they live and work dignify their service," Owens said.

"The DoD has, in too many instances, failed to live up to our role in making sure housing for our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guardians honors their commitment and enables them to bring the best versions of themselves to their critical missions. To the service members who have experienced serious issues with their unaccompanied housing: I commit to act."

Owens promised to "aggressively" increase oversight and accountability, as the GAO had called for, and improve responsiveness times to any concerns raised.

"Collectively, we will improve our responsiveness to your concerns as we strive to ensure a living experience that enhances your wellbeing and readiness so that you can defend the citizens of the United States as part of the finest military in the history of the world," Owens added.