Government Report Uncovers Military Housing NIGHTMARE, How Do We Allow This For Our True Heroes?

The report highlights a problem that military leaders have struggled to address effectively.

The 118-page report, published by the GAO on Monday, reveals that young troops residing in barracks on military installations are confronted with a range of issues, including pests such as roaches and bed bugs, toxic waste, and even squatters. These conditions not only pose health and safety risks to the members but also have a detrimental effect on morale.

The GAO investigators visited 12 military installations, speaking with service members in discussion groups to gain insight into their experiences. Many service members complained about the poor quality of water in their barracks, which they deemed unsafe to drink.

 WATCH: MORE SCARE TACTICS FROM THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Broken air conditioning and heating systems were also a common issue, forcing members to purchase individual units or resort to unsafe space heaters for temperature regulation. Additionally, some buildings lacked secure windows and doors, leading to unauthorized individuals occupying the rooms.

 WATCH BILL MAHER: STORMY DANIELS TESTIMONY DIFFERENT THAN HER 2018 INTERVIEW

September 25, 2023

The report includes numerous photos of the barracks buildings visited by the investigators, depicting overflowing sewage, cracked pipes, water damage, pests, and mold or mildew growth. The possessions of squatters who were not authorized to live in the buildings were also documented.

 PARISHIONERS TURNED HEROES: LOUISIANA CHURCHGOERS THWART ARMED TEENAGER'S SINISTER PLAN

The report attributes the slow response to improving living conditions in the barracks to inadequate systems and inconsistent evaluation processes. It emphasizes the lack of universal standards for health and safety, allowing installations and services to assign troops to substandard living spaces.

 BUMBLE'S FOUNDER HAS A NEW VISION AND IT MAY CHANGE DATING FOREVER...

Barracks rooms are primarily occupied by the military's youngest and lowest-ranking members, many of whom have recently completed basic and job training and are stationed at their first duty location.

While the exact number of service members living in substandard conditions remains unclear due to a lack of universal tracking, the report suggests that "at least thousands of service members are affected" by the poor barracks quality.

 ELON MUSK'S LATEST POWER MOVE? THE UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE THAT COULD REVOLUTIONIZE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

To address these issues, the GAO issued 31 recommendations to the Defense Department. These recommendations include providing guidance on barracks condition assessments, obtaining complete funding information, and increasing oversight of barracks programs.

 WATCH: MICHAEL RAPAPORT RAGES AGAINST BIDEN IN NEW VIDEO

The Defense Department concurred with 23 of the recommendations and partially concurred with 8, noting ongoing actions that would address them. However, the GAO maintains that the Defense Department should fully implement all of the recommendations.

 EVEN WITH BARRON TRUMP'S DECLINE TO SERVE, TRUMP FAMILY WILL BE OUT IN FULL FORCE AT GOP CONVENTION

In response to the report, a GAO spokesperson stated that the problems outlined are a result of chronic neglect and underfunding. The spokesperson emphasized the need for clearer standards for barracks quality and increased accountability for the military services in meeting these standards. The spokesperson also called for the development of a joint strategy to improve barracks conditions and collect more accurate data on funding allocation and service members' satisfaction with their living conditions.

 THESE STATES ARE FIGHTING HARD AGAINST LAB GROWN MEAT, FIND OUT WHY...

Brendan Owens, the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Energy Installations and Environment, and Chief Housing Officer, acknowledged that the Defense Department has at times failed to fulfill its role in ensuring proper living spaces for troops. Owens expressed his commitment to taking action and increasing oversight and accountability in government-owned unaccompanied housing. He pledged to address the unacceptable living conditions that impact service members and work with the individual branches to provide safe and secure living environments.

 WAR ON LOGIC? WHITE HOUSE FACES MAJOR BACKLASH OVER ISRAELI STRATEGY COMMENTS

Owens concluded by assuring service members that their concerns would be addressed promptly, with the goal of enhancing their well-being and readiness. He emphasized the importance of providing a living experience that honors their commitment and enables them to fulfill their critical missions in defense of the United States.

 NOT EVEN HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES ARE SAFE ON THE STREETS OF NYC...

The GAO report serves as a wake-up call for the Defense Department and military leaders to prioritize the well-being of their service members by addressing the dire living conditions in barracks across the country. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to rectify these issues and ensure that all military members have access to safe and dignified living spaces.