The US Army is asking Congress to approve a $2.4 billion proposed budget to improve troops’ living conditions in barracks.
The move comes after a US government watchdog released a report claiming that some government-provided housing poses serious health and safety risks to soldiers.
Under the proposed funding, nine barracks buildings will be built at Fort Johnson in Louisiana, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia, and Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in California.
There will also be new and improved housing for American soldiers deployed in Germany and Puerto Rico.
To ensure that army barracks are properly and regularly maintained, the service will earmark a specific budget for barracks managers.
“People are obviously our top priority,” Army Under Secretary Gabe Camarillo said. “Army leaders have, for the last two years, really emphasized the need to have sustained investment in quality housing for our soldiers…”
If approved, the budget will reportedly mark a 325 percent increase over last year’s funding for barracks construction.
‘Substandard Barracks’
In September 2023, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released stark photos of army barracks with sewage overflow and inoperable fire systems.
It said some barracks are substandard and do not meet minimum Pentagon standards for privacy and configuration.
The assessment was confirmed by servicewoman Dana Estrella, who said in a TikTok video that there were instances when she unwillingly shared a room with someone she did not know.
The GAO report also found that the poor living conditions in barracks have affected the morale and readiness of many service members.
Because of the report, US Senators demanded the Pentagon increase its budget to build and upgrade military housing.