Poor living conditions reported at U.S. military bases
- Hots&Cots has collected photos from service members showing poor living conditions at military bases, including mold and pests.
- The Pentagon has launched a Housing Feedback System to allow service members to report issues, but a recent GAO report highlights ongoing problems.
- Advocates are calling for immediate action to improve living conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for the well-being of service members.
An advocacy group named Hots&Cots has gathered photos from anonymous service members to highlight unsanitary living conditions at U.S. military bases. Issues reported include mold, pests, and contaminated water, prompting eight organizations to urge the Pentagon for immediate action. The Department of Defense recently launched a Housing Feedback System to allow service members to report housing conditions, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring healthy living environments. However, a Government Accountability Office report from September 2023 revealed ongoing problems in military housing, including inadequate oversight and lack of clear inspection standards. Hots&Cots was created to provide a platform for service members to anonymously share their experiences, with nearly 8,000 photos and 400 reviews submitted since its inception. Advocates, including Rep. Richard Hudson, stress the need for efficient use of funds allocated for housing improvements, criticizing the military for not adequately addressing the poor living conditions that affect morale and well-being.