The Pentagon’s a slumlord to America’s heroes

Military personnel across the United States are facing severe housing issues, with many living in conditions described as slum-like. Reports indicate that military barracks and family housing are plagued by toxic and dangerous conditions, including black mold, broken air conditioning, and even uncooked food. The Hots&Cots website, founded by Robert Evans, highlights these issues by showcasing disturbing images of the living conditions, such as live wasp nests and rusty water. These problems are exacerbated by inadequate Pentagon contracting, which has left families in unsafe environments filled with vermin and lead paint. The Government Accountability Office has noted that these living conditions negatively impact the readiness of service members, as well as the Pentagon's ability to recruit and retain personnel. The situation is dire enough that some military families are resorting to food stamps to make ends meet. Despite these pressing issues, the Pentagon appears to be prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training over addressing the fundamental needs of service members. This focus on social engineering has been criticized for driving away both recruits and active-duty personnel, further complicating the Pentagon's challenges. The need for a shift in priorities is evident, as the current approach is failing to provide the necessary support for military families. As the next election approaches, there is a call for leadership to refocus the Defense Department's efforts on improving living conditions and ensuring that military personnel are adequately supported. The bureaucrats responsible for these housing issues should be held accountable and redirected to address the basic needs of service members.