Pentagon pressured to address hazardous conditions on US bases

Eight advocacy groups are calling on the Pentagon to address hazardous living conditions faced by military families on U.S. bases worldwide. These conditions include mold, contaminated water, lead paint and pest infestations. The groups insist these issues need immediate attention rather than waiting for long-term renovations that could take years.

Leading this effort is Hots&Cots, an organization that enables service members to report housing and dining conditions anonymously. Since its launch in October 2023, nearly 8,000 photos and around 400 reviews have been submitted, revealing serious problems in military housing.

The images, vetted for accuracy by volunteers, depict mold-covered ceilings, discolored tap water and pest-infested facilities.

This is completely unacceptable. Every day I strive advocating that quality of life of our service members deserve better. The @DeptofDefense needs to do better for our service members. https://t.co/3MDUiWFgxZ

— hots&cots (@hotscots_app) August 26, 2024

Rob Evans, founder of Hots&Cots, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, warning that delays directly compromise the well-being and morale of service members.

Evans, a former sergeant in the Army Reserves and National Guard, developed the app after reading a September 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that highlighted severe issues in military housing and called for greater oversight.

“The Department of Defense must act sooner rather than later to address the quality-of-life issues facing our service members,” Evans said Tuesday, Aug. 27, in a statement. “Every day that these issues go unresolved is another day that the well-being and morale of those who serve are compromised.”

The GAO report documented poor living conditions, including mold, mildew, broken windows, and overflowing sewage in both government-owned barracks and privately-operated military housing. The report criticized the Department of Defense (DOD) for not setting clear inspection standards or providing guidance on how to address these problems.

In response to growing concerns, the DOD recently introduced a Housing Feedback System designed to gather input from service members on their living conditions. A Pentagon spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to providing safe and functional living spaces for military families.

The push for reform has garnered support from lawmakers like Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., who criticized the inefficient use of funds allocated for housing improvements. Hudson vowed to hold military leaders accountable until service members receive the high-quality housing they deserve.

Evans continues to operate Hots&Cots independently, receiving no financial support from the Pentagon or his employer. He hopes the app can be a platform for service members to voice their concerns and drive real change in military housing conditions.