US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Pentagon task force aimed at upgrading military barracks nationwide.
Unveiled during a swearing-in ceremony for new recruits at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Hegseth said the team will draft a plan within 30 days, focusing on improving living conditions for service members.
About $1 billion in initial investment will fund the effort, sourced from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed last July.
The move follows a 2023 Government Accountability Office report that found many barracks in unsafe and unhealthy condition, citing mold, pests, sewage leaks, and broken fire systems, which the agency said hurt troop morale and readiness.
At the announcement, Hegseth criticized the previous administration for failing to act on the report and said the new task force will give commanders greater authority over upkeep and repairs.
“It is simply unacceptable that in some cases, our warriors continue to live in substandard housing,” The Hill quoted Hegseth as saying. “Every warfighter of our joint force deserves housing that is clean, comfortable and safe.”
Hegseth added that he will personally review and approve the final plan before implementation.
Housing Setbacks, Pledge to Warfighters
Earlier this year, the Department of Defense redirected nearly $1 billion originally intended for US Army barracks repairs to support troop deployments at the southern border, drawing criticism from lawmakers.
Military housing in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where many service members are stationed, has also faced long-standing issues with aging buildings and health concerns.
A plan to transfer junior enlisted housing to private management in the region has been in development for more than a year, with $380 million proposed in the defense budget.
Congress is expected to vote on the plan after the government shutdown ends, local news agency WHRO reported.
Despite these challenges, Hegseth assured troops in his Naval Air Station Oceana speech that the Pentagon remains committed to improving standards.
“In crucial ways, big and small, the Department of War is going to have your back like never before, not just in the fight, but alongside your family, alongside your welfare,” he stated.
