Gen Z soldiers reveal they will only join the Army if they are given better wifi and ensuite bathrooms
Your army needs you! Unless you’re Gen Z, in which case you need better WiFi and bathroom suites more.
In fact, according to a report on armed forces housing, these were among the top requirements for young troops. Having a double bed and a good kitchen to prepare their own meals were also in the top four criteria for Gen Z soldiers, defined as under 27 years old.
The findings, from a Department of Defense survey, listed 19 requirements that young, single service members now expect to receive during their time in service. Troops living in newer barracks usually have a room to themselves, and the most modern ones have private bathrooms.
But on older bases, many troops have communal areas, showers and toilets – with as many as six soldiers sharing one space.
The report also suggested that thousands of troops leave the armed forces every year due to substandard housing and the poor quality of food served in canteens.
The findings, from a Department of Defense survey, listed 19 requirements that young, single service members now expect to receive during their time in service
The report suggested that thousands of troops leave the armed forces every year due to substandard housing and the poor quality of food served in canteens.
A third of all soldiers believe they pay too much for their housing. More than 20,000 military personnel have filed formal complaints about housing in the past two years
Up to 40 percent of troops said concerns about housing and food were important factors in their decision to seek alternative careers. Last year, 15,710 troops left the armed forces, with more than 6,000 of them reportedly having complaints about food and housing, according to the survey.
It also showed that a third of all soldiers believe they pay too much for their housing. According to figures from the Ministry of Defense, more than 20,000 soldiers have filed formal complaints about housing in the past two years.
A separate report published earlier this year found that serviced accommodation was plagued by persistent problems including damp, mould, gas and electricity cuts and pests.
Colonel Phil Ingram, a former army intelligence officer, said: ‘There are too many shared facilities, where heating often doesn’t work and roofs leak. There are often problems with pests and – worst of all – there is little privacy.
“I’m not surprised that so many are citing shelter as a reason for leaving as it’s generally horrible.”
A Ministry of Defense spokesperson said it is “committed to addressing the appalling state of service accommodation” and will appoint an Armed Forces Commissioner “to act as a strong, independent advocate for personnel and their families to ensure the improve lifespan’.