Recently released footage from a government investigation has revealed the dire conditions in the country’s military barracks.
Images of overflowing sewage flowing through bathrooms, moldy ceilings and pest-infested bedrooms show the poor quality of housing for the serving military, despite an annual Pentagon budget of $831 billion.
The shocking report, titled “Poor Living Conditions Undermine Quality of Life and Preparedness,” was released following an investigation conducted by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office.
The survey, conducted at 10 military bases in California, Colorado, Texas and DC, also revealed broken windows, broken AC units and black mold.
Researchers concluded that the Pentagon simply does not know where its money is being spent.
The report found that sewage regularly overflowed into one of the facility’s bathrooms
Mold was prevalent in five of the facilities visited by researchers
One service member said they had developed breathing problems due to the rampant mold
“DoD requested approximately $15 billion for overall facility maintenance for fiscal year 2024, but was unable to determine how much of this total would be spent on barracks,” the report said.
The report also noted shocking incidents such as military members being forced to clear a room after a soldier died by suicide.
“Installation officials told us that military personnel are responsible for cleaning up biological waste left in a barracks room after a suicide,” the report said.
In addition, at one installation we noticed a stench throughout the entire barracks. Plant officials told us the odor came from methane gas leaking from aging sewer line lines that routinely burst and require replacement,” the report said.
“These officials recognized that exposure to methane gas is a health risk.”
While visiting one of the barracks, investigators entered a room occupied by squatters during their tour, but were told that the facility was continually trying and failing to remove them.
One of the squatters was a discharged soldier who, according to the report, had continued to live in the barracks.
In one facility, security was so lax that “ex-husband broke in and physically assaulted soldier in barracks.”
The report stated that recruits ‘believe that poor living conditions may contribute to higher suicide rates among barracks residents’
While visiting one of the barracks, investigators entered a room occupied by squatters during their tour
During the investigation, troops raised security concerns. Here a sign states that the fire alarm system of a barracks was not in operation
Images released in the report show missing fire extinguishers in moldy lockers
General disrepair, such as broken windows, appeared to be rampant at the locations visited
Troops say poorly lit hallways, blind spots in hallways and hallways and a lack of security cameras made it difficult to keep the barracks safe.
Service members told researchers they were concerned about the risk of sexual assault while living in a barracks.
About a third of all reported cases of sexual assault in the military occurred in on-base housing, according to Pentagon data.
One barracks visited in 2022 had to close due to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.
“Officials told us that only barracks that house health care patients, and thus are subject to Joint Commission health standards, undergo water testing that would reveal Legionella,” the report said.
They added: ‘They also said they are not testing other barracks to ensure similar levels of water quality and safety as they are not required to do so.’
At another facility, interviews with troops revealed how sewage overflowed repeatedly and had to be continually fought back by troops.
“Barracks managers at multiple installations told us they had to organize work days for service members to repaint exterior or interior walls, replace ceiling tiles, or clear significant sewer overflows,” the report said.
The poor conditions contribute to despair and even suicidal thoughts among those living in barracks, the report concludes
Service members told researchers they were concerned about the risk of sexual assault while living in a barracks
Mold was also a widespread problem in the barracks, with all twelve discussion groups raising concerns.
One soldier claimed they had developed breathing problems due to the rampant fungus.
The poor conditions contribute to despair and even suicidal thoughts among those living in barracks, the report concludes.
“Service members in three of the 12 discussion groups told us that barracks conditions contributed to substance abuse,” the report said.
They added: ‘They added that they believe poor living conditions may contribute to higher suicide rates among barracks residents.
“Overall, service members or first sergeants at three installations have expressed concern about suicidal ideation.”
The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.