Eight advocacy groups, including Hots&Cots, are urging the Pentagon to address the unsanitary and unsafe living conditions on U.S. military bases worldwide. The groups are highlighting issues such as mold, bad air quality, contaminated water, lead paint, and pests in an effort to prompt immediate action from the military, rather than waiting for planned renovations. The organizations argue that delaying action compromises the well-being and morale of service members.
Photos submitted to Hots&Cots show evidence of the poor conditions, including mold on the ceiling of an Army dining room in South Korea, roaches at a Texas Air Force base, brown water flowing from a faucet in New Jersey, and more. These images, while not independently verified by NBC News, have been assessed by volunteers to ensure their authenticity. Hots&Cots was created as a platform for service members to anonymously upload photos and reviews of their housing and dining facilities, with nearly 8,000 photos and 400 reviews submitted since its inception.
In 2023, the Government Accountability Office released a report highlighting substandard living conditions in government-owned barracks and military housing operated by private companies. The report detailed issues such as mold, broken windows, and sewage problems, and recommended increased oversight from the Department of Defense. Historically, the DOD has not established clear inspection standards or provided guidance on addressing these issues, leading to a lack of accountability in maintaining proper living conditions.
Rob Evans, founder of Hots&Cots, created the app after reading the GAO report and recognizing the need for a platform to address housing issues. A former Army Reserve and National Guard member, Evans understands the challenges faced by service members living in inadequate conditions. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring basic living standards for those who serve their country and aims to provide a conduit for individuals to report issues anonymously, eliminating the fear of reprisal for speaking out.
Congressman Richard Hudson, R-N.C., has expressed support for the efforts led by Evans and Hots&Cots, highlighting the inefficient use of funds earmarked for improving military housing. Hudson, whose district includes Fort Bragg, formerly Fort Liberty, acknowledges the necessity of utilizing resources effectively to maintain suitable living conditions for service members. The advocacy groups are amplifying their call for action from the Pentagon and military leadership to address these critical quality-of-life issues immediately.
Despite the challenges faced by service members in navigating the bureaucracy to address housing issues, Evans remains optimistic about the potential for positive change within the military. By allowing individuals to report anonymously through Hots&Cots, he hopes to empower enlisted troops to speak truthfully about their living conditions and advocate for necessary improvements. With the support of advocacy groups, lawmakers, and concerned citizens, the push for accountability and action to address unsafe and unhygienic living conditions on military bases continues to gain momentum.
