Marine Corps Orders Force-wide Inspection of Barracks Amid Reports of Poor Conditions

According to a press release from the service on Wednesday, the order for installation leadership to conduct wall-to-wall inspections was put into effect late last week and is slated for completion by March 15.

The primary objectives of the inspection, as stated by a Marine Corps spokesperson, are threefold. Firstly, it seeks to guarantee the well-being of Marines in their living spaces. Secondly, it aims to gain insight into the state of barracks facilities across the force. Lastly, it intends to lay the groundwork for the service’s newly unveiled barracks revitalization initiative, Barracks 2030.

This force-wide inspection follows a series of reports and images depicting unsanitary and uninhabitable conditions for service members within the military. Notable instances include a recent incident at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where a cockroach infestation prompted the relocation of affected Marines from their rooms.

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Chris Mahoney emphasized the importance of leadership accountability in addressing these issues, stating, “Although the budget is tight, our leadership – your leadership – is paramount. And its impact far exceeds any amount of money we can put in a budget.”

To conduct unbiased assessments, the Marine Corps has directed all installation commanders to assign senior noncommissioned officers or civilian equivalents outside of the chain of command to oversee the inspections. This move aims to ensure transparency and objectivity in evaluating barracks conditions.

Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, head of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), highlighted the significance of the inspection in providing a baseline assessment of barracks conditions. This data will inform the transition to professional management and facilitate prompt resolution of facility-related issues.

Under the Barracks 2030 initiative, the Marine Corps plans to implement substantial changes to improve living conditions for Marines over the next decade. This includes transitioning enlisted barracks managers to civilian employees and introducing staff noncommissioned officers as resident advisers.

As the inspection progresses, Marine Corps leaders underscore the importance of promptly addressing any concerns related to life, health, and safety within the barracks. The initiative reflects the service’s commitment to ensuring optimal living conditions for its personnel.