Modest Increase in Contentment with Housing Conditions Revealed in Survey Results
Army Announces Housing Improvements and Surveys
The United States Army has taken significant strides to enhance its housing facilities, with a focus on both family and unaccompanied housing for junior enlisted soldiers.
In a recent development, the Army Housing Tenant Satisfaction Survey has been expanded to include Army-owned permanent party unaccompanied housing residents. This move demonstrates a commitment to improving living conditions for unaccompanied soldiers, as highlighted by Maj. Gen. James Smith.
The fiscal year 2026 Army budget request includes substantial investments in barracks. A total of $2.4 billion is allocated for barracks sustainment, restoration, and modernization, and $411 million for barracks construction. These funds will address the repair, reconstruction, and modernization needs of Army facilities, particularly focusing on unaccompanied housing for junior enlisted and unaccompanied soldiers.
Independent third-party inspections of the entire family housing inventory are being conducted, and a standardized inspection checklist has been implemented. Additionally, 100% "change of occupancy" inspections and assurance checks on life, health, and safety work orders in family housing have been implemented.
The Army has also seen improvements in tenant satisfaction scores. Overall satisfaction scores for Army-owned and leased family housing increased from 73 to 74.1, while scores for privatized family housing rose from 75.8 to 76. Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers emphasized that the feedback from soldiers and families is invaluable for improving Army housing.
Similarly, overall satisfaction scores for privatized unaccompanied housing increased from 87 to 87.4. Maj. Gen. James Smith stated that the survey results allow for tracking improvement, providing oversight, and driving action across installations with privatized housing providers.
However, there have been complaints about mold and pest issues, inadequate facilities, cramped living spaces, and maintenance delays among soldiers living in barracks. To address these concerns, installations have 60 days to develop action plans after receiving the survey results.
To gather more feedback from soldiers, Army officials are planning to improve marketing of future surveys. Over the next five fiscal years, the Army plans to invest $2.3 billion in government-owned family housing.
IMCOM will work directly in support of senior commanders to identify opportunities for barracks improvements. The survey results continue to inform the Facility Investment Plan, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address the needs of soldiers and families. Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers reiterated that the feedback from soldiers and families is crucial for improving Army housing, and the Army remains committed to making necessary improvements.
