Pentagon Failing to Address Housing Shortages Near Military Bases, GAO Report Finds

According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the Pentagon's failure to adequately monitor housing availability near U.S. military bases has resulted in substantial hardships for service members. Due to the soaring rent costs and limited housing options, many soldiers are compelled to leave their families behind, take on additional jobs, or live in recreational vehicles.

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The GAO report identifies deficiencies in Pentagon policy regarding Housing Requirements and Market Analyses (HMRAs), designed to evaluate the housing supply close bases every four years. Nevertheless, the Navy has recently updated the majority of its reports. In contrast, many Air Force reports are over a decade old, indicating that branches are inconsistent without unambiguous guidance. This has resulted in Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Key West experiencing difficulty keeping up with local market fluctuations. In Key West, one sailor has resorted to residing with multiple housemates.

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Service members report declining quality of life, with some experiencing lengthy commutes, unsafe living conditions, substantial financial strain, and housing scarcity. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported that certain personnel have been compelled to dip into their savings or incur debt to cover essential expenses.

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Despite the incremental pay increases, the current compensation adjustments do not entirely resolve the housing shortage. The GAO suggests that the Pentagon prioritize areas with critical shortages, enhance data collection on housing issues, and pursue alternative compensation strategies.

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