In general, we observed that the Army’s, Navy’s, and  Marine Corps’ Parris Island barracks were in the worst physical condition. Our visits to the basic training locations confirmed that most of the  barracks had significant or major deficiencies, but we found some apparent  inconsistencies in the application of C-ratings to describe the condition of  the barracks. Without adequate maintenance, facilities tend to deteriorate more  rapidly. Some Improvements Have Been Made

While most barracks across the services had significant deficiencies, others  were in better condition, primarily because they had recently been  constructed or renovated. Military Services Have Different Approaches for Barracks’ Recapitalization

The services’ approaches to recapitalize their recruit barracks vary and are  influenced by their overall priorities to improve all facilities. The Air Force has placed a high priority on renovating, rather than  replacing its recruit barracks in the near-term.
Why GAO Did This Study

The Department of Defense reports that is has been faced with difficulties adequately maintaining its facilities to meet mission requirements. Facilities have been aging and deteriorating as funds needed to sustain and recapitalize the facilities have fallen short of requirements. GAO's review of the services' condition assessments in conjunction with visits to the basic training locations showed that most barracks were in need of significant repair, although some barracks were in better condition than others.

What GAO Found

GAO found that the exteriors of each service's barracks were generally in good condition and presented an acceptable appearance, but the barracks' infrastructure often had persistent repair problems because of inadequate maintenance. The services' approaches to recapitalize their recruit barracks vary and are influenced by their overall priorities to improve all facilities. Although the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are addressing many of their recapitalization needs in the near-term, most of the Army's plans are longer term.