By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent federal watchdog report revealed deplorable living conditions for soldiers deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2025. Inspectors observed unsanitary conditions, including leaking sewage and non-functional facilities, at both Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Doña Ana Range Complex in New Mexico. Medical teams documented health and safety concerns, such as respiratory issues from air conditioners and increased insect populations due to standing water. The report also highlighted cramped living spaces that violated regulations regarding the amount of space per soldier.
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Soldiers at border lived with ‘leaking raw sewage,’ broken toilets, no AC, watchdog finds, and this is truly disheartening. You hear stories, you read reports, but sometimes it’s hard to fully grasp the reality until you start putting the pieces together. The basic idea is soldiers, the people tasked with defending our nation, are often forced to endure incredibly poor living conditions. It’s almost as if the most fundamental aspects of human dignity are overlooked when it comes to their wellbeing.
The issue of soldiers at border living in these conditions, is more than just a matter of discomfort; it’s a matter of health and safety. The accounts of raw sewage, broken toilets, and the absence of air conditioning paint a grim picture. Imagine trying to perform your duties, to be alert and ready, while constantly dealing with such unsanitary and uncomfortable surroundings. It’s a fundamental failure of leadership when the people we ask to make sacrifices are, in turn, subjected to such neglect.
The existence of a disconnect between what should be, and what is, seems to be a consistent theme in how soldiers’ quality of life is handled. There are reports of inspector generals trying to make themselves known, to provide a channel for complaints, but also accounts of those in positions of authority actively working to undermine these efforts. It’s almost as if they want to hide the issues, to prevent them from being addressed.
The bigger the base, the worse the problems seem to be, which makes me think there’s a systemic problem at play. You’d think the military, a highly structured and organized entity, would have the resources and mechanisms to ensure basic living standards. But from the sounds of it, that’s not always the case. The accounts of World War II-era barracks still in use and the need to rig up makeshift solutions to deal with sewage are just unacceptable.
The financial aspect also raises some questions. While soldiers are receiving financial assistance, it’s fair to wonder if the money is prioritized to meet their fundamental needs. You would think the priority would be on ensuring a safe and decent place to live and work.
It’s clear, though, that comfort isn’t necessarily the primary goal. The idea of “toughening up” soldiers, of preparing them for the rigors of combat by making their everyday lives difficult, is definitely something that’s been mentioned. But even that mindset shouldn’t justify the conditions that have been reported. Soldiers need to be able to focus on their missions, not worry about basic sanitation or temperature control.
Why can’t soldiers with certain skill sets fix the small things? It’s a valid question. The military is a huge organization with a multitude of skilled people. It seems logical that they could use these in-house skills to address these everyday issues.
The issue of the military’s procurement practices, as highlighted with the ashtray example, is also a relevant factor. The way the government buys supplies, and the regulations that come with it, can sometimes lead to excessive costs and inefficiency. It seems like the military supply chain could be part of the problem here.
In the end, it really boils down to priorities. Are we prioritizing the comfort and well-being of the people who serve, or are we content with a system that often overlooks these things? The contrast is jarring: on the one hand, a promise of financial assistance, and on the other, the stark reality of raw sewage and broken facilities. The whole situation really just needs attention, and quickly.