WASHINGTON — Enlisted leaders from the nation's military branches told lawmakers that quality of life for the troops is a top concern.
The military leaders said taking care of the men and women in uniform is mission essential.
However, they acknowledged numerous challenges remain.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) agreed.
"If we can't support our service members and their families we're going to lose people. And we're already struggling with retention as well as recruitment," she said.
Providing adequate housing, getting mental health help, preventing sexual assault and improving affordable childcare are among the concerns.
The list went on and on for the branches' top enlisted military advisors on the subject of enhancing the quality of life for America's 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies on Wednesday asked about a September 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which revealed deplorable conditions in in around 9,000 military barracks at more than 500 U.S. military bases.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea said his branch is committed to getting sailors off of ships and into decent quarters.
"Make no doubt about it. We do believe that every sailor deserves to have a separation from work life and into their home life so they have a place to decompress both physically and mentally so they can be refreshed," he said.
And, following 492 service-wide military deaths by suicide in 2022, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi said suicide prevention is "a top priority."
"We're dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of our personnel and encouraging them to seek help when they need it," he said.
Sgt. Major of the Army Michael Weimer said soldiers, civilians and families are "our most valued asset."
He vowed the Army will take care of them "now and into the future."