The Navy faces a stubborn challenge in keeping enlisted barracks clean and safe as aging facilities, deferred maintenance, and tight budgets collide with the demands of readiness. Leaders are weighing a bold approach that would let sailors perform some repairs themselves to reclaim ownership of their spaces.

“I do see more kind of DIY in our future, but not over-the-top kind of DIY, but just kind of how you would normally do if it was your own house,” Perryman said. The remark reflects a broader push to empower sailors while preserving safety and standards.

It gives us some ownership, where I feel some level of responsibility and pride in the way my barracks looks, Perryman added. That sense of accountability echoes a wider aim to strengthen morale through practical ownership of living conditions.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

That’s why the Defense Department needs to define exactly what types of repairs service members can do on their own, said Evans, who is a member of the Defense Department’s task force focused on improving barracks. The question is not whether self help is a virtue, but how far it can responsibly go.

We need to have those things documented: This is a specialized task; we don’t want you fixing your microwave or self-helping fixing the condenser line on the HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air conditioning] unit, Evans said. Clear standards matter if sailors are to take on repairs without inviting danger or liability.

That’s a population of human beings we massively underutilized in this area, especially given the costs for [military construction] and other things to go after, Perryman said. The potential is sizable if the Navy can harness the talent and discipline already present among its sailors.

We didn’t get here overnight, Perryman reminded crews. It is a big problem, and it will take time to truly fix it, even as policymakers move toward faster, smarter fixes.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

A 2023 GAO report found that about 5,000 sailors lived in substandard barracks. That statistic underscores the scale of the housing challenge and the urgency of a practical reform path.

Earlier this year, the Navy ordered a service wide inspection after Palau Hall at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam revealed serious conditions. Sailors were moved, and leadership pledged to push the process forward with more discipline and accountability.

One of the things I’ve been trying to do is really pump some energy into self help, Caudle said during a November all hands meeting. The point is to mobilize sailors to take appropriate pride in their spaces while staying within defined safety lines.

Specifically, Caudle said sailors should be able to patch holes in their walls, paint the exterior of their barracks, fix memorials on base, and sweep and pick up trash. These tasks reflect a practical form of self help that aligns with shipboard routines and the reality ashore.

You wouldn’t think twice about doing this on a ship, Caudle said. But I put you ashore, and it’s like: Ah, can’t do that; where’s the building manager? I’m looking at the building manager. The contrast highlights where leadership must set clear expectations.

Self help looks good on paper, but what does that really mean? Evans asked, emphasizing the need for precise definitions and guardrails. In other words, the goal is to empower sailors while ensuring safety and accountability, not to abdicate responsibility.

Perryman also suggested that Seabees could be tapped for more complicated repairs. That is a promising path, given the cost and pace of traditional construction, but it must be guided by workable standards and oversight.

The housing challenge is not just a budget line item; it is a test of leadership and readiness. It requires a disciplined approach that blends responsibility with practical innovation, and it must be grounded in safety, not shortcuts.

From a political perspective, supporters of President Trump would argue that this approach reflects pragmatic leadership that prioritizes results and accountability. They would contend that empowering sailors to contribute to their own living spaces can boost morale and readiness at the same time.

In the end, the Navy faces a choice between piecemeal fixes and a fundamental shift in how crews own their quarters. The path forward will demand careful standards, steady discipline, and steady investment. It will require patience, but the payoff could be safer, cleaner, and more livable barracks for those who serve.

The core idea remains simple: fix what can be fixed locally, harness skilled hands where possible, and reserve specialized work for trained professionals. If done correctly, the plan could become a model for other services and a testament to pragmatic leadership at a moment when the nation needs to show it can move quickly without compromising safety.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DrewBerquist.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.