While the General is not wrong, there is more context to consider. At Camp Lejeune in 2015, I was in 2DLAR, and was moved from C Company to the S-2 shop to prepare me for separation from the USMC. I worked with a former MARSOC SSgt. and we ran Facilities for a few months. Now, I'm not a mycologist, but I was tasked with eliminating mold in a barracks. The scenario: A company of Marines was deployed on a MEU, and the air conditioning in their barracks went out. This was summer in North Carolina, so it was a big problem. We had to assemble a group of 20+ Marines to clean each room by scrubbing the floors, walls, inside cabinets, under beds, and throw out all of the bedding. Could this have been prevented? Possibly. Better leadership and initiative could have presented a scenario in which the barracks of deployed Marines were checked more than once a week. At the same time, I cleaned mold almost daily in my own rooms I lived in across my time in the Corps. It was a constant fight. After even just a 5-10 field opp, the mold gets a good foothold. The real issue though? Dilapidated, old, and broken barracks that have been left to crumble as the military points its procurement dollars to other uses. Retention requires good housing. Recruiting requires good housing. Good order and discipline, and pride, require good housing. Don't believe me? Ask your soldiers. Don't know how to ask them in a way that is data-driven, anonymous, and reliable? Let's chat.
But wait he went on a tour of the barracks and they looked pristine!!
Experience Management Leader
10moMax Dreyer, again you are bringing a unique perspective to this argument, which I greatly appreciate. I’ve resisted the urge to post photos of my previous mold-infested Marine Corps dwellings - and instead will simply say - you are 100% correct. A primary barrier to recruiting and retention is the service member experience in this area and others.