US Soldiers STRUGGLING – Army Forced to Respond!
(ConservativeHub.com) – An ongoing issue with mold at Army barracks in North Carolina continues to concern many people. Over a thousand soldiers are undergoing relocation as the military shuts down the contaminated units. The problem isn’t solved, and officials hope a new inspection system will help.
Inspection Issues and a New System
After various reports about black mold at Fort Bragg, Army Materiel Command head General Edward Daly told Military.com on August 25 that officials are taking steps to remedy the situation and ensure it doesn’t happen again. He explained the inspection process would change, and the Army is implementing a new tracking system to stay on top of problems.
Currently, soldiers do inspections, usually as extra duty assignments. They have little to no training on spotting issues or what to do if they notice something that requires attention. The process involves a list of what to look for, but it can be extensive and overwhelming.
Personnel are supposed to report any issues to their commander, but too often, this doesn’t happen. They fail to submit their findings or have no idea something is wrong and neglect to mark problems on the inspection sheet.
Daly explained the Army will now employ trained, knowledgeable professionals in the field to conduct all future inspections. They also have a new tracking system, which has been three years in the making, to follow issues and ensure prompt attention.
Problems at Fort Bragg
The situation regarding black mold at Smoke Bomb Hill barracks at Fort Bragg in North Carolina is prompting these changes and requiring around 1,200 soldiers to undergo relocation.
Leaky air conditioning systems in 12 separate buildings, including the US Special Operations Command, caused the mold problem. The fungus spores infect everything, including furniture, clothing, and bedding, requiring people to throw out personal items. ABC 11 reported in September 2021 that one soldier at Fort Bragg returned from Afghanistan to find his living space covered in mold. The soldier’s father said his son experienced breathing issues just from spending a short time there.
However, the current relocation effort is leading to other issues. The property market isn’t good, and the Army can only move around 300 soldiers to base housing. Many remain in the barracks in areas that may not have excessive mold growth but could still pose health risks to occupants.
The military had plans to demolish the site in five years, but the current problems have shortened that timeline. Still, officials were unprepared for a move at this time. New barracks are in the works, but it will be some time before the accommodations are open for move-in. For now, soldiers are scrambling to find somewhere to live.
About Black Mold
Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum is most often the result of water leaks. It must have moisture to grow and thrive. Exposure to the spores can lead to respiratory irritation. Those with higher sensitivity, such as people with allergies or lung conditions, are more susceptible to serious effects.
Exposure may also lead to mycotoxicosis or mold poisoning, according to Medical News Today. Symptoms include body pain, headaches, memory loss, nosebleeds, and mood changes. The website reports that severe reactions could lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Ongoing Struggles
The black mold problem isn’t new. It’s been a consistent issue at Fort Bragg, with reports going back years.
In December 2021, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth about the issue. He spoke of the multiple reports he got from those living at Fort Bragg and demanded attention to the matter and a viable solution to the problem. Before that, in 2020, the Army relocated over 200 soldiers for the same reason.
Each time a story like this gets into the media, officials insist they are looking out for the best interests of the men and women serving this country, but repeat instances keep arising. However, Smoke Bomb Hill Barracks and multiple other buildings are reportedly set to be demolished in the next year, while other barracks will undergo renovations. Do you think this will be enough to make a difference for the living conditions of soldiers at Fort Bragg?
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