Texas joint base barracks to be demolished, forcing relocation of over 5,000 enlisted medical students

Published Jul 24, 07:12 PM UTC

Over 5,000 Army, Navy, and Air Force enlisted medical students at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston are being relocated due to systemic infrastructure failures in their barracks. The dormitories, built in 2014 using modular construction methods at a cost of $140 million each, suffer from foundational defects, mold, and persistent climate control issues that cannot be permanently repaired. The base is demolishing the five multi-story barracks and reconstructing them with traditional building methods. Approximately 2,000 students have been moved since July 11, 2026, with demolition set for September 2026 and reconstruction expected to cost over $1.4 billion in fiscal years 2027-2028. The relocation follows the creation of the Pentagon's Barracks Task Force in October 2025, aimed at improving military living conditions. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report highlighted decades of poor barracks conditions, including safety risks and morale issues.