CAMP PENDLETON, CA -- Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) hosted the 2025 Housing Symposium and Unaccompanied Housing Advisory Group (UHAG) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 27-30, 2025. The four-day event brought together more than 120 attendees, representing six regions and more than 20 installations. Attendees consisted of Marine Corps leadership, housing professionals, and partner organizations to discuss critical issues affecting the Marine Corps housing community.
2025 KEY INITIATIVES & DISCUSSION TOPICS
Barracks 2030 is a priority for the Commandant of the Marine Corps and was a key topic throughout the event. Attendees participated in a series of discussions to enhance the living conditions for unaccompanied Marines and Sailors that includes strategic investments in priority areas such as infrastructure, furnishings, and the overall management of barracks.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, MCICOM commanding general, addressed attendees with opening remarks, highlighting the importance of strengthening housing standards and improving quality of life for Marines. MajGen Woodworth said where Marines live and how they feel like they are taken care of is important for their readiness to go and do what the nation asks of them.
MCICOM housing management staff discussed the initiatives currently underway and provided a forum to identify and prioritize issues and initiatives related to unaccompanied housing (UH) operations, resulting in a shared goal of enhancing standards in barracks. Barracks management has transitioned to a civilian workforce, returning active-duty service members to their primary responsibilities. The system for ordering barracks furniture is now centralized through the U.S. Army Huntsville Engineering and Support Center, standardizing rooms and reducing cost. Ongoing pilot initiatives include enhanced door locks, and improved maintenance response times.
PURPOSE, IMPACT, AND WAY AHEAD: MAINTAINING THE SERVICE’S PROACTIVE
APPROACH TO HOUSING OPERATIONS
The UHAG develops and maintains a proactive approach to UH operations and management through a comprehensive level of awareness, direction, and advocacy regarding UH issues. It meets annually to provide coordinated recommendations for informed decision making across the U.S. Marine Corps enterprise.
The Marine Corps is also targeting its service members and their families with improvements. MajGen Woodworth explained that the Marine Corps has responded to challenges in family housing in recent years and continues to emphasize the need for enhancements.
Housing managers and leaders discussed process improvements and the need to maintain strong relationships with privatized partners to ensure the effective management of housing resources. Presentations on the continued efforts to improve privatized housing included the dispute resolution process, tenant satisfaction survey results, training requirements, and the newly launched DoD Housing Feedback System, among others.
For additional information, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCICOM. For further information on MCICOM Housing, visit https://www.mcicom.marines.mil/Sections/GF-Facilities/GF-HM-Housing-Management/.