Safety for all residents is the main concern. Domestic violence is a common occurrence in the military. In fact domestic violence within the military is five times greater than the civilian population. It is a growing problem and it affects everyone, it destroys individuals, ruins families and weakens our communi

ties. In fact, it occurs often enough for the Department of Defense [DOD] to make it an issue that a specific task force was formed to evaluate family violence programs and policies. The DOD declares that domestic violence will not be tolerated, yet, there is still an increase and those individuals that conduct such acts are still permitted to reside in government housing (“Violence”1).

The implementation of background checks and stricter guidelines on residents can improve the standard of living and create safer environments for all residents in military housing. With improvement to the quality of life the military will benefit both physically and financially.

There is an immense need to put an end to this destructive phase of our community. To improve the standard of living, the first stage would be for the housing office in conjunction with the Provost Marshal to begin conducting background checks on soldiers and family members prior to occupying housing. The housing office should also contact previous landlords, or other military housing offices, for past rental history that may prevent soldiers the privilege to reside in government housing. This action may eliminate much of the criminal activity that occurs daily within the housing areas. Criminal activity conducted by any family member such as domestic violence within the past 2 years will be denied housing unless a letter of exemption from the soldier’s chain of command is received. Residents involved in domestic violence while occupying housing will be required to attend counseling and chain of command notified. If soldier fails to receive counseling or if continued vi

Some topics in this essay:
Military Police, Provost Marshal, Housing Government, Defense DOD, Fort Bragg, Preventive Medicine, Lee Village, domestic violence, military housing, government housing, chain command, soldiers family, Marshal’s Office, Garey Scott, soldier’s chain command, rental history, background checks, soldier’s chain, command notified, past rental, past rental history, chain command notified, improve standard living, poor sanitary conditions,