Camp Pendleton, California. (November 25, 2024): The Marines are turning to a reliable workforce to help improve barracks living conditions… fellow Marines. In this photo by Lance Corporal Jeslianne Torres, Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion measure drywall during Operation Clean Sweep, a joint initiative between Marine Corps Installations West and the I Marine Expeditionary to improve living conditions for Marines and Sailors.
Operation Clean Sweep is a determined effort by the Marines to renovate troop barracks that have fallen into disrepair over the years. Instead of relying solely on outside contractors, the Corps has turned to its members to tackle “Self-Help” projects at installations around the world. While using limited contract labor for specific projects, the Navy is relying on Marines and Sailors to work together on projects to address their maintenance needs.
In fact, Marines now must “sign” for their dwellings (just like they do for their rifles) in a contract very similar to a civilian rental agreement. That means damage to their rooms will be their financial responsibility including paying for repairs or damaged equipment much like they would for a lost helmet. The goal is to instill a sense of “ownership” to encourage individual Marines to take care of their “property.”
The goal of Operation Clean Sweep is to create a clean, safe, and secure environment for Marines and Sailors to rest and recharge. The operation is intended to address issues like moldy walls, water leaks, and inoperable appliances. At Camp Pendleton, for example, the 1st Marine Logistics Group fanned out across this sprawling base to paint, plug up holes in drywall, and clean trails and brush. In addition, the command has dedicated money to fund needed barracks repairs, buy air conditioners for rooms that lack cooling, and a create a stocked warehouse for do-it-yourself fixes.
For the initiative, MCI-West and I MEF commands contributed just over $6 million from Fiscal Year 2024 funds to cover $2.2 million worth of backlogged repairs, equip a self-help warehouse, and buy window locks and nearly 6,200 air conditioners. As of this writing, Marines and sailors have completed 850 self-help projects ranging from replacing window screens, towel racks, door locks, and doing drywall repairs.
Officials envision Operation Clean Sweep becoming a semi-annual event to maintain clean, safe, and attractive homes for the troops. Unsurprisingly, they turn to their most hardworking and dedicated resource… fellow Marines.