Has anyone here ever lived in a World War II barracks?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 01:55:47 -0500

In 1974, Sheppard AFB had them as well as Lackland, and Chanute AFB. No kidding but I would actually dream about them. One colonel said he never saw a barracks as clean as he saw ours and he sent me to leadership school and made me a Yellow Rope.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 26 at 2013 9:11 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:11:10 -0500

1990 - Armstrong Barracks - Buedingen, GE

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Nov 26 at 2013 12:14 PM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:14:11 -0500

CMTC, Hohenfels Germany, Large run down bay style barracks

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 26 at 2013 12:27 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:27:26 -0500

Why yes I have! Three different times all at the same base, USCG Training Center Petaluma (1989, 2006 & 2008). The TRACEN is a WWII Army communication station north of San Francisco which the Coast Guard initially converted into a school house for radioman, and telephone techs. By the time I got there the first time in the late 80s, it also housed the instructor development program, the corpsman schools, personnel and admin schools, some leadership training and some law enforcement training. Cold, drafty, dirty....large cockroaches playing cards at the table in our room when we returned from class in the evenings. Giant rats rifling through our sea bags while we were out. Everything painted the same drab military required color; walls, ceilings, floor, doors. It was great!! Surprisingly enough the classroom facilities are now some of the most modern in the Coast Guard, and the barracks have steadily been replaced over the last generation. Last time I was there was for instructor development training around 2008, and it was much better living. Almost as good as Motel 6. It is now also home to the food services school which means it is the best galley in the Guard.

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 26 at 2013 12:32 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:32:47 -0500

When I went through basic we had them for our barracks @ McClellan in the early 80s

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 26 at 2013 12:33 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:33:18 -0500

Had them for my first duty assignment in Fort Sill in 1984

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 26 at 2013 12:34 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:34:00 -0500

Lived in them @ Fort Belvoir in the late 80s as well

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 1:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:24:57 -0500

I had spent a few days in one at FT. Gordon back in '89. About seven months later, I had also spent about six weeks in another WWII barracks at the "Old Post" on Ft. Drum. About three years later, for PLDC, I was back at "Old Post", once again.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Nov 26 at 2013 9:50 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:50:29 -0500

Absolutely - Ft. Carson, Colorado, 1972 - 1974. We lived in what was called the Mule Barns. It was the old part of Ft. Carson. They were the only remaining WWII barracks on post. They were 2-story 40-man open bays - open showers and open toilets. Absolutely no privacy ever. There was one private room, normally reserved for the platoon sgt, but typically the senior unmarried person occupied that room. Had a single wall locker and a foot locker per person. In 1973 they upgraded us to a double wall locker and the foot locker. That's when the Volar Army began. I was assigned to the 1/10 infantry attached to the 6/32 armor battalion. We had a quardrant with 4 of these barracks and 1 single story building that served as the orderly room/day room. Mess hall and supply rooms were down the block in single story buildings also.

Response by SSG Mark Payton made Nov 27 at 2013 7:30 PM

SSG Mark Payton — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:30:14 -0500

While in the Guard in Texas I did my summer training on an old WWII base that was later used during the Vietnam era to train helicopter pilots. The barracks there were 3 stories tall.

Response by SSG Mark Payton made Nov 27 at 2013 7:32 PM

SSG Mark Payton — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:32:13 -0500

While I was in the Guard in Texas I did summer training on a WWII base that was later used as a helicopter pilot training base during the Vietnam war

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 27 at 2013 7:37 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:37:46 -0500

If you consider my mother in law home as WW11 barracks then I been their  lol

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 27 at 2013 10:06 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:06:55 -0500

During PLDC at Fort Campbell...

Response by COL James Stevens Roach made Nov 27 at 2013 10:13 PM

COL James Stevens Roach — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:13:44 -0500

Back in the mid-1960s throught the mid -1970s World War II "Temporary Buildings" were still in use by the Army. I went through Basic Training in 1966 - WWII Billets at Fort Polk… then in the early 1970s I worked in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning - and that was all run out of WW II "Temporary Buildings". Then at 1st SF Group in Fort Lewis Washington - we were all in WW II Temporary Buildings… And on my last assignment 1993-1995 in 7th SF Group at Fort Bragg, one of the three battalions were still WW Temporary Buildings… There are advantages to the older buildings… you normally had more room… and less 'close supervision' on maintenance, so you had the local authority to make modifications (move or build walls) to make the space more functional for your purposes…

Response by SGT Aristeo Segovia made Nov 27 at 2013 10:29 PM

SGT Aristeo Segovia — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:29:27 -0500

Yes twice Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and in Erlangen Germany, both were great living.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 10:39 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:39:13 -0500

The 7th Army NCO Academy at Grafenwoehr isin WWII barracks, but from the Allied side!

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 27 at 2013 10:48 PM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:48:41 -0500

Fort Knox until recently still had WWII barracks that were the ones the movie Stripes was filmed in. Every summer West Point cadets head to Fort Knox to learn about Armor and every year those barracks, marked as condemned the entire rest of the year, would miraculously be deemed livable and we'd occupy them. Good times!

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 27 at 2013 10:50 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:50:13 -0500

All the time, Ft Benning, Ft Stewart Ft Hood and Ft Knox. Few other places that I am sure I missed.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Nov 28 at 2013 4:10 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:10:49 -0500

Fort Lewis!

Response by LTC Bob Huckabeee made Nov 29 at 2013 9:13 AM

LTC Bob Huckabeee — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:13:09 -0500

As a ROTC cadet at Fort Bragg during the summer of 1966, on numerous training exercises with the 82d and Special Forces in the 70s and 80s, and finally as a JROTC instructor after retirement from active duty.

Response by CPT Don Buzzelli made Nov 29 at 2013 11:03 AM

CPT Don Buzzelli — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 11:03:38 -0500

From the time I entered the service 1964 until 1970 Ft. Jackson, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Benning Jump School, OCS and Ranger School, Ft. Bragg multiple times Special Forces.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 12:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 12:11:25 -0500

The white barracks at Ft Bragg's NCO Academy that you stay in for WLC are from back then if I'm not mistaken. Needless to say, I've never been some place where we needed a "fire guard" more than there.

Response by SSG Jim Handy made Nov 29 at 2013 1:05 PM

SSG Jim Handy — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:05:19 -0500

Yes. When I was the 7th Division at Ft. Ord in 1976-77. I had the NCO room at the end of the bay and the troops lived in the open bay outside my door.

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made Nov 30 at 2013 12:36 AM

SFC Michael Whipple — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:36:00 -0500

I stayed a month in the WW2 barracks for PLDC at Ft. Campbell back in 1998.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 12:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:53:16 -0500

Yes, FT Drum. They still had group showers on old post while living in the barracks, you never got any privacy.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 30 at 2013 2:01 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 02:01:38 -0500

I remember living in the old WWII barracks on Fort Knox when I first joined the Army. They were part of the Reception BN at that time.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Nov 30 at 2013 12:23 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 12:23:11 -0500

Our offices were in them on Ft. Ord. It was called CDEC Hill and overlooked Marina and the bay. I also spent time in them at Ft. McCoy, WI and Mountain Home, ID. The open bay latrine was a bit of an adjustment. No privacy while on the shitter.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 12:47 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 12:47:07 -0500

I basic training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama and Camp Forsyth, Ft. Riley, Kansas during ROTC advanced camp.

Response by SFC Shawn Allen made Nov 30 at 2013 2:49 PM

SFC Shawn Allen — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:49:43 -0500

Yes, 1987 basic training at Ft. Bliss.

Response by SPC Jeff Whitehead made Nov 30 at 2013 5:57 PM

SPC Jeff Whitehead — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 17:57:31 -0500

Yes the Reception Station At Fort Knox in 1982 was all WWII Barracks.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Nov 30 at 2013 9:17 PM

SSgt James Guy — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:17:23 -0500

WWII open bay barracks at Sheppard From September to December 1966, Similar barracks in 68-69 except for a few minor differences. each quad was broken into 2 man rooms with scrounged wood. No doors and outside walls were screens. Bottom half was sandbags. Of course this was in the Nam.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Nov 30 at 2013 10:00 PM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 22:00:26 -0500

Lowry AFB, around 1977 after Boot, Basic Electronics training, 24hr lodging/reception, just for a few days...arrived around 0200, punk ass rope had the nerve to tell me to be ready for inspection by 0600. I told him that if anyone woke me up that I would come looking for him. No one bothered me.

Response by SGT Jerokiah Darr made Nov 30 at 2013 11:30 PM

SGT Jerokiah Darr — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 23:30:23 -0500

In 2001 I lived in the old 30th AG WWII barracks at Ft. Campbell, KY. They were demolished the next year I believe.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Dec 1 at 2013 12:18 AM

SSG Matt Murphy — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:18:21 -0500

Yes - Lackland AFB 1964

Response by SSG Gary Nelson made Dec 1 at 2013 3:26 PM

SSG Gary Nelson — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:26:08 -0500

in fort polk and in panama

Response by SSG Gary Nelson made Dec 1 at 2013 3:27 PM

SSG Gary Nelson — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:27:30 -0500

I was at fort polk and panama in wwII barracks

Response by CAPT Chris Hampton made Dec 1 at 2013 3:35 PM

CAPT Chris Hampton — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:35:19 -0500

Pre deployment training at Ft. Bragg, NC in 2007. The barracks we were assigned to were built in 1943. I think they are still there.

Response by CSM Brenda Dwyer made Dec 1 at 2013 5:49 PM

CSM Brenda Dwyer — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 17:49:34 -0500

Ft. Gordon, GA; Ft. Drum, NY; Camp Smith, Peekskill, NY; Fort Indiantown Gap, PA

Response by MSG Palmer Miller III made Dec 1 at 2013 8:21 PM

MSG Palmer Miller III — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:21:41 -0500

Fort Rucker, 1977 to 1979 - 141st MP company. We lived in the new modern barracks, but my office ( MPI ) was in the WWII style wooden building. 2 story ( THE Provost Marshall office and also the MP Desk Operations in similar buildings ). No air conditioning, had fans in the windows.

Then later assigned to the Karlsruhe, Germany - MP Company /PMO/ Customs and CID Offices. Old wooden barracks style. No air conditioning. Had fans in the windows.

PLDC - Ft Knox - same old wooden style buildings. You could hear everyone walking down the halls and above on the second floor.

Great memories!

Response by MSG Palmer Miller III made Dec 1 at 2013 8:28 PM

MSG Palmer Miller III — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:28:37 -0500

Ft Rucker, Alabama. - 1977 - 1979, 141st MP Company. We lived in the modern barracks, but my office ( MP Investigations ) was in the WWII style wooden barracks.

No air conditioning, just fans in the windows. Big heavy sliding windows.

Later , stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. 1981-1985. My office was in the old wooden buildings with the MP Customs, Provost Marshall Office, MP Desk, German Police Liason, CID and the MP company on the 2nd and 3rd floor. No air conditioning just big fans in the windows.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Dec 1 at 2013 10:23 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 22:23:37 -0500

When I worked as a contractor to Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2002, I briefly lived in a Denver Steel house. This was a converted WWII barracks that someone had renovated as a residence. It was a horrible three-week experience.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 2 at 2013 8:34 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 08:34:42 -0500

While in Europe, we stayed in one barracks that actually had gouges from bullets in its stone. It was well maintained though, but there were times, as a Jew, when I'd get lost in thought, wondering how many of the prior residents would be whirling like tops in whatever hole they were in, seeing a Jew calmly walking in and out of that building.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Dec 2 at 2013 2:18 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:18:36 -0500

Yes 1972 at reception station, Ft Dix, NJ. Coal stoves and we were told would burn down in seconds in caught fire.

Response by Sgt Todd Meedel made Dec 2 at 2013 5:47 PM

Sgt Todd Meedel — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:47:32 -0500

I am former USAF, we were not a separate military branch in WWII. General McPeak demanded the removal of all wooden structures in 1990. RAF Croughton still had fighter pens for Spitfires when I was in England. We did work in WWII area hangars.

Response by COL George Antochy made Dec 2 at 2013 6:17 PM

COL George Antochy — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 18:17:16 -0500

In the early 70's at NAS Willow Grove as a Sea Cadet for 6 week boot camp. In '78 at Fort Bragg for ROTC Adv Cp. In '81 at Fort Riley supporting ROTC Adv Cp. Sadly the last time and worst time was in '06 at Fort McCoy for 2 months preparing for OIF deployment. 58 officers and enlisted in a two story with latrine only on 1st floor. Original condition with no upgrades since WWII. One floor fan for entire barracks with temps reaching 100. It was the worst the Army could do for deploying Soldiers. Convicts have much better living conditions. Our 1978 Fort Bragg barracks were much better. Soldiers couldn't wait to deploy.

Response by MSgt Edward Woodward Jr made Dec 2 at 2013 8:31 PM

MSgt Edward Woodward Jr — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 20:31:15 -0500

I went through Basic at Lackland AFB in February 1967. The majority of the basic flights, mine included, stayed in WWII barracks. There was only one of the new "Dorms" that housed multiple flights. I remember the open latrine with eight to ten toilets and no stalls for privacy. When it was full, your knees were literally inches away from the guy sitting across from you.

Response by TSgt Richard Goldy made Dec 3 at 2013 9:26 AM

TSgt Richard Goldy — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 09:26:17 -0500

Second half of basic training at Lackland AFB, and Tech school at Goodfellow AFB in mid 60's. They were still there and still in use when I returned as an instructor in early 70's.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 9:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 09:32:49 -0500

Never permanently, but yes for several training events - ROTC camp at Fort Bragg in '95, barracks on North Fort Polk in early '00s. I liked the connection to the past but am not sure I'd have had that same appreciation if that was my place to live for more than a few weeks.

Response by SGT Kevin Wright made Dec 6 at 2013 9:54 AM

SGT Kevin Wright — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 09:54:38 -0500

In 1977 I was in Upper Mau camp in Subic Bay,Phillipines. Later was in charge of repairing barracks at Ft.Riley for ROTC camp (1980). Also took Primary NCO course while there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:20:21 -0500

Aren't the white barracks at Ft Bragg over there from WWII ? they were condemned when I was mobilizing from there in 06 yet we still lived in them for four months. Open showers and toilets, they were beyond disgusting. Oh and one time we stayed in same kind of barracks at Ft Picket, VA. What a nightmare.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Dec 12 at 2013 10:23 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:23:05 -0500

I went to BCT at Ft. Knox in 1974. We lived in WWII barracks. We were told they were constructed for no more than 10 years use. The Army really got their money's worth out of those buildings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 10:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:32:22 -0500

The NCO Academy at Bragg.....If those walls could talk! There were a good number of them on the COSCOM side of town to but have since been tore down or vacated pending demolition.

Response by SFC Thomas Reading made Dec 13 at 2013 12:48 PM

SFC Thomas Reading — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 12:48:44 -0500

Ft. Jackson, SC , 1972 we lived in barracks that may have even predated WWII. Tinder boxes that required an active "Fire Guard" at night. Tank Hill was the place. Rows of the same barracks on each street, sand bags neatly surrounding each one and wooden steps up the screen door entrance.

Response by PO1 Thomas B. made Dec 15 at 2013 7:56 PM

PO1 Thomas B. — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 19:56:26 -0500

There used to be an enlisted barracks (don't remember the name) right across from Merry Point in Pearl Harbor, right where the road split for either 1010 dock/the shipyard or the Sub base. I stayed there for a year while my ship was in the shipyard. They had renovated it a number of times but it was still pretty old and worn. We used to sneak up onto the top floor which was like a crawlspace and get up on the roof to party. Nice fiew from up there. Good place to watch the fireworks on the 4th.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Dec 27 at 2013 8:52 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:52:04 -0500

Yes, Sampson AFB 1954.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Dec 27 at 2013 9:21 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 21:21:56 -0500

1966 & 1967 in Great Lakes for Basic and Electronics School. Torn down in 1976 and replaced. Some of the old Barracks were still standing in 1979, but unused. They were finally taken down in 1982.

1983 the Senior Enlisted Academy, Newport RI. Barracks and School until it was replaced in the August 1989. (Class 09, Green)

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Dec 27 at 2013 11:47 PM

PO2 Pete Haga — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 23:47:29 -0500

this may not be the same as all these great post but when I was first sent to the fleet was supposed to be on the USS Roosevelt CV 41 spent some time their before the Saratoga.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Dec 30 at 2013 10:45 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:45:49 -0500

Yes, at Ellsworth AFB in the late 80's. They started tearing them down around 1989 or 1990 I believe.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 1:40 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 01:40:41 -0500

While at Little Rock AFB, this is the kind of barracks I lived in. Actually pretty decent accommodations and my brother who was in the Navy was shocked. I saw how cramped it could be on a frigate.

Response by MSgt Barry Wilkins made Dec 31 at 2013 11:21 PM

MSgt Barry Wilkins — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 23:21:30 -0500

I did in '67 when I was at Chanute AFB in IL. To top it off we had steam heat in the winter from a central heating plant on base. When it snowed, those in the upper bunks on the second floor would wake up to snow dusted blankets. Dusting the place didn't help much edither, as the wind would just pour more dust in

Response by MSgt Reid Mauldin made Jan 1 at 2014 12:52 AM

MSgt Reid Mauldin — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:52:25 -0500

USAF Basic training, Lackland AFB, TX in '71 and Tech school at Keesler AFB,MS '71-'72.

In '89 I was stationed at Randolph AFB,TX and drove my son to his hospital appointment on the other side of San Antonio to Lackland. We actually watched my old barracks, building 1219, be torn down to the ground. Over a matter of a few months we watched my old student squadron torn down. It brought back good memories.

Response by MSgt Richey Leamer made Jan 1 at 2014 1:19 AM

MSgt Richey Leamer — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:19:18 -0500

Ft. Rucker Alabama, 1984.

Response by SFC Patrick Chapman made Jan 1 at 2014 1:22 AM

SFC Patrick Chapman — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:22:36 -0500

Yes Fort Knox, KY and Ft Polk, LA. I think most of them are gone now.

Response by SSG James Witt made Jan 1 at 2014 1:44 AM

SSG James Witt — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:44:40 -0500

Working with ROTC in Fort Lewis

Response by PO1 Daniel Fuqua made Jan 1 at 2014 2:19 AM

PO1 Daniel Fuqua — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 02:19:48 -0500

In June 1994, I was in the Navy reserve, and we did our 2 weeks drill, at Pearl Harbor. Our sleeping quarters were an old World War 2 Hospital that had been converted into a barracks. It was very close to where the USS Arizona was sunk.

There was a liberty boat that ran between Ford Island and Pearl Harbor 1 round trip every hour. So after the work day, we'd have to wait for the liberty boat to go change from our dungrees to civies, then jump back on the liberty boat, to go on liberty.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 8:31 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 08:31:56 -0500

Lived in original, open-bay barracks at Lackland AFB, TX, basic training, and Sheppard AFB, TX, 2nd phase basic and jet engine tech school, 1957-58. Thought I had moved into the "Ritz Hotel" when I hit my 1st permanent party base at Malmstrom AFB, Montana in March, 1958...

Response by TSgt Jeff Carpentier made Jan 1 at 2014 10:32 AM

TSgt Jeff Carpentier — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 10:32:10 -0500

Nope, but our barracks at Offutt AFB was an old civil war era hospital.

Response by SFC Fred Youngs made Jan 1 at 2014 10:40 AM

SFC Fred Youngs — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 10:40:47 -0500

Lived in them for BCT in 1974 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. and 12 years later after leaving Active Duty for Mi. ARNG at Ft. Custer, Mi. as late as 1998. As Const. Engr. we insulated and re-roofed amny of the Old Bldgs. there.

Yes I do miss the old barracks there was comarraderie that is missing in todays MILITARY.

Response by Maj Douglas Fraser made Jan 1 at 2014 3:14 PM

Maj Douglas Fraser — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 15:14:22 -0500

Yes...Amarillo AFB for Basic Training in 1966/67...then Keesler AFB and then to Goodfellow AFB.

Response by SSG Edward Richardson made Jan 1 at 2014 8:43 PM

SSG Edward Richardson — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 20:43:06 -0500

I lived in one of the old wooden barracks while going through basic training at Fort Sill, OK in 1982. and I lived in a quanset hut while in S. Korea in 1984.

Response by SSG Harold Ratner made Jan 1 at 2014 11:52 PM

SSG Harold Ratner — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 23:52:29 -0500

Lived in one during Basic Training and AIT at Ft Sill, Oklahoma. It was from July Until October 1985. Sweltering in the summertime by October thought we were going to freeze. While part of the 2nd ID lived in Quonset huts at Camp Casey, Korea.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jan 2 at 2014 8:33 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 08:33:56 -0500

They were all over in the Army still back in the 80's. FT Knox used them for recruit reception (same ones you saw in movie Stripes). FT Riley had them on Camp Forsyth in the 80s also, I stayed in them from 86 to 87, when I departed back to Korea. Korea, many of the barracks were still old quinset huts till the mid to late 80s.....

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 8:47 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 08:47:37 -0500

I know they were at Ft. Bragg until as recently as 2010. I lived in them 2008 as in incoming Private. So far as I know JFKSWCS still uses them. They were terrible in the sense that you had no privacy, and you definitely couldn't bring a girl back. On the other hand they were awesome because you could basically play a full contact game of football in them and no one would care. I'm pretty sure they should have been condemned though...:-/

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made Jan 2 at 2014 1:11 PM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 13:11:15 -0500

I went to basic training at Ft Jackson on tank hill all were WW2 buildings no AC heat sucked when I went to AIT other side of base to new building was thinking I must have died, damn I miss them days

Response by MSgt Ralph Haire made Jan 2 at 2014 1:59 PM

MSgt Ralph Haire — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 13:59:05 -0500

After basic training I spent two weeks in the pre World War II woden barracks. They were directly in front of Wilford Hall. There was no inner walls, insulation, heat, or air condition. We would get up early and turn all the showers on hot to warm up the bathroom so we could get ready. We were waiting on notification as to what we were going to tech school for.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Jan 2 at 2014 10:31 PM

SFC Matthew Parker — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:31:39 -0500

Yes, Ft Devens, Ft Knox, Ft Stewart and Ft Drum. From the original open bays to the renovated private rooms you could count on the water fountain, open latrines and Top sergeant getting the command room by the front door.

All but torn down on most posts, have to admit I miss them a bit. Getting nostalgic as I age I guess.

Response by TSgt James Figart made Jan 3 at 2014 7:15 AM

TSgt James Figart — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 07:15:10 -0500

Yes, at Kunsan AB, Korea. When I got there in 1986, I was assigned a second floor room with a buddy and tons of cockroaches that would crawl over my face at night. I don't recall swallowing any but it could be possible.

Response by TSgt James Figart made Jan 3 at 2014 7:18 AM

TSgt James Figart — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 07:18:37 -0500

Yes. when I PCS'd to Kunsan AB, Korea in 1986, I was assigned a second floor room in a roach infested WW 2 barracks. The roaches would crawl over my face at night. Spraying for them was impossible in that the roaches would simply move to another floor until the bug spray went away and then they all came back with friends.

Response by MSgt Walter Chamberlain made Jan 3 at 2014 2:37 PM

MSgt Walter Chamberlain — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 14:37:59 -0500

Spent my last night of Basic in a WW2 barracks at Lackland AFB TX,

Response by MSgt Walter Chamberlain made Jan 3 at 2014 2:40 PM

MSgt Walter Chamberlain — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 14:40:23 -0500

I spent my last night of Basic Training in a WW2 barracks at Lackland AFB TX. It was JUN 1977, hot and no air conditioning. But it was our last night and nobody complained.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 4:00 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:00:05 -0500

A-Quad, Schofield Barracks, HI

Response by SGT Gerry Wright made Jan 4 at 2014 5:18 PM

SGT Gerry Wright — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:18:24 -0500

Yes at Fort Knox, Kentucky - Boot camp May '69 to July '69. Fort Gordon, Georgia - July '69 to November '69. Then on to Phu Loi Army Airfield, Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Brigade December '69 to July '71. The hootches there were equal to living in Shanty Town, but hey who's complaining. All of these fine facilities were basically made of wood that in the event of a fire could be fully engulfed in less than 15 minutes. The picture is the company area we lived in, then one of our hangers, and finally one of Chinooks coming back from a mission.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Mar 29 at 2014 10:07 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:07:58 -0400

The only time I was in the WWII barracks at Lackland was when I was in the Drum and Bugle Corps. It was used for band practice. That was my only time in them.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 29 at 2014 10:11 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:11:24 -0400

I lived in one when I was first stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia back in 1980. They were some of the worst conditioned buildings I have ever seen. Fortunately once the in processing was completed I got to go to the "new" side of the post which was a mere 10 years old.

Response by TSgt James Figart made Mar 30 at 2014 12:22 AM

TSgt James Figart — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 00:22:55 -0400

Yes, I lived in them for a little while in 1986 in Kunsan Korea. The roaches were so bad that they would crawl on my face at night. No amount of spray would kill them. They were invincible. Finally, they moved us out and tore those things down. personally, they should have burned them to kill the bugs.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 31 at 2014 12:09 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:09:39 -0400

Nope but I remember that when I went to A-School in Pensacola, Florida Board of Corrections was using the old WWII Baracks as a Boys Camp. Also did a tour in Adak, AK and we used a WWII Quonset Hut as a Division Bar/Get Away.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Mar 31 at 2014 6:18 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:18:53 -0400

Yes, at Sampson AFB in 1954 during BMT.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 6:22 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:22:41 -0400

I stayed at the ones at FT Knox on range weekends the first few years I joined the guard. Glorious accommodations.

Response by SSG William Patton made Dec 6 at 2014 12:29 PM

SSG William Patton — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:29:16 -0500

I was housed in WWII barracks for both basic and AIT at Ft. Polk, LA. I went through training during the hot Louisiana summer and to say the barracks were uncomfortable, would be an understatement. However, working and training in the climate soon made us oblivious to the hot barracks and we slept well, when they let us sleep. They served the purpose of creating a well disciplined and hardened soldier and prepared us for what lay ahead of us in Vietnam.

Response by MSgt Reid Mauldin made Dec 6 at 2014 6:54 PM

MSgt Reid Mauldin — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 18:54:35 -0500

Lackland AFB for basic training I lived in "previously condemned" open-bay barracks, bldg 1219. Then in tech school at Keesler AFB my student squadron was open-bay except for 2 barracks which had rooms.

Years later I visited Lackland and watched my old barracks being torn down. I also visited Keesler and spent the night in the "new" BAQ, which had replaced my old student squadron.

I thought the Air Force open-bay barracks was bad until I was TDY to Ft. Bragg and stayed in theirs. The latrine didn't even have dividers between the toilets. At least in the Air Force open-bay barracks you didn't see the guy on the toilet next to you.

Response by SPC Brent Albright made Dec 6 at 2014 9:39 PM

SPC Brent Albright — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:39:21 -0500

Yes in Hawaii schofield barracks has several of them

Response by SPC Richard White made Dec 6 at 2014 9:37 PM

SPC Richard White — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:37:28 -0500

First time I went to Ft. Knox in 1988

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 9:50 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:50:47 -0500

Lived in the old Luftwaffe Barracks at Rhein Mein Germany in the 70s.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Dec 6 at 2014 9:53 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:53:14 -0500

LOL, yes, at numerous posts.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 10:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:10:33 -0500

Fort Bragg, NC. They actually cut the "Condemned" Tape off to let us in. We were on our way to Afghanistan back in '03 and I guess it was either there or sleep in a manger.

A year later I visited the Airborne Museum. In a picture on the wall was none other than the very building we stayed in along with a floor plan. Amazingly, the only difference was the addition of a drinking fountain where a barrel of water used to be, along with three buckets hung on the wall dress right dress for fire suppression.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Dec 6 at 2014 10:32 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:32:07 -0500

From 1987 to 1990, I lived in German Luftwaffe barracks on the Schwabstadl Kassern while in the 74th USAFAD.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 6 at 2014 11:18 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 23:18:11 -0500

We lived in one once because our barracks were being renovated (while stationed at Ft. Knox).

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 6 at 2014 11:38 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 23:38:32 -0500

Fairly certain the answer is a resounding yes. USMC Boot Camp '85, for sure at Lackland AFB in '85, because they were condemned and AF gave them to Corps.

Ft Benning, GA in 88, 89, 90, 91 when we would go to the rifle range for Corps, from MCLB Albany, GA, because the Army condemned them and gave them to the Corps to use

seeing a trend here

Post 9-11, at Ft Dix, NJ (if they were not WWII, they were WWI) they were so old they were condemned by Army and given to AF for transients---and unbelieveably (only because it was for the Cops) the AF took them! No heat, No hot water, beer simply stayed cold in the room-it was February.

All good. Beat the heck out of a shelter half

Response by CPL Robert Patterson made Dec 17 at 2014 3:16 PM

CPL Robert Patterson — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:16:33 -0500

When I first got to Ft. Hood, TX 3rd Signal Brigade operated out of old WWII barracks/buildings on both sides of S 68th street. That was in 2005 and they said they were condemned and would be destroyed soon. The looks just like the second picture posted above by SSgt L Ol. Shortly after my arrival they moved the Brigade to a new building on the corner of Support and 161st St and the HHC to a building 4617 at 72nd and Santa Fe. After returning from Iraq in 2007 HHC had once again moved back into the WWII buildings. Soon after they deactivated 3rd Signal Brigade. I'm unsure what unit uses that brand new Brigade building now and it looks like on Google maps a several of the WWII buildings have disappeared. When I was there the entire square between Warehouse, Santa Fe, 72nd, and 65th were almost all WWII buildings.

Response by SrA Andrew Anderson made Dec 17 at 2014 3:49 PM

SrA Andrew Anderson — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:49:28 -0500

A few times. First with "C" Co., 4th LAR at Tooele Army Depot (and patrolled them as a DA Police Officer) and at Fort Leonardwood for SRT School and the DA Academy. The DA Academy Schoolhouse and barracks buildings had been there since WWI. The night we arrived they had tornado warnings and wanted us to evac to a newer building... We told the senior NCO that we were fine right where we were. He didn't argue with the logic.. HA! (Could only find a pic of the Tooele Barracks buildings)

Response by SSG Pablo Mora made Dec 24 at 2014 1:01 PM

SSG Pablo Mora — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:01:19 -0500

FT. Knox Kentucy Jan 82 right after the filming of STRIPES.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 16 at 2015 9:22 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 16 May 2015 09:22:17 -0400

From '67 - '70 - I'm thinking everything in BCT (Ft. Lewis), AIT (Ft. Sam) and Jump School (Ft Benning) was WWII vintage. Training Group in Bragg were in yellow multi-story building that looked kinda new, but Lettermen General was all WWII vintage even thought the old hospital had been upgraded to a brand new building.

Response by SGT Gene Morales made Sep 1 at 2016 11:28 PM

SGT Gene Morales — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 23:28:52 -0400

My first EOD unit at Ft Bragg 1986. The 18th had two barracks and HQ building for 15 people in the old 82d area. Had the pleasure of doing breached entries using flex X

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Sep 8 at 2016 12:58 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 12:58:45 -0400

I never lived in WWII barracks while I was in the Navy, but I lived in one while I was employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2002. Denver Steel provided barracks at LANL in the 1940's for the Manhattan project. Many of the barracks still exist today, but have been converted into privately owned homes. The home I lived in was drafty and hard to keep warm. Sucked during the winter months.

Response by SGT Gene Morales made Sep 15 at 2016 1:52 PM

SGT Gene Morales — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:52:45 -0400

My first EOD unit at Ft Bragg 1986. The 18th had two barracks and HQ building for 15 people in the old 82d area. Had the pleasure of doing explosive breached entries using flex X

Response by SGT Gene Morales made Sep 15 at 2016 1:55 PM

SGT Gene Morales — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:55:16 -0400

My first EOD unit at Ft Bragg 1986. The 18th had two barracks and HQ building for 15 people in the old 82d area. Had the pleasure of doing breached entries using flex X

Response by COL George Antochy made Sep 15 at 2016 3:48 PM

COL George Antochy — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:48:06 -0400

Many many times. Started in the early 70's while a Naval Sea Cadet at NAS Willow Grove. Then in 1978 while at ROTC Advanced Camp in Fort Bragg. I recently visited and most have been removed. The last time, and probably the worst, was in 2006 at Fort McCoy while training for deployment to OIF. These were worse than those at Fort Bragg. 3 showers, 3 sinks and 3 toilets for two floors of Soldiers. Only a floor fan for ventilation. In some places you could look through the cracks in the walls to the outside. Not sure if it would have been better in the winter, than in the 100 degree summer. Prisoners in our jails and prisons are treated better. The tent cities in the theater were much better.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Sep 20 at 2016 12:11 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 12:11:01 -0400

Reception Station at Ft Dix 1972 had wooden WW2 barracks. Stoves at each end of barracks for heat in February. Had guards to watch stoves as we were told barracks could burn done in seconds.