WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new “barracks task force” Thursday aimed at overhauling subpar housing for American military personnel.

"Every member of our Joint Force deserves housing that is clean, comfortable and safe, and that's why we've established a brand new barracks task force charged with developing a department-wide barracks investment plan," Hegseth said in a video message posted on Instagram.

He emphasized that the effort is more than cosmetic.

"This isn't just about creature comforts. This impacts morale, readiness and our ability to recruit and retain the best warriors. The quality of life for our warriors is a critical component of reviving the warrior ethos and rebuilding our military," he added.

Hegseth made it clear that the task force has a no-excuses mandate and said the group is expected to present its initial plan to him in the next 30 days.

"The barracks task force will improve more barracks, deliver a better quality of life and move faster than anything in recent history," he added.