Improving the Mental Health of Military Personnel by Developing Module Housing Units for Deployed Individuals

[fourth year]

Abstract:

Historically, military members who are deployed overseas obtain substantial physical and mental health strain. Today, United States military personnel members are stationed in housing which are called, “barracks.” The living conditions within these barracks have been described as unsanitary, insecure, and poorly designed for mental health (Military Barracks). On average, 16% of active members have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder that was caused by their military service (Inoue et al., 2023). It has been noted that housing plays a significant role when identifying the causes of military-induced anxiety and depression. In addition, not only does housing correlate to mental well-being, but it also significantly contributes to on-field performance such that individuals work harder and more efficiently when on field missions because they have clearer minds (Melese & Airola, 2006).

One way to improve mental health within the military is for the U.S. government to incorporate single modular housing units on bases overseas. The units are structures that are prefabricated, transportable, and often stackable designed to provide temporary settlements for the military. These living conditions have been identified to improve the mental well-being of those who are deployed by increasing security, privacy, stability, and comfort. Many factors go into building these units such as materials, lighting, insulation, and space layout. Therefore, the objective of this article review is to describe and fabricate a plan to address and improve the mental well-being of military personnel by building module houses..