US Military Infrastructure: Aging Facilities and Deferred Maintenance Backlog Exceed $278 Billion (warontherocks.com)

• DoD deferred maintenance backlog exceeded $278 billion in FY2025.
• Nearly 80% of military installations built before 1970.
• Winter Storm Uri caused $50 million in damage at Fort Hood.
• Services piloting smart sensors, QR codes, and AI for maintenance.
• Author proposes 'fixware' approach: predictive maintenance technologies.

"The US Department of Defense faces a deferred maintenance backlog of over $278 billion, with nearly 80% of installations built before 1970. Aging infrastructure, such as barracks at Fort Hood damaged by Winter Storm Uri, directly affects service member readiness and morale. The article argues for adoption of predictive maintenance technologies—'fixware'—including smart sensors and AI, to shift from reactive to proactive management. Recent policy efforts and pilot programs are underway, but sustained funding and cultural change are needed."