It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed since we launched Hots&Cots! I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey and the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together. When I say "we," I mean all the dedicated individuals—active service members and veterans—who have supported this initiative and are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all service members.
When I first started, I wasn’t sure how much traction Hots&Cots would gain. Early feedback included comments like:
“Wait until leaders find out about this. They’ll shut it down.”
“The DoD is going to serve you with a lawsuit.”
“Service members are going to get in trouble for posting.”
Surprisingly, the opposite has occurred. Over the past year, I've forged unofficial partnerships with military installations and connected with leaders at all levels—from lower enlisted NCO's to Pentagon officials. As one contact remarked, “You’ve developed quite a cult following at the Pentagon.” Many leaders have expressed their respect for our commitment to anonymity, appreciating our aim to drive positive change without undermining their authority.
Hots&Cots has reached some remarkable milestones:
I was invited to speak at the Annual American Logistics Association Conference about service members’ perspectives on dining services.
I’ve met with congressional members and staff from a senator’s office.
Hots&Cots has been featured in national media outlets, including NBC News, NYPost, & Military.com.
Hots&Cots has also been featured on multiple podcast, including MOPs and MOEs and It's A Blast Podcast
Participated in a multi-organization round table with Better Homes for Heroes, Military Housing Coalition and more to discuss improvements in quality of life.
Since our initial launch, where users could upload just one image and rate barracks and dining facilities on a 1-5 scale, the app has significantly evolved. Key improvements and new features introduced in our first year include:
Android version of the app
Ability to upload up to 4 images
30-second video uploads
Detailed review descriptions
Specific housing review marking
Expanded reviews for facilities like lactation rooms, gyms and clinics
Push notifications
Option to indicate when action has been taken by the installation and the installation response
Overall installation ratings and response rates for engaged installations
Web feed for easy viewing: https://feed.hotscots.app
Self-service reporting for leaders to download and analyze data: https://feed.hotscots.app/reports
Ability to review Army Reserve Centers and National Guard Armories
These advancements are just the beginning. There's still much to be done, especially regarding the improvement of existing barracks and dining facilities. The Government Accountability Report released in September highlights the ongoing need for better infrastructure. While various branches have committed funds for new facilities—which is great—we also need to enhance the quality of food, improve existing infrastructure, the variety of options available to service members.
You can see how different branches are performing by visiting the new reports.
As we move into the second year of Hots&Cots, our mission remains focused on improving the quality of life for service members across all installations. One of the key goals for this year is to gather crucial feedback from service members through a short survey designed to address concerns about the living conditions in your barracks.
We kindly ask you to take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your input is critical in helping us advocate for real changes that can enhance your living environment and, ultimately, your morale and well-being. We want to make sure your voice is heard in future conversations with leadership and policymakers, and this survey will play a pivotal role in providing data that reflects the current state of military barracks.
I thought I would share some of my favorites posts from the year, there have been many but these are the ones that come to mind.
Post 1: This was a favorite because it showed installations striving to improve quality of life. I was able to collaborate with JBLM to resolve this issue quickly, demonstrating Hots&Cots' impact.
Post 2: Another highlight, not just because it featured the Army’s birthday meal, but it showcased the effort a DFAC can put into their meals.
Post 3: I enjoyed this one because it illustrated how different branches are addressing the feeding of their service members.
Post 4: This was a favorite because it highlighted a renovation, showing that sometimes improvements can make a significant difference without waiting for new construction.
What are some of your favorite reviews from the year? Post on X, Facebook, or Instagram and tag Hots&Cots
I also wanted to share some testimonials that resonate with our mission:
“I didn’t know someone actually looks at the app to address issues.”
“As leaders, we need more of this.”
“With your help, I was able to move out of my moldy barracks and into a clean room.”
“I appreciate the help in getting the AC working.”
By sharing your experience, you are helping to build a stronger case for healthier, safer living conditions across the military. Thank you for your participation and continued support.
If you appreciate the work I’m doing with Hots&Cots and want to support the effort, feel free to contribute to fuel the late nights of coding with a coffee.
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