Due to social and economic changes at the end of the 20th century the structure of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the number of its functioning barracks have changed significantly. Barracks in provincial towns were dismantled after rapid decisions, leaving behind established infrastructure and buildings, many of which still remain unused and dilapidated today. We must therefore find ways to utilise the disused facilities and decrease the environmental damage still detectable around these areas today. I visited the areas with disused barracks all over the country during my several year long research and analysed my experiences. One aspect of my analysis is establishing where the facilities are located and the way the former barracks have been utilised. I then describe past and present difficulties in utilising the facilities. Most towns and villages had no agenda for the utilisation of the barracks and were not in a position to make decisions. In addition, the local governments had insufficient funds to guard, maintain and control the environmental damage of these facilities.