Camp Adair had nearly 500 barracks buildings, providing housing for thousands of soldiers during World War II. Each barracks could sleep around 100 men. While some barracks were designated for officers, most were used by enlisted personnel.

Inside the barracks, the men lived and slept in large open rooms. Noncommissioned officers, such as sergeants and corporals, generally had their own rooms, providing them with a little more privacy than the enlisted men. The barracks were equipped with bathrooms and showers, along with hot water for the soldiers. Stoves located in the center of the barracks helped keep the men warm during Oregon's cold and wet weather.

Soldiers were expected to maintain military standards inside their living quarters. Each man was responsible for making his bed, keeping his personal area neat, and helping keep the barracks clean and orderly. The barracks were more than just places to sleep—they were home to the soldiers during their training and service at Camp Adair.