According to Defense, high-quality services were no longer possible in the barracks due to years of underinvestment in personnel, materials and facilities. As part of a gradual phase-out scenario, efforts have been made in recent years to reduce both services and staff.
At its peak, 650 people were employed in the Ypres barracks. In 2019, there were still 130. Most employees have now reached retirement age. About 50 others are now being transferred to a unit of their choice.