Weary of war…American soldiers set their sights on delights of Rio

[kskiska]

(snip)

Just a few weeks ago Lt Feldmayer and his colleagues were hunting al-Qaida operatives in Balad, a town in the Sunni Triangle not far from where 10 British servicemen died when an RAF aircraft was shot down in 2005. Tonight the targets were of a different kind: scantily clad Brazilian women.

Rio has long been a tourist favourite, attracting around 2 million foreigners each year. But that number is now being bolstered by a growing number of war-weary North American servicemen keen to unwind. It is now the hot ticket for US soldiers and military contractors based in the most dangerous corners of the globe. According to the head of one US tour company that offers 10-day packages to Rio for around $3,000 (£1,520) and expects to bring around 300 soldiers and contractors to Brazil this year, the number of military customers has quadrupled since the beginning of the Iraq war.

(snip)

For Lt Feldmayer and his men the trip is part of 30 days' ordinary leave from the army after 12 months in the Middle East. Private security forces and contractors from companies such as Halliburton and Control Risks Group are also heading for the beaches of Rio in search of tender loving care.

Other US soldiers come as part of the Rest and Recuperation scheme, under which the US government allows up to 15 days' holiday, with transport paid for, intended to "provide respite from hostile fire and imminent danger areas".

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1992940,00.html

[MADem]

1. What, no "off limits" locations there, like in Thailand, the PI, and so forth? NT

[Captain Hilts]

2. Only 300? nt

[SoCalDem]

3. My guess is that not many SPCs or PFCs will be going there for R & R.

:eyes: