American soldiers set their sights on delights of Rio

[T_i_B]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/brazil/story/0,,1992939,00.html

It was just after 11pm on a Friday and First Lieutenant Brian Feldmayer, a baby-faced 25-year-old from the US army, was preparing to lead his troops into action. He spirited his men out of the vehicle and swept towards the crowd, flanked by officers Mark Browne, a field artillery operator, and Kirk Bailey, a 25-year-old sharpshooter. The three glanced up and down the bustling street, then at each other, and began moving towards their target. Normally the setting would have been Iraq, where the men from Fort Collins, Colorado, have served since 2005.But this was not Baghdad. It was the entrance to Baronetti, one of Rio de Janeiro's most exclusive nightclubs.

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.

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". Many R&R soldiers head home, while others make for government-run recreation centres in Germany, Korea, Orlando or Hawaii. For the remainder, Rio is now one of the top choices.

[generaldemocrat]

1. Ironically, Rio is also a virtual warzone......

The cops down there carry as much weaponry and armor as our troops do in Iraq.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Barely 300 have gone to Rio. It's a non-story. nt