The U.S. Central Command Rest and Recuperation Pass Program (R2P2) at Camp As Sayliyah reached a record number of 145,000 participants on Oct. 8. U.S. Army Central Command's Area Support Group Qatar executes USCENTCOM's only R&R program for war fighters in Southwest Asia. ASG-QA provides participants with a place to recharge, conveniently located in the state of Qatar, a prosperous Arab-Islamic nation positioned between Saudi Arabia's eastern coastline and the Persian Gulf.
"I think the R2P2 program in Qatar is awesome!" said Spc. Megan Bukowski, from Apex, N.C., after being recognized as the 145,000th participant of the program on Oct. 10. "There is a pool, Chili's restaurant, Top-Off Club – yesterday at the Oasis Club they had Salsa dancing. Today I signed up to go off-post shopping for clothes, jewelry, Starbucks coffee – that's the works right there!"
"The R2P2 program is a labor of love," said U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter, from Providence, R.I. The Army officer completed a command assignment in Iraq and now serves as ASG-QA and Camp As Sayliyah commander. "Our support is a valuable contribution to the entire theater's wartime efforts. We will spare no energy or available resources to ensure the warriors visiting this installation, on a brief respite from combat, receive the best experience we can provide." ASG-QA maintains a proud and rewarding commitment to providing war fighters serving in Southwest Asia with a highly accommodating – always improving – area for rest and recuperation. The bulk of participation comes from Iraq, where the majority of service members are stationed. Many participants also arrive from Afghanistan and Kuwait; handfuls arrive from other remote areas, such as Djibouti.
"R2P2 started in 2004," said 2nd Lt. Karly M. Mangen, from Chisago Lakes, Minn. As the officer in charge of R2P2 operations, Mangen works under the Area Support Group Qatar Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director. "Back then it was called the Fighter Management Pass Program; similar to what was provided in Bosnia. In 2005, it changed to R2P2 and subsequently evolved into the program we have today. Many of the service members on pass are working 16-hour days along with 7-day work weeks – with constant threats with little opportunity to take time to relax. At Camp As Sayliyah, they don't have to care for anything but themselves. Most participants are here on a four-day pass – for a brief recharge full of much-needed entertainment, uninterrupted sleep, with a focus on physical and mental well-being."
Service members leave the grind of military operations for a place providing safe entertainment. Usually participants are emotionally and physically exhausted. However, this feeling quickly dissolves after they untie their boots, put on civilian clothes and unwind in new-found freedoms. In the mornings, they wake up when they feel like it. They log in to check e-mail at various Internet hot spots; as well as playing network games in a cyber café. Participants can swing golf clubs at the driving range or play at the miniature golf course. Many war fighters lift weights or go for a run on the outdoor trail – or join one of many fitness-related events. At the installation day spa, they schedule appointments for a new hair style, massages, manicures, pedicures – even the roughest and hardest Soldier frequently takes advantage of a foot massage! Award-winning USO Qatar provides an area for games, movies and reading in a traditional Arabic atmosphere. The R2P2 front desk personnel provide venue briefs, answer questions, issue equipment – available 24 hours, seven days a week.
The installation MWR team provides service members with plenty of activity on the military base; additionally, opportunities to depart are frequently available. Off-post venue lists are usually sought out, providing a richer cultural experience than on-post attractions. Items collected during shopping venues can be shipped free-of-charge through the Armed Forces postal system. Seasonal trips through the sand dunes, beach activities, water sports and cruises in the Persian Gulf are popular. Sometimes special invitations are offered by Qatari military officials. R2P2 staff members provide numerous first-come, first-serve opportunities to leave the installation.
Community sponsors are an important ingredient to the program's success. Sponsors can take participants off the installation and explain Qatari culture based on their past experiences. Those that have been in Qatar for several months – or years – frequently receive gratitude from participants eager to learn about the Islamic state and people from first-hand experience.
Evenings come alive at Camp As Sayliyah. The Top-Off Club has hosted many celebrities, as well as numerous lesser-known individuals and groups. They come to Qatar specifically to support and encourage the troops; to include musicians, comedians, athletes, cheerleaders and other various performers. Additional entertainment is frequently provided by ASG-QA service members and civilians. The installation is the only place in Southwest Asia to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on a U.S. military base. There is an option to have a drink at a wine bar or a beer in an Irish Pub. To keep everyone safe and sound, alcohol sales are limited to three drinks per person, per day.
Joining the Armed Forces requires serious commitment; a pledge of selfless service that can eventually relocate anyone – a husband or wife, father or mother, brother or sister – into a difficult and often stressful environment. Continuous operations and dangerous situations are traumatic to varying degrees. All service members at Camp As Sayliyah attend chain-teach seminars to recognize post-traumatic stress in R2P2 participants. Spiritual services and counseling are readily available.
"The R2P2 program is a lifesaver for our troops downrange," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Joel D. Kornegay, from Godfrey, Ill. He serves actively and proudly as an installation chaplain, routinely reaching out and providing spiritual support to R2P2 participants. "It gives weary Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines a much-needed break from their every day challenges, enabling them to recharge and recuperate. It is a time of physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal. It is an honor for ASG-QA to serve these heroes day-after-day, here at Camp As Sayliyah."