ABU DHABI — Qatar has become the leading Gulf destination for rest
and recreation by U.S. military personnel.
Central Command has established the Rest and Recuperation Center at
As-Sayliyah. The center hosts service members and Pentagon personnel
civilians from such regional hotspots as Afghanistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and
the Horn of Africa.
As-Sayliyah has become an oasis for the U.S. military in the Gulf, Middle East Newsline reported. The
base includes a Chili's restaurant with a swimming pool, a fully stocked
24-hour gym, miniature golf and two nightclubs.
Officials said Qatar has replaced Bahrain as the recuperation center for
the U.S. military in the Gulf. They said Qatar has proven to be much safer
than Bahrain from the Al Qaida threat. In 2004, the Defense Department
ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff and family members from
Bahrain.
Since 2003, the U.S. military has been expanding its presence in Qatar.
Central Command operates two major bases — As-Sayliyah and Al Udeid.
Al Udeid has housed Central Command's Air Operations Center. The center
directs operations throughout the Gulf and surrounding region.
As-Sayliyah contains a new Joint Intelligence Operations Center designed
to duplicate the capabilities of Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Fla.
The JOC, with access to sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles and fighter-jets,
was said to be capable of directing coalition operations throughout the 27
countries covered by Central Command.
More than 100,000 service members have participated in the program,
officials said. The soldiers and civilians receive four-day passes for the
recuperation center in Qatar.
"Some soldiers arrive expecting MTV's Beach House Party," U.S. Army
Capt. Pernita Duggal, in charge of the R&R Pass Program facility, said.
"That's
not the intent. But it is a chance for them to wear civilian clothes and
relax while they are on pass."
Officials said Qatar has become the safest Gulf Cooperation Council
state. They said the emirate was deemed as virtually free of the Al Qaida
threat and secure enough for U.S. soldiers to be taken on sight-seeing
tours, play golf and attend dhow cruises.
"This is the typical Persian Gulf dhow that anchors off shore along the
coast and allows service members to swim and eat Arabic food," Duggal said.
Officials said Qatar has invested huge efforts to improve security in
the emirate. They said Qatar has sought to coopt the Islamic opposition to
prevent opposition to the growing U.S. military presence.
