The U.S. military is rolling out a new rest and recuperation program for troops fighting in Afghanistan. But don’t pack your bags for a nice long break on a sunny beach or a visit home — you won’t be leaving Afghanistan under the “rest-in-place” program.

R&R sites are being established within brigade or regional areas of operation, with a range of amenities provided by Morale, Welfare and Recreation. A four-day Special Liberty Pass is the ticket in.

“The decentralized approach at the brigade level was chosen because it provides leadership the flexibility to design R&R programs that fit their requirements, yet takes care of servicemembers’ needs for a break close to their unit area,” U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman David Lakin wrote in an email to Stripes from Kabul.

“Unit leaders strive to give all servicemembers as much downtime as possible no matter where they are located, while providing a safe and secure environment to unwind from a taxing and difficult mission.”

Some downrange brigade commanders and separate battalions have turned in proposals for the program, site and facilities in their areas, and they then must be certified by the regional commander, Lakin said. Most sites have been identified and some are operational. The rest will be operational “within the next month.”Click here to read more

091130-F-9171L-362 U.S. Army soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and Afghan National Army soldiers conduct a combined patrol in the village of Shabila Kalan, Zabul, Afghanistan, on Nov. 30, 2009. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Photo by March ARB, Calif

TSgt. Efren Lopez