In a somewhat expected move, the Military Times reports General David Petraeus has removed the limitations on MWR imposed by General Stanley McChrystal, allowing fast food and other morale facilities to return to the AOR.
McChrystal had previously instituted the restrictions because, as CSM Hall said
“This is a war zone — not an amusement park.”
As reported at the Air Force Times, Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) facilities are being removed from Afghanistan, consistent with General McChrystal’s previous guidance that the facilities–from Pizza Hut to new car sales–are detrimental to the warfighting spirit necessary for the expeditionary mindset:
“This is a war zone — not an amusement park,” [US Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall, the top U.S. enlisted man in Afghanistan] wrote.
(Yes, military members can purchase cars while deployed in combat areas, for delivery when they arrive home. There are often special discounts and tax exemptions included in the deal, though that by no means guarantees a “steal.”)
Many facilities are exempt, as are some that are associated with other units. The facilities affected by McChrystal’s order have 90 days to close.