Russian operator offers “boot camp breaks"

A Russian tour operator is reportedly offering two-day trips to stay in an army “boot-camp” that offers the chance to be “barked at, bullied and subjected to gruelling physical exercises”. According to the BBC News website, Armiya Tur (Army Tour), based in the central region of Yaroslavl, employs army veterans to put the holidaymakers through their paces – and charges them 3,000 roubles (about USD100) for their troubles. The breaks were reportedly featured in a television documentary in which participants are seen to be taking a military oath that “relinquishes all civil rights”. One instructor is then repoprtedly seen to say: “Violations are punished in an easy and simple way. For any violation of discipline, you will get 50 press-ups on your knuckles.” As far as food goes, participants are treated to means such as fish and potato soup followed by porridge. The director of Armiya Tur is quoted as saying: “Young people who have not served in the army get to receive an impression of it. Businessmen who are in their 30s and 40s and who are used to leading people are interested in having somebody to command them for a change. They are tired of constantly being in charge.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd