Airmen exercise cultural awareness during Ramadan Published June 23, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs Southwest Asia -- U.S. military personnel serving in the Middle East are constantly reminded to be familiar with host-nation customs and courtesies to help facilitate a long-lasting mutual respect with the local community.A significant religious period happens in the Middle East during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.It’s a 30 day stretch where Muslims observe Ramadan. According to an article written by Time Magazine, it’s a celebration of the Qur’an, experienced by believers as a source of guidance and criterion for human life.Military members serving in countries, who celebrate the holy month, are required to adhere to the strict practices while outside of U.S. installations.“Members should be respectful of local customs and be patient with Host Nation personnel,” said Capt. Dan, Host Nation officer in-charge. “Ramadan is a countrywide religious celebration. Members should not make light of local customs and should also expect that during daylight hours host nation customer service will be abbreviated and less accommodating.”One of the more eminent customs over the duration of the observance is how Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.When outside U.S. controlled areas, it should be noted that eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is against the law. Failure to obey this law could result in fines up to $685 or a sentence of up to two months in jail.“The wing commander’s policy dictates that Airmen will adhere to local law, which prohibits eating, drinking or tobacco use off base in public,” said Dan.The only personnel exempt from this custom are those performing strenuous labor outside U.S. controlled areas. They are authorized to drink and consume as much food as they need to maintain proper hydration and energy.Dan also brought to light how off-base businesses plan to operate as well as the best time to travel during Ramadan.“The malls will be empty for the most part and the majority of stores will be closed during daylight hours,” he said. “The best opportunity for off base experiences will be after sunset during the month of Ramadan.”As Airmen and other personnel here adjust to this custom, Brig. Gen. John Quintas, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, pointed out the type of conduct he expects throughout the holy month.“As “Airmen-Ambassadors”, representing American and U.S. military values around the world, we are committed to the concepts of tolerance, freedom and diversity,” said Quintas. “I hope that during your service in the 380th AEW you become more informed and appreciative of the traditions and history of the people in this region of the world. Please remember we are guests here and that the host nation is our shoulder-to-shoulder, brothers and sisters in arms, risking their lives for our common cause to defeat terrorism.”For more information about Ramadan contact either the base chapel or visit the Host Nation office for a list of cultural advisors.