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Cultural awareness remains a must during upcoming religious observance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel
  • Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
AL UDIED AIR BASE, Qatar --  Most religions weight certain times of year as an important period to practice their faith's traditions. Muslims practice Ramadan, a month-long observance of fasting during daylight hours.
The fasting goes far beyond the tradition of not consuming food or water and includes refraining from smoking, sexual relations and swearing.

While on base, out on mission or visiting local communities, service members stationed in Islamic countries should understand Ramadan and its associated customs so as not to offend host-nation residents.

"Having a job that often requires us to interact with customs officials, it is important for aircrew to be familiar with the cultural sensitivities of our hosts," said Capt. Ben Powell, 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron pilot. "Transiting with certain items, like food or water, could be offensive or cause resentment if we don't show respect for their way of life -- cultural awareness is a must."

During the observance of Ramadan, patrols or operations outside the wire with Muslim personnel could present a situation that may warrant unique actionson the service member's part.

"[Muslim partners] do what we do without water, food or sleep, and figure a way to conduct their faith and manage to do the job; provide security," said Capt. Michael Alvord, 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron operations officer in a recent Air Force article. "They rely on us sometimes and, out of respect, we'll stop and provide security for them while they practice their faith."

According to spiritual experts, it is important to be educated on the practices of Ramadan. Know the basics and be prepared.

Plan ahead because, as with any observance, business as usual can be affected and hours of operation may be limited. Even if an office has posted hours, call to make sure they will be open when you arrive. Things may slow as fasting continues and thirst and hunger sets in. Be patient and prepared to conduct business early in the day.

By having cultural and situational awareness, service members can help strengthen the bond coalition partners share with host nations.