US Air Force Graphic

As it has in years past, the US military has given its troops guidance on how to act in Muslim countries during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. From the official CENTCOM.mil site [emphasis added]:

U.S. military members serving in countries that observe Ramadan are required to adhere to certain practices while outside U.S. installations…

When outside U.S. controlled areas, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is against the law. Failure to obey could result in fines up to $685 or a sentence of up to two months in jail.

“The commander’s policy dictates that airmen will adhere to local law, which prohibits eating, drinking or tobacco use off base in public,” said Sickles.

It’s an interesting way to phrase it. The US military isn’t technically requiring troops to accede to religious practice; rather, they’re just requiring them to follow the law…which happens to be borne out of religious practice.  (In Hawaii, Marines explained the religious nature behind the practice of Ramadan.)  Presumably, this logic also explains why atheists who have complained about being ‘forced to participate’ in Christian prayers aren’t complaining about being ‘forced to participate’ in Islamic rituals.

The 380th’s Wing Commander, BrigGen John Quintas, explained the reason for this guidance:

“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.”

That seems to soften the approach. Rather than saying its about the law, in a roundabout way BrigGen Quintas says troops are required to adhere to Ramadan practices because of “tolerance, freedom and diversity.”

Unfortunately, the CENTCOM release undermined BG Quintas’ statement, as well as the claim troops only have to follow the Ramadan rules because “its the law” [emphasis added]:

The only personnel exempt from this requirement 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.

Clearly, these troops are allowed to violate the law and not show “tolerance,” apparently without fear of negatively impacting the military mission.  By making an exemption, categorical claims to legality, “tolerance,” and the all-important “military necessity” are undone — making the precise reason US troops are being ordered to adhere to local religious customs unclear.

Interestingly, there were similarly vague reasons for requiring female US troops to wear abayas and ride only in the backseats of cars with male companions several years ago — until then-LtCol Martha McSally sued the Department of Defense (McSally v Rumsfeld).  (McSally also later protested when Female Engagement Teams in Afghanistan were “encouraged” to wear abayas.)

The DoD didn’t fully acquiesce to McSally’s demands until, in a seemingly common refrain, the US Congress stepped in and passed a law prohibiting the military from making or encouraging US troops to accede to local religious requirements.

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