According to the U.S. Central Command website, troops in the Middle East are required to publicly fast during Ramadan while off-base.
Update: This article previously stated that troops would face a fine and jail time for not observing fasting restrictions. These are local laws in the areas they are stationed. If seen eating publicly during Ramadan while off-base, soldiers will be subjected to this.
According to the U.S. Central Command website:
U.S. military personnel serving in the Middle East are often reminded to be familiar with host-nation customs and courtesies to help facilitate a long-lasting mutual respect with local communities here.
A significant religious period happens in the Middle East during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a 30-day stretch when Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan.
U.S. military members serving in countries that observe Ramadan are required to adhere to certain practices while outside U.S. installations.
“Members should be respectful of local customs and be patient with host nation personnel,” said Capt. Dan Sickles, 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.”
Sickles added that many stores off base would be closed during daylight hours.
One part of Ramadan is that those observing the holiday fast from dawn until sunset.
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.
US military members observe cultural awareness during #Ramadan : http://t.co/3A7osf5RqW pic.twitter.com/qZEKcgqbKD
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 24, 2015
