How do you all handle Soldiers who celebrate Ramadan and allow them to attend their religious prayers and the feast at the end.

I had a roommate when I was in 3/1 for a little over a month. He was an American born Iraqi (escaped Saddam because he had a US Birth certificate). Comm guy. Practicing Muslim. He prayed 5x a day. His watch went off, and he prayed. It was that simple.

For Ramadan, you just make sure you have a safety plan in place since they won't be eating/drinking during the day, and be aware of any possible chow-hall conflicts. If there are, see if you can make any arrangements.

1) I'd sit down the with the soldier and ask them what accommodations they feel they need.

2) I'd tell them what accommodations they should also make. Such as carrying a canteen as a safety precaution, or traveling with another soldier during the heat of the day.

3) Check in with the Chaplain. He's the best resource available.

CH (MAJ) William Beaver CH (COL) Geoff Bailey

How do you handle a soldier that is an avid follower of any other faith? Do they still stand that watch when they would normally be at mass on Wednesday in the morning? or Sunday service? You do your best to accommodate their religious faith requirements within the bounds of their military duties. If they have leave and wish to be excused from all military duties, perhaps a period of leave would be permissible in order for them to more fully participate. Perhaps some commands may even provide some extra liberty time for them if they can allow that.

All you can do is determine the best course of action for that person, but be sure to apply the same policy to all in the same manner to all. If you are fair and equal in the application, then no one can claim you are being discriminatory.

Place them on light duty, or grant them leave during their fasting period, or exempt them from PT and make sure they are hydrating properly.