This book is included in the US Armed Forces Organizations section.
Danger Team,
During your deployment to Iraq as a member of the Big Red One team, you should be aware of the unique customs and
courtesies of the Iraqi people. This guide provides the basic information on Iraq’s culture by offering you an overview of
the country, its people and their language, as well as their lifestyle and beliefs.
The First Infantry Division deployment plays a vital role in securing the peace in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is
pivotal to the reestablishment of a free, democratic Iraq. As a soldier of the First Infantry Division, you are an Infantryman
first and a warrior always. Combined with your warrior ethos, a thorough cultural understanding of your environment is a
major combat multiplier that makes you all the more lethal on the front lines in the war on terrorism.
On a daily basis you will directly or indirectly contribute to Civil Military Operations (CMO) ongoing in your area of
operations. Every encounter with an Iraqi civilian is an opportunity to develop respect and trust in us as professional,
educated soldiers who are committed to finishing the job we set out to accomplish. Arming you with a comprehensive
knowledge of Iraq’s rich and unique traditions, this guide serves as a weapon against ignorance and intolerance that
deepens the divide between our forces and the free Iraqi people. My confidence in you as soldiers of this proud division
will result in a solid transition of power to the Iraqi people, a safe return home, and a job well done behind us.
DUTY FIRST!
JOHN R. S. BATISTE
Major General, USA
Commanding
Table of Contents Map of Iraq Time and Key Facts National Flag Short History Part I Introduction to the People Arab World View Attitudes Towards Americans The Kurds The Turkomans Part II Religion Shi’a (Shi’tte) vs. Sunni The Five Pillars of Islam The Islamic Calendar 2004/5 Holidays Part III Customs and Culture Family and Honor Role of Women Greetings Gestures Hospitality Business Dress Body Language Food and Drink Dos and Don’ts Greetings Conversation Hospitality Religion Meetings Part IV Using the Arabic Language Useful Words and Phrases Numbers Road Signs Part V Know your Area of Operations Key Provinces and Cities Key Facilities Significant Dates Political Parties and Groups Key Political Figures Iraqi Political Landscape Iraqi Paramilitary Groups Former Regime Loyalists Religious Fundamentalists Weapons Improvised Explosive Devices Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Part VI Desert Operations Effects on Personnel Effects on Equipment Part VII Preventive Medicine and Health Risk Assessment Infectious Diseases Hazardous Plants and Animals Tips on Protecting your Health Part VIII NGO’s, IO’s, and PVO’s Working with IO’s and NGO’s Part IX Battlefield Media Encounter Part X The Basics on the Law of War If Held As a Detainee Code of Conduct Summary Appendix A Coalition Provisional Authority App A Map of CPA Appendix B New Iraqi Army Rank App B Internal Iraqi Security Forces Rank of Internal Iraqi Sec Forces Appendix C Iraqi License Plates App C Appendix D New Iraqi Dinar App D Appendix E Temperature/Metric Converter
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