Afghan culture

We will be meeting with visitors from the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police this week as our first exposure to the culture. They were highly visible at chow today in their distinctive uniforms and taking pictures of each other. We have scripted visits with them over the next few days to practice interactions with them. The culture is based on Islam and emphasizes hospitality, generosity, charity and family. We expect that much of our initial contact with them when we get in-country will be social gatherings, queries on family, pleasantries, visits and sharing meals. Their culture requires a friendly relationship before conducting any business. Nothing will happen quickly there but our predecessors greatly enjoyed the experience and came back with great friendships and good memories.