Other Considerations

Consider the cultural background of visiting foreign DVs and accommodate, whenever possible, individual religious preferences and food or beverage restrictions. At a minimum, their living accommodations should be single rooms in hotels and in Visiting Officers' Quarters (VOQ), where room assignments should be made in keeping with their status as members of a dignitary's party rather than their rank. (This may mean billeting enlisted members of the party in the VOQ with the rest of the party. Feel comfortable insisting this be done when appropriate.)

It is wise to provide an escort for a foreign spouse, taking into consideration any language barrier that may exist, his/her age, and position. Escorts may be drawn from among officers or service wives whose language capabilities, travel, or position would make them valuable to the guest.

While it is true that it is preferable to invite persons of comparable stature to a dinner or small party, some variety may improve a larger function like a reception. Accordingly, you should try to include foreigners of the same national origin as the guest of honor as well as a representative selection of junior officers.

Prior to the foreign dignitaries arriving, it is important that you take time to review customs and traditions. Brigham Young University, David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, produces an outstanding document called "CULTURGRAM '94" which reviews customs and courtesies for many of the countries of the world. These documents can be an invaluable source of condensed information on such things as greetings, visiting, eating habits, gestures, government, economy, education, transportation, communications, and health. You should always be prepared to answer a hosting official's questions regarding foreign customs and traditions of the dignitary. The CULTURGRAM will help you be prepared to do just that. Another publication which is an excellent source of foreign customs and traditions, is "Do's and TABOOS Around the World," Third Edition, compiled by THE PARKER PEN COMPANY and edited by Roger E. Axtell. It should be available at most libraries and bookstores.