I was deployed to Iraq for 4 months but had to come home early due to an emergency. Do I qualify for the OSR?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 12:50:12 -0400

I was deployed to itaq and was only there for 4 months. My wife was in the hospital and needed surgery so I came home on emergency leave. I looked at AR 614-30 but couldn't find if I qualified for the OSR or not. I know it says "Tour lengths for Iraq and Afghanistan have NOT been established" so would I for though S1 for a request for exception?

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Sep 20 at 2017 12:56 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 12:56:13 -0400

Did you get a compassionate reassignment? how is it you never returned to the unit once the emergency was over?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2017 12:59 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 12:59:20 -0400

You can certainly contact your S1 to see what they say

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Sep 20 at 2017 1:06 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:06:30 -0400

I think the key words in the reg are "normal overseas tour completion". Four months of a twelve month tour most likely would not qualify. The regulation does allow requests for an exception to policy. Granting such an exception seems reasonable in your situation.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Sep 20 at 2017 1:46 PM

Jordan Gaudard — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:46:05 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I was trying to do some research, and I thought it said something in AR 600-8-22 about the OSR having to have 6 months consecutive or 9 months total. I'll continue to look for you and hopefully get you a better answer.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2017 2:00 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:00:04 -0400

Short answer: No you do not qualify.
Long answer: Check out the FAQs on the HRC website linked below.
Q3: How long do I have to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan to be awarded the OSR?

A3: IAW AR 614-30, Soldiers who serve a minimum of 11 cumulative months (within a 24 month period) or 9 continuous months in a TCS/TDY status may receive overseas tour credit for a completed short tour.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/Overseas%20Service%20Ribbon%20OSR

HRC Homepage

Toll-Free: 1-888-ARMY-HRC (1-888-276-9472) DSN: 983-9500 askhrc.army@us.army.mil

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2017 4:03 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 16:03:25 -0400

No you must complete the tour and you did not.