Posted on Jun 1, 2015
My new unit says I don't qualify for the Overseas Service Ribbon awarded to me by my previous unit. Are they right?
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I deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with Temporary Change of Station (TCS) orders that said my tour would be no longer than 270 days (about 9 months). My tour ended up being 8 months and 1 day, as my unit redeployed a few weeks early. The unit I deployed with awarded me the Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) for having completed a tour. I arrived at my current unit a few months ago, and prior to my recent appearance at the promotion board, S1 reviewed my records and removed the OSR from my ERB, stating that I didn't serve overseas long enough to qualify for the OSR. My Platoon Sergeant is the one who made me aware of S1's decision to remove my OSR, and he hasn't disagreed with S1's decision or made any moves to investigate the situation, so I did the research on my own.
AR 600-8-22 says that the OSR is awarded to Soldiers who are credited with a normal overseas tour completion according to AR 614-30. AR 614-30 says that a Soldier has completed a tour if he serves to within 60 days of the prescribed tour. I was deployed to within 21 days of my prescribed tour, and my early return wasn't under my control or by my request; my whole unit redeployed a few weeks early. According to my research, I should be able to keep my OSR.
I'm going to print my TCS deployment orders and take them to S1 to show that my prescribed tour was only 9 months, but beyond that, I haven't decided what to do. Has anyone else been in this situation, or can anyone explain where I went wrong in my evaluation? What would you do in my situation?
AR 600-8-22 says that the OSR is awarded to Soldiers who are credited with a normal overseas tour completion according to AR 614-30. AR 614-30 says that a Soldier has completed a tour if he serves to within 60 days of the prescribed tour. I was deployed to within 21 days of my prescribed tour, and my early return wasn't under my control or by my request; my whole unit redeployed a few weeks early. According to my research, I should be able to keep my OSR.
I'm going to print my TCS deployment orders and take them to S1 to show that my prescribed tour was only 9 months, but beyond that, I haven't decided what to do. Has anyone else been in this situation, or can anyone explain where I went wrong in my evaluation? What would you do in my situation?
Overseas
Awards
AR 600-8-22
ERB
Ribbons
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 333
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Your S1 doesn't have the authority to rescind the award regardless if it was issued in error or not. I've retired (former theater level S1 NCOIC) and don't have the reg in front of me but I experienced a similar situation. Do a little research into who can approve and rescind an award (award authority) and submit a JAG inquiry (its different than a JAG complaint).
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I'm not positive but was told that if another ribbon is issued for an overseas tour, i.e. Afghanistan campaign ribbon, you aren't going to be issued on OUR. That was issued for such assignments as Germany, or Italy, etc. Please check the AR again.
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Admiral Boorda was probably the most beloved Chief of Naval Operations to have held that position. He was truly, "The Sailor's Sailor." His medal with the "V" for Combat was awarded to him by Admiral Zumwalt when Admiral Zumwart was in command of Naval Forces Vietnam. When asked, Admiral Zumwalt stated that Admiral Boorda was entitled to the award and device. I met Admiral Boorda a number of times and he was sincere in his policies of taking care of the enlisted sailor. He was famous for making spot awards, promotions and transfers. He noticed that Army and Air Force personnel were being awarded Achievement and Commendations in huge numbers in comparison to the Navy & Marine Corps. So, he told commanders to give more personal awards. I'm not so sure I agree with giving out medals freely, but things have changed tremendously since I retired.
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Take it to jag , so they can pull the unit orders to prove the dates of deployment
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You qualify, an no technicality can go back in time and remove what you already received! Get a lawyer!
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Your S1 must be either jealous or a complete ass. Your former unit awarded you that OSR for your tour in Afghanistan. He's trying to make sure you don't get A. Promoted and B. Recognition for your time served in combat. Fight it all the way.
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Regardless of the regs, this is a crock. I've got one of my overseas ribbons strictly from being stationed at Fort Wainwright, AK.
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