Overseas Service Bar for Operation Spartan Shield?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 02:44:29 -0400

I have been tasked with finding out whether or not Soldiers who served in Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom - Spartan Shield qualify for an Overseas Service Bar on their ASU.

I have searched AR 600-8-22 and AR 670-1 and the only conclusion I can come up with is that the Overseas Service Bar was discontinued for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014 per AR 670-1, 21-29a(12), however Spartan Shield is not listed.

Participation in OEF, in the USCENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Com-mander, USCENTCOM, between 11 September 2001 and 31 December 2014; OEF-Philippines, in the Philippines, between 19 September 2001 and 31 December 2014; OEF-Horn of Africa, in Djibouti, between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2014. The months of arrival to, and departure from the Philippines, Djibouti, or the USCENTCOM area of operations are counted as whole months.

My NCO's seem to agree with my assessment, however some of my officers insist I continue to search for an answer.

Is anyone familiar with a policy memo or other regulation that states otherwise?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 3:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:06:16 -0400

It sounds like some of your officers want you to do their work for them. Overseas Service Bars are only authorized for specific periods of time, as opposed to Overseas Services Ribbons, which qualify for any OCONUS service.

Hand your findings to your officers, exercise great candor, and tell them, "This is the way"

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 3:39 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:39:20 -0400

When I was there we had a list of things that were/weren’t authorized for award for that Operation. I do want to say OSB was authorized since it falls under the GWOT list of operations.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 8:17 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 08:17:37 -0400

As of right now if you deploy on TCS orders your unit is eligible (ie. Reads In Support of Enduring Freedom (as mine did in 2014-15 for OSS)). If you go in a PCS status then no.