What are the eligibility requirements for an overseas service ribbon?

2018-05-17T21:39:09-04:00

I served for a series of nine months in Iraq, starting in March of 2003 and ending in early December. Do I qualify for wearing the ribbon?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-05-17T21:41:50-04:00

Nothing is automatic, if you are still in/have returned to service, it’s a relatively easy thing to have administratively awarded if you qualify.
If you are no longer in service, but are looking to display ribbons, there is a separate process if you don’t already have it on a dd214.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 17 at 2018 9:58 PM

2018-05-17T21:58:17-04:00

Yet another question that can be answered by a five-second flip through the correct regulation.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 17 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-05-17T22:07:42-04:00

Josh... no you do not. You are authorized the Iraqi Campaign Medal.... or... the GWOTEM.... but not both. The OSR is for PCS assignments overseas.

Response by MSG David Johnson made May 17 at 2018 10:23 PM

2018-05-17T22:23:51-04:00

CHANGE TO ELIGIBILITY POLICY

R 252100Z OCT 05
FM DA WASHINGTON DC//MILITARY AWARDS BRANCH//
TO ALARACT ZEN/ADDRESS LISTS @ AL ALARACT(UC)BT UNCLAS ALARACT 215/2005 F O U O
SUBJ: ARMY AWARDS POLICY CLARIFICATION AND CHANGES

1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO PROVIDE THE POLICY CLARIFICATION ON CHANGES TO AWARD OF THE OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON.

2. A change to the requirements for award of the OSR has eliminated the policy that restricted award of the OSR when another campaign/service medal is awarded. Effective immediately, Paragraph 5-4D, AR 600-8-22, is RESCINDED.

Go To Top of Page
Go To Issue Regulations for Other Medals and Badges

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 10:38 PM

2018-05-17T22:38:37-04:00

You wear the OSR when you do not qualify for any other campaign or foreign service ribbon. You already do...Iraq.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 18 at 2018 4:56 AM

2018-05-18T04:56:20-04:00

The Overseas Ribbon is awarded for a standard overseas tour. The length of a standard tour is dependent upon the duty location and whether the you are accompanied or unaccompanied with a spouse/family member(s). The tour in question may be cut 1 month short due to manning requirements (not due to misconduct) and still receive full credit for the tour length. There are 2 types of tour designations, long tours (24+ months) and short tours (6-23 months). Anything shorter than 6 months is considered TDY. The standard unaccompanied Korean tour is 12 months, and accompanied is 24 months. The German tour is 24 months for unaccompanied and 36 months for accompanied tours. Combat tours are typically 6-12 months and can extend beyond during critical periods. The Iraqi Surge campaign tour was 15 months as I understand it.. The Overseas Ribbon didn't exist until 1981 and for a while couldn't be awarded with another service ribbon for the same tour (until 2006). For clarification you can check AR600-8-22

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 5:45 AM

2018-05-18T05:45:28-04:00

Read AR 600-8-22.... If I remember correct it’s if the SM completes a credited overseas tour.

Response by SSgt Jeff Kaylor made Jun 6 at 2018 1:37 AM

2018-06-06T01:37:20-04:00

Depends on how long you as there. Short tour or long tour for Air Force folks.