When exactly does the date start to qualify for the Overseas Service Ribbon?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:16:51 -0500

I am just curious on when the date actually starts? Is it the day you actually leave for deployment or is the day you actually step foot in Iraq? With the whole 9 month deployments, it is rare to be BOG in Iraq for 8 months 15 days due to layovers and the time spent in Kuwait. And yes I have read AR 614-30. This is literally just a question for the public.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 2:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:19:51 -0500

If memory serves, it starts when you step foot in Iraq. But then, your unit could technically change the criteria

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 18 at 2017 2:31 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:31:00 -0500

That would start from the date You arrived on station in Iraq to the date You departed. travel time and enroute TDYs do not figure into that time and never have.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 2:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:43:05 -0500

According to HRC as of 22DEC2016..

"Note: Overseas tour completion is determined by AR 614-30. If a Soldier is credited with a normal overseas tour completion, then the Soldier may be awarded the OSR. Tours lengths for Iraq and Afghanistan have NOT been established. All requests for exceptions to policy will be processed through the proponent of AR 614-30."

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

And to the best that I could interpret in AR 614-30, Overseas Service, Table 3-2 and Table 3-3, the tour starts when you leave CONUS and requires 45-60 days of consecutive service in the AO depending on the circumstances.

Most of it seems heavily dependent on where you go and the duty status that you're in. I've been awarded 2 and they were for tours of 9 mos and 4 mos in country. The 4 mo tour was supposed to be 9 mos but a letter came down from higher saying specific units and assets were to vacate the theater by such and such a day.

HRC Homepage

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

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 1:33 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:33:14 -0500

It definitely starts the day you swipe your ID card in country. Your unit should track, and begin processing the award as soon as eligible. You unit S-1 should be able to print you a copy of your deployment, or overseas, validation time. I can't remember what it is called, but it literally shows your valid dates of deployments, or proof, of time served. More than likely, if your award isn't processed while in country, then it will be populated off of your deployment portion of your ERB.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 3 at 2017 8:10 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:10:22 -0400

To answer Your questions and all of You had to fill out a DD Form 1351-2, Travel Voucher or sub voucher and enter not only the date but the time of departure and arrival on all PCS or TDY travel on all assignment orders. Those times may well differ from the assignment orders but will by You required certification show the exact departure and arrival times on all assignment and travel orders orders. This will justify and advance travel payments or payment that may still be due and without that You have not verified the expense to the Government. This form is required 100% of the time on all deployments, PCS or TDY moves.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jun 21 at 2017 5:55 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:55:28 -0400

Wow, it sure is complicated now. Back in the day, your year started when your troopship sailed out of Oakland Army Terminal and no paper work to do when we landed at Vung Tau. The advanced detachments flew and their tour started when they landed at Bien Hoa AFB. I hope today's guys sailing on the ROROs with the vehicles get credit for their sea time.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jun 23 at 2017 4:10 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:10:14 -0400

I would say when it's entered into the unit diary?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2017 6:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 18:41:47 -0400

Why not worry about doing your job instead of worrying about a ribbion?

Response by SGT Douglas Long made Jun 23 at 2017 9:01 PM

SGT Douglas Long — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 21:01:03 -0400

When did when do I get a ribbon become the most.important part of a deployment, and people wonder why I got out after 10 years, silly y'all are just plane silly

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2017 3:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 15:48:48 -0400

Arrival at the Air Port of Debarkation (APOD). 90% of the time, that is Kuwait.

Response by SP5 Billy Anderson made Jun 4 at 2018 12:06 PM

SP5 Billy Anderson — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:06:55 -0400

Do I qualify for a OSR for 19 months in Vietnam?

Response by SPC Fred Scarborough made Jun 4 at 2018 6:42 PM

SPC Fred Scarborough — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:42:18 -0400

What about 30 months in Germany (1962 to 1964)?

Response by SPC Eric Zimmerer made Jun 19 at 2018 11:30 AM

SPC Eric Zimmerer — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 11:30:46 -0400

When I was stationed in Germany for 2 years, I was not allowed to wear the OSR until I left for reassignment to CONUS, of course this was back in 1992.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Jun 19 at 2018 12:24 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:24:05 -0400

You can wear it when it is entered in your 201 file.

Response by CW3 Raymond Mead made Jun 19 at 2018 12:50 PM

CW3 Raymond Mead — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:50:03 -0400

I was overseas when the Overseas Ribbon was adopted. I received notice that I had three qualifying tours of duty at that time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2018 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:35:23 -0400

AR 600-8-22, Ch 5, para 5-4a and AR 614-30, table 3-2

Response by SGT Phelan Hoover made Jun 19 at 2018 2:21 PM

SGT Phelan Hoover — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:21:44 -0400

When you hit ground it can start, but it begins with the paperwork that S-1 can always back track. When you get in country 11 months in country of a 24 month period OCONUS or 9 months TDY. The chain of command establishes, when that happens for the whole Division, then Brigade and then Battalion it trickels on down. A solid confirmation of when boots hit ground overseas. Only S-1, will know that unless an officer has a need to know. To make his or her personal professional paperwork look good.

Response by SSG Ron Raade made Jun 19 at 2018 2:41 PM

SSG Ron Raade — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:41:31 -0400

Who cares about overseas service ribbon? You want campaign medals, means you were in Country, and participated in the conflict.

Response by MSG Moises Maldonado made Jun 19 at 2018 3:23 PM

MSG Moises Maldonado — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:23:04 -0400

Who Cares? it's Just Accouterments.. Just Go there, Do your Job.. and Come Back.. It's a Given.. Besides I doubt that you'd Be Wearing Class A's While There.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Jun 19 at 2018 3:33 PM

SGT Scott Henderson — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:33:29 -0400

Better question: who gives a shit?

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Jun 19 at 2018 5:17 PM

SSG Grant Hansen — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:17:47 -0400

It starts when you are actually on the ground in the country. Travel time does not count.

Response by SFC Bill Meeler made Jun 19 at 2018 5:30 PM

SFC Bill Meeler — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:30:25 -0400

I have been out for awhile (25+ years), but if I remember correctly you only get the OSR only if you do not qualify for another in country award. For example I wear the OSR and second award but served 3 tours overseas. My last assignment I receive the AOM (WW II Army Occupation Medal) for serving in Berlin prior to the wall coming down. I don't know if this requirement still applies if it does then I would think the completion of the tour is required. Just my thoughts!

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jun 19 at 2018 5:37 PM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:37:10 -0400

No disrespect, but when I got off the plane at Bien Hoa RVN, the last thing I was thinking about was decorations.

Response by SPC Andrew Deckman made Jun 19 at 2018 7:56 PM

SPC Andrew Deckman — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 19:56:43 -0400

Why is it they take away an overseas ribbon when you apply for Korean service medal? Yes I know that $5 and that ribbon can almost buy you a cup of coffee. Just wondering.

Response by 1SG Bill Ski made Jun 19 at 2018 8:47 PM

1SG Bill Ski — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 20:47:47 -0400

Who the fuck cares it ain’t about a ribbon

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2018 10:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 22:40:06 -0400

Who are you trying to impress with your "ribbon"? We do what we do because it's the job we signed up to do. Not for the flare on our chests when the smoke clears.

Response by CPO Larry Wittmayer made Jun 19 at 2018 11:45 PM

CPO Larry Wittmayer — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 23:45:04 -0400

That and $5.00 will get you a cup of coffee

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jun 20 at 2018 1:09 AM

CPT Brad Wilson — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 01:09:45 -0400

We were told that you got a campaign medal or the Overseas Service not both

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 5:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 05:34:42 -0400

When you land overseas. Until you get there, you're not overseas yet.

Response by SSgt Sam Morgan made Jun 20 at 2018 8:11 AM

SSgt Sam Morgan — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:11:54 -0400

Why is this awarded? Your service ribbons show where you served.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 8:14 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:14:23 -0400

It’s pretty disappointing to see so many disparaging comments toward this guy. Who ever said that he didn’t do his job while in country? If he’s earned an award/ribbon/device, it needs to be in his records. This isn’t because of vanity; the Soldier’s records need to reflect the correct information.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with ensuring that your records are straight. Every centralized board, both the officer and enlisted, provide this recommendation in the AAR. Only a fool would ignore such basic guidance because, “Uh, I was just doing my job.”

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 23 at 2021 11:59 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 23 May 2021 23:59:51 -0400

The day you leave the Continental United States.