When should I receive an ARCAM?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 01:34:41 -0500

I joined the army reserve on April 5, 2018. I then deployed overseas in May 2019 and came off orders in April 2020, which came out to just over 11 months. I know you are supposed to receive an ARCAM every 3 years from what I read in 600-8-22. I am still am confused about the subject. Would I still get an ARCAM at my 3-year mark or would it now be longer? Would this also mean I do not get a service strip for being in for 3 years?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 2:03 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 02:03:46 -0500

You automatically get your service stripe at 3 years TIS so April 2021. Deployments and ADOS Tours don't count towards ARCAM so if you were Active Duty for 11 months, than you won't get your first ARCAM until April 2022.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 2:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 02:48:03 -0500

Normally, you get it at your 3 year mark. However, if you deployed and got an AGCM during your deployment, your ARCAM clock would start over when you return and get REFRAD.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 12:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:37:18 -0500

I don't believe you lose the deployment time anymore. Per HRC "Enlisted Soldiers (except AGR) whose periods of active duty do not meet the criteria outlined in paragraphs 4-2, 4-5, and 4-6 will continue to receive credit of qualified time toward the award of the ARCAM." (https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Army%20Reserve%20Component%20Achievement%20Medal%20ARCAM)
I (and my Units admin teams) have read that as since your deployment isn't eligible for a AGCM, your term of service is applied to the ARCAM.

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 1:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 13:30:07 -0500

When I deployed for 9 months I got:
AFRM - with M device (this is also earned at 10 years TIS with hour glass device)
GWOT if you don't already have it
NATO 5 if you were in the right area
Regional Campaign medal if you were in such an area

As for the ARCAM, while it is automatic, the process to be given the award is not automatic. It only needs a company commander to write the memo, and a good unit would be on top of these things. What I did at my current unit was simply provide the S1 my annual points tally and the CO signed the memo for an additional oak leaf.

Just bring it up to your chain, and chances are your commander will sign a batch memo for everyone due.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 11:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:56:45 -0500

ARCAM date would be 4 APR 2021, since the deployed period was too short to award the GCMDL-Army, assuming you had all good years for retirement. Reference is AR 600-8-22, para 4-18

Response by MSG Smm Bell made Dec 26 at 2020 5:34 PM

MSG Smm Bell — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 17:34:23 -0500

You would get your ARCAM in April 2022. While on Active Duty the 11 months do not count towards your 3 year time. You still get your service stripes at 3 years TIS.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2021 11:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:50:03 -0400

Still haven't received my first one, coming up on time for my second one. Did receive an AGCM for a deployment though, so at least that happened.