Ar 614-30: Overseas Service Ribbon Explained

The Army Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) was established by the Secretary of the Army on April 10, 1981. All members of the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve in an active Reserve status are eligible for the Army OSR for successful completion of overseas tours, effective August 1, 1981.

Let’s break down what this means for you:

Active Army: This includes all soldiers serving on active duty in the United States Army.
Army National Guard: This includes soldiers serving in the National Guard, who are typically part-time soldiers with a civilian job but can be called upon to serve in times of emergency or war.
Army Reserve: Similar to the National Guard, Army Reserve members are part-time soldiers who can be called up for active duty. They must be in an “active Reserve status” to qualify for the OSR, meaning they are actively participating in drills and training.

Successful completion of an overseas tour means you served your entire tour of duty in a designated overseas location. This can be a variety of places, including countries where the U.S. military has bases, or even temporary deployments to support missions.

The Army Overseas Service Ribbon is a recognition of your service outside of the continental United States. It acknowledges your commitment to serving your country wherever you’re needed, even in challenging circumstances.

The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to anyone who serves for at least one year at a permanent duty station outside of the continental United States. This ribbon is a great way to recognize your dedication to serving your country abroad.

To be eligible for the Overseas Service Ribbon, you must complete one year of consecutive or cumulative duty at a permanent overseas duty station. This could include a variety of locations, such as military bases, embassies, or other government facilities. It’s important to note that temporary duty assignments (TDYs) do not count towards the one-year requirement.

The Overseas Service Ribbon is a great way to show your pride in your service and to commemorate your time spent abroad. It’s also a great conversation starter and can help you connect with other veterans who have served overseas.

If you’re unsure if you qualify for the Overseas Service Ribbon, you can contact your unit’s personnel office or the Navy Personnel Command (NPC). They can help you determine your eligibility and assist you in applying for the ribbon.

You’re asking if you can receive an overseas service ribbon for serving in Korea. The answer is no. You are not eligible for an overseas service ribbon for serving in Korea.

While you may not receive an overseas service ribbon for service in Korea, you are eligible for a different award, the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM). The KDSM is awarded to those who serve in Korea for a specified period of time.

Let’s break down the reasons why there’s a difference:

The Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) is awarded for service in areas designated as “overseas.” Korea is not currently designated as an “overseas” area for the purpose of awarding the OSR.
The KDSM is a specific award given to recognize service in Korea. It’s a way to honor those who served in a location that has historical and strategic significance for the United States.

The distinction is based on the U.S. Department of Defense’s guidelines for awarding medals and ribbons. These guidelines are meant to provide a clear and consistent framework for recognizing service. While there might be some historical reasons why Korea is not currently designated for the OSR, the important thing is that your service in Korea is still recognized with the KDSM.

So, although you won’t get an overseas service ribbon for Korea, your service will still be recognized! The KDSM is a prestigious award that acknowledges your commitment to the United States’ presence in the Korean Peninsula.

Overseas Service Bars are cumulative, meaning each bar worn represents another six-month period spent overseas. You can earn a bar for two separate deployments totaling six months. For example, if you served three months in one location and then three months in another location, you would be eligible for one Overseas Service Bar.

The bars worn are a symbol of your dedication to service and time spent abroad. The bars are an important part of a service member’s uniform, and they are a way to show your pride in your service.

Remember, the Overseas Service Bars are cumulative, so you can earn multiple bars for different deployments. To determine how many bars you are eligible for, simply add up the total number of months you have served overseas. If the total is six months or more, you are eligible for one bar. For every six months of service beyond that, you are eligible for an additional bar.

The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to all members of the Army, including the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve in active reserve status. You’ll earn this ribbon after you successfully complete your initial-entry training. For officers, this means finishing their basic/advanced courses. For enlisted personnel, this means completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

But wait, there’s more! It’s not just about completing training. You need to be in active duty status when you finish your training. This means that you can’t be on inactive duty or reserve status. So, if you’re in the Army Reserve or National Guard, you’ll need to be on active duty orders to receive the Army Service Ribbon.

Let’s break it down further:

* Regular Army: If you join the Regular Army, you’re automatically on active duty. This means that you’ll be eligible for the Army Service Ribbon once you finish your initial training.

* Army National Guard and Army Reserve: It’s a little different for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. These units are part of the Reserves, meaning they are not always on active duty. You must be activated on active duty orders for a minimum of 30 days to be eligible for the Army Service Ribbon. This could be for training, deployments, or other missions.

Keep in mind that the Army Service Ribbon isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s a symbol of your commitment to serving in the United States Army. You’ve completed the first step in your journey as a soldier, and you’re now ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was awarded to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam and its contiguous waters or airspace, after July 3, 1965, through March 28, 1973. This means if you served in Vietnam during that timeframe, you are eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal.

Let’s break down the criteria a little further. The medal was awarded to those who served in the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), the Gulf of Tonkin, the Gulf of Thailand, the South China Sea, and the Laos and Cambodia airspace. You also had to be stationed there for at least 30 days or be involved in a combat mission in the Vietnam theater of operations. The Vietnam Service Medal is a great way to honor the brave service members who served our country in Vietnam. It serves as a reminder of their commitment and sacrifices during a challenging time in our history.

The Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon is awarded to all members of the U.S. Army Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve) for completing Annual Training or Active Duty for Training for at least ten consecutive days on foreign soil. This ribbon recognizes the unique challenges and experiences involved in training abroad.

Think of it as a badge of honor for your dedication to service and your willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. It symbolizes the commitment you’ve shown to honing your skills and expanding your horizons while representing the United States in a global context.

You might be wondering what exactly constitutes “foreign soil” for the purposes of this award. Well, it’s not just about being physically present in another country. The key is whether you’re participating in training activities that directly contribute to the U.S. Army’s mission abroad. This could involve exercises with allied forces, humanitarian aid missions, or even just training at a foreign base.

For example, if you’re a member of the Army Reserve and you participate in a two-week training exercise in Germany with NATO allies, you would be eligible for the Overseas Training Ribbon. The focus is on the training itself, and whether it’s taking place in a location outside of the United States.

So, next time you see someone wearing the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, you’ll know it represents their dedication to training and their contribution to strengthening the U.S. Army’s presence on a global scale.

The Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (NMCOS) is awarded to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel who complete a standard one-year overseas tour of duty. It was first created in 1987. You can tell how many times a service member has been awarded the ribbon by the bronze stars worn on it. Each bronze star signifies an additional year of overseas service.

What does “Overseas” mean?

The NMCOS is awarded for service outside of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. This includes service in:

Foreign countries: This is the most common reason for earning the ribbon. Examples include service in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
U.S. territories: Service in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories also qualifies for the NMCOS.
Aboard ships: If a service member is on a ship that is deployed overseas for at least one year, they are eligible for the ribbon.
Specific locations: There are a few other locations that qualify for the NMCOS, but these are less common. These include service at military bases in the Arctic, Antarctica, or other remote locations.

Who is eligible for the NMCOS?

Active duty personnel: Both enlisted and officer personnel are eligible for the NMCOS, as long as they meet the service requirements.
Reservists: Reservists who are activated for overseas service can also earn the NMCOS.
National Guard: National Guard personnel who are mobilized for overseas service can also earn the NMCOS.

How many stars can you earn?

The NMCOS can be awarded multiple times. Each subsequent award is represented by a bronze star worn on the ribbon. For example, if a service member has completed two one-year overseas tours of duty, they would wear one bronze star on their NMCOS. There’s no limit to the number of stars that can be earned.

What about deployments shorter than one year?

Even if a service member’s deployment is shorter than one year, they might still be eligible for the NMCOS if they meet certain criteria. For instance, if a service member is deployed to a combat zone, their service might be counted toward the one-year requirement, even if they were not deployed for a full year.

What is the meaning behind the NMCOS?

The NMCOS is a way to recognize the service of those who have been deployed overseas. It represents the sacrifices that service members have made to defend their country.

What is AR 614-30?

AR 614-30 is the Army regulation that covers Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) awards. This regulation outlines the Army’s policy for awarding tour completion credit to Soldiers who serve overseas.

The OSR is awarded to Soldiers who successfully complete a normal overseas tour. This means the Soldier has served the required amount of time in a designated overseas location. However, the Army does allow for exceptions to the policy for awarding tour credit in certain situations.

If a Soldier needs to request an exception, they’ll need to submit their request through the proponent of AR 614-30. The proponent is responsible for reviewing the request and making a decision on whether to grant the exception.

Understanding Tour Completion Credit

Tour completion credit is based on the length of time a Soldier serves in a designated overseas location. This can vary depending on the specific location and the type of duty the Soldier is performing.

For example, a Soldier stationed in a combat zone might have a shorter tour length than a Soldier assigned to a support role in a non-combat zone. This is because the demands and risks associated with combat duty are generally higher.

The purpose of tour completion credit is to recognize the unique challenges and sacrifices that Soldiers make when serving overseas. It’s a way to show appreciation for their commitment and dedication to their duty.

Exceptions to Policy

There are several reasons why a Soldier might need to request an exception to the policy for awarding tour completion credit. These could include:

Medical reasons: If a Soldier becomes ill or injured during their tour, they may be medically evacuated from their overseas location. In these cases, they may be eligible for an exception to the policy.
Family emergencies: If a Soldier has a family emergency that requires them to return home early, they may also be eligible for an exception.
Operational requirements: If a Soldier is reassigned to a different location or mission before completing their tour, they may be eligible for an exception based on operational requirements.

Processing Requests for Exceptions

Soldiers who believe they are eligible for an exception to the policy should contact their unit leadership for guidance on how to submit a request. The request must be submitted through the proponent of AR 614-30, who will review the request and make a decision based on the specific circumstances of the case.

The proponent will consider all relevant factors when reviewing the request, including the reason for the exception, the Soldier’s duty history, and any supporting documentation.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that Soldiers who deserve to be awarded the OSR are recognized for their service and sacrifice.

Army Regulation 614-30 guides how the Army manages overseas tours. It sets out rules about the length of time Soldiers spend stationed outside of the United States. This regulation is important because it affects many aspects of a Soldier’s life, including their family, career, and finances.

For example, Army Regulation 614-30 used to specify that single Soldiers on unaccompanied tours to Europe and Japan would be assigned a 24-month tour. Soldiers who were stationed overseas with their dependents, on the other hand, would typically be placed on orders for a 36-month tour.

These guidelines were designed to balance the needs of the Army with the needs of the Soldiers. The Army needed to ensure that it had enough personnel stationed overseas to meet its mission requirements. At the same time, it wanted to ensure that Soldiers weren’t spending too much time away from their families.

Army Regulation 614-30 also addresses other important aspects of overseas service, such as:

Housing
Medical care
Education
Travel
Pay and allowances

It’s important to note that Army Regulation 614-30 is subject to change. The Army may update the regulation to reflect changing needs and priorities. Soldiers who are assigned to overseas tours should always consult the latest version of the regulation to ensure that they are aware of the current policies and procedures.

Tour lengths can vary depending on the specific location, the Soldier’s unit, and the Army’s current operational needs. Some tours may be shorter or longer than the standard 24 or 36 months.

While a 24-month tour might seem long, it offers a chance to experience new cultures and learn new skills. However, being away from home for a significant period of time can be challenging. Soldiers on unaccompanied tours have to manage their own housing, transportation, and other logistics. They may also face cultural differences and language barriers.

You’re looking for the record number for AR 614-30? You’re in the right place!

Finding the specific record number for AR 614-30 is easy. You can locate detailed information, including all related record numbers, forms, and reports, in the ARIMS/Records Retention Schedule-Army Module of ARIMS. This information is available online at https://www.army.mil/arims/.

ARIMS stands for the Army Records Information Management System. It’s a comprehensive system designed to help manage and maintain all of the Army’s records. This includes retention schedules, which specify how long different types of records need to be kept.

AR 614-30 is a regulation that outlines the Army’s policies on records management. It covers everything from creating and maintaining records to destroying them. The ARIMS/Records Retention Schedule-Army Module provides specific information about AR 614-30, including the required record numbers for various documents and forms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the information you need:

1. Go to the ARIMS website: https://www.army.mil/arims/.
2. Navigate to the “Records Retention Schedule” section.
3. Find the “Army Module” within the Records Retention Schedule.
4. Use the search function to locate AR 614-30.

You’ll find all the detailed information you need about record numbers and associated forms right there. Good luck with your search!

The Army Overseas Service Ribbon is a beautiful and meaningful award recognizing service members who have served outside of the continental United States.

The ribbon itself is 1 3/8 inches wide, made of seven distinct vertical stripes:

National Flag Blue (3/16 inch)
Grotto Blue (5/16 inch)
Golden Yellow (1/16 inch)
Brick Red (1/4 inch)
Golden Yellow (1/16 inch)
Grotto Blue (5/16 inch)
National Flag Blue (3/16 inch)

This unique color combination signifies the diverse environments and countries where our service members have proudly served. It’s an important reminder of their dedication and sacrifice.

The Army Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to soldiers who have served at least 30 consecutive days outside of the continental United States or have accumulated a total of 30 days in separate overseas tours. This includes deployments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and other U.S. territories. The ribbon can be awarded for both combat and non-combat duty, highlighting the diverse contributions of all service members. It’s a tangible symbol of their valuable service to our nation, a reminder of their courage and commitment to protecting our freedoms around the globe.

Overseas Service – U.S. Army Garrisons

tailed information for all related record numbers, forms, and reports 30 are located in the ARIMS/Records for AR 614– Retention Schedule-Army Module of ARIMS and is U.S. Army Garrisons

Assignments, Details, and Transfers: Overseas Service

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What exceptions are there for being awarded the Overseas

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How can I determine if I qualify for the Overseas Service Ribbon

Chapter 5 of the Joint Travel Regulation establishes required tour lengths. AR 614-30 establishes the Army’s policy for awarding tour completion credit. If a Soldier RallyPoint

Army Overseas Service Military Ribbon

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What constitutes tour completion and time for the Army Overseas

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Fact Sheet – Army

Army Overseas Service Ribbons (OSR) are awarded to Soldiers credited with a normal overseas tour completion. Tours lengths for Iraq and Afghanistan have army.mil

U.S. Army Overseas Service: Tour Length Policy Revision

Army Regulation 614-30, Army Overseas Service, includes policy and guidance on the tour lengths for overseas areas. The Official Home Page of the United States Army

Overseas Service Ribbon

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