One ribbon on the Class A Uniform that drove everyone crazy was the Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR). Detailed in 5–4 (a), of AR 600-8-22 (11 December 2006), it says, “It is awarded to members of the U.S. Army for successful completion of overseas tours.” Cool, another ribbon.
But wait, not so fast. “c. Soldiers must be credited with a normal overseas tour completion according to AR 614–30.” What the heck is a normal overseas tour? Is that like Germany or Korea or does Iraq count too? AR 614-30 just further confused me plus the award stipulation has changed.
Finally, I found an answer. Over on the Awards and Decorations section of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command under Frequently Asked Questions: Overseas Service Ribbon I downloaded the Word FAQ document.
Question 13: It appears that in every situation, the OSR is only authorized if a Soldier is credited with completion of an overseas tour. Who determines if an overseas tour was completed and ensures the Soldier’s records is posted to reflect the completion of the tour?
Answer 13: The custodian of a Soldier’s personnel records makes the determination, IAW the rules established in AR 614-30, and posts the completed overseas tours to the Soldier’s record. If you are unsure who your records custodian is, check with your S1, they will know.
I pulled out my ERB (Enlisted Record Brief) and in Section I – Assignment Information under OS/Deployment Combat Duty, I was credited with “#S – 1” or one short tour. Cool, another ribbon.
POST-NOTE: I provided a copy of the Oct. 2008 FAQ to my company PAC clerk who passed it onto the Soldiers in S1 who amended it to my ERB.
