Am I eligible for another Overseas Service Ribbon if my tour is shortened to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School?

2017-05-11T06:55:03-04:00

I was on a 36 month tour before HRC changed my DEROS due to being selected for WOCS. By the time I PCS to WOBC I will be at 16 months served. AR 614-30 states "Less than the normal prescribed overseas tour, curtailment is for the convenience of the Government, and through no request from or fault of the Soldier" and technically I didn't request to leave so am I eligible for a OSR?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 11 at 2017 7:12 AM

2017-05-11T07:12:19-04:00

Based solely on what you've provided, I can see where someone might reasonably interpret that your submission of a WOCS packet as being your request to leave (to attend that school). However, you could easily (and reasonably) counter-argue that your leaving to attend WOCS is for the "convenience of the Government". After all, they have a mission that needs to be fulfilled (creating more Warrant Officers), and they have selected you to help fulfill that mission. So, assuming no other interpretation from someone with more relevant knowledge of the current regulations (I retired in 2011), I'd say "yes".

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 11 at 2017 8:42 AM

2017-05-11T08:42:27-04:00

yes but, the reg can be interpreted in this case to or not to support.
So if you want to wear that ribbon, I would write an email to HRC, lay out the events, and get their opinion.
If HRC (or who ever they pass you off to) supports wearing the OSR, then you take that letter and it goes in your "I love me" folder along with every other order, award, and document you have. To be used the day someone questions your wearing of the OSR.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-05-12T13:36:26-04:00

I have gone through 614-30 and have to agree with you, so long as your personnel center (S-1) also agrees and awards the OSR based on the reg.

The fact that your tour was shortened by DA should qualify you for the OSR.

the only sticky thing I uncovered is Ch. 7-2 where it says that a normal tour is 36 months:

"7–2. Tour lengths and exceptions
a. Unless otherwise indicated in the JTR, Soldiers assigned to Alaska and Hawaii will serve a minimum tour of 36 months whether accompanied or unaccompanied."

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made May 17 at 2017 6:36 PM

2017-05-17T18:36:54-04:00

I thought the requirement for OSR was originally 12 months, and SSDR was 6 months. When and why were these durations ever reduced?

At any rate, it seems you have at least 12 months anyways, so whats the issue?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 6:46 PM

2017-05-17T18:46:46-04:00

I would argue that your submission of a packet for Warrant Officer would be a request to DEROS early. The reason why is because, even though selection to attend WOBC can be interpreted as "for the convenience of the government," in submitting the packet, you knew the timelines involved. Even if you didn't know the start date of the school at the time of submission, you knew that if you were selected, you would be slotted for the next available class after the board. So, at minimum, that would mean that when you submitted the packet, you knew that there was at least a possibility of early DEROS as a result of submitting the packet. Not that I'm trying to come off harsh or disrespectful, but rather just offering my understanding of the situation.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made May 17 at 2017 8:41 PM

2017-05-17T20:41:10-04:00

Same drill for me. You are being reassigned. You completed your tour and PCS to WOCS. You did not request a curtailment or opt out of your overseas assignment as previously suggested. Now, you need to speak to the tech at your servicing S1 or the S1. They interpret regulations for a living, specifically in the area you are wanting help with. RP is great but nobody here makes the entry on your WEB.

Response by CSM David Draughn made Oct 13 at 2018 3:55 AM

2018-10-13T03:55:50-04:00

Wrong! Read the regulation. You completed a tour. You left early at the convenience of the Government.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2018 9:06 AM

2018-10-13T09:06:23-04:00

You have successfully begun your transition to the WO corps. “This” is definitely the priority for you as you embark on the next phase of your career.

Sarcasm font....

Response by SGT J Dent made Oct 13 at 2018 10:50 AM

2018-10-13T10:50:24-04:00

I worked at a transition point, all you have to do is point out the tour and mentuon it in screening and they will add it.

Response by SFC Douglas Welch made Oct 14 at 2018 6:55 AM

2018-10-14T06:55:52-04:00

From my experience, you must complete 7/8 of your tour for osr. Some awards state in regulations some are by D.A. policy for mission.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2018 8:50 AM

2018-10-14T08:50:59-04:00

It is convenience of the Government. They could have assigned you a WOCS date for after your tour completion.

Response by SGT Joseph Cardenas made Oct 14 at 2018 10:13 AM

2018-10-14T10:13:48-04:00

Can't believe an overseas ribbon means that much to you especially since it's just ANOTHER one! Lol

Response by SFC William Huse made Oct 14 at 2018 10:37 AM

2018-10-14T10:37:43-04:00

Really, what difference does it make if you already have one? When I was in, I was there for a job and did it well. If for some reason the man decided to award me for just doing what I was paid to do, well so be it. Although I did receive many citations, none really meant much to me. I still don't believe in participation trophys, and never will. I have witnessed acts that led to someone being awarded a citation for above and beyond the call. If you truly feel getting a second overseas medal was above the call, then pursue it through the COC, otherwise, suck it up and move on.

Response by CWO4 John Strachan made Oct 14 at 2018 12:03 PM

2018-10-14T12:03:36-04:00

Because it's all about that salad bar.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Oct 14 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-10-14T17:06:29-04:00

How about making these available to those of us who did extensive overseas tours prior to 1981.