Has anyone lost their Overseas Service Bar due to a name change of an Operation?

2017-11-24T12:08:43-05:00

So I have found a unique situation that I haven't see. Basically some of us are losing a Overseas service bar due to a name change in an operation. This has to do with Operations Enduring Freedom. Another Soldier I know was deployed to Qatar under OEF from 2015-2016. At that point it was called OEF. But now the latest version of AR 670-1 states this about OEF.

"Participation in OEF, in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Com-mander, CENTCOM, between 11 September 2001 and 31 December 2014; OEF-Philippines, in the Philippines, between 19 September 2001 and 31 December 2014; OEF-Horn of Africa, in Djibouti, between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2014. The months of arrival to, and departure from the Philippines, Djibouti, or the CENTCOM area of operations are counted as whole months."

So the time frame was renames and any operation from that point would count towards an Overseas Service Bar would have to Operation Iraqi Resolve or Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

At that point some of us were authorized the Overseas Bar but due to AR 670-1 some operations now don't count. Qatar being one of them. Also, looking at it Jordan would also be in the same boat. Technically they both fall under CENTCOM, which is a requirement but the naming convention on the operation would not qualify it.

Has anyone dealt with this? Would service in support of OEF in CENTCOM after 2014 not qualify you for the Overseas Service Bar?

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Nov 24 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-11-24T16:37:42-05:00

I would go back and check the messages making the various changes to the regulation and see what they have to say. Some of them may have been combined for one reason or another.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2017 8:29 PM

2017-11-24T20:29:32-05:00

OEF ended on 31 dec 2014, everythings name changed at that point. Like afghanistan became freedoms sentinel. So you were probably not actually in ODF jist misinformed by COC at the time

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2017 9:30 PM

2017-11-24T21:30:32-05:00

Sir, I would, also, fall into this boat, as I was deployed to Jordan, under OEF orders. My tour is still considered a combat one. Although, I do see what you're saying here, I, though, think, if OEF REALLY ended on 31 DEC 14, not all of those missions were complete at that time.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Nov 25 at 2017 7:35 AM

2017-11-25T07:35:48-05:00

Funny I earned overseas bar for combat, I thought that what that campaign ribbons were for. I only got credit for my overseas tours like Korea and Germany. Been to iraq and kuwait at all different occasions. Not sitting in the dust bowl either.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Nov 25 at 2017 7:41 AM

2017-11-25T07:41:35-05:00

By the way you can't earn overseas strips unless there combat related. Just had that thought. They won't award you overseas ribbion/award for combat only major tours. That what the combat stripe is for. I've been to combat 4 times and 3 seperated Kuwait tour's.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-11-27T22:30:07-05:00

Keep reading where OND and OIR are also mentioned as being authorized for the overseas service bar.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2017 11:35 PM

2017-11-27T23:35:26-05:00

(12) One overseas service bar is authorized for each 6–month period of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Commander, CENTCOM, between 19 September 2001 and 31 December 2014; or Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, between 19 September 2001 and a date to be determined.

(13) One overseas service bar is authorized for each 6–month period of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Commander, CENTCOM, between 19 March 2003 and 31 August 2010.

(14) One overseas service bar is authorized for each 6–month period of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service participating in Operation New Dawn in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Commander, CENTCOM, between 1 September 2010 and 31 December 2011.

(15) One overseas service bar is authorized for each 6–month period of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service participating in Operation Inherent Resolve, in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Commander, CENTCOM, between 15 June 2014 and a date to be determined.

(16) One overseas service bar is authorized for each 6–month period of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service participating in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, in the CENTCOM area of operations, and under the control of the Combatant Commander, CENTCOM, between 1 January 2015 and a date to be determined.

(17) The months of arrival to, and departure from the areas of operations during the periods indicated in paragraphs 21-29a(1) through (14) are counted as whole months only when the period of each deployment is over 6 months. Periods of overseas service of less than 6 months of active Federal service as a member of a U.S. Service, which otherwise meets the requirements for the award of the overseas service bar authorized in paragraphs 21-29a(1) through (14) may be combined by adding the number of months and days spent in the area(s) of operation. For calculation purposes, thirty days equal one calendar month. When continuous deployment periods are less than 6-month periods, only the number of days in the months of arrival to, and departure from the area of operations are counted. Soldiers must have 6 full months (in addition to any other time counted in paragraphs 21-29a(1) through(14)) for each additional service bar worn.[2]

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Nov 28 at 2017 3:48 AM

2017-11-28T03:48:06-05:00

I was only awarded one bar during my tour in Iraq in 2009. Never got them when I was in Djibouti 2004-05.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 6:15 PM

2017-12-07T18:15:44-05:00

Another thing to look into is the personnel policy guidance that applies that Soldier's situation. There is something in there about being in a Combat Zone Tax Exempt area designated by Congress being a requirement for the stripe.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 5:47 PM

2019-07-16T17:47:47-04:00

The "why" the orders may have read OEF in error because the person who created the orders used existing orders and failed to change it from OEF, or wasn't aware of the need to make the change.
Considering the official end date of OEF predated your deployment, you should consider first determining what Operation you were a part of. If it is a qualifying Operation and time period, which is likely, it's authorized. With regard to having the orders amended to correct the error, best of luck.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 16 at 2021 10:46 AM

2021-03-16T10:46:54-04:00

Sir,

I know this is an old thread, but I read through it and didn't find what I think is the "right" answer.

I'm retired now, so my ability to look shit up is limited. But you need to look at OFS - Operations Freedom Sentinel for authorizations and requirements.

I am the same way - I was on TCS orders to Afghanistan starting 1 January 2015 (I actually got to theater on 11 Jan). My orders were CUT when it was till OEF, but I SERVED in OFS. My TCS orders state OEF. My release from theater states OFS. Lots of fun.

I can tell you from personal experience / research, that Afghanistan qualified under OFS. I do not know if Qatar counts.