IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  26 May 2015

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140017295 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests award of the Overseas Service Ribbon.  

2.  The applicant states she served in Kuwait from 15 December 2001 to 1 May 2002.  This award was retroactively awarded in 2006. 

3.  The applicant provides:

* DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
* DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214)

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant's records show she enlisted in the Regular Army on 14 June 1996 and she held military occupational specialties 91W (Medical Specialist) and 14T (Enhanced Patriot Missile Crewmember/Maintainer). 

2.  She served in Kuwait from 15 December 2001 to 1 May 2002, a period of 4 months and 17 days of foreign service. 

3.  She was honorably released from active duty on 14 February 2003.  Her DD Form 214, as corrected by her DD Form 215, shows she was awarded or authorized the:

* Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award)
* Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award)
* Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award)
* National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award)
* Army Lapel Button
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon
* Army Service Ribbon
* Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

4.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Overseas Service Ribbon was established by the Secretary of the Army on 10 April 1981.  Effective 1 August 1981, all members of the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve in an active Reserve status are eligible for the award for successful completion of overseas tours.

5.  A Frequently Asked Questions Document from the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Military Awards Branch, dated 22 January 2006, contains examples to show Soldiers' eligibility for awards while deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.  The document states, "Question:  How long do I have to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan to be awarded the Overseas Service Ribbon?  Answer:  Overseas tour credit is outlined in Army Regulation 614-30 (Overseas Service).  Provided is a clarification statement the proponent to Army Regulation 614-30 has provided our office:  Soldiers who serve a minimum of 11 cumulative months or 9 continuous months in Iraq in a temporary change of station/tour of duty status get credit for a complete short tour.  Your reference is Army Regulation 614-30, table 3-2, rules 5, 7, and 8.  Kuwait/Iraq and Afghanistan are considered isolated areas where tour lengths have not been established by Department of Defense; therefore, the Army gives equivalent credit for periods of change of station/tour of duty."

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The applicant completed 4 months and 17 days of foreign service in Kuwait.  This period of foreign service does not qualify her for award of the Overseas Service Ribbon.  She would have needed a minimum of 9 months in a continuous temporary change of station.  Therefore, she is not entitled to the requested relief. 





BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____x___  ____x____  ___x____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      _______ _   _x______   ___
               CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.



ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140017295





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140017295



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