Overseas Service Bar Calculator
The Rule
You are authorized one overseas service bar for each period of 6 months of active Federal service in a designated eligible area. Periods of less than 6 months may be combined across deployments.
Reference: AR 670-1, Para 21-29
Note: This calculator provides guidance based on AR 670-1. Always verify with your unit S-1 or personnel office. Unit and command policy may be more restrictive.
Eligible Operations & Locations
The following operations and locations qualify for overseas service bars per AR 670-1, Para 21-29:
| Operation / Location | Eligible Dates |
|---|---|
| Outside CONUS (WWII) | Dec 1941 – Sep 1946 |
| Korea | Jun 1950 – Jul 1954 |
| Vietnam | Jul 1958 – Mar 1973 |
| Dominican Republic | Apr 1965 – Sep 1966 |
| Laos | Jan 1966 – Mar 1973 |
| Cambodia | Jan 1971 – Mar 1973 |
| Lebanon | Aug 1983 – Apr 1984 |
| Persian Gulf (Earnest Will) | Jul 1987 – Aug 1990 |
| Persian Gulf (Desert Storm) | Jan 1991 – Aug 1993 |
| El Salvador | Jan 1981 – Feb 1992 |
| Somalia | Dec 1992 – Mar 1995 |
| OEF (USCENTCOM) | Sep 2001 – Dec 2014 |
| OEF-Philippines | Sep 2001 – Dec 2014 |
| OEF-Horn of Africa (Djibouti) | Jan 2008 – Dec 2014 |
| OIF (USCENTCOM) | Mar 2003 – Aug 2010 |
| OND (USCENTCOM) | Sep 2010 – Dec 2011 |
| OIR (USCENTCOM) | Jun 2014 – Present |
| OFS (USCENTCOM / Djibouti) | Jan 2015 – Present |
Key Rules
- One bar is authorized for each complete 6-month period of qualifying service
- Months of arrival and departure count as whole months
- Periods less than 6 months can be combined across multiple deployments
- Overseas service bars are worn on the right sleeve of the ASU and AGSU
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Disclaimer: AR670.com is an unofficial resource. This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Army or Department of Defense. Always verify with official Army publications and your unit personnel office.