OVERSEAS SERVICE BAR AND SERVICE STRIPES

OVERSEAS SERVICE BARS

This accoutrement of the U.S. Army ASU and previously on the Army Green and Army Blue uniforms that indicate a soldier has served six months or service in a combat zone. Each bar is displayed as an embroidered gold bar worn horizontally on the right sleeve of the Army Green's and the ASU. Each bar is cumulative in that each bar indicates another six-months period. Vietnam, between 1 July 1958 and 28 March 1973. The months of arrival to, and departure from Vietnam are counted as whole months for credit toward the overseas service bar. If a Soldier receives a month of hostile fire pay for a period(s) of TDY service in Vietnam, then the Soldier may also receive credit for a corresponding month towards award of an overseas service bar. (IAW AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1 and AR 600-8-22)

SERVICE STRIPES

Service stripes are authorized by enlisted personnel to wear service stripes as members of the AA, ARNG, and USAR, for a period of honorable service, as indicated - Active Federal service as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Allowable amount for stripes are: One stripe is authorized for each 3 years of honorable active Federal service; Reserve service creditable for retired pay for non-regular service; or a combination of both. There is no limit to the number of stripes worn; however, service stripes will not cover the chevrons. Service need not have been continuous, and the 10th stripe is authorized after 29 1/2 years. Individuals authorized more than 10 service stripes may elect whether to wear them or not. (IAW AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1 and AR 600-8-22)