Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Short Tour

Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Short Tour is a United States Air Force service award recognizing completion of a standard short-duty tour outside the continental United States. Established in 1980, it complements the Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour for extended service. The ribbon signifies adaptation to diverse United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa or Pacific Air Forces operational environments. It is part of a broader system of United States military awards and decorations for overseas service.

History and establishment

The ribbon was created by order of the Secretary of the Air Force on 6 October 1980, following the establishment of the Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour earlier that year. This period saw a formalization of recognition for overseas duty, paralleling similar awards in the United States Army and United States Navy. Its creation addressed a gap in acknowledging shorter, often demanding assignments in locations like Kunsan Air Base or Incirlik Air Base. The award is administered under the authority of the Department of the Air Force and the Air Force Personnel Center.

Award criteria and eligibility

Eligibility requires satisfactory completion of a tour at an overseas location designated as a "short tour" by the United States Department of Defense. This typically involves a service period of less than the standard long tour, often at remote or arduous locations such as Osan Air Base or Thule Air Base. Personnel must be assigned to units under United States Air Forces Central or other Major Commands. Time spent in a Prisoner of war status or as a Evader may count toward the tour requirement. The award is also authorized for certain personnel serving in Alaska or Hawaii under specific directives.

Appearance and design

The ribbon features a central stripe of Ultramarine blue, flanked on either side by stripes of Golden yellow and then Oriental blue. This color scheme is shared with the Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour, with the short tour version distinguished by a bronze Service star device worn on the ribbon. The design symbolism connects to United States Air Force heraldry, with blue representing the sky and space and yellow denoting excellence. The ribbon is identical in size and fabric to other Service ribbons in the United States Air Force.

Order of precedence and wear

In the United States Air Force order of precedence, the ribbon is worn after the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon and concurrently with the Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. It is placed before the Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon. Additional short tours are denoted by Oak leaf cluster devices, with a bronze cluster indicating a second award. The ribbon is worn on the Service dress uniform and is authorized for wear on the Mess dress uniform of the United States Air Force.

Notable recipients and recognition

While awarded broadly, notable recipients often include personnel who later achieved high rank or distinction, such as generals within United States European Command or United States Indo-Pacific Command. The ribbon is commonly held by airmen who served during operations like Operation Desert Storm or Operation Enduring Freedom from forward locations. Recognition for cumulative service is also seen among recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States) or Silver Star who have multiple overseas tours. The award represents a fundamental component of an airman's service record within the global reach of the United States Air Force.

Category:United States Air Force awards and decorations Category:Service ribbons of the United States Air Force