The Overseas Service Ribbon was first issued in August of 1981. It is presented to any member of the United States Army who completes a standard overseas tour of duty. Such tours are normally for two to three years and must be served outside the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Additional awards of the Army Overseas Service Ribbon are denoted by award numerals. For those Army service members performing overseas duty prior to 1981, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon may be awarded retroactively, provided that a service member was on active duty subsequent to 1981.