Advanced Service Rating Score

The Advanced Service Rating Score was the system that the United States Army used at the end of World War II in Europe to determine which soldiers were eligible to be repatriated to the United States for discharge from military service as part of Operation Magic Carpet.

As the end of the war in Europe became a reality, the US War Department began planning for the "redeployment of Army Personnel" following the end of hostilities. The Readjustment Regulations were first introduced on September 15, 1944 and revised February 15, 1945 and again on March 5, 1945.

The rules were simple in general principle: "those who had fought longest and hardest should be returned home for discharge first." The US Army divided units of the European Theater of Operations into four categories:

New replacement troops would replace the "veterans" returning home.

An enlisted man needed a score of 85pts to be considered for the demobilization. The scores were determined as follows for each:

Time of service was calculated from September 16, 1940. The four criteria were the only ones from which points were calculated. No points were issued for age, marriage or dependents over the age of 18. Battles and awards were also only accepted from a predetermined list.

Different scores were set for troops in the US Army, US Army Air Forces, Women’s Army Corps and holders of the Medal of Honor.

Before the surrender of Japan, officers who may have to serve again in combat were assessed not only on their ASR score but also on their efficiency and military specialities. However most high-scoring officers could have expected an early discharge after VE Day. The qualifying score was revised down to 80 Points after VJ Day. In the coming months it would be lowered again.

...
Wikipedia