(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 29 Sep 2025. If you did not receive it in your personal email, please log in to the vMPF and make sure you have a good personal email in that system.)
RIO Buzz Vol 104
Three hot topics for this Buzz:
IR All Call on Sept. 30 (next Tuesday)
We know many of you have questions about what to do in the event of a lapse of appropriations (gov shutdown). This is why we scheduled the IR All Call for the end of the FY so we could discuss expectations and do’s/don’ts. I highly encourage all to attend our next IR All Call slated for Tuesday, Sept. 30. During this All Call, we’ll talk about budget/CR, transferring to the Space Force, provide an update on the IMA Strategic Alignment and more! You can find more details in this Buzz.
Changes to Fiscal Requirements for FY26
First, due to anticipated budget overspending caused by late IDT scheduling and after-the-fact travel authorizations, significant changes are being implemented for FY26. Key changes include strict enforcement of deadlines, quarterly budget authority, monthly IDT submission requests, and potential order disapprovals for non-compliance.
Action Required:
- Schedule IDTs Immediately
- Submit AT order requests before May 31, 2026.
- Submit DTS authorizations ASAP and PRIOR to travel.
- Submit travel vouchers within 5 days of travel completion.
- Submit order requests at least 30 days in advance.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in order disapproval or significant delays to travel reimbursement. Planning ahead and timely submission are crucial for the success and fiscal health of the IMA program.
New process to address Leave Sell Back Backlog
As mentioned, few weeks ago, we would inform you when we’ve developed a process to address the leave sell back backlog. That time has come.
The organization is now processing aged leave records, prioritizing those less than six years old to avoid requiring a "barring act waiver" processed by DFAS. HQ RIO will open myFSS cases for aged records, starting with the oldest. Members will be notified when a case is created and when documents (DD Form 1089a and signed orders) need to be signed and returned. Do not create new myFSS cases; previously submitted cases will be reopened. Due to the large volume (over 11,000 records), processing times for other pay-affecting transactions may be temporarily impacted. Do not add comments to the cases; questions can be asked when the case is returned for signatures. Processing is estimated to take 150-180 days.
On to the Buzz....
Quarterly Virtual IR All Call: HQ RIO is hosting its quarterly virtual IR All Call, led by RIO Commander Col. Nathan Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
Join the Conversation! Click
HERE to view Agenda Highlights and details on how to join. We look forward to connecting with you on Sept. 30!
DTS Payments Paused for end-of-year processing: All travel payments to include payments from vouchers, local vouchers, advances, and/or scheduled partial payments will be paused from 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sep. 26 through Oct. 7, 2025.
Nominate Your Unit Reserve Coordinator for the Third Quarter: HQ RIO is now accepting nominations. This is a great opportunity to recognize your URC for the exceptional contributions and support from July 1 through Sep. 30, 2025. Click
HERE for more details on the nomination process.
China Strategic Competition, an RCGS Webinar Series: The U.S. Air Force Reserve China Global Strategy (RCGS) ISO Bullpen invites aerospace & defense stakeholders to join a virtual discussion on
Allies and Partners in an Era of Strategic Competition with China. Registration is required and is open to US government and military personnel. Registration form is available
HERE.
RIO Connect App: HQ RIO will be discontinuing its RIO Connect app, effective Oct. 1, 2025. This decision aligns with the Department of the Air Force's sunsetting of the Air Force Connect app on June 30, 2025. Click
HERE for more details. Please continue to visit our website for the latest HQ RIO news and information.
Other Information: