(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 21 July 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 100
This is a longer Buzz than usual, but it contains lots of great, useful information that will serve you in your military and personal life well.
Please take the time to review it in its entirety.
On to the Buzz....
Changes to the Air Force’s dress and appearance standards. The Air Force recently published DAFGM 2025-02, containing updates to DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel.
- Updates include:
- Officers are required to maintain one complete set of an Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform. Officers will have 90 days from the date of the memo to comply.
- Eyelash extensions are no longer authorized for wear unless granted a medical waiver. Airmen will have 30 days from the date of the memo to comply.
- Clarification that OCP sleeves may be rolled “up to twice”.
- Combat boots are required to be between 8-12 inches in height from the bottom of the boot tread to the top of the back of the boot. Airmen will have 90 days from the date of the memo to comply.
- These updates are intended to reinforce that standards should be easy to understand, easy to comply with, and easy to enforce.
- DAFGM 2025-02 incorporates changes introduced earlier this year in DAFGM 2025-01 as well as replacing the word “gender” with “sex.”
- Read the full list of changes HERE.
As we at HQ RIO progress in our Functional Alignment efforts, we are continuing to identify and streamline processes to better serve HQ RIO and our IRs. So, lodging & telework approvals …just got easier!
For lodging and telework agreement memos, your Active Duty commander is now the approving authority. This means you
no longer need Detachment Commander approval – one less step!
- Lodging Memo template found HERE.
- Telework Agreement found HERE.
We have received some questions regarding the remote and telework policies. So we’ve added clarifying information to the verbiage below that hopefully clarifies these concerns:
- Important Reminder: New Remote and Telework Orders. While we recognize that remote work and telework arrangements may vary in their specific requirements, all orders must designate an approved duty location at a federal installation for processing. Bottom line: Regardless of the type of arrangement, if the reporting location is not on a federal installation, the RPA & MPA order requests cannot be processed.
- Important Reminder: Existing Orders: If you are currently working under an existing remote or telework RPA or MPA order that does not comply with the Return to In-Person work, you may continue to do so while we await further guidance.
- Important Reminder: Modifying Orders: HQ RIO will continue to process requests to modify existing orders.
- SAF/MR Approved Telework IDTs: SAF/MR approved situational telework IDTs for the month of July. Approval will be monthly.
- Annual Tour Telework: Situational teleworking is currently not authorized for annual tour.
Eligibility for the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan. Starting Aug. 1, 2025, when you complete the service requirements for Reserve retired pay, you will become eligible for the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP). This program allows you to provide a monthly annuity for your designated beneficiaries (e.g., spouse or dependents) in place of your retired pay after your death. Making an informed RCSBP election is a critical decision that requires your immediate attention to avoid unintended consequences. For more information on why this matters to you, click
HERE.
Retirement Certificate Shortage. The Air Reserve Personnel Center is currently experiencing a shortage of retirement certificates (DD Forms 363AF). If you have an approved retirement application, you will receive your retirement artifacts as soon as the inventory is received and can be processed. If you are having a retirement ceremony, click
HERE for information on how to obtain a mock certificate.
TSA phasing out Uniformed Service IDs. Starting in Fall 2025, the TSA is expected to phase out Uniformed Service IDs (USIDs) as acceptable identification at airport checkpoints due to new government policies.
However, Common Access Cards (CACs) will continue to be accepted. For more information, click
HERE.
Free, confidential counseling. Free, confidential counseling provides service members, military couples, and eligible family members, including spouses, children, and teens, with resources and support to help them cope with stress and address challenges head on. Click
HERE for resources.
Legal assistance for service members and families. In certain cases, you may need a military lawyer for advice or representation. Your Legal Assistance Office can help you with legal paperwork and information on many issues. Military OneSource can help connect you to the legal assistance you require. Call 800-342-9647 or use the Legal Services Locator
HERE to find your legal office.
Child Care Aware® of America. Child Care Aware of America helps military families by administering childcare fee assistance, saving eligible military families money. In addition,
respite care services can provide caregivers a short-term break, improving family stability and reducing the risk of abuse or neglect. Click
HERE for more information.
Reminders:
- vIRO: Streamlining IR onboarding with Functional Alignment. We're replacing Detachment-specific newcomer briefings with bi-monthly virtual Individual Reserve Orientations (vIROs), starting with a one-day vIRO on July 30, 2025. This one-day vIRO will cover topics on pay, orders, and satisfactory service. Telework IDTs authorized. No registration required. A more in-depth, three-day vIRO is slated for Sept. 17-19, 2025. Learn more HERE.
- DTS Authentication Requirement. Beginning July 23, 2025, DTS users will be required to authenticate their identity during login by signing into the DoD Enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (E-ICAM) service. Users will see the familiar dog with goggles login screen and will be prompted to sign in with CAC/PIV.
- DTS Processing Reminder: Avoid "BIG SIX" Errors for Faster Service. More than 80% of returned authorizations and vouchers in the past contained six basic errors. In order to ensure timely travel reimbursement for all, our travel technicians will prioritize complete and accurate DTS authorizations and vouchers. To avoid delays and to ensure prompt processing, submissions containing any of the "BIG SIX" common errors will be returned for correction without further review. Access the “BIG SIX” error list and resources on the RIO Portal HERE to ensure timely processing.
Other Information:
- Job Opportunities. Check out opportunities in GIGEAGLE or Personnel Force Innovation. These job opportunities include part-or-full-time, RPA or MPA orders, or AT, IDT and points-only options.
Upcoming Events:
- FY26 UTAPS Schedule Deadline: Aug. 15, 2025
V/r,
Col Nathan “N8” Day
Commander