(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 26 Aug 2026. 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 125
Individual Reservists,
This edition includes information on IDT lodging reimbursement requests, IDT scheduling for FY27, reminder to complete the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Requirement, formal school training for IMAs, upcoming pay changes for Hostile Fire Pay and Imminent Danger Pay, joint discretionary points and PHA/MHA services for IMAs.
REMINDER! COMPLETE WAIST-TO-HEIGHT RATIO (WHtR) REQUIREMENT
DEADLINE: 31 AUG 26
Members who are currently in, or are scheduled to enter, a qualified duty status between 1 July and 31 August 2026 must coordinate with their assigned unit to complete the WHtR requirement during that duty period. This applies whether the member is performing duty at their assigned duty location or another Air Force installation.
Members who have not already completed the requirement and are not scheduled to be in a qualified duty status before 31 August 2026 may request one Annual Tour (AT) day to complete the WHtR requirement. One additional travel day may be authorized, if needed. The AT must be requested for travel to the nearest Air Force installation able to administer the WHtR assessment, not necessarily the member’s assigned duty location.
Members who are unable to complete the WHtR requirement by 31 August 2026 must work directly with their assigned active component unit and provide written justification explaining why they were unable to complete the requirement.
Exemptions
You do not need to complete an additional WHtR measurement if:
- Your requirement is medically exempt and documented on an AF Form 469.
- You have a pregnancy or postpartum medical exemption.
- You completed a Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) between 1 January and 30 June 2026, and your WHtR measurement was retained as part of your official assessment.
Additional guidance can also be found on the HQ RIO Portal HERE.
REMINDER! SCHEDULE YOUR IDTs IN UTAPS
The FY27 IDT calendar is now available in UTAPS. All IMA Reservists must enter their projected FY27 IDT schedule in UTAPS and route it to their supervisor for approval. Forgot how to do this? Check out this handy Quick Guide.
In accordance with Air Force guidance, IMAs and their supervisors must work together to develop a projected FY27 IDT schedule consisting of 24 or 48 IDT periods, depending on the member's Reserve Section Code. These projected schedules are used for budget planning purposes to help ensure IDT funding is available for FY27.
Don't know your exact dates yet? That's okay. Enter your best estimate now to meet the suspense. Your IDT dates can be modified later as your schedule becomes finalized.
IDT LODGING REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS
HQ RIO has resumed processing of lodging reimbursement and at this time the normal method of Individual Lodging Reimbursement via DTS and the member’s GTC will continue. Members should continue to schedule IDT and submit vouchers for reimbursement in FY27.
FORMAL SCHOOL TRAINING UPDATED GUIDANCE
More information on the application process HERE.
JOINT DISCRETIONARY POINTS
Reserve officers (O-3 through O-6) who have led, planned, or participated in a joint exercise or course qualify to receive joint discretionary points through Air Reserve Personnel Center, Joint Officer Management. Officers must request and receive discretionary points within 12 months of completing the exercise or course.
HOSTILE FIRE PAY AND IMMINENT DANGER PAY CHANGES
Effective 01 October 2026, military pay rates for Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) and Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) will change for USAF and USSF Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members. HFP will increase to $450 per month, while IDP will change to $275 per month. As a reminder, HFP is paid only at the full monthly rate (members subject to a qualifying HFP event during the month receive the entire monthly amount regardless of when the event occurs), while IDP is paid at a monthly rate but may be prorated to a daily rate. Additionally, HFP and IDP cannot be paid to the same member simultaneously; members qualifying for both will receive only one, not a combination of the two.
PROMOTION BOARD SCHEDULE
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USAFR Participating/Nonparticipating/Position Vacancy Line and Nonline Lieutenant Colonel Promotion Selection Boards
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USAFR Major Selective Reserve Continuation Boards
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USAFR First Lieutenant Promotion Selection Process (2nd Half)
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ANG First Lieutenant Promotion Selection Process (2nd Half)
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USAFR Captain Promotion Selection Process (2nd Half)
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USAFR Participating/Nonparticipating Line and Nonline Colonel Promotion Selection Boards
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Every Tuesday, HQ RIO Medical will offer Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) and Mental Health Assessment (MHA) services for IMAs who do not require in-person PHAs. Instructions:
- Once completed, email the org box: RIO.IRM.Team@us.af.mil. Members will be scheduled appointments in 30-minute blocks (between 0800-1430 MT; Note: 1200-1300 MT will NOT be available for booking). Please include your availability every Tuesday.
- An email confirmation with appointment date and time will be sent along with a Microsoft Teams invite. Monitor your provided email (the one used to request an appointment) for a Teams meeting invite--if you have not accepted the invite by 1200 MT the Friday before your proposed appointment, we will move on and you will have to email our org box to restart the process.