(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 4 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 103
Three hot topics we would like to address up front in this Buzz:
First, leave sell back. I understand the frustration with the current leave sell back processing backlog of 2,000 leave requests, resulting in extended processing times (150+ business days). We anticipate that we will receive 9,000 more leave requests in the coming months. My team is working to improve this and will share updated processing procedures for greater transparency.
Second, if you encounter the “unhandled fault” error when submitting orders requests via myFSS to the Orders Writing Cell (OWC), complete this Orders Request Worksheet and submit it via myFSS to the Order Writing Cell - general inquiry queue.
- Select the myIMA tile in myFSS, then select the Orders Writing Cell Request link, then scroll down and select the “Create a request” button.
- In the first step of the form flow, select the button for “General Inquiry” and complete your request from there.
We are actively working with developers to resolve this.
Last,
rental car toll/traffic violation recoupment. Enterprise, Alamo, and National Car Rental will soon address a backlog of charges for DoD travelers who committed traffic violations and incurred tolls when driving on unmanned toll roads without a toll transponder from April 1, 2024, to present. Travelers in your program who incurred a traffic violation or toll while operating a vehicle rented under the U.S. Government Rental Car Program during this time frame, who have not resolved the charge directly with the rental car company and therefore owe payment, will receive notification via their official email. The charge will appear on the last method of payment used on their account, most likely after the rental period has ended and/or the traveler has submitted their voucher and paid their balance.
Please closely monitor your Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) statements to ensure timely payment to avoid negative impacts to your credit report.
For IMAs, your GTCC is handled by the Agency Program Coordinator (APC) within your active component organization. RIO cannot assist with any GTCC/CITI issues.
Fines for traffic citations and any associated service/processing fees assessed by the ticketing authority or rental car company is your responsibility and are non-reimbursable. Tolls are reimbursable; however, any associated service or processing fees assessed by the tolling authority or rental car company are not reimbursable. You must create an amendment to your existing DTS voucher to receive reimbursement for any new tolls.
If you wish to dispute a charge on your GTCC, contact Enterprise’s dedicated support line at 1-800-935-0112 or send an email to
citations2@em.com within 60 days of the transaction date. All undisputed GTCC charges should be paid before the GTCC statement’s due date, regardless of whether reimbursement has been received.
More information.
On to the Buzz....
Incorrect use of Duty Titles. "Mobilization Assistant" is exclusively for those permanently assigned to Air Force Reserve General Officer Mobilization Assistant positions. “Reserve Advisor” is also exclusive to O-6 AGR positions designated for that role. Do not use these duty titles if filling a position temporarily.
RIO Connect App is going away 1 Oct 25. The RIO Connect app will be discontinued on Oct. 1, 2025, aligning with the Air Force Connect app shutdown. All information has been migrated to our website. myFSS remains the primary contact method for HQ RIO.
New 1288. The Air Force has updated DAF Form 1288. Old forms are valid only if signed
before Aug. 11, 2025. The updated form streamlines Reserve Component assignment and reassignment actions and is available in our Document Library
HERE.
Submit FY25 Vouchers Promptly. With the end of the fiscal year approaching, please submit FY25 vouchers in DTS within five days of duty completion. Delaying submission
after Sept. 30, 2025, may significantly delay payment.
ICYMI (From the Last Buzz):
- FY26 UTAPS Calendar Deadline Lapsed! If you haven't submitted your FY26 IDT schedule in UTAPS Calendars, please do so NOW. Achieving a yellow "SUBMITTED" status, even with tentative dates, is crucial to ensure funds obligation. For assistance with UTAPS or calendar creation, use the provided link HERE or contact the UTAPS Support Cell HERE.
- Buying uniforms (enlisted only). Effective 15 Aug 25, self-procurement of uniforms is discontinued. All uniform purchases must now go through Industry of the Blind (IOB). Please do not submit any uniform requests for now. Detailed instructions will be provided within the next two weeks. Important: Pending uniform reimbursements remain unaffected.
Other Information:
Upcoming Events to Mark Your Calendar:
- FY26 UTAPS Schedule Deadline: 15 Aug 25
- 3-day vIRO: 10-12 Sep 25
- IR All Call: 30 Sep 25 (Details to follow)
V/r,
Col Dixie “Jinx” Duke
IMA to the HQ RIO/CC