(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 12 Dec 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 108
 

With a recent cold snap impacting many locations, we encourage everyone to take appropriate precautions and stay safe this winter season. Thank you for your continued engagement and proactive planning. Please review the updates below for important reminders and upcoming items affecting IR execution.

Request Annual Tour (AT) Orders Early

IRs are strongly encouraged to request Annual Tour orders for the fiscal year as early as possible. Early submission improves funding visibility and helps reduce processing delays later in the year. Waiting until later in the FY may limit flexibility due to funding and execution constraints.  Remember that all AT orders requests for the current FY must be in by 31 May.

DTS Downtime

The Defense Travel System (DTS) will be unavailable for scheduled maintenance on Thursday, 18 December, from 0800 to 1600 ET. During this time, authorizations and vouchers cannot be created, amended, or submitted. Please plan travel actions accordingly.

IR All Call – 30 January

HQ RIO will host a virtual IR All Call on 30 January at 1400 MT. This All Call will include updates related to the expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that day, as well as other important topics affecting IRs.

Additional details are available at: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Guidance-Updates/Article/4357667/hq-rio-to-host-virtual-ir-all-call-on-jan-30-at-2-pm-mt/

Continuing Resolution Awareness

As we approach the end of the current Continuing Resolution on 30 January, IRs should be mindful not to schedule IDTs or Annual Tours that cross over this date. If the government shuts down, ATs and IDTs cannot be performed, even if they were approved prior to the shutdown. Additional guidance will be discussed during the IR All Call.

ATSRF Required for OCONUS Split Tours

While the Annual Tour Special Request Form (ATSRF) is no longer required for CONUS split tours at homestation, DAFMAN guidance still requires IRs to complete an ATSRF for all OCONUS split Annual Tours. In the vast majority of cases, these requests are approved; however, the form is still required to support order writing and processing.

IDT Lodging Issue

An automated DFAS system is incorrectly flagging some local vouchers that include IDT lodging for IMA members. HQ RIO is actively working with DFAS to correct this issue. If DFAS contacts you regarding a paid local voucher with lodging, please open a myFSS case with RIO TRO so we can provide the necessary documentation to help resolve the matter.

ARC Wing-Level Child Care Survey

The ARC Wing-Level Child Care Survey, an Air Force Survey Office–approved survey, was distributed to Reservists via myFSS in August and again in November. This survey is designed for military personnel with children to complete. The deadline for responses has been extended to 31 January 2026.

The AFRC survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CLWGCCJ

Survey data will be analyzed at the DAF level, after which each wing will receive its own data. Wing Community Action Networks (CANs) are expected to use the results to address local child care concerns and explore potential solutions. This survey will be issued annually to ensure installations have updated insight into child care needs and perspectives.

POC: HQ AFRC/A1ZR, Dr. Janice Barnes, A1.HQ.A1ZR@us.af.mil, DSN 497-1288.

Retirement Routing Reminder

All retirement applications must be routed to SSgt Stephen Swearingen at stephen.swearingen.1@us.af.mil. Routing retirement packages correctly and with sufficient lead time helps prevent processing delays.

v/r,

HQ RIO