(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 21 Apr 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.)
 

The RIO Buzz                                                                                 Vol 92

Important Update: Anticipating Processing Delays 

We want to be up front and transparent about a situation that may impact you.  Several of our RIO civilian workforce are opting for early retirement or separation through the DoD Deferred Resignation Program.  We are projecting a 53% reduction in our pay and travel (FM) civilian staff, which will unfortunately lead to increased processing times for authorizations, vouchers, and other requests.  

Here's what we're doing: 

We are actively working on a plan to manage the workload, while also supporting our dedicated team.  

Weekly Processing Updates: To keep you informed, you will receive weekly updates directly to your inbox detailing current processing times.  This information is also available on the HQ RIO Portal [HERE] and [HERE]. Please use these processing times to better plan any critical payments you may have.  

Process Improvements:  We are continuously evaluating and streamlining our processes to identify efficiencies and improve your experience.  Any changes will be communicated.  

You can help by:  

Ensuring your submissions are correct: Any errors in your submissions, not only slow down your returns but the aggregate effects of errors (like not attaching your orders) can have impacts to over 8,000 IRs. Utilizing Online Resources:  Please visit the HQ RIO Portal [HERE] for helpful videos regarding vouchers, authorizations, pay, and more.  Visit [HERE] for Quick Guides. Familiarizing yourself with these resources can help reduce errors and expedite processing.  

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Now, on to the Buzz...   

Annual Tour reminder.  Deadline to submit FY25 AT orders requests is May 31, 2025.  Submit your requests via myFSS [HERE].  Requests submitted after June 1, 2025, require a Memorandum for Record (MFR) endorsed by the Active Duty Commander/Unit Colonel (O-6), Detachment Commander, and approved by HQ RIO.  Late AT orders submissions risk disapproval due to availability of funds.  To facilitate processing, please include the following with your request, in addition to the Late AT Request memo: an Annual Tour Special Request Form (ATSR) if applicable, any relevant reporting instructions, and an IMR printout.  Visit the HQ RIO Portal [HERE] for split AT and other AT information.  

Executive Orders Updates. Return to In-Person Work Exemption for Military Spouses: In the last RIO Buzz, we stated that active-duty military spouses of IRs were newly granted a telework exemption. The communication referred to a legal clarification that expanded the existing telework exemption applying to civilian employees.  Upon further legal review, our messaging was in error. JA has determined that this exemption does not apply to IRs married to active-duty military spouses. We apologize for any inconvenience this misstatement may have caused. Gender Dysphoria Separation/Retirement:  Members should not initiate or submit a new application for separation or retirement based on gender dysphoria. 

Recognize Excellence: Nominate an IR for IROY!  It's time to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Individual Reservists!  Do you know an IR who goes above and beyond?  Nominate them for the 2024 Individual Reservist of the Year (IROY) award. The deadline is May 23, 2025.  Find eligibility criteria, package requirements, and formatting instructions [HERE]. 

vIRO Expanded Participation! The next vIRO, scheduled for May 7-9, 2025, is now open to URCs, Reserve Advisors, active-duty supervisors, and all IRs.  Attend in a telework IDT status (paid or unpaid) – no registration required. Details [HERE]. 

PCARS glitch identified. There may be missing points for members that were on orders between Feb. 16-28, 2025. If your orders cover this period, particularly if your LES shows payment for Feb. 16-30, please verify your points were awarded.  To correct missing points, upload your PCARS statement and LES to myFSS. More information on AFR point credit found [HERE]. 

Orders are Essential. Ensure you have approved orders or a VOCO before reporting for duty to avoid financial issues.  We've seen a trend of instances where members are reporting without authorization, resulting in hardship.  Verify your duty status in advance. 

High-Year Tenure (HYT) extension request.  Updated forms to request a HYT extension can be found [HERE].  No changes to the current HYT routing process.  

Attention all exceptional Enlisted Airmen!  The CY25 Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) II program is now open for nominations.  The Promotion Eligibility Cutoff Date (PECD) is June 13, 2025, with a myVector submission deadline of June 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time.  Key changes this year include a TIG requirement of four years and no CMSgt nominations.  Review the CY25 Stripes for Exceptional Performers Guide [HERE] and discuss your eligibility with your leadership.  

Stay Connected Throughout Your Deployment Journey!  The AFRC Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program offers valuable resources and support to you and your family before, during, and after deployments.  Eligible IMAs can attend pre- and post-deployment events to connect with resources and support networks.  Learn more and see if you qualify [HERE] or contact MSgt Samantha Conner at samantha.conner.1@us.af.mil. 

Other Information:    

• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).  Service members and military spouses have special safeguards when it comes to rental agreements, evictions, credit card interest rates, civil judicial proceedings and more.  Visit SCRA to help determine eligibility and SCRA protections. 

• Job Opportunities.  Check out opportunities in GIGEAGLE.  These job opportunities include part-or-full-time, RPA or MPA orders, or AT, IDT and points-only options.  

• Military OneSource (MOS).  A resource of vast information to support military personnel and families with life skills, resilience support, and connections to more information.  

• TRICARE 101.  Whether you’re deploying, getting married, having a child or retiring soon, find out how and when to update your TRICARE information to get the benefits you’ve earned.  Check out this article to get a refresh on eligibility, coverage plans and more.  

Upcoming Events:  

• Virtual IR Orientation: May 7-9, 2025 

• Annual Tour orders request deadline: May 31, 2025    

Resources   

IR Guide - Headquarters RIO > IR Guide (af.mil)  
Training videos - https://www.youtube.com/@HQRIOOfficial  
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HQRIO/  
Portal / website - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/  
RIO Connect App - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/RIO-Connect/  

V/r,   

Col Nathan “N8” Day  Commander