(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 31 Oct 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 106

Please Read Carefully

This update includes critical guidance on pay, IDTs, readiness, and travel during the government shutdown. Some processes are functioning, others are paused, and sending multiple emails or myFSS tickets for the same issue will delay processing for everyone. Please read this message in full and follow each section closely before submitting new requests.

AT and IDTs During the Shutdown

Under no circumstances may IRs perform AT or IDTs—paid or unpaid—while the government is shut down. UTAPS may still automatically issue pay or points if you enter IDTs, but these will be reviewed during a post-shutdown audit. Any unauthorized pay or points will be recouped, creating a debt for the member.

To prevent problems:

1. Check UTAPS for scheduled IDTs during the shutdown.
2. Reschedule them to dates after appropriations resume.
3. Do not submit or perform IDTs until official authorization returns.

Unpaid IDTs are also prohibited, since the authority to perform duty (paid or unpaid) is suspended during a lapse in funding.

 Current Pay and IDT Status

Last DFAS Pay Run: Completed for transactions processed through October 23, 2025, covering end-of-month pay for long-term orders and FY25 AT/IDT performed before the shutdown.

Next Scheduled DFAS Pay Run: November 6, 2025 (Execution uncertain.) Although DFAS initially paused pay runs during the shutdown, they did execute the October 7 run following the Secretary of War’s direction to pay mid-month checks. HQ RIO continues processing in good faith, but DFAS determines when pay runs occur and when LES statements post.

Out-of-Cycle Runs: HQ RIO cannot request out-of-cycle pay runs for IMAs.

Order Pre-Certification

• Priority: Members currently on orders.
• Status: Most pre-cert requests are cleared. If unpaid for FY26 RPA or MPA duty, check your myFSS ticket for rejections or technician notes. Orders processed after Oct 23 may not have been included in the last pay run.
• Processing Time: About 2 business days.
• Notification: You’ll receive a myFSS reply when your pre-cert is complete.

Important: Please do not submit multiple tickets or emails for the same issue. Duplicate submissions slow the process for everyone and increase review time.

Responsibilities:

• HQ RIO/FM: Validates and enters pay actions into DMO.
• DFAS: Executes pay runs, generates LES, and issues payments.

Pay Scenarios

• Short Tours (TODC): Processing complete through Sept 30, 2025. Submit a myFSS ticket if FY25 orders remain unpaid.
• MEDCON Orders: Considered essential; pay begins once RPO processes orders.
• Remaining FY25 IDT Pay: Processing as authority allows.
• FY26 AT/IDT: Not authorized during the shutdown; any payments made for these activities will be recouped when funding resumes.

Readiness & PT Testing During the Shutdown

Some IRs are due for PT testing, medical, or other readiness items that require being in a duty status. Because of the shutdown, some members be in a duty status to complete these requirements. As a result, you may go “red”—this is expected and will not trigger adverse action.

Please keep your active-duty leadership informed and plan to complete readiness items once operations resume.

Order Requests

Use the Orders Request Worksheet: 🔗 AROWS Worksheet (HQ RIO)

Option 1 – Email Submission: Send the completed worksheet to the appropriate OWC East or West Cell (listed on the form). Do not send repeated or duplicate emails for the same request.

Option 2 – myFSS Submission: Submit via myFSS → myIMA tile → Orders Writing Cell Request → Create a Request → General Inquiry. Attach the worksheet and verify the attachment uploaded by reopening your case. Use only one submission method—either email or myFSS—not both. Duplicate submissions (tickets or emails) cause significant delays.

Travel and GTCC Updates

• Travel Vouchers: Processing is on hold due to a “069 Missing Line of Accounting” error in DEAMS/DTS. The issue is expected to resolve no earlier than Nov 1, 2025, or once the shutdown ends. HQ RIO continues reviewing and rejecting vouchers for errors—please check yours regularly.
• Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC): If you have a GTCC balance but cannot file a voucher, contact your unit APC to place your card in mission-critical status to avoid late fees or suspension. This status will be removed once funding resumes. You may request a temporary credit limit increase if needed.

Thank you for your patience, attention to detail, and professionalism as we work through the shutdown. Your cooperation and clear communication help ensure critical pay and readiness actions continue smoothly.