(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 17 June 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 121
Individual Reservists,
FY27 planning is already underway. This edition includes information on Annual Tour requests, opportunities to serve on the IR Advisory Council, and several system updates that may affect your ability to access services and receive support.
UTAPS NO LONGER REQUIRES IE MODE
UTAPS has been updated and no longer requires Internet Explorer (IE) Mode to function properly.
Members and supervisors should now access UTAPS using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome without enabling IE Mode. In fact, UTAPS is no longer compatible with IE Mode and may not function correctly if it is enabled.
While some functionality issues are still being addressed, this update provides full browser compatibility with both Edge and Chrome.
If you experience UTAPS system issues, please report them directly to the UTAPSWEB Help Desk at AFRC.UTAPSWEB@US.AF.MIL.
HQ RIO Quick Guides are currently being updated to reflect these changes and will be published on the HQ RIO website soon.
Members should also ensure this information reaches their supervisors. Many supervisors have been unable to access or fully utilize UTAPS in recent years due to IE Mode requirements. With this update, supervisors should once again have full access and capability within the system.
LOOKING FOR YOUR myFSS CASES? THEY'VE MOVED
The myFSS landing page has been updated, and the location of your submitted cases has changed.
To access your myFSS cases:
- Log in to myFSS
- Select the three-line menu icon in the upper-right corner of the page
- Select "myFSS Cases"
If you have been unable to locate your open or closed cases, this change is likely the reason.
SUBMIT YOUR FY27 ANNUAL TOUR REQUEST NOW
FY27 Annual Tour (AT) requests are now being accepted through myFSS.
HQ RIO expects to begin processing FY27 AT orders in early to mid-September. Members are strongly encouraged to submit requests as early as possible rather than waiting until later in the fiscal year.
As recent funding cycles have demonstrated, Higher Headquarters funding deadlines can change. Submitting your request early increases the likelihood that funding will be available when your order is processed.
Don't have finalized dates yet? Submit your best estimate now. AT dates can be modified later, and requests can be canceled if plans change.
For additional guidance and resources, visit the
HQ RIO website.
IR ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications are currently being accepted for the HQ RIO Individual Reservist Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council provides a direct line of communication between the Individual Reserve community and HQ RIO leadership. Members help identify challenges affecting IRs, provide feedback on proposed initiatives, and recommend solutions that improve the IR experience across the force.
Who may apply:
- IMAs
- MAs
- PIRRs
- All ranks and AFSCs
Member expectations:
- Two-year volunteer term
- Quarterly virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams
- Provide feedback on issues affecting the IR community
- Assist with reviewing and testing proposed processes and initiatives
The application window remains open through
30 July 2026.
Additional application information is available on the
HQ RIO website.
ISSUES WITH AROWS-R TOUR OF DUTY CERTIFICATION (TODC) EMAILS
HQ RIO has received reports that some members are experiencing issues sending Tour of Duty Certification (TODC) emails from AROWS-R to supervisors for certification of short-tour orders.
The AROWS-R Help Desk is aware of the reported issue and is working to resolve it.
If you are unable to complete the TODC process through AROWS-R after attempting to use the automated process, you may:
- Print and certify/sign your orders
- Obtain your supervisor's signatures
- Submit the signed orders to the Reserve Pay Office (RPO) via myFSS for processing
Not all members may be affected. If the automated TODC process works successfully, continue to use the standard AROWS-R certification process.