(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 28 April 2021.  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. 26

I know this Buzz is longer than the norm, but it’s all really important information!  Now, settle in for a slightly lengthy, but informative RIO Buzz …

ANNOUNCING THE 2020 INDIVIDUAL RESERVISTS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS!
It is very humbling to read the incredible accomplishments of all our nominees for IR of the Year.  Being able to recognize these outstanding men and women for all they do to further the active component missions of the units in which they are assigned is an honor.  A hearty congratulations to all of the winners and all who were nominated.  Find out who the winners are here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2577696/hq-rio-announces-the-2020-irs-of-the-year/.

AT ORDERS REQUESTS DUE BY 31 MAY
This is a reminder that you MUST submit your Annual Tour orders request for this FY no later than 31 May.  If you submit your request after 1 June, you will need to submit an MFR signed by your supervisor and Det CC explaining why you did not comply with the AFI guidance and this does not guarantee approval.  For more information, go to the AT orders information page of the new RIO website: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Orders/Annual-Tour/.

SPECIAL NON-EAD COMMISSIONING BOARD HOSTED BY AFRC/A4
An outstanding opportunity is available to enlisted members interested in commissioning into the Logistics Readiness Officer career field (21R).  A special Non-EAD Commissioning board is being held by AFRC/A4 on 31 August 2021.  If you’re interested in applying, all the information and instructions can be found here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Portals/149/Documents/HQ%20AFRC%20A4R%20(21R)%20%20Non-EAD%20Airmen%20Commissioning%20Board%20Process.pdf?ver=y6IBExb38JQUFvhrNPWztw%3d%3d.

STEP II REMINDER
A quick reminder to get your application for STEP II into your detachment as soon as possible.  The guidance for the CY21 STEP II nomination process can be found on myPers at this link: https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/14227. 

NEW RIO CONNECT GROUPS FOR IMA CHIEFS AND ENLISTED
Two new RIO Connect groups have been created for our IMA Enlisted members and IMA Chiefs.  The codes are IMAEnlisted and IMACMSgts.  For information on downloading the RIO Connect phone app and joining the groups (including your detachment group!), click here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/rio-connect. 

EXTREMISM TRAINING AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY
The Secretary of Defense made it a requirement for all military members to take part in an Extremism Stand-Down  event.  If you were unable to participate in your AC unit’s stand-down, you can use this official training video compiled by USSOUTHCOM on JKO.  Go to https://jkosupport.jten.mil/ and log in.  Go to the Course Catalog and search “Extremism” in the course name.  Select USSOUTHCOM Extremism Stand-Down.  When you complete the training, notify your AC unit’s training manager.  An enormous thank you to USSOUTHCOM for putting this training online!

AROWS-R TODC APPROVING OFFICIAL STEP ADDED
In order for AROWS-R Tour of Duty Certifications to be in FIAR compliance, AFRC/FM added an additional step to the process. After your supervisor approves your TODC, an Approving Official at your detachment will also need to approve it before it goes to the RPO for pay processing.  This should only add 1 day to the time needed to process your TODC.  Remember that TODC is mandatory for orders of 30 or fewer days.

ARTICLE 137 REENLISTMENT BRIEFING AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY
Each time you reenlist, you must complete an Article 137 brief.  This is available virtually via the new MyLearning platform.  For detailed instructions, click here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Portals/149/Article%20137%20JAG%20Briefing%20Instructions.pdf.

MHS GENESIS CONVERSION HAPPENING NOW
This weekend MHS GENESIS, the new electronic health record for the Military Health System (MHS), will launch DOD wide.  MHS Genesis will streamline continuity of care across the service members’ career all the way to the VA.  You may experience access to care and pharmacy wait times to be impacted for the next 4-8 weeks.  The VA is also in the process of migrating to MHS Genesis.  Additional information can be found: https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Technology/Federal-Electronic-Health-Record-Modernization/MHS-GENESIS

KUDOS TO THOSE ON THE CCSB AND COMMAND CHIEF KPL LISTING
Please join me in congratulating the Command E9 Key Personnel Listing and the Reserve Command Chief Master Sergeant Screening Board selects!  Selection was based on experience, talent and potential for increased leadership opportunities and influence.  You can see the complete list here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2573171/hq-rio-announces-command-chief-kpl-and-ccsb-candidate-lists/.

That’s the buzz for now.  Thanks for ALL you do!

v/r,
Col Amy Boehle, HQ RIO Commander