(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 17 May 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. 27

This Buzz lists important events coming up, so have your calendar ready!  It’s time for another Buzz …

REMINDERS FOR OFFICIAL TRAVEL AND REIMBURSEMENT
Here are a few important items about traveling for duty.  Your airfare, lodging, and car rentals should be made either in DTS (if the orders are DTS orders) or through the Travel Management Office (TMO/CTO) according to the JTR.  You can find your active component units’ servicing CTO HERE.  If the base has lodging, but no rooms available, you have to obtain a non-availability slip/email from the CTO or from lodging directly.  If you are unable to get a non-availability letter, your supervisor will need to add a statement to your DD Form 1351-2 (block 29) stating you contacted the TMC/CTO and they were unable to support your request.  Also, make sure you stay within the airfare and lodging rates when you make your travel plans because that is all you will be reimbursed.  You can look them up HERE.

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 must provide an MFR signed by your supervisor and Det CC explaining why you did not comply with the AFI guidance.  This MFR does not guarantee approval.  For more information, go to the AT orders information page of the new RIO website HERE.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL TRAINING: RETIREMENTS
We are excited to partner with the ARPC Retirements Office to bring this virtual training event to you on Friday, 4 June at noon EDT/1000 MDT!  The training will cover topics such as how to apply for retirement, how to estimate your future benefits, what to look for with earning an active duty retirement, survivor benefits plans, and more. 

This is a CVR Live Event and is open to any attendee with the link, even if you do not have an account.  The same link can be used to access a recording of the training after the fact.  The Q&A chat function will be moderated, and you can submit questions there to be answered live.  This is best accessed via a personal computer or smartphone. Click HERE for the meeting link.

SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE NEXT IR ALL CALL
On Monday, 14 June at noon EDT/1000 MDT, our RIO Command Chief, Director of Operations and I will hold an IR All Call.  I will address several important topics, but I want to know what questions you have for me and the RIO staff.  Between now and 7 June please submit your questions anonymously using this Google form. You need to access it on a personal computer or smartphone.  

To attend the All Call, use THIS LINK.

Like the Retirement Virtual Training above, this is a CVR Live Event and is open to any attendee with the link, even if you do not have an account.  The same link can be used to access a recording of the All Call after the fact.  The Q&A chat function will be moderated, and you can also submit questions there to be answered live.  It’s best accessed via a personal computer or smartphone.

DOD UPDATES GUIDANCE FOR MASK WEAR ON INSTALLATIONS
The DoD updated its guidance on mandatory mask wear for those members who have been vaccinated.  You can read the memo HERE.  

While this is great news for many of us, please check with your installation’s leadership for base specific restrictions.  Local commanders have the authority to make local decisions they feel best to protect their folks and the mission.
 
That’s the buzz for now.  Thanks for ALL you do!

v/r,
Col Amy Boehle, HQ RIO Commander