The RIO Buzz                                                                                             Vol 64

I want to start this Buzz by dispelling some recent RUMINT I’ve read on social media. Like all dynamic organizations, RIO is looking at potential changes that would allow us to be more efficient and provide better support to the entire IR portfolio. However, we are still in the “storming” phase of the process. All seven Dets are fully functional and there have been no changes to the structure of HQ RIO or the seven dets (with the exception of a change with an operating location for detachment 4 and the optimizing of one position at Det 8). Ultimately, whether we stay the same or change, our goal will be improving your interactions with RIO.

My charge as the RIO/CC will be to ensure we keep you informed of any changes and to strive to provide you with timely and correct products. RIO’s efforts will be running concurrently with Maj Gen Banavige and the IMA Strategic Review Team. It is our goal that, through this partnership, we can improve on multiple fronts.

Because HQ RIO will be participating in its biannual Leadership Summit, the DTS Café will not happen 15 Feb.  It will, however, pick up again the following week.  Thanks to all of you who’ve attended … now, the Buzz:

FLU VACCINES MUST BE IN YOUR RECORD SOON

As you all know, the annual flu shots are a mandatory part of military service. We still have some IRs that are showing “red” for the vaccine. RIO will be reaching out to those still showing overdue to ensure compliance. If you are looking for a RAR or have medical waiver, ensure you provide documentation verifying this. You can check your own vaccine status by checking your myIMR.  

The CDC anticipates that Flu Vaccines will run out around 15 March. MEMBERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR FLU VACCINE, OR AN EXCUSAL/WAIVER, WILL BE NON-VOLUNTARILY SENT TO THE IRR ON 15 MARCH.

BAH RECERTIFICATIONS WRAPPING UP – HAVE YOU DONE YOURS?

Over the past twelve months, HQ RIO has been contacting members by detachment for the BAH Recertification mandated every three years.  If you have already recertified your BAH status in the last year, you are good to go.  If not, please follow the steps on this QUICK GUIDE and submit your paperwork via myFSS.  Please note that when you select the current DAF 594, your browser may not be able to fully render the document.  You need to save it to your computer (gov’t or personal) and open it in Adobe Acrobat.  You’ll then be able to use it as a fillable PDF.

IR VIRTUAL ALL CALL 26 FEB AT 1100 MT

HQ RIO will host a virtual IR All Call 26 Feb at 1100 MT/1300 ET.  Please mark your calendars!  If you can’t attend live, a recording will be posted on the HQ RIO website the following day.  Click HERE for the link to attend.

AN UPDATE ON RETIREMENT ARTIFACTS AND RRPA

Following the appointment of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF), the DD Form 363AF, Certificate of Retirement, and AF Form 1344, Certificate of Appreciation for Spouse of Retiring Member, must be updated, and the previous versions are now obsolete. HQ ARPC will not send any retirement artifacts until the authorized AF Forms are available. The Air Force Departmental Publishing Office currently does not have a date for the new forms to be available. Historically, it can take several months for the new certificates to be published and distributed. ARPC will resume sending retirement artifact packages as soon as they receive authorized certificates. Mock certificate templates are available on myFSS to be printed and must be prepared at the unit level. They are only authorized for photographic purposes during official ceremonies. If a member’s address changes prior to receiving their certificates, ARPC requests the updated mailing address be provided by the member via myFSS.

Also, HQ ARPC received feedback from the field that the Reduced Retirement Pay Age (RRPA) application in the new myFSS platform did not mirror what was in vPC. Our technicians investigated this further and determined that vPC had erroneously qualified periods of service not covered by law. Now myFSS accurately displays the correct information, removing the need to reference vPC.

A MESSAGE FROM MAJ GEN BANAVIGE AND THE IMA STRATEGIC REVIEW TEAM

On behalf of the IMA Strategic Review team and the senior leaders who guide this important effort, I want to thank you for completing the IMA Time & Labor Assessment.  Your feedback provides actionable data that supports the initiatives we are working to implement to improve the shared experience of all IMAs, and our vital IMA support to the DAF. We are transforming our program for the future! It is not easy, but will simplify how we support the nation, and also simplify the administrative burdens.   We appreciate your feedback to help us improve! You can find a short video and fact sheet about our findings here: Individual Mobilization Augmentee Strategic Review (af.mil)  -- Maj. Gen. Maureen "Moe" Banavige

ENSURE YOUR SGLI IS UP TO DATE!

Please ensure all updates are made to your SGLI accordingly.  If you did not decline coverage after 1 Mar 23, then all members defaulted to the $500,000 automatically and you could be incurring a debt for every month that you are not participating.  This debt will show on your next LES when you submit your next AT or IDT for pay (This is a good reminder to review your LES as well, so you know what you are being paid and where it is going). 

In addition, when you leave the service or transfer to another status (TR, AGR, ETS out, retire, etc.) you must take action with SOES: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ or you could incur a debt that you will be responsible for paying even after you leave your current status.

 This is important information to review as life changes happen, or at least annually to ensure you are aware of the amount you are paying monthly, who your beneficiaries are and ensure any changes are made as necessary.

Instructions on how to review and make changes to your SGLI: https://milconnect-pki.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/help/milconnect.htm#t=topics%2Fediting_beneficiary_details.htm

Each member will need to go through each section before they Confirm and Certify to ensure they are correct.  Also, once member clicks on Confirm and Certify they should receive a popup that confirms information.  If the pop up is not received, and you don’t fill in the requested information and hit submit your SGLI will not be updated.

v/r,

Col Nathan “N8” Day

HQ RIO Commander