(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 1 July 2024. 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.)

The RIO Buzz                                                                                                           Vol 74

As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, honoring the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, we declare our nation's independence and affirm our commitment to the ideals of liberty and freedom.

The military, as an all-volunteer force, plays a crucial role in protecting our nation's security and way of life. However, you are more than just a fighting force; you are leaders in uniform with a presence in communities across the country.

This holiday, let us remember that service to the country is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and a core value that has defined this great nation for three centuries. So, as we enjoy the festivities and celebrations, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to defending our nation's values and principles.
 
The two big topics for this Buzz are AROWS-R access limitations/issues and the ILP (Integrated Lodging Program). The ILP is an arcane process and if you don’t fully understand it, you may have to pay out of pocket for lodging.
Now, the Buzz …  
 
INTEGRATED LODGING PROGRAM
In order to receive full reimbursement, all reservists are required to utilize authorized accommodations. Failing to do so could result in members having to cover a portion of their lodging expenses personally. Should you decide to arrange lodging outside of the Defense Travel System (DTS), it is crucial that it aligns with the Individual Lodging Program (ILP) standards. Otherwise, your reimbursement will be restricted. In circumstances where government quarters at ILP locations are unavailable, privatized lodging on the installation should be your next choice. If that option is also not feasible, choose a Department of Defense (DoD) Preferred lodging hotel. However, if a member opts for a DoD Preferred lodging hotel despite the availability of government quarters or privatized lodging, reimbursement will be subject to limitations.
 
SYSTEMS ACCESS
Options for accessing AROWS-R. Issues with limited AROWS-R access are still occurring. Access from both personal computers and non-Air Force military networks is restricted.  We understand that this is a significant challenge for Individual Reservists (IRs) who are assigned to Combatant Commands (COCOMs) and the Joint Staff. We recommend that if you fall into this category, please reactivate your AFNET accounts to access Desktop Anywhere or use the USAF VPN, which may enable you to log into AROWS-R. AFNET Reactivation Quick Guide is available HERE.
 
AFRC is actively working on a fix. As a reminder, here are some workarounds:
- To obtain a copy of your orders, reopen your orders request case in myFSS and request a copy.  Link HERE.
- To submit orders for pay, have your supervisor manually sign your orders (either digital or wet) and submit them for processing through myFSS. Use the RPO Request link HERE.
- To generate pay for IDTs, download and complete a 40A form, obtain all three signatures, and submit your signed 40A through the myFSS RPO Request link HERE.

If you need to have IDTs scheduled, approved, deleted, or any UTAPS-related issues, contact your UTAPS-assigned supervisor.  He/she can do everything you can do in UTAPS.  If your supervisor needs assistance, contact the UTAPS Support Cell at ARPC.IMAUTAPS.SupportCell@us.af.mil. They can also help.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Duty Assignment Pay for FY25. The Air Force and Space Force completed the annual review of special duty assignment pay for enlisted members and established new guidelines to support a quadrennial SDAP board process. The shift intends to stabilize the budget for Airmen and Guardians receiving pay. Visit HERE to view the full special duty assignment pay list and program updates.
 
Drug Testing and Poppy Seeds Update. In February 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a memorandum cautioning service members about consuming foods with poppy seeds, due to the risk of a positive urine drug test for codeine. This warning came after recent studies showed that even a small amount of poppy seed consumption could lead to a positive codeine urinalysis test.
On March 4, 2024, the Department implemented new testing measures to address this issue, including increasing the current codeine cutoff from 2,000 to 4,000 ng/mL and screening for a chemical marker, thebaine, which is specific to poppy seed ingestion. These measures were put in place to decrease the likelihood of a positive drug test resulting from typical poppy seed consumption.
Additionally, the Department has taken steps to reverse select previously reported codeine positive drug tests of service members who were likely affected by poppy seed consumption rather than drug misuse.
 
MAKING SURE YOUR RECORDS ARE RESERVE READY
DD214s. Were you part of another service before joining the Air Force Reserve? If so, you can initiate DD 214s/215s, Statements of Service or VA Home Loan Letters from your previous service component directly. Please see below for additional resources:

US Army: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-ask-hrc@army.mil.
US Navy: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Records-Management/Statement-of-Service/ 
USMC: https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/Congressional-Correspondence-Section/Records-Request/
USCG: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/adv/socs

The eligibility criteria for Air Force Reservists to receive a DD 214 differ from those of active-duty members. According to AFI 36-3202, Chapter 2, and DODI 1336.01, the following criteria must be satisfied to be eligible for a DD214:

- Completion of 90 or more consecutive days of active-duty service.
- Voluntary service in support of a Contingency Operation, such as Inherent Resolve or Enduring Freedom, for 30 or more consecutive days.
- Placement on MEDCON/Med Hold orders for one or more consecutive days.
- Involuntary mobilization under Title 10, USC Section 688, 12301(a), 12302, 12304, 12305, 12406, or 331-335.
For more information, please visit https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0t0000000LHxMCAW.

Optional Letter of Evaluation (LOE). Optional LOEs, also known informal LOEs, are not included in your official records or attached to completed evaluations, per AFI 36-2406, section 5.2.2. If you have an optional LOE, your rater can use the information in your OPB/EPB. The information may be paraphrased or directly quoted from the LOE. Moreover, your active-duty unit can submit your gap report to the Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) via the myFSS 'Ask a Question' feature.
 
RPA/MPA Opportunities

HQ RIO PAY AND TRAVEL IS HIRING. Civilian Employment Opportunity!  RIO has financial management positions available in the travel reimbursement office.  This is a great opportunity grow or begin your government civilian career.  If you have previous finance experience, to include positions outside of the government, and are interested in supporting your fellow IRs, send your resume to Lt Col J. Darren Mattheis, john.mattheis.4@us.af.mil.

Want to help with the RIO cause?  Want to ensure we keep paying members in a timely manner? Want long-term orders?  Remote telework may be considered.  RIO has multiple RPA opportunities to support financial operations.  If you have previous DTS or military pay experience, and are interested in supporting your fellow IRs, send your resume, CDB, last 3 EPRs/EPBs, fitness assessment report, and ARCNet individual readiness report to SMSgt Roy Wunderlich, roy.wunderlich@us.af.mil.
 
v/r,
Col Nathan “N8” Day
HQ RIO Commander