The RIO Buzz Vol 77
The end of the fiscal year is rapidly approaching. This is peak season for most IRs and this means that it is surge time for RIO as well. We have hired additional RPA’ers to ensure that you receive the same outstanding service you have grown accustomed to. RIO wants to ensure that all of you get paid and that your points are accurately updated. This issue of the RIO Buzz will concentrate on these two objectives.
Please also take the time to read the announcements section below, which is packed with valuable information that will benefit you and your families as you perform your military duty.
Now, the Buzz…
STAYING READY
New DTS video! To assist you in filing your voucher in the DTS, we have produced a video available HERE. This video provides step-by-step instructions and includes unique steps for different types of orders, so please pay close attention to these if they apply to you. Due to an increased seasonal voucher volume, members can expect payment processing times of up to 30 business days, contingent upon a complete and accurate voucher submission to the RIO Travel Reimbursement Office.
Once vouchers have completed technician review, they are routed through an auditor before payment processing. Once the audit is complete, anticipate approximately 14 business days for Advice of Payment (AOP) generation in myPay and payment to your specified bank account/Government Travel Card (GTC).
Want to avoid your voucher being returned? There are many common mistakes IRs make when filing their vouchers in DTS. In addition to the Quick Guides available on the HQ RIO Portal, we recommend reviewing this video HERE, which clarifies these common mistakes. Submitting complete vouchers correctly the first time helps you avoid delays in payment processing, especially during the summer surge.
Get paid. All IR members MUST submit certified orders for pay. The fastest way to receive payment for short tour orders (i.e. AT & other orders less than 30 days) is by submitting your Tour of Duty Certification (TODC) through AROWS-R. Have questions? Review our Quick Guide available HERE for step-by-step instructions. Using TODC ensures your pay action is processed automatically, allowing RIO Pay Office technicians to work other cases requiring manual processing. Having trouble accessing AROWS-R or completing TODC? You can also submit a manually certified copy of your orders HERE to the RIO Reserve Pay Office for processing. Getting you paid ensures your points toward your retirement are correctly annotated in your records.
PCARS. Regularly reviewing your points will ensure that all of your performed duties are accurately reflected in your records. One point is given for each full day of active duty. Active duty includes: AT, RPA (Active Duty for Training [ADT], Active Duty for Operational Support [ADOS], and School tours), and Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) tours. In addition, the member will receive 1 point for days on which official travel is authorized. Finally, members receive 1 point for each IDT period performed whether paid or points-only. To view your Points Credit Summary (PCARS), follow this PCARS Quick Guide. Don’t wait until you retire to review your points and ensure all duty performed is annotated in your records. If you need to submit a ticket to ARPC to fix something on your PCARS, you can find the link to the Point Management Branch through the myIMA tile in myFSS.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Military Child Care in Your Home Pilot Program. This pilot program is available for Reservists on long term orders (Title 10 for more than 30 days) in the following areas: National Capital Region, Hawaii, San Diego, Norfolk, Va., San Antonio, Colorado Springs, Seattle/Tacoma, Jacksonville/Mayport, Fla., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Fayetteville, N.C., and Las Vegas. The program pilot year three updates, changes, and enhancements have been made to help better meet the childcare needs of military families. To determine eligibility and/or register go here.
Be Ready. Disasters come in many forms: explosions, hurricanes, tornadoes, and others. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany these disasters. Individuals, families, and communities should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare makes any crisis more manageable. Learn more.
myVector. In the coming weeks, RIO will send a tasker to all IRs via myVector. Check now to make sure you can log in with your CAC, and while you're there, establish an OKTA (non-CAC) log in. Before you log in with your CAC, select "First Time non-CAC Registration" button and follow the prompts. We recommend linking it to a personal email rather than military. This will ensure you are able to access myVector without a CAC and allow you to complete the tasker from a phone or tablet, if you prefer.
Integrated Lodging Program. We want to remind you of the importance of using the Integrated Lodging Program (ILP) when arranging your accommodations during IDT or TDY travel. To ensure you receive full reimbursement for any lodging expenses associated with IDT or TDY travel, all reservists are required to utilize authorized accommodations within the Defense Travel System (DTS). Should you arrange lodging outside of the DTS, it must comply with the Integrated 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 you opt for a DoD Preferred lodging hotel despite the availability of government quarters or privatized lodging, your reimbursement may be limited.
Social media:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HQRIOOfficial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HQRIO/
Upcoming events:
21-23 Aug 24: Virtual IR Orientation (Details HERE)
4 Sep 24: IR All Call (Details HERE)
V/r,
Col Nathan “N8” Day
Commander