The RIO Buzz Vol 87
Happy New Year from RIO!
As we bid farewell to 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made in supporting you – our IRs. Here are some highlights from the past year:
· Orders: Our Orders Writing Cell reached a significant milestone, producing more than 26,000 orders that enabled precise integration of personnel to the right place at the right time. Furthermore, they efficiently managed 50,000 travel and locality actions, allocated a substantial 860,000 man-days of work, and successfully obligated over $319 million in funds.
· Pay: Our pay technicians worked tirelessly to process over 26,000 myFSS cases, a workload seven times greater than any other FM office in the Air Force! They also handled 214,000 actions related to general military pay & entitlements, IDT, and tour of duty certifications. Last, we cleared $18 million in outstanding orders and pay actions.
· Travel: Our Travel Reimbursement Office saw a 40% increase in demand and production compared to 2023. Our technicians approved nearly 10,000 vouchers, 10,400 authorizations, and 4,200 local vouchers.
· HQ RIO IMA UTAPS Support Cell: Our technicians resolved nearly 3,000 UTAPS issues stemming from active-duty supervisor access, web browser issues as well as building, approving, signing in as worked, validating, sending to pay, 40A downloads/printing for reimbursements and civilian employment verification. Technicians also provided UTAPS training to active-duty supervisors, new IMAs and URCs during the RIO Customer Service Hour.
· Customer Service Hour: We expanded our Customer Service Hour to twice a week, providing a platform for you to speak with a live person and get assistance with your challenges. With an average feedback rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, our technicians have resolved over 3,400 queries.
· Just-in-Time Resources: We produced eight educational videos to help you navigate our processes, from authorization and voucher submissions to maintaining your readiness as an IR. These resources are just a click away and can be referenced at any time. These videos are in addition to the quarterly vIROs that supported 500 IRs in 2024.
These accomplishments demonstrate our commitment to you.
As we look ahead to 2025, we're excited to continue supporting you in new and innovative ways. Stay tuned for the latest updates and news in the new RIO Buzz!
Now, on to the Buzz...
More $$$$ in 2025:
· IDT Travel Reimbursement increases to $750. The IDT (Outside Normal Commute) increases the reimbursement of actual expenses, from $500 to $750 effective 1 January 2025. Click HERE to see if you qualify for IDT Travel Reimbursement. See Quick Guide HERE for reimbursement instructions.
· BAH increases effective 1 January 2025. The Department of Defense has released the 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Basic Allowance for Housing rates will increase an average of 5.4 percent when the new rates take effect on 1 January 2025. To view new BAH rates, click HERE.
Please note the following items of importance:
· Overdue Flu Shots and CAFR TASKORD Acknowledgement: No new orders will be cut until these requirements are met. Send your Detachment a message via myFSS to acknowledge the TASKORD. You can submit your flu shot documentation to RIO Medical via myFSS.
Standing Announcements: · Job Opportunities: Check out opportunities in GIGEAGLE. These may include part-or-full-time, RPA or MPA orders, or AT, IDT and points-only options.
· Retirement Certificates: ARPC is out of stock, but a new shipment is expected in mid-January 2025. Use mock certificates on myFSS if needed HERE.
Upcoming Events:
· Battle Rhythm Reminders:
o Annual Tour orders request deadline: 31 May 25
Resources
Stay connected: IR Guide - Headquarters RIO > IR Guide (af.mil)
Training videos - https://www.youtube.com/@HQRIOOfficial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HQRIO/
Portal / website - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/
RIO Connect App - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/RIO-Connect/
V/r,
Col Nathan “N8” Day
Commander