RIO Buzz

DEI_RIO Buzz (VOL 90)

(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 19 Feb 2025. 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 90

I want to start by recognizing the exceptional individuals within our ranks. Congratulations to our Unit Reserve Coordinator (URC) awardees:

  • CY2024 (4th Quarter): Ms. Stephanie McGirr, USSOCOM HQ J21 Reserve Management Office
  • CY2024 (Annual): Ms. Ann Pinc, 67th Cyberspace Wing
Their dedication to seamlessly connecting our IRs with their active-duty units is vital to our overall readiness. I appreciate their hard work and commitment.
 
We are currently in a dynamic environment as we implement the Executive Orders. My leadership team and I are fully dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and providing you with the resources and information you need.
 
Here are some key points to remember:
  • Telework IDTs: Telework IDTs remain on pause until further guidance is received. However, IDTs for readiness items like medical appointments, vaccinations, and PT tests at military installations are still permitted.
  • PIRRs: Alternate duty locations must align with current work requirements, such as high schools or civilian airports.
  • Telework (RPA & MPA tours): The pause on new RPA and MPA telework tours is still in effect until additional guidance is received.
  • Telework Annual Tour: Telework Annual Tour remains on pause until additional guidance is received.
We will continue to disseminate updates, guidance, and key deadlines through current official channels. It's imperative that you stay informed.
 
I will be hosting a virtual IR All Call on 14 Mar 25 via ZoomGov. This will be an opportunity to address your questions regarding the Continuing Resolution, Executive Order implementation, and receive the latest updates from the IR Strategy Office. I highly encourage your participation.
 
Finally, remember that your Detachment leadership is here to support you. The myIMA tile in myFSS remains the best method for submitting general questions and requests for action to our Detachments and HQ RIO for appropriate tracking, response, follow-up, and documentation. Timely and consistent support and customer service to our entire IR portfolio is our mission!
 
Now, on to the Buzz...
 
Virtual IR All Call: Join RIO Commander, Col. Nathan Day, on Friday, 14 Mar 25, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time for a virtual IR All Call meeting. Discussion topics include Continuing Resolution posture, Executive Orders implementation, IR Strategic Alignment update and more. A moderated Q&A session will follow. Join via ZoomGov webinar from any device. See meeting info HERE.
 
More Support: Exciting news! We've expanded our support services during Customer Service Hours. You can now connect with technicians for PCS, retirements, officer promotions as well as our Talent Management Consultant. For more information and access to relevant links, visit RIO Customer Service Hours.
 
February vIRO moved to March: The vIRO is rescheduled to the week of March 10th (exact dates are TBD) to comply with Executive Orders and DAF policies on returning to in-person work. Existing orders will be canceled and telework IDT periods should be deleted from UTAPS schedules. No new telework/remote orders requests will be approved until further guidance is released.

CDC Update: In alignment with recent executive directives, specifically "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" and "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," the Air Force Career Development Agency (AFCDA) is diligently working to ensure compliance with these mandates. Consequently, certain career development courses (CDCs) and specialized courses may be temporarily unavailable for enrollment and completion. myFSS link of unavailable courses can be viewed HERE.

TRICARE Online (TOL) Patient Portal: Effective 1 Apr 25, the TOL Patient Portal will no longer be available. The DoD’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the patient portal before 1 Apr 25. Learn more HERE.

Indispensability Program: The Indispensability Program authorizes Regular Air Force, Reserve, and Air National Guard retirees to serve in the Air Force Reserve. This article HERE provides further information on the program.
 
Standing Announcements:
  • Annual Tour: The deadline for submitting AT orders requests is 31 May 25. To ensure timely processing and funding, we strongly recommend submitting your requests as soon as possible. Please note that submitting requests after the deadline does not guarantee funding availability, and late requests may not be executable. If you are uncertain about the exact dates, you can submit your AT request with your best estimate on intended dates of duty, and then submit a modification request to change these dates as mission dictates.
  • 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:
  • Virtual IR Orientation: 26-28 Feb 25 (tentative March 2025)
  • 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/

 

RIO Buzz Archive

RIO Connect

RIO Connect phoneApple Store link to downloadGoogle Play Store download link

Guides

Graphic link The Guide for Individual Reservists page

Quick Guides page graphic link