(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 3 Jun 2026. 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.)
RIO Buzz Vol 120
Individual Reservists,
Please take a few minutes to review the updates below, including information on security clearances, retirement points, personnel records, and recent policy updates that may affect you.
THE IR ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATION HAS OPENED AS OF 1 JUNE 26 HQ RIO opened the application period for new IR Advisory Council members on 1 Jun 26 through 30 July.
Stay tuned for an upcoming message with specifics for applying.
The IR Advisory Council provides a direct line from the field to HQ RIO leadership. Members help identify issues affecting the IR community, test new processes, and develop solutions that improve the IR program.
Who can apply:
- IMAs and PIRRs
- All ranks and AFSCs
- What to expect:
- Two-year volunteer term (additional duty)
- Quarterly virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams
NCR RESERVE TRAINING ASSEMBLY – 29-30 JUN 26 AT ANDREWS AFB Individual Reservists assigned to or living in the National Capital Region (NCR) are encouraged to attend the NCR Reserve Training Assembly on
29-30 Jun 26 at Andrews AFB. The event will include:
BAH RECERTIFICATION REQUIRED Deadline: 1 Jul 26 All Individual Reserve Airmen are required to recertify their BAH status, including those who are single and do not claim dependents. Complete
DAF Form 594 (version 20221207) and submit it through myFSS. For instructions on how to complete your BAH recertification, use the
BAH Quick Guide. Submit your completed recertification via
myFSS.
SECURITY CLEARANCES ARE MANAGED BY YOUR ASSIGNED UNIT
IMPORTANT NOTE: HQ RIO does not initiate, update, upgrade, or manage security clearances for Individual Reservists.
Members are responsible for working with their assigned active-duty unit security manager regarding security clearance actions, including periodic reinvestigations, updates, upgrade requirements (clearance level and special access, etc), and periodic re-investigation requirements.
If you have questions about the status of your clearance or need assistance with a security-related action, contact your assigned active component unit security manager.
KEEP YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CURRENT IN DEERS
HQ RIO uses the contact information in DEERS to communicate important updates to Individual Reservists, including text message reminders for time-sensitive information.
Please take a few minutes to review and update your personal information in DEERS, with particular attention to your mobile phone number.
To update your information:
Keeping your information current helps ensure you receive important HQ RIO communications and reminders.
POINTS-ONLY IDTs: VERIFY YOUR RETIREMENT POINTS
IRs must continue to process all points-only periods in UTAPS, even when no pay is involved.
Due to a known system issue, points-only periods do not always transfer automatically from UTAPS to PCARS. Members should periodically verify that retirement points have posted correctly.
If your points do not appear in PCARS:
- Verify the period is reflected correctly in UTAPS
- Take a screenshot of the affected UTAPS entry
- Submit a myFSS case requesting a manual update
It’s also a good idea to set yourself a calendar reminder to check your PCARS for accuracy upon your R/R year.
FACIAL HAIR RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS REQUIRE REEVALUATION
The Department of the Air Force has directed a reevaluation of all currently approved religious accommodations related to facial hair grooming standards.
If you currently have an approved religious accommodation for facial hair, your unit will notify you if action is required.
Upon notification, you must submit a new request through myFSS as part of the reevaluation process. Air Reserve Component members have 45 calendar days from receipt of written notification to submit their request.
Members will retain their current approved accommodation while it is being reevaluated.
For additional information regarding requirements, timelines, and the reevaluation process, refer to the myFSS knowledge article: https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0Rw0000004JgnKAE
STEP II PROGRAM REMAINS PAUSED FOR FY26
The STEP II program remains paused for FY26.
This pause supports a broader review of the enlisted force structure across the Command and allows leadership to address recruiting and end-strength challenges while evaluating long-term force requirements.
No STEP II selections will be made during this period.
Additional updates will be provided if program guidance changes.
AIR FORCE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM RESOURCE UPDATE
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) recently published an updated guide designed to assist leaders supporting wounded, ill, or injured Airmen and Guardians.
Leaders and members interested in learning more about available resources and support programs are encouraged to review the guide.
More info is available here: http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/
-HQ RIO