(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 10 Mar 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 114
IRs,
HOT STUFF!! The deadline for Lt Gen Healy’s TASKORD 2026-01 is quickly approaching! ALL IR AIRMEN MUST read and acknowledge ASAP. Also, the next Virtual IR Orientation (vIRO) is scheduled for March 18 & 19. Don’t forget all AT orders requests for FY26 are due NLT 31 May. Now on to the Buzz!
ACTION REQUIRED: 2026 TASKORD Acknowledgement Required
Deadline: 15 Mar 2026
- Action Required:All Individual Reservists (IRs) must read and acknowledge CAFR TASKORD 2026-01 from Lt Gen John P. Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve.
ACTION REQUIRED: Leave Carry Over/Sellback Election
Deadline: 01 May 2026
Members who have unused accrued leave and wish to carry over their leave balance to a new long-tour ADOS order must make their election in myFSS.
- Note: Due to the number of cases and available technicians, processing will occur on a rolling basis over the next several months until all eligible cases are completed.
- For More Information: Refer to the DAF1089A Election Only Quick Guide found here: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Quick-Guides/
REMINDER: FY26 Annual Tour (AT) Orders Deadline
Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Action Required: To ensure timely processing and funding, we strongly recommend submitting your requests as soon as possible.
- Warning: Submitting requests after the deadline does not guarantee funding availability, and late requests may not be executable.
- Note: If you are uncertain about the exact dates, you can submit your AT request with your best estimate and modify it later. That will ensure funds are obligated. Late submissions are not guaranteed to be funded.
ACTION REQUIRED: Two Measles Vaccinations Required for Medical Readiness
- Action Required: All IR Airmen are now required to have two measles vaccinations documented.
- Check Your Status: Review your medical readiness at MyIMR
- Get Support:
- Attend the Customer Service Hour on Thursdays to speak with medical staff.
- Submit a myFSS case using the "myIMA" tile for questions.
NEW! Saturday Customer Service Hours
To provide enhanced support for our IR Airmen, we are pleased to announce additional Customer Service Hours, available on Saturdays starting this April. These sessions are designed to provide you with additional dedicated time to get your questions answered.
Schedule & Topics
- This new Customer Service Hour will be offered on the second (0800-0900 MT) and fourth (1400-1500 MT) Saturday of the month in addition to the standing blocks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- The breakout rooms will be focused exclusively on pay, orders and travel.
Changes to Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) Program
The new memorandum introduces new score charts and guidance for testing due dates before scoring becomes official.
· Key Updates:
o Body composition will be assessed first and can be completed up to five duty days prior to the rest of the assessment.
o The baseline window, starting 01 Mar 2026, allows you to take a diagnostic test and understand the new standards before scoring becomes official.
o You may elect to have your diagnostic score recorded as official.
o Official testing starts 01 Jul 2026.
· For More Information:Refer to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) Fitness Program website: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Fitness-Program/
CORRECTION: The 12 Feb 2026 RIO Buzz stated, "Even if you are current but want a higher score... you can retest until 28 Feb 26." This is incorrect. Members due during the Jan/Feb testing pause are exempt.
New UTAPS Training Videos Available!
Two new training videos have been added to the HQ RIO Training page to provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the Unit Training Assembly Processing System (UTAPS). These resources are intended for both Individual Reservists (IRs) and Supervisors of IRs.
The videos cover the complete process for managing Inactive Duty Training (IDT), including:
- Scheduling IDT periods.
- Approving IDT periods.
- Processing IDTs for pay and points.
Additionally, these trainings highlight best practices to help prevent common delays, errors, and processing issues.
IMA Formal School Guidance
Required documents and step-by-step submission instructions can be found on the HQ RIO website: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Career-Management/Formal-Schools/
Key Takeaways:
- All formal school requests must be submitted though a myFSS case.
- Your completed request, including all signed documentation, must be submitted no less than 45 days before your desired course start date.
For More Information: Refer to the IMA Formal School Guidance Memo
New! Changes to Dress and Personal Appearance
Key Updates:
- COMM and ICBM patches, and FARP tab have been added to authorized list.
- Navigator patch has been removed.
- The GM also clarifies that patch/tab guidance applies to officers and warrant officers and enlisted AFSCs assigned to or performing the duties listed.
For More Information: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf
IR Retirement Application Requirements (Effective Immediately)
Key Updates:
Active-Duty Concurrence Memorandum
All IR retirement applications must include the updated Active-Duty Concurrence Memorandum confirming the active-duty commander’s awareness of the member’s retirement request. Applications submitted without the memorandum may be returned for completion.
Required Action: Attach the updated AD/CC Memo to your retirement application at time of submission which can be found on the HQ RIO Portal Retirement webpage
PCARS Requirement
Members must attach their Point Credit Summary (PCARS) pulled from vMPF, which is accessible through OKTA.af.mil.
Required Action: Log into vMPF, retrieve your PCARS, and upload it with your retirement application. Applications submitted without PCARS may be returned for completion.
Note: Officer Grade Determination (OGD)
Members are no longer required to upload an OGD memorandum. HQ RIO will complete required OGD reviews internally.
Bottom Line: Ensure all required documents are attached prior to submission to prevent processing delays.
Update on Retirement Certificates, Pins, and Flags
ARPC Reserve Retirement Counseling Cell provided the following update:
Goal: Provide 45 days prior to ceremony date
Reality: Due to budgetary constraints, HQ ARPC has a shortage of the DD363AF (Member Retirement Certificate) and AF1344 (Spousal Appreciation Certificate. There are 5.2K+ in ARPC’s queue due to retirement certificates on backorder with no ETA.
Note: Retirement Certificates are a controlled item from an external agency, much like decoration certificates, neither HQ RIO nor ARPC have control over their production and distribution.
Mock certificates are available now for use at the following link:
https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail...
Very Respectfully,
HQ RIO