(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 3 July 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.)

RIO Buzz                                                         Vol 99

This Friday, we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day. I want to take a moment to acknowledge each and every one of you. This day isn't just about picnics and fireworks; it's a reminder of the ideals our Nation was founded upon – freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

Your service, your dedication, and your willingness to put yourselves in harm's way are the very embodiment of those ideals. You stand as the guardians of our Nation.

I know that some of you are away from your families today - serving on deployments or performing duty here at home. Your sacrifice is deeply appreciated. Your commitment to DoD’s mission ensures the safety and security of our Nation.

Take pride in what you do. Know that your efforts make a real difference.

From my family to yours, have a safe and meaningful Independence Day.

Now, on to the Buzz... 

Telework/Remote Policies in Place (Pending Additional Guidance) as of today: 

• SAF/MR Approved Telework IDTs: SAF/MR approved situational telework IDTs for the month of July. Approval will be on a monthly basis.  

• Annual Tour Telework: Situational teleworking is currently not authorized for annual tour. 

• Important Reminder: New Remote/Telework Orders: No new remote/telework RPA & MPA orders requests can be processed.  Approved Alternate Duty locations are not considered remote/telework. New orders with approved alternate duty locations are authorized. 

• Important Reminder: Existing Remote/Telework Orders: If you are currently working under an existing remote/telework RPA or MPA order, you may continue to do so while we await further direction.
   
• Important Reminder: Modifying Orders: HQ RIO will continue to process requests to modify existing remote/telework orders for those with approved alternate locations.  
   

vIRO: Streamlining IR onboarding with Functional Alignment. We're replacing Detachment-specific newcomer briefings with bi-monthly virtual Individual Reserve Orientations (vIROs), starting with a one-day vIRO on July 30, 2025, covering pay, orders, and satisfactory service. Telework IDTs authorized, no registration required. A more in-depth three-day vIRO is slated for Sept. 17-19, 2025. Learn more HERE.

URC Quarterly Award Recognition. Show your URC appreciation by nominating them for their hard work in CY25 Second Quarter (April 1 to June 30, 2025). Submit your one-page nomination through myFSS by July 9, 2025, highlighting their projects and activities. Use the URC Training category via myFSS HERE to submit your nomination.  

FY26 UTAPS is out now! The FY26 UTAPS calendars are now available to project IDTs. IAW DAFMAN 36-2136, para 4.2.1.2., all IRs will develop a schedule of IDTs with their supervisor no later than 15 August for the upcoming FY. If you’re not sure which dates you’ll work, load the days at the end of the FY so that funds can be obligated. You can always reschedule them when you’re sure. To fulfill this requirement, the calendar only needs to be in SUBMITTED status (yellow). Click HERE for instructions on how to build your calendar.

DTS Authentication Requirement. Beginning July 23, 2025, DTS users will be required to authenticate their identity during login by signing into the DoD Enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (E-ICAM) service. Users will see the familiar dog with goggles login screen and will be prompted to sign in with CAC/PIV.”

Completing your PHA. Many IMAs are having difficulty with their PHA completion. After your PHAQ is complete in ASIMS, you should immediately receive instructions regarding how to complete your MHA/PHA sign off in the same system. If not, you must contact your assigned RegAF MTF. Your assigned MTF contact information can be found in your IMR under the "MTF Instructions" tab. IMR Link - https://asimsimr.health.mil/imr/MyImr.aspx. Please remember, every MTF is different, so the process for one person can be different for others.

DTS Processing Reminder: Avoid "BIG SIX" Errors for Faster Service.  More than 80% of returned authorizations and vouchers in the past contained six basic errors. In order to ensure timely travel reimbursement for all, our travel technicians will prioritize complete and accurate DTS authorizations and vouchers. To avoid delays and to ensure prompt processing, submissions containing any of the "BIG SIX" common errors will be returned for correction without further review. Access the “BIG SIX” error list and resources on the RIO Portal HERE to ensure timely processing.

Other Information:   

• Job Opportunities.  Check out opportunities in GIGEAGLE or Personnel Force Innovation. These job opportunities include part-or-full-time, RPA or MPA orders, or AT, IDT and points-only options. 

Upcoming Events: 

• FY26 UTAPS Schedule Deadline: Aug. 15, 2025
   

V/r,  
Col Nathan “N8” Day
Commander