The RIO Buzz                                                                                 Vol 96
 

In this issue of the Buzz, we have the following important reminders and policy updates, and more. 

Important Reminders: 

• Space Force Professionals (IMA) Townhall. HQ AFRC/A1 will host a virtual SFPMA IMA Townhall on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 1300 MT, providing critical updates on timelines, outplacement support, and cross-training opportunities. Details below.  
• IR of the Year Nominations. Nominate a deserving IR for the 2024 Individual Reservist of the Year (IROY).  The deadline extended through May 27, 2025.  See eligibility, package requirements, and formatting instructions HERE. 
• Annual Tour Reminder.  Deadline to submit FY25 AT orders requests is May 31, 2025.  Submit your requests via myFSS HERE.  Requests submitted after June 1, 2025, require a Memorandum For Record (MFR) endorsed by the Active Duty Commander/Unit Colonel (O-6), Detachment Commander, and approved by HQ RIO.  Late AT orders submissions risk disapproval due to availability of funding. 

Policy Updates: 

• Alternative Worksites. To comply with the Return to In-Person Work guidance, the suspense to identify and report to an alternative worksite is May 31, 2025. If you've secured an alternative worksite, please request an orders modification to the Orders Writing Cell through myFSS. Your orders must accurately reflect your new reporting location. If you need to secure an alternative worksite and have not done so, please notify your active component chain of command for assistance. Without an exemption, telework/remote orders must be curtailed.  
• Gender Dysphoria Policy. On 8 May 2025, the Secretary of Defense reinstated policy directing service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria may elect to separate voluntarily; such Service members may also be eligible for voluntary separation pay. The eligibility window to self-identify for voluntary separation (or retirement if eligible) is extended to July 7, 2025, for Reserve Component Service members. All Air Force Reservists should have received an email with details.  

Now, on to the Buzz...  
 

Attention all exceptional Enlisted Airmen. The CY25 Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) II program has exciting new changes! Mark your calendars for a new Promotion Eligibility Cutoff Date of June 13, 2025, and a myVector submission deadline of June 15, 2025, at 1630 MDT. The Time-in-Grade requirement is now four years. Please note that no CMSgt nominations will be accepted this year. Review the CY25 Stripes for Exceptional Performers Guide for complete details HERE and discuss your eligibility with your leadership.    
 

Air Force Reserve Space Professionals Townhall. The Space Force Personnel Management Act (SFPMA) is underway, which allows for the Inter-Service Transfer of AFR Airmen to the USSF. HQ AFRC/A1 will host a virtual SFPMA IMA Townhall on Friday, May 30 2025, at 1300 MT, providing critical updates on timelines, outplacement support, and cross-training opportunities. Access the virtual Townhall via ZoomGov [https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611320259?pwd=9S4RCAAYKuAD879Z3iL6TPK2mEwdyr.1].  The intended audience includes AFR Space professionals in the following career fields: Space Ops, Cyber, Intel and Force Modernization.  
A near-identical hybrid TR/AGR-focused briefing will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1400-1530 MT, in the Peterson base auditorium and online via ZoomGov at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612058541?pwd=28RwghgmXHLey7Tje5ubJ0gTD9aKth.1. Your participation is highly encouraged at either session to stay informed and prepared. The Registration Form is primarily designed to assist dislocated personnel by capturing individual career choices. It also provides the Military Personnel Flight with a collection tool to focus their assistance efforts and provide all commanders with a means to locate volunteers for employment. Submit your form today! Members Support Center Registration Form  

DTS Processing Update: Avoiding the “BIG SIX” Errors. To streamline DTS processing, HQ RIO is implementing a revised process for authorizations and vouchers, effective immediately. Our travel technicians will prioritize complete and accurate submissions. To avoid delays, be aware that authorizations and vouchers containing any of the “BIG SIX” common errors will be returned to the traveler for correction without additional review. Important: Access the comprehensive list of the “BIG SIX” errors and helpful resources for proper submission procedures on the RIO Portal HERE. 

 
Other Information: Job Opportunities.  Check out opportunities in GIGEAGLE.  These job opportunities include part-or-full-time, RPA or MPA orders, or AT, IDT and points-only options.  

Upcoming Events:  

• Annual Tour orders request deadline: May 31, 2025   
• Reserve Advisor/URC All Call: June 17, 2025 
• IR All Call: TBD 

We are forever indebted to their sacrifice. 

V/r,   

Col Nathan “N8” Day  
Commander