(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 7 May 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 118
Individual Reservists,
Join us for the IR All Call this Friday, 8 May, at 1400 MT / 1600 ET. We’ll cover current priorities, including FY26 participation and funding updates, and answer your questions. Details HERE. Please read below for additional updates and required actions.
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FY26 ANNUAL TOUR (AT) DEADLINE MOVED TO 10 MAY
Per the 24 Apr 2026 CAFR message on FY26 funding, the deadline to submit Annual Tour (AT) requests has been moved up from 31 May to 10 May 2026.
All FY26 AT requests must be submitted in myFSS by this deadline. Requests not submitted by 10 May 2026 will not be considered for FY26 funding.
Supporting documentation (ATSRF if needed, readiness documentation, etc.} is due by 14 May 2026. myFSS cases missing supporting documentation or member response by this date will be closed.
If you have already completed AT for FY26, have approved AT orders, or have an approved FY26 Substitution Waiver, no action is required.
What you need to do now:
· Submit your FY26 AT request in myFSS NLT 10 May 2026
· If dates are not finalized, submit your best estimate now (orders can be adjusted later)
· If you requested a Split Tour, ensure you have BOTH sets of orders in AROWS-R. If not, make sure you request the second half of the split tour in myFSS NLT 10 May 2026.
· Monitor your myFSS cases and respond to any requests for information NLT 14 May
If you have questions, attend Customer Service Hours for assistance.
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SATURDAY CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS (CSH) – UPCOMING DATES
We are continuing to offer Saturday Customer Service Hours to provide additional flexibility for members who are unable to attend during the week.
Upcoming sessions:
· 9 May 2026
· 30 May 2026 (rescheduled from 23 May due to the Memorial Day weekend)
Saturday sessions remain in a trial (beta testing) phase. Continued participation will determine whether this option remains available.
If you need assistance with orders, pay, or myFSS cases, consider attending a Saturday session.
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BAH RECERTIFICATION REQUIRED
Deadline: 1 July 2026
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 to the HQ RIO Reserve Pay Office (RPO) through myFSS.
For instructions on how to complete your BAH recertification, use the BAH Quick Guide.
Submit your completed recertification via myFSS.
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LEAVE CARRYOVER / SELLBACK ELECTION
Members with unused accrued leave who wish to carry over their leave balance to a new long-tour ADOS (RPA or MPA) order must make their election in myFSS.
Action required:
· Log into myFSS to complete your leave carryover election
· Refer to the Master Leave Record Carryover Election guidance for additional details
What happens if no action is taken:
· As of 1 May 2026, the HQ RIO Reserve Pay Office (RPO) has begun processing leave sellbacks for members who have not made an election
Processing will occur on a rolling basis over the next several months due to case volume.
Refer to:
· Leave Carryover
· Leave Sellback
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TDY TRAVEL: SUBMIT AUTHORIZATIONS EARLY
We are seeing an increase in TDY authorizations submitted late in the week for weekend travel. This does not give the Traffic Management Office (TMO) enough time to book tickets and often results in last-minute issues. HQ RIO has no control over this.
Standard requirement:
· Submit TDY authorizations at least 7 days prior to travel
If traveling on the weekend:
· Submit your authorization no later than Tuesday
TMO operates on a 72-hour ticketing window and is not staffed on weekends. Late-week submissions result in compressed processing timelines and increases the risk of delays or travel disruptions.
Authorizations submitted Thursday or Friday for weekend travel will not be prioritized over those submitted on time.
Plan ahead to ensure smooth processing and avoid last-minute issues.
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STEP II PROGRAM PAUSED FOR FY26
Effective FY26, the STEP II program is paused.
This pause supports a broader review of the enlisted force structure across the Command. The goal is to address recruiting and end-strength challenges, and to ensure long-term force health across the component.
No STEP II selections will be made during this period.
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IR ADVISORY COUNCIL – MEMBER APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 JUNE
HQ RIO will open the application period for new IR Advisory Council members on 1 June 2026.
The IR Advisory Council provides a direct line from the field to HQ RIO leadership. Members help identify key issues, 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
The application window will remain open for 60 days (1 June – 30 July 2026).
Additional details and application instructions will be provided in a future RIO Buzz.
Very respectfully,
HQ RIO