The RIO Buzz                                                                                 Vol 80

On Wednesday, Congress approved a continuing resolution (CR) for FY25 through 20 Dec 24. This means that you should continue with business as usual. Continue to schedule your FY25 IDTs and AT. Although operating under a CR can create uncertainty and impact readiness, AFRC is taking steps to stabilize operations and minimize the impact on you.

I am pleased to share that we have a new Readiness video linked in this Buzz to keep you informed about all your readiness requirements. Additionally, we developed a new URC course to assist your RegAF unit in supporting you and the IR program.

In my personal opinion, being an IR is like earning a doctorate in being an Air Force Reservist. It is not an easy task, and sometimes you might feel alone. However, we have your back with videos and training guides to help you become proficient.

To summarize, all these resources are here to help you gain the advanced knowledge required as an IR. Please check out our YouTube page (link below) and let us know your thoughts.

Now, the Buzz...
Schedule FY25 IDTs & AT ASAP. The deadline for scheduling your FY25 IDTs was 15 Aug 24. You can follow the guide provided to build your FY25 IDT calendar in UTAPS by clicking HERE. Additionally, submit your FY25 AT requests as soon as possible. You can find a quick guide on how to submit orders requests in myFSS by clicking HERE.

New Video Out Now! Maintaining your readiness as an IR. Stay ready with our 7.5-minute video covering medical, fitness, security clearance, upgrade training, and Family Care Plan requirements. Check out the video for essential readiness tips and resources. Check out video HERE. IMA Battle Rhythm Guide available HERE.

New URC Course now available. Great news! The URC Course for Unit Reserve Coordinators is now available. This mandatory training will boost readiness and mission effectiveness. URCs will gain valuable skills and a certificate upon completion. Find the course on the RIO Training Site HERE.

Announcements

IR Advisory Council is looking for new members! Join the IR Advisory Council for a two-year term and make a difference in our community. Collaborate with HQ RIO leadership to identify and address IR issues and develop solutions to enhance the IR portfolio. Meet virtually four times a year, with no travel required. Submit your application by 25 Oct 2024. Include a personal letter, career data brief, and resume/bio. Use the letter template found HERE. Open to all AFSCs and ranks.

Submit your applications by 5 Oct 2024 to attend the next vIRO! Virtual Individual Reservists Orientation (vIRO) is on 4-6 Dec 2024. Open to all IRs. If you have joined the IMA program within the last 18 months, you can apply in advance to attend on RPA. Send in your application by 5 Oct 2024 using the "AFR IMA HQ RIO Request" link in myIMA tile HERE. The webinar link will be shared on RIO platforms closer to the event.

Suspension of DoD-VA Dual Compensation Matching Agreement. Air Force Reserve members in active status receiving VA compensation will no longer be notified of the dual compensation issue and could incur a debt to the VA unless they self-report. The agreement governing the VA’s ability to identify AFR members who are in receipt of VA disability compensation and are receiving active service pay has expired. This agreement should be reinstated by November 2024 however, members will not receive this notification in August, September, or October 2024 and could incur a debt to the VA.To prevent dual compensation and AFR member debt, members in receipt of VA disability compensation or pension can self-report before beginning their active service.
For those already on active service, they can report their status to the VA by:
· Going to VA.gov, creating or logging into their account, and self-report their active status and uploading any supporting documents (orders, UTA schedule, etc.). This will suspend their VA disability compensation benefits for the duration of their active status.
· Contact the VA call center at 800-827-1000. The call center representative will assist with suspending the member’s VA disability or pension payments for the duration of their active status.
· Visit any Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional office or VA Pre-discharge site and self-report active status.
Resources

Finally, here are some resources and ways to connect with us:
· IR Guide - Headquarters RIO > IR Guide (af.mil)
· Training videos - https://www.youtube.com/@HQRIOOfficial
· Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HQRIO/
· Portal / website - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/
· RIO Connect App - https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/RIO-Connect/
Thanks for reading, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help with anything.
 
V/r,
Col Nathan “N8” Day Commander