Helpful contact info for Reservists

In our busy day-to-day operations, there are a lot of different agencies and personnel we contact in regards to career opportunities, benefits, TRICARE, travel, retirement, and more. The below list is provided as an updated one-stop shop of websites and phone numbers that ARPC has put together as beneficial to Reserve members. 

Even if you aren't a Cat A, B, or E, you may find this information useful when navigating post-career or post-retirement questions. 

- Jen

Websites and Phone Numbers Listed in ARPC Briefings - as of April 2013

ARPC Information:

ARPC Briefings for Guard and Reserve are located at:  http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/guardandreservebriefings/index.asp

Total Force Service Center:  Toll Free 1-800-525-0102

E-Mail: tfsc@mailds01.csd.disa.mil

myPERS online to vPC-GR Quick Link at: https://mypers.af.mil

ARPC Public Web Site: www.arpc.afrc.af.mil

Link to ARPC FAQs: http://www.afrc.af.mil/questions/index.asp

Promotion Board Information:

ARPC Board Letter Online at myPERS: https://mypers.af.mil

EPR/OPR/PRF Writing Guide: http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070607-086.pdf

Education Information:

Air University: http://www.au.af.mil/au/schools.asp

CCAF - https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=s6925EC13447C0FB5E044080020E329A9

ACSC degree  - http://www.au.af.mil/au/dlmasters.asp

DANTES Testing: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/DANTES_Homepage.html

Veterans Affairs, Education  - http://www.gibill.va.gov/

Post 9/11 Education Assistance eligibility: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

Retirement Information:

RCSBP Calculator: log into myPERS, click on vPC-GR Dashboard, click on Action Requests, then click on RCSBP Calculator

AD Retired Pay Calculator at: http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/retirement/calc/index.html

DEERS Web site: www.dmdc.osd.mil

VA Benefits Information:

Toll Free 1-800-827-1000 http://www.va.gov

TSGLI/VGLI: http://www.insurance.va.gov

SGLI: 1-800-419-1473 http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/default.htm

SGLI Conversion Procedures:  http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/converting/SGLI.htm

Burial and Memorial Benefits (VA):  http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/

ESGR: Contact ESGR Ombudsman Representative 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.esgr.mil.

To file a complaint electronically visit the Dept. of Labor site at: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/

SCRA: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/military/scra_summary.htm

Interest Rates on FHA loans: www.hud.gov  Toll Free (888) 297-8685

Homeowners Assistance Program: http://www.usace.army.mil/CERE/Pages/HomeownerAssistanceProgram.aspx

TRICARE Information:

TRICARE:   http://www.tricare.mil/

Regional Offices:  http://www.tricare.mil/             

1-888-TRI-WEST

1-877-TRICARE (North)  

1-800-444-5445 (South)

TRS information:  http://www.tricare.mil/

TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR):  www.tricare.mil/trr

TRICARE Retired Reserve Enrollment: www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/reservetricare

Visit TRICARE on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/TRICAREhealth

Visit TRICARE on Twitter:   http://twitter.com/TRICARE

Visit TRICARE on Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/TRICARE

Career Opportunities Information:

Reserve Management Vacancy System (RMVS): https://w20.afpc.randolph.af.mil/AFPCSecureNET20/CheckPortal.aspx

Visit ANG Web site:  http://www.goang.com

ANG Recruiter @ 1-800-TO-GO-ANG
                                     (1-800-864-6264)

RRPS: Managed by HQ AFRC/Readiness Mgmt Group

                  1-800-223-1784 ext 72286 or rmg.workflow@afrc.af.mil

CAPRAP:  Managed by HQ CAP, Maxwell AFB AL
                  DSN 493-5225/Comm 334-953-5225 or http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com

ALO Program: Managed by Air Force Academy

DSN 333-2644/Comm 719-333-2644

Key Employee Program: Managed by HQ ARPC/DPAAR

1-800-525-0102

Active Duty Guard Positions:  Managed by Organizational Management (NGB/OM)

DSN 278-8884, Comm 301-836-8884

E-mail:  om.om@ang.af.mil

Website: http://www.goang.com  or   http://www.nationalguard.mil/resources/states.aspx

ART Program Website: http://www.afrc.af.mil/library/jobs

1-800-223-1784 ext 7-0113, or e-mail SEU at afrc.seu@afrc.af.mil

Lodging Information:

1-888-AF LODGE    - http://dodlodging.net/

1-800-NAVY INN    - www.navy-lodge.com

1-800-GO ARMY 1 - www.armymwr.com

Coast Guard           - www.uscg.mil/MWR

Marines                  - www.usmc-mccs.org/lodging/

Space “A” Travel Information:

 http://www.amc.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=380

Emergency Data

Virtual Record of Emergency Data (vRED):  http://w11.afpc.randolph.af.mil/vs/

FAQ: Admin, admissions, and more

1) Can reservists or Soldiers/Sailors/etc from other services go through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program (LEAD), or are they put into regular selections?

The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give our best and brightest airmen the opportunity to excel by offering them appointments to the US Air Force Academy and the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The program, initiated by General Fogleman in 1995, delegates authority to unit and wing commanders to nominate highly qualified airmen to attend the Prep School with the intention of Academy appointment to follow.  Commanders have the opportunity to identify outstanding, deserving airmen with officer potential for this commissioning program. 

It is not intended for members of other services. Those members would fall under regular selections and the standard application process.

2) Will a student lose the chance of an appointment to USAFA if they receive an AFROTC scholarship offer first?

USAFA will hold regular selections in March and students will be notified of direct and Prep School offers mid-March through April.  Our standard guidance to high school students is to tell them to do what they feel is in their best interest, whether it is to accept another service academy appoint or an ROTC offer.  All offers can be declined later if an appointment from USAFA comes late and the student decides it is in his or her best interest to change plans.  We do have candidates accept, then decline offers to USAFA - it is understood that can happen as all offers sort themselves out.  A student is not penalized for accepting somewhere else - they will receive an offer of appointment if that is what was originally intended by USAFA.

3) How can I receive a copy of my past OPRs?

The Total Force Service Center at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) can give you the definitive answer on how to receive personnel records that you are unable to download from the Air Force Portal. You can reach them at (800) 525-0102. 

One of the easiest ways to receive copies of OPRs is to log into the AF Portal. In the Portal, you can go to your personnel reports and download OPRs and awards directly to your desktop.

4) I have a new ALO in my area. How can I ensure they receive a CAC card reader?

There are two options for receiving a CAC reader.  You can either go to a local base and purchase one at the Base Exchange, or you can go to ALOWEB and request one at no charge.  The form is located under ALOWEB > Toolboxes > Reserve Personnel > CAC information.

5) Where can I find the scripts for the Prep School, USAFA appointments, and AFROTC?

AFROTC acceptance speech - ALOWEB > Toolboxes > ALO Toolbox > AFROTC Scholarship speech

USAFA, Prep School, and Falcon Foundation appointment speech - ALOWEB > Toolboxes > ALO Toolbox > USAFA Appointment Speech OR USAFA Prep School Appointment Speech

6) Why do I need to complete a 4060 on a student who receives disqualifying remarks on his or her application?

When you are in a student's profile, you will see "<>" around areas that the student is "disqualified" in; for instance, medical/DODMERB.  The 4060 must still be accomplished because a student may be able to get a medical waiver from DODMERB, or can retake the ACT/SAT to submit higher scores before the application deadline, thus making the student "qualified" in said areas.  Our job as ALOs is to evaluate and mentor every student in our system, unless the student chooses to no longer pursue a USAFA appointment - and it is Selections' job to make the appointment and admissions decisions from ALL of the data.

7) I am working with a student who really wants to be a doctor. Is USAFA really the right place for them?

There is information on USAFA Health Professions opportunities on ALOWEB > Toolboxes > ALO Toolbox > Miscellaneous > Health Professions Guide. 

Provide the students with the guide to read through, and talk to other ALOs or LODs to see if they can put the student in touch with an AF doctor (preferably a USAFA graduate) - one who may be willing to talk/email with the student to discuss their experiences.

It is important for the student to understand that the Air Force Academy mission is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation. They need to understand that it is not a guarantee that they will gain a medical slot upon graduation, and that they can be placed in any of the Air Force career fields, depending on choices they picked and the needs of the Air Force. 

The student must want to become an Air Fore officer first, and then a medical professional.  There are also many opportunity while in the Air Force to apply for medical school. Provide all of the information to the student, and let them make an educated decision on whether or not it is the right path for them personally to pursue USAFA.

FAQ: Points and Mandays

This FAQ topic corresponds to very common issues with points, readiness, and a top FAQ regarding what to do once you have been authorized a manday. Enjoy!

1) Why aren't my points rolling in ALOWEB?

- There could be many reasons your points are not rolling. The most common is that points will not roll if ALOWEB shows you as RED for readiness. 

- Your points will also get stuck in ALOWEB if you were on a manday or other status with your unit and did not deconflict the day on the "military status" calendar in ALOWEB.

2) Why does ALOWEB show me as "not ready" when I've completed all of my readiness items?

You cannot rely on the system of record to update ALOWEB in a timely manner.  Just because you did your PHA or took your fitness test does not mean ALOWEB will automatically get that information.  You must follow the instructions located under the readiness tab in ALOWEB:  ALOWeb - Readiness and send documentation of the item completed to your Region’s readiness inbox AND to the Readiness Management Group (RMG).  Your Regional Director can give you an override in ALOWEB to allow the system of record to catch up.

3) I missed out on a few months worth of points in ALOWEB because I was not ready. Can RR go back and credit those to me?

No.  See #2 above.  If you take care of your readiness items and work with your Regional Director to ensure the proper overrides are in place, this should never be an issue.  In addition, ALOWEB allows for a 3-month grace period and it will look back 90 days during the time you were “not ready” and credit you the points that didn’t roll during that time.  If you’ve let yourself be “not ready” on ALOWEB for more than 3 months, you’ve lost out on those points.

4) My points are rolling in ALOWEB, but they don't show up in my PCARS.

- Did you just transition from add’l duty to primary duty ALO?  Many times the Reserve Pay Office (RPO) does not have your pay account set up.  Even if you’ve sent them the required documents, call and verify that everything is set up correctly:  (478) 327-2385.          

- Are only one or two random points not showing up?  Sometimes points get “lost” as they transition  into your pay account.  If you have the point documented on an ALOWEB point credit report, you can send the point credit report to AFPERS for manual point correction.  (Attached slides HERE walk through the process.) 

5) I just got authorized to use a manday. What do I do now?

Complete a Form 49 and have your LOD sign and forward to your RD.  Do not forget to include your personal email address in the "remarks" section.  You will receive an email with a CMAS #.   You’ll use the information in that email to create your own orders in AROWS (or your unit orders clerk may do this for you, if you are add’l duty or ANG).  There is an AROWS guide on ALOWEB, under Toolboxes > Reserve Personnel.  Please make sure you have updated your most current address in vMPF before requesting your orders through AROWS.  All orders requests must be completed in AROWS at least 2 weeks prior to the orders start date.

FAQ: Where can I find...?

Today's FAQ topic covers five very common questions received by LODs and training officers....where can I find (insert topic here)? Check it out and feel free to pass it along!

1) Where do I find the Drug Form counseling script?

On ALOWEB under "Toolboxes" and subtopic "ALO Toolbox". 

2) Where do I find the AF Form 2030?

You can find the AF Form 2030 here (PDF format) and here (.xfdl format).

3) How can I find the latest USAFA class profile?

On ALOWEB under "Toolboxes" and subtopic "Selections". 

4) Where do I find the current "Instruction to Applicants/Candidates" guide?

On ALOWEB under "Toolboxes" and subtopic "Selections".

5) How can I find out about AFROTC Scholarship Board results?

Formerly, this was on ALOWEB under "Toolboxes" and "AFROTC" - as this information is no longer posted to ALOWEB, you can now email or call Mr. Dean Allen at HQ AFROTC.

Dean Allen (Dean.Allen@maxwell.af.mil)
HQ AFROTC/RRUC
551 E. Maxwell Blvd
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6106
DP: 334-953-6075
DSN: 493-6072

Training Tip: 4060 Guidance

Did you know that there's an easy way to access all of the 4060 training materials created to date on ALOWEB? Simply click on the "ALOWEB" tab at the top of this webpage, log in, and click on:

Toolboxes -> National Training

Under National Training, you'll not only find links to all of the 4060 guidance published to date, along with real-world examples and scoring tips, but you can also find the latest Phase II slides from the class that just wrapped up in January 2013.

~ Katherine

Training Tip: New AROWS-R User Guide

On January 23rd, RMG posted a new AROWS-R user guide on the AFRC public website for folks to use as a reference when writing their own orders. 

You can find the link to this by clicking here.

Welcome!

Welcome to the home of the new Admissions Action Council Training Team blog! It is our hope that we can help with your ALO training needs by providing a forum to ask questions, as well as posting useful tips and information to keep you up to speed with your ALO duties. 

Our team members - myself as the team lead (Katherine), along with Melissa, Mike, Chris, and Jen - will work hard to ensure that we get your questions answered in a timely manner. Our goal is to respond to each question within 48 hours. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at AACTrainingTeam@gmail.com.  

Please note that there is a search tool to the right of the blog where you can search for topics by typing in a string of words (much like Google), and that each post will also be assigned "labels" to identify the subject matter.  If you wish to look at all posts relating to a particular topic, please look at the menu bar on the right hand side of the page, where you can see all created labels and by clicking on the one of your choice, you will have access to all posts relating to the label you've chosen. 

Thank you for visiting our site, and don't hesitate to reach out to us for your training needs. 

- The Admissions Action Council Training Team