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Library > Fact Sheets > Muster Information
MUSTER INFORMATION
PARTICIPATION: Participation in the Annual IRR Screening (Muster Duty) is mandatory by Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 12319. The Muster will consist of collecting personnel and medical data. During this period of duty, Airmen are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Failure to appear when ordered, or misconduct while on duty, may result in appropriate disciplinary or administrative action being taken. Airmen who are no-shows will be directed to provide a written response to HQ ARPC/CC not later than 10 working days from receipt of the no-show letter. They WILL NOT receive point credit for Muster participation.
WHAT IS A MUSTER? A Muster is a screening to update personal information and receive briefings/information on IRR benefits. The Muster usually lasts 2 - 4 hours and civilian clothing is worn. Participants will turn-in the paperwork and forms that were sent with their orders. Participants will receive briefings on Veteran's benefits, Civilian Employment Information, career opportunities, IRR member responsibilities, etc. If participants do not have a Reserve ID card, they can receive one at the Muster. Participants will receive a payment of approximately $176 for participating in the Muster.
ADDRESS CHANGES: If an address is different from that listed on the notification letter, CALL ARPC IMMEDIATELY AT 1-800-423-7588. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE A CORRECT ADDRESS. If Airmen move before their reporting date, the same procedure must be followed.
TRAVEL: IF AIRMEN LIVE MORE THAN 150 MILES DRIVING DISTANCE FROM THE SITE, CONTACT ARPC IMMEDIATELY ON THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE. If participants are riding a motorcycle, remember that helmets, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and reflective vests are mandatory. Be sure to have a current driver's license, proof of registration and insurance available. Transportation is the Airman's responsibility! Billeting is available at their expense on a space-available basis only.
RESCHEDULES: Airmen may submit a written request to be rescheduled if a temporary medical condition or a personal hardship that would prevent them from reporting on the scheduled date. There may not be another date available; however, if Airmen are rescheduled, they must attend on the new date.
EXCUSALS: If Airmen feel that they have a medical or personal hardship that would prevent them from reporting, CALL ARPC IMMEDIATELY. They will be required to provide the necessary documentation to substantiate the claim. An IRR screening board will meet to review the documentation and render a decision on the request.
SCREENING SCHEDULE: The time at the Muster site (up to 4 hours) will be taken up with personnel and medical screenings. Airmen may leave the site only after all Muster activities are completed.
UNIFORM: DO NOT wear a uniform to the Muster; however, personal appearance should be neat and clean.
ID CARD: Airmen should have a DD Form 2 (reserve)(green), U.S. Armed Forces of the United States Identification Card, which identifies them as a member of the Reserve. If they do not have the Green ID card, it is optional to get a green card at a later date. (The GREEN card replaced the red ID Card). Airmen must bring a driver's license (or other appropriate picture identification). According to AFI 36-3026(I), Dec. 20, 2002, Issuing and Controlling Identification (ID) Cards, Airmen do not have to comply with Air Force grooming standards. A uniform is not necessary for the photo, but please wear light colored clothing. Airmen must also know their blood type. They will need an ID card to enter the BX/Commissary or other areas on the base.
Eligible dependents are encouraged to possess military dependent ID cards and be enrolled or updated in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). ID cards for dependents may be requested by:
Taking the required documentation, to include DD Form 214 or legal documentation such as a marriage certificate that a municipal, county, or state government agency issues, to any military installation. It must contain the stamp or seal of the agency. Birth certificates are legal documentation for dependents between the ages of 10 and 21. For more information on ID cards, call HQ ARPC at 1-800-525-0102 and request to be transferred to the Entitlements Branch (DPPE).
STATUS: Muster participants are members of the IRR which means they have time remaining on their statutory military service obligation of eight years or they have time remaining on another contracted agreement (enlistment contract or extension). Until the end of thier obligation they will be assigned to the IRR.
OFFICERS: Upon expiration of their obligation they are automatically transferred to the Non-obligated, Non-participating, Ready Personnel Section (also a part of the Ready Reserve) for an additional two years or three years if they received separation pay.
REQUIREMENTS: As a member of the IRR, Airmen are required to:
a. Be available to report immediately on notification of a mobilization.
b. Ensure personal affairs are in order at all times. They should have a current will and may obtain assistance in preparing a will at the closest military installation.
c. Keep the Air Reserve Personnel Center advised of any changes in mailing address, marital status, number of dependents and physical condition that would affect their availability for mobilization. Bring documents to verify changes, e.g. birth or marriage certificates.
d. Annually submit a certification of physical condition by replying to the Air Force Reserve Annual Screening.
e. Keep and maintain military uniforms in serviceable condition.
f. Log on to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/Guard-ReservePortal (Web site is case sensitive) to update civilian employment information annually.
MUSTER PAY: Participants are being required to perform one day of Muster duty. One day of Muster duty requires the Airmen's commitment of about four hours plus travel time. They will receive Muster payment no later than 30 days after the Muster date. This allowance shall constitute the single, flat-rate monetary allowance authorized for the performance of Muster duty and shall constitute payment in full to the Airman regardless of grade or rank in which serving. Airmen will not file a travel voucher. Muster pay has been calculated to include an allowance for transportation and subsistence. The payment will be approximately $176 before taxes.
BENEFITS: The signing of the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act signaled unlimited commissary shopping for Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive National Guard members and their dependents who possess a Uniformed Services Identification Card. If an Airman becomes a casualty, there may be certain benefits available to the surviving family members from the Air Force and Veterans Affairs. Therefore, to ensure entitlement to these benefits, ARPC recommends that Airmen travel directly to and from the Muster duty. PARTICIPANTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY COVERED UNDER SGLI FOR $400,000. THE PREMIUM FOR THIS IS $1 AND IS ALREADY DEDUCTED FROM YOUR MUSTER PAY. SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate form.
VA DISABILITY PAY: If Airmen are receiving Veterans Affairs pension or disability compensation, they must complete the VA Form 21-8951-2, Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension, to receive Muster pay. They cannot receive dual compensation. They must elect to either receive Air Force Muster pay or the VA benefits currently receiving. Airmen will only be waiving one day of VA pay. In most cases, receiving Muster pay is the best choice. The VA Form 21-8951-2, Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension to Receive Military Pay and Allowances form can be accessed at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-8951-2.pdf.
DEPENDENT CARE RESPONSIBILITIES: AFI 36-2908, Family Care Plans, which applies to all Air Force personnel, outlines Air Force Policy on dependent care as it would affect Airmen upon mobilization. Advance planning is the key to required dependent care arrangements. All Airmen with dependents must use all available resources to ensure dependents will receive adequate care, support and supervision. Plans must cover both short-term (30 days or less) and long-term (over 30 days) situations and be sufficiently detailed and systematic to provide a smooth, rapid transfer of responsibilities.
The following Airmen must document their family care plan on the AF IMT 357: Single parents, dual military couples with family members, and members with civilian spouses who have unique family situations. Unique family situations are when an Airman has a civilian spouse or other adult family member who is not capable of providing care for family members or for themselves. Examples are a spouse with limited English language ability, illness, disability, handicap, or absence from local area, or marital separation. For more information on filing the AF IMT 357, visit theARPC's IRR Web page.
Single member sponsors and military couples also face unique family situations. If Airmen are a single sponsor or part of a military couple, they must make dependent care arrangements so that thay are available for worldwide deployment. Suitable arrangements must exist for a nonmilitary person to assume custody of dependents if they are unable to provide necessary care because of military obligations. If the nonmilitary person is not in your local area, Airmen must designate a local nonmilitary person to assume temporary custody until principal designee arrives to assume custody, or dependents are transported to principal designee. Airmen must have a power of attorney prepared for any designee (short/long-term) authorizing medical care, school enrollment and/or act "in loco parentis." Airmen must designate (by written statement) the person who, in the event of their death or incapacity, will assume temporary custody of their dependents until the court appoints a legal guardian. The designee also needs a power of attorney. Several agencies, such as the American Red Cross, or the Family Support Center at a local Air Force base, can assist in developing dependent care plans.
Point of Contact
HQ ARPC/XPC
Personnel Readiness Center
6760 E Irvington Pl
Denver CO 80280-7500
E-mail: arpc.xpc@arpc.denver.af.mil
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ARPC Contact Center
vPC-GR
Phone
800-525-0102
DSN 926-6528
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT
first three Saturdays of each month
Calling from overseas
Fax
DSN: 497-2215
Commercial: 478-327-2215
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NOTICE: Choose Option 3 for Air Force Reserve, and Option 4 for Air National Guard. From overseas, customers dialing commercially will dial the country access code first. |
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