TIG Reduction update, TRICARE eligibility, vPC-GR capability launched for ANG, RDEDB call for nominees

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NOTAM 041 --  Commanders - TIG REDUCTION FOR RETIREMENT GOAL MET FOR RESERVE COLONELS - Effective March 22, 2007, the SAF approved a reduction of 3 year time-in-grade requirement for retiring Reserve colonels and lieutenant colonels to 2 years TIG for no more than 2 percent of Selected Reserve end strength per grade. The quota for colonels for Fiscal 2008 was met May 5, 2008. Lt Cols are still eligible to apply -- all AGR Lt Cols are eligible, but traditional unit and IMA Lt Cols must be affected by BRAC, PBD 720, or other force structure changes. Eligible Lt Cols must use the vPC-GR retirement application at http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/. AGRs assigned to HQ organizations, applying for an active duty retirement, must apply through AFPC via the virtual Military Personnel Flight at http://wwa.afpc.randolph.af.mil/VS/.  

TRICARE LETTERS COMING -- DOD is in the process of sending 120 Selected Reserve Airmen letters notifying them that they now are eligible for Tricare Reserve Select. The affected members may have been enrolled in the previous TRS Tier 1 plan, but were excluded from continued participation in TRS after Sept. 30, 2007, because they were eligible to purchase health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefit program. Your Airmen may be among those who initially were excluded. Now, they have the option to purchase the coverage retroactive to Oct. 1, 2007, or start it now. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/reserve/reserveselect.  

POINTS ONLY vPC-GR CAPABILITY LAUNCHED FOR ANG -- Launched May 14, this new vPC-GR capability allows ANG Airmen to submit requests to participate for retirement points only. They also can submit for future and past participation credit which had not been updated in MilPDS. Participation is certified and authorized online through the vPC-GR process. This does not apply to AFRC Airmen. 

BOARD SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR IN-RESIDENCE SCHOOLS -- The annual AFR Development Education Designation Board will convene in November to select Reserve officers for in-residence developmental education for the 2009-2010 academic year. Candidates compete for all programs for which they are eligible. Instructions, criteria and deadlines to submit packages are available online at http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8604. For more information, Airmen can call 800-525-0102 or DSN 926-6528 and ask for the developmental education branch. They can also e-mail arpc.dpafe@arpc.denver.af.mil to verify receipt of their package. 

//signed// 
ERIC W. CRABTREE, Brig Gen, USAFR 
HQ Air Reserve Personnel Center Commander