Paperless transition of emergency data cards complete.

After decades of Airmen updating emergency contact information in their personnel records, everyone is now required to update the information online rather than visiting their military personnel flight.

Effective immediately, personnel flight officials are no longer required to print and file a paper copy of the Virtual Record of Emergency Data form in each Airman's personnel records, officials said. The paperless form provides the Air Force with information needed to contact family members if an Airman suffers a serious illness or injury or dies while on active duty.

The vRED, which replaced the Department of Defense Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, in 2003, is required to be kept updated by each Airman, including Reservists. Now the only way to update the emergency data is to visit the virtual MPF online.

Airmen who do not have access to a vMPF account, such as new accessions or basic trainees, must still complete a DD Form 93 until they establish an online account, said Maj. Yancey Cowen, chief of the Casualty Services Branch at the Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

"The biggest advantage is convenience," he said. "Airmen won't have to stand in line at the MPF to make simple changes to their contact information."

Airmen are required to keep their vREDs current at all times and review their contact data at least annually, Major Cowen said. Also, every Airman must review his or her vRED during inprocessing and before all deployments.

"Accurate and current family contact information can prevent delays in notifications and perhaps benefits for Airmen and family members," Major Cowen said.

Personnel officials encourage all active-duty Airmen, Guardsmen and Reservists to update their information every six months. The online application takes about 15 minutes to complete.

For more information, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/vs/ to log into vMPF or to establish an account. (Air Force Print News courtesy of AFPC News Service)