References: 5 U.S.C. Section 552, as amended and DoD Regulation 5400.7-R, DoD Freedom of Information Act Program

THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW:  THE CONCEPT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT

Congress created a public access to government information, subject to certain exceptions.  All agencies of the U.S. Government, including the Department of the Army and Carlisle Barracks, are required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose records requested in writing by any person, unless one of the statutory exemptions or exclusions apply.  The FOIA is codified at Title 5, United States Code, Section 552.  A member of the public may gain access to agency records by making a request in writing, directed to the custodian of those records.  Agency records will be released pursuant to a proper request, unless one of the nine exemptions or three exceptions apply.  The procedural requirements for making a proper request are as follows:

1.  The request must be in writing  (sample request letter). Telephone and other oral requests do not constitute a proper FOIA Request.  If the requestor is a federal government employee, the request should not be made through supervisors; additionally, federal employees may not make their requests during duty hours or using government supplies or postage.

2.  The request must be detailed enough to identify the records.  Be sure to include all identifying information, such as author, the date the record was created, and subject matter.  Records may be withheld in whole or in part from public disclosure under the FOIA , unless otherwise prescribed by law.  These exemptions are described at foiaexemptions.  Other reasons for the government not releasing a record are provided here.. 

3. The request must state a willingness to pay for administrative fees incurred.  (applicable fees ) You can request a waiver to these fees by including a justification for the waiver in your FOIA request letter as shown in the sample request letter.

4.  Include your phone number and mailing address in your request so the FOIA Officer may contact you if needed to clarify your request.

5.  The request must be sent to the agency in possession of the records.  All requests for records maintained at Carlisle Barracks need sent to:

U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE      
ATTN: DHR (FOIA OFFICER)     
651 Wright Avenue, ROOM T058
CARLISLE, PA 17013-5222

Attn: Jamie Zucker           
(717) 245-4898


Email requests may be sent to: usarmy.carlisle.id-training.mbx.foia@army.mil.  A request for records maintained at a federal agency or office other than Carlisle Barracks should be sent to that agency or office, not to Carlisle Barracks.

EXTERNAL LINKS TO OTHER FOIA SITES:

http://www.usdoj.gov/oip/index.html
http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/foi