Introduction
Each federal agency is responsible for meeting its FOIA responsibilities for its own records. This site is designed to familiarize you with the specific procedures for making a request for records controlled by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 United States Code (USC) 552, allows an individual (regardless of nationality), a private organization or company, or a local, state, or foreign government to seek access to Executive Branch agency records, such as those held by the U.S. Marine Corps.
All agencies of the U.S. Government are required to disclose records upon receiving a written request, except those records that are protected from disclosure pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions. The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Any requests for state or local government records should be directed to the appropriate state or local government agency.
As a component of the Department of the Navy, Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5720.42F, Department of the Navy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program (SECNAVINST 5720.42F), governs the Marine Corps FOIA program. SECNAVINST 5720.42F is codified at 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 701.
If you require assistance with submitting a request or if you have questions regarding the status of a request, you may contact the Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC), FOIA Requester Service Center.