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Freedom of Information Act Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act Program (DODR 5400.7) allows the general public including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, to request records electronically or in writing from the Federal Government. Some records are released to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, and may therefore reflect deletion of some information in accordance with the FOIA's nine statutory exemptions or two law enforcement record exclusions. A consolidated list of such records is on Defense Link and the U.S. Air Force FOIA site. Currently the law allows 20 working days to process a FOIA request upon receipt of the request in the FOIA office.
tabWho can submit a FOIA request? 
Members of the public, including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, organizations and businesses, and individual members of the Congress for themselves or constituents, may request records in writing. It is important to remember that the Freedom of Information Act applies only to federal agencies. It does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. Each state has its own public access laws that should by consulted for access to state and local records.
tabWhat are the fees for processing a FOIA request? 
Fees are assessed depending on which group the request falls into:

Category 1: Commercial. Requesters pay all search, review, and duplication.

Category 2: Educational or Noncommercial Scientific Institution or News Media. Requesters get the first 100 copies free and pay for additional copies.

Category 3: Others. Requesters get the first two hours of search and the first 100 copies free.
tabRequest CCAF Transcripts 
If you misplaced or lost copies of your training records, you do not need to submit a request under the FOIA. Simply contact the Community College of the Air Force.

The fastest way to obtain a copy of your CCAF transcript is by going to any Air Force base education office and completing an AF Form 2099 (Request for Community College of the Air Force Transcript). 

If you are not close to an Air Force base, send a written transcript request including your full name or former name if appropriate, Social Security Account Number, current address including ZIP code, and address and ZIP code to which transcript is to be mailed. Your signature is the legal authorization for CCAF to release a transcript.

Transcripts sent directly to students are unofficial copies and will be stamped "Issued to Student."

CCAF does not accept fax or e-mail requests for transcripts; however, CCAF transcripts are free.

Send your transcript request to:

CCAF/RRR
130 West Maxwell Blvd
Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6613
Questions may be directed to (334) 953-2794 (DSN 493-2794) or can be emailed to the CCAF Registrar's Office
tabRequest Personnel Records 
People requesting their records send a signed request that includes their name, social security number, contact information and specific record requested. Those requesting a relative's record also need to provide their relationship to the former airman.

Former Active Duty Who Retired Or Separated On Or After 1 Oct 04: Send your requests to AFPC/DPFFCMP, 550 C St. W., Suite 19, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4701 or fax to (210) 565-4021 or DSN 665-4021.

Former Guard And Reserve Who Retired Or Separated On Or After 1 Oct 04: Send your requests to HQ ARPC/PSDC, 6760 E. Irvington Place, Suite 4000, Denver, CO 80280-0001 or fax to (303) 676-7071 or DSN 926-7071.

For Those Who Retired Before 1 Oct 04: Visit the NPRC Web site for record request instructions.
tabSubmit a FOIA Request 
In accordance with subsection C.1.4.2 of DoD Regulation 5400.7/Air Force Supplement. A FOIA request must either explicitly or implicitly invoke the FOIA; be submitted in writing that reasonably describes the desired record(s) sought and must identify a willingness to pay fees associated with processing the request, or, in the alternative, why a waiver of fees may be appropriate. A FOIA request can be made by any person, including a member of the public (U.S. or foreign citizen/entity), an organization, or a business, but not including Federal Agency or a fugitive from the law.

Written requests may be received by postal service or other commercial delivery means, by facsimile, or electronically. Requests received by facsimile or electronically must have a postal mailing address included since it may not be practical to provide a substantive response electronically. The request is considered properly received, or perfected, when the above conditions have been met and the request arrives at the FOIA office of the agency in possession of the records.

Note: Privacy Act requests are not accepted via e-mail or the on-line submission form. They must be in writing and sent to the FOIA/PA Office or to the office in possession of the record(s) you seek.

Below are some ways to submit a FOIA request:

Option 1: Mail via Postal Service to:
502 ABW/JB6KR (FOIA Office)
2080 Wilson Way
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7680

Option 2: Navigate to https://www.efoia.af.mil/palMain.aspx

Response Time: Normally, people can expect a response to their FOIA request within 20 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) from the date the proper FOIA office receives it. If special situations exist, the FOIA office will contact the requestor with an estimated completion date and explain the reason for delay. The Air Force works requests on a first-in, first-out basis.
tabFOIA Electronic Reading Room 
The Electronic Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA), [5 USC 552(a)(2)(D)], requires that certain documents of interest to the general public be published electronically. It has been determined that the materials listed in the Air Force FOIA Web Site Reading Room should be made available to the general public in electronic form as FOIA-processed (a)(2)(D) records.

Please be advised that the Air Force will not deliver unofficial mass mailing addressed to individuals on the same day from the same mailer. (DoD Manual 4525.8-M/AFMAN 33-306, para C7.3.1.7.2.2)

This listing is provided under the FOIA and does not imply a desire of the listed individuals to receive unsolicited telephone calls or faxes.
tabRelease of E-mail Addresses  
Air Force policy is to deny requests for lists of e-mail addresses (both personal and organizational) using FOIA exemption (b)(2)(high). We also rely on FOIA exemption (b)(6) when denying lists of personal e-mail addresses. High (b)(2) protects internal information, the disclosure of which would risk circumvention of a statute or agency regulation. Because DoD e-mail systems are to be used only for official and authorized purposes, the addresses are considered primarily internal. The regulations at issue that could be circumvented include DoD and AF regulations that require us to limit use of e-mail to authorized purposes, and to protect the security of your computer and information systems. Exemption (b)(6) protects information that if released would permit a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. This does not prohibit an organization from including a single e-mail address on a Web page of in correspondence.

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tabFOIA Contact Information
For additional information, contact the JBSA FOIA Office:

(210) 808-0159 or (210) 808-0147

502 ABW/JB6KR (FOIA Office)
2080 Wilson Way
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7680
tabFOIA Sites
tabFOIA Related Links
tabFOIA Request Concerns
FOIA requesters who have any questions concerning the processing of their
requests with the JBSA FOIA Office should contact this center at 502abw.foia@us.af.mil or call (210) 808-0159/0147.

If dissatisfied with the response received from the center, you may contact: 
HQ AETC FOIA Public Liason at (210) 652-6576 or
AF FOIA Public Liaison at (703) 696-6487 or af.foiapa@pentagon.af.mil.

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