FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT

Welcome to the United States Military Entrance Processing Command's (USMEPCOM) Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act home page.

Like all Federal agencies, USMEPCOM is required under Title 5, United States Code, Section 552 (Freedom of Information Act, FOIA) to disclose records requested, in writing, by any person. However, information may be withheld according to the nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute.

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. Each State has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to State and local records.

We implement the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of the Army (DA) guidance regarding the FOIA/PA and ensure the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 13392 (Improving Agency Disclosure of Information) the Action Plan are fulfilled. This office is responsible for providing guidance and procedures for USMEPCOM activities regarding information release and protection of Army information and to allow individuals to access and amend privacy records, when appropriate. This office coordinates with the Army FOIA/PA office to publish USMEPCOM system of records notices; receive and report personally identifiable information (PII) incidents. We review agency regulations and forms for FOIA/PA compliance and conduct compliance reviews.

Each Federal agency is responsible for meeting its FOIA responsibilities for its own records.

The purpose of the Act is to provide records that are releasable to requesters; is not intended to answer questions.

Notification procedures:

Individuals seeking to determine if information about themselves is contained in this record system should address written inquiries to the Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, ATTN: MEHR-PR (USMEPCOM FOIA/PA Officer), 2834 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-3094; or click here to contact us via e-mail. Individuals should provide their full name, social security number, military status, or other information verifiable from the record.

Record access procedures:

Individuals seeking agency records or records about themselves contained in this record system should address written inquiries to the Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, ATTN: MEHR-PR (USMEPCOM FOIA/PA Officer), 2834 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-3094; or click here to contact us via e-mail. Individuals seeking records should provide the full name, social security number, military status, or other information verifiable from the record itself. A written request must contain the requester's signature.

Records containing agency and/or personal information will be processed in accordance the FOIA and PA guidance.

Verification of identity for first-party requesters:

Before granting access to personal information, an individual will provide reasonable verification of identity.

When an individual seeks access in person, identification can be verified by documents normally carried by the individual (such as identification card, driver's license, or other license, permit, or pass normally used for identification purposes). However, level of proof of identity is commensurate with the sensitivity of the records sought. For example, more proof is required to access medical records than is required to access parking records.

When requesting records in writing, the preferred method of verifying identity is the submission of a notarized signature. An alternative method of verifying identity for individuals who do not have access to notary services is the submission of an unsworn declaration in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1746 in the following format:

If executed within the United States, its territories, possessions, or commonwealths:

"I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Signature) __________________ "

If executed outside of the United States:

"I declare under perjury or penalty under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Signature) _________________ ."

Telephonic requests will not be honored.

Contesting record procedures:

The Army's rules for accessing records, and for contesting contents and appealing initial agency determinations are published in the Department of the Army Regulation 340-21; 32 CFR part 505; or may be obtained from the system manager.

LINKS:

Department of Army FOIA/PA points of contact:

Department of Defense FOIA/PA points of contact:

Department of Justice FOIA/PA points of contact:

AR 340-21 (The Army Privacy Program)