What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Public Law 5 U.S.C. 552 enacted the Freedom of Information Act. It established statutory rights of access to government information. It generally provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions or one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. See DoD Regulation 5400.7/Air Force Supplement, DoD Freedom on Information Act Program, the prescribing directive for more information.

Who can submit a FOIA?
Members of the public, including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, organizations and businesses, and individual members of Congress for themselves or constituents, may request records in writing under the Freedom of Information Act. Government employees submitting requests should not use government equipment, supplies, stationery, postage, telephones, or official mail channels to make FOIA requests. 

What 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.

Where are FOIA requests submitted?
FOIA requests for the 375th Air Mobility Wing, Scott AFB, must be submitted in writing or by e-mail and include a title or reasonable description of the desired records and a statement on willingness to pay fees for search, review, and reproduction. If you wish to e-mail your FOIA request log onto: 375amw-foia@us.af.mil or submit your request via US Mail, fax, or in person to the following address:

375 CS/SCOKR (FOIA)
404 West Martin St
Scott AFB IL 62225

(618)256-3210 or 5004/DSN 576-3210 or 5004 Fax: (618)256-5875/DSN 576-5875
 

Information to Request a Speaker (Speaker's Bureau)   The Scott Air Force Base Speakers Bureau provides its service members an opportunity to connect with the local community.  Likewise, it gives community members a chance to learn more about the military and, more specifically, the base's missions.   Members of the Speakers Bureau are available to speak on a variety of topics such as Air Force career opportunities, aviation history, and leadership skills.   To request a speaker, please submit a Request Military Support (DD Form 2536) to the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office (at fax 618-256-8837 or e-mail) no later than three weeks prior to the date of the event.

Information on Scott Honor Guard Requests The Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard is made up of an elite group of Air Force men and women, whose primary mission is the rendering of honors at military funerals.

The Color Guard is also very active in community relations events, as their schedules permit. Examples of such events include sporting events, patriotic ceremonies and parades, and school flag presentations. Colors support is limited to community events with a direct military tie.

To request the Honor Guard, please submit Department of Defense Form 2536 to the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office (fax: 618-256-8837 or e-mail) no later than three weeks prior to the event date.

Instructions for Band Requests  For requests and information about the USAF Band of Mid America, visit their website. 

Information on Joint Color Guard Requests Staffed by members of the United States Transportation Command, a joint-service honor guard may also provide support for local community relations events. 

To request the joint-service honor guard submit the US TRANSCOM Color Guard Form to USTC-COLORGUARD@HQ.Transcom.mil.

Request for Special Events Participation The military belongs to the American people. Common ownership dictates Department of Defense resources be committed to supporting events and activities of mutual interest and benefit.  However, limitations of time and money make it impossible to grant all requests. DOD and its subordinate agencies cannot do for one what it cannot do for all.     DOD policy prohibits:

• Endorsing  and/or appearing to endorse a specific organization, product, or commercial service.
• Using military resources when such assets are reasonably available from commercial sources and where such support would be, in fact, perceived as unfair competition.
• Using military resources/personnel to increase sales, business traffic, or attendance.
• Using personnel outside military bases to act as guards, parking lot attendants, runners, messengers, or baggage handlers. 
• Active-duty military participation in fund-raising activities, excluding the Combined Federal Campaign and military relief societies. 

Requests for Volunteers Many service members actively volunteer on their off-duty time in a variety of charitable organizations, schools, and churches in their communities. Their participation, however, is strictly a personal choice and is not regulated by the Department of Defense.

Scott Air Force Base does not have a central location or bulletin board for posting flyers and/or informational materials that are designed to recruit volunteers. Requests to place announcements in the official base newspaper will not be granted. Requestors, may, however, purchase ad space through the local publisher of the base newspaper. Call the publisher at 618-632-3643.