Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

 

***NOTICE: As a result of increases in the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level, our offices are limited to mission-essential personnel only and maximizing the use of telework for other personnel. This means that we are unable to handle requests sent via traditional methods and can only respond to electronic inquiries while under elevated HPCON levels.***

Public Right

Pursuant to the FOIA, the public has the right to access agency records concerning U.S. Government activities. An agency record requested by a member of the public in accordance with Part 286 of Title 32, CFR, and this issuance must not be withheld in whole or in part unless the FOIA exempts the record, or parts of it, from disclosure​.

Directorate for Oversight and Compliance (DO&C)

The DO&C, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, maintains a DoD FOIA Handbook for the public to use in obtaining information from the DoD, as required by the FOIA. This handbook is a short, simple explanation of the FOIA and how the public can use it to access agency records. 

Requesting Department of Defense  (DoD) Records

Individuals seeking DoD records should address their FOIA requests to a FOIA Requester Service Center (RSC) listed in Paragraph 3.2.a. or 3.2.b.. Addresses and contact information for the FOIA RSCs are available at the FOIA Website.

FOIA Library and Type of records that can be requested: FOIA Library.

FOIA Requests

FOIA request. A written request for agency records that reasonably describes the records sought, enabling a DoD Component employee familiar with the files to locate the records with a reasonable amount of effort.  Contact the the J1 FOIA Representative for further assistance or request a sample letter.

FOIA requester. Any person, including a partnership, corporation, association, State or State agency, foreign government, foreign national, or a lawyer or other representative acting on behalf of any person who submits a FOIA request. This definition specifically excludes agencies within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.

Agencies typically process requests in the order of receipt.  The time it takes to respond to a request will vary depending on the complexity of the request and any backlog of requests already pending at the agency.  A simple request can be processed faster by the agency than one that is complex.  Simple requests are typically more targeted and seek fewer pages of records.  Complex requests typically seek a high volume of material or require additional steps to process such as the need to search for records in multiple locations.  The agency’s FOIA Requester Service Center is available to assist you with any questions about the status of your request or any steps you can take to receive a quicker response

Helpful Links

Contact Us

California Military Department
Consolidated Headquarters Complex
G1 FOIA
10601 Bear Hollow Dr, Box 76
Rancho Cordova, California 95670

FOIA Manager
Ms. Patricia Keene
(916) 854-3358
patricia.a.keene6.civ@army.mil

FOIA Public Liaison
Ms. Alecia Bolling
(703) 428-6462
usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa-ahs.mbx.rmda-foia-public-liaison@army.mil