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 by the FOIA office.

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.

Who may request records in writing:

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

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.

FOIA requests can be submitted and tracked online through the AF EFOIA Public Access Link (PAL). However, before submitting a request, see if the records are available to the public in the AF FOIA Reading Room in the PAL or sites listed under "FOIA Links." If you don't know which FOIA Requester Service Center location should conduct the search, click here. In unknown, choose Headquarter Air Force.

For mailing, emailing, or faxing a request for Aviano Air Base records, use the "FOIA Contact" information and ensure the request and envelope are marked "FOIA."

Regardless of the submission method, describe the requested records as specifically as possible to narrow the search. Furnish any facts or clues about the time, place, persons, events, subjects, contract number, or other details that will help decide where to search and determine what records pertain to your request. You must also provide the fee amount you are willing to pay for administrative processing. See "Fees for Processing FOIA Request." These steps will save you and to government time and money.

NOTE: Requesters, to include military and all federal civilian employees, should not use government equipment, supplies, stationary, postage, telephones, or official mail channels to make FOIA or Privacy Act requests. Requests should be made through personal equipment or postal service.