Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:00:07 -0400

Have any of you filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request? If so, what was your experience like?

What information did you request?
What agency did you request it from?
How long did it take to receive an answer?
Can a service member be labeled or reprimanded by their Chain of Command if the request is made while active duty?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 7:10 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:10:17 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member. In general think carefully about why you want to file a freedom of information request . . . and if there is any possibility that this may come back to bite you in buttocks . . . then have someone else unlikely to be connected with you file the request for you. Usually takes 30 to 60 days which depends on the specific organization, nature, and ease of finding/copying info. There is no rule protecting FOIA requestors from retaliation of any kind. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Here is a starting point to learn about the process: http://www.foia.gov/how-to.html

FOIA.gov - Freedom of Information Act: How to Make a FOIA Request

Before making a request, first look to see if the information you are interested in is already publicly available. You can find a lot of useful information on a range of topics on each agency’s website. You can also search for information agencies have already posted online here on FOIA.gov.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 7:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:14:29 -0400

Sir SGT Ben Keen I think may have some info that could help you out. May want to connect with him or see if he comes along to help now that I have tagged him.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 4:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 16:31:02 -0500

It boils down to this... a SM can't file a FOIA as a SM because you represent the government. But a SM can file as a "person." So do it as Mr. not 1LT. Problem solved. The problem is it would nice to avoid all those fees if you do it in an official capacity... instead you could do an interagency request as a SM, which may or may not get you what you're looking for, in an unspecified timeframe.