The Freedom of Information Act Program (DoD5400.7-R_AFMAN 33-302) 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 DAF FOIA site.
Who can submit a FOIA request?
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, may request records in writing. 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.
Written requests may be received by postal service or other commercial delivery means, by facsimile, or electronically. Requests received by facsimile or electronically must have a postal mailing address included since it may not be practical to provide a substantive response electronically. The request is considered properly received or perfected when the above conditions have been met and the request arrives at the FOIA office of the agency in possession of the records.
Note: Privacy Act requests are not accepted via e-mail or the online submission form. They must be in writing and sent to the FOIA/PA Office or to the office in possession of the record(s) you seek.
Submitting a FOIA request:
Option 1: The Air Force's Public Access Link (https://efoia.cce.af.mil/) or Federal Government FOIA Link (https://www.FOIA.gov)
Option 2: By mail to FOIA Record Service Center, P.O. Box 1301, Holloman AFB NM 88330.
Option 3: Fax: (575) 572-7440
Option 4: Email: holloman.foia@us.af.mil
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.
What is the response time?
Normally, people can expect a response to simple FOIA requests within 20 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) from the date the proper FOIA office receives it. If special situations exist, the FOIA office will contact the requestor with an estimated completion date and explain the reason for the delay. The Air Force works on requests on a first-in, first-out basis.
Can I request classified records?
Executive Order 12958 allows you to request declassification of classified records. If you are only seeking a copy of a record or records that are currently classified, and would like the record reviewed for appropriate declassification and release, you should file a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) request. The desired document requested must be specified in sufficient detail that it can be readily located. The record in question may not be the subject of litigation. The MDR process can be a very timely and in-depth, due to the classification of materials being reviewed by internal and outside agencies. MDR decisions can be administratively appealed to the Headquarters Air Force/AAII Mandatory Declassification Review) or Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP).
Requests for review and release of classified records under the MDR process can be made to:
Headquarters Air Force/AAII (Mandatory Declassification Review)
1000 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1000
Email: SAF.AA.HAF.FOIA.Workflow@us.af.mil
How do I request personnel records?
People requesting their records must send a signed request that includes their name, social security number, contact information and specific record requested. Those requesting a relative's record also need to provide their relationship to the former airman.
Former Active Duty Who Retired Or Separated On Or After 1 Oct 04: Send your requests to:
AFPC/DPFFCMP
550 C St. W., Suite 19
JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150-4701
Fax: (210) 565-4021
Former Guard And Reserve Who Retired Or Separated On Or After 1 Oct 04, Send your requests to:
HQ ARPC/PSDC
6760 E. Irvington Place, Suite 4000
Denver, CO 80280-0001
Fax: (303) 676-7071
For Those Who Retired Before 1 Oct 04: Visit the NPRC Web site (
http://www.archives.gov/) for record request instructions.
How do I request CCAF transcripts?
If you misplaced or lost copies of your training records, you do not need to submit a request under the FOIA. Simply contact the Community College of the Air Force. The fastest way to obtain a copy of your CCAF transcript is by going to any Air Force base education office and completing an AF Form 2099 (Request for Community College of the Air Force Transcript).
If you are not close to an Air Force base, send a written transcript request including your full name or former name if appropriate, Social Security Account Number, current address including ZIP code, and address and ZIP code to which transcript is to be mailed. Your signature is the legal authorization for CCAF to release a transcript.
Transcripts sent directly to students are unofficial copies and will be stamped "Issued to Student." CCAF does not accept fax or e-mail requests for transcripts; however, CCAF transcripts are free.
Send your transcript request to:
CCAF/DESS
100 South Turner Boulevard
Maxwell AFB, Gunter-Annex, AL 36114-3011
Questions may be directed to (334) 953-2794 (DSN 493-2794) or can be emailed to the CCAF Registrar's Office at
ccaf.etranscript@us.af.mil
How do I file an Appeal?
If you disagree and interpret this response as an adverse action, you may appeal in writing to the Secretary of the Air Force, through 49 CS/SCXK, 749 West New Mexico, Holloman AFB NM 88330, within 90 calendar days from the date of our final response letter. Include in the appeal your reasons for reconsideration, and attach a copy of our final response letter. You may also submit your appeal online at the Air Force's Public Access Link at https://efoia.cce.af.mil/.
FOIA Library
The Electronic Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA), [5 USC 552(a)(2)(D)], requires that certain documents of interest to the general public be published electronically. It has been determined that the materials listed in the FOIA Library (https://efoia.cce.af.mil/app/ReadingRoom.aspx) should be made available to the general public in electronic form as FOIA-processed (a)(2)(D) records.
Please be advised that the Air Force will not deliver unofficial mass mailing addressed to individuals on the same day from the same mailer. (DoD Manual 4525.8-M/AFMAN 33-306, para C7.3.1.7.2.2)
Contact:
Holloman FOIA Record Service Center
49 CS/SCXK
749 West New Mexico
Holloman AFB NM 88330
Phone: (575) 572-7248
Fax: (575) 572-7440
Public Liaison:
Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer
1800 Air Force Pentagon,
Washington DC 20330-1800
Phone: (703) 614-8500