Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

SC Army National Guard FOIA Request

How to submit a South Carolina Army National Guard Freedom of Information (FOIA) request:
(Note: Veterans do not have to use FOIA for their own records.)

All FOIA requests must be in writing: (letter, email/web form or fax). Label your request "Freedom of Information Act Request," preferably within the request letter and on the envelope/subject line/cover page, and address the request to the contact information listed on this page.  In your letter/email you must state your willingness to pay applicable fees. To ensure the proper processing of your request, describe the specific records you are requesting in sufficient detail so that we can locate the information requested in a reasonable amount of effort and time.

For answers to frequently asked FOIA questions: https://open.defense.gov/Transparency/FOIA/FOIA-Handbook/


SC Army National Guard Privacy Act Request

How to submit a South Carolina Army National Guard Privacy Act (PA) request:

To submit a Privacy Act request, label your request “Privacy Act (PA) Request.” To ensure the proper processing of your request, describe the specific records you are requesting in sufficient detail so that we can locate the information requested in a reasonable amount of effort and time.

Paragraph 3-1, AR 340-21, Disclosure without consent. Individual’s home addresses / telephone numbers will not be disclosed without prior written permission of the individual (s) involved.

Paragraph 3-3, AR 340-21, Disclosure to third parties.
Personal information that may be disclosed under the FOIA / PA is as follows:

a. Military Personnel:

Name, rank, date or rank, base pay, special pay (not BAQ or VHA), present and past duty assignments that are officially established, office or duty telephone number, source of commission, promotion decorations, military and civilian decorations, military and civilian education level.

Lists or compilations of unit or office addresses or telephone numbers of military personnel are not released where the requester’s primary purpose in seeking this information is to use it for commercial solicitation.

b. Civilian Employees:

Name and present and past position titles, grades, salaries, and duty stations that include office or duty telephone numbers.

Disclosure of information in (1) above will not be made when the request is a list of present or past position titles, grades, salaries and / or duty stations. Refer to AR 340-21 for guidance.

c. For types of records that can be requested, please visit the Army's Freedom of Information Act Library


SC Air National Guard FOIA / Privacy Act Request

The Air National Guard has centralized its FOIA Program. We encourage requestors to make FOIA requests electronically through the AF FOIA Website.

Air National Guard FOIA Request

Air National Guard FOIA Public Liaison Officer:
Ms Anh Trinh
Phone: (703) 614-8500
Email: usaf.pentagon.saf-cn.mbx.af-foia@army.mil

NOTE: Please do not send FOIA request to this office

For more information on the FOIA Program please visit the NGB FOIA Website.

Requests for your own records under the Privacy Act must be made directly to the office that holds the records you are seeking. If you have questions about making a request under the Privacy Act, you may contact the Wing Privacy Officer at 169FW.WngPrivacyOfcr@ang.af.mil.


FOIA / Privacy Act Regulations

AR 25-55, The Department of the Army Freedom of Information Act Program
AR 27-40, Litigation
AR 340-21, The Army Privacy Act Program
DOD Privacy Act Program
DOD 5400.7-R, DOD Freedom of Information Act Program
DOD FOIA Handbook
Army Freedom of Information Act Library


Other Agencies FOIA Links

Department of Defense, FOIA
National Guard Bureau, FOIA
Department of the Air Force, FOIA
Department of the Navy, FOIA
US Army Reserve, FOIA
US Marine Corps, FOIA
US Coast Guard, FOIA
Department of Veterans Affairs, FOIA
Department of Justice FOIA


Statement from the FOIA / PA Officers:

The South Carolina National Guard is ready to serve the State of South Carolina and all citizens of the United States. We will be glad to assist anyone and will do our best to honor all FOIA / PA requests within the regulatory guidance and guidelines given to us from the Federal Government.

Contact

To make a request or check the status of a request

Mail:
South Carolina National Guard
Public Affairs Office
ATTN: FOIA
1 National Guard Rd
Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: 803-299-5304

Email: ng.sc.scarng.list.paofoia@army.mil

(Note: Veterans do not have to use FOIA for their own records.)

Fees

The FOIA provides for the collection of fees for:

  • Searches: Time spent in looking for and retrieving material, either paper or electronic files, that are responsive to the request to include personnel hours (clerical and professional) and computer time.
  • Reviews: Time spent to determine if the record is releasable under legal guidelines, excluding resolution of legal or policy issues. This does include time spent excising text that is exempt under FOIA.
  • Reproduction: Generating a copy of a requested record in the appropriate medium, for example paper or computer file.
    Fees rates and schedules can be found in DoD 5400.7, DoD Freedom of Information Act Program, and on the DD 2086, Record of FOI Costs.