Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), known by its legal cite as 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 552, along with Department of Defense (DoD) Publication 5400.7, can be found at Part 286 of Chapter 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which is available in most libraries or online from the U.S. Government Printing Office Access CFR Web site.

What is the FOIA?

The FOIA 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 FOIA, 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 the DoDand Air Force FOIA sites. Currently the law allows 20 working days to process a FOIA request upon receipt of the request in the FOIA office.

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 be consulted for access to state and local records.

Make a FOIA Request

To learn more about the FOIA and about how to request information through the FOIA, view the DoD FOIA Handbook. 

FOIA requests for the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Key Field Meridian MS must be submitted in writing or by e-mail and include a title or reasonable description of the desired records and a statement on willingness to pay fees for search, review, and reproductions. You can submit your FOIA request  via email,U.S. mail, fax or hand carry to the following address: 

Office of Information and Privacy (NGB/JA-OIP)
Attn: ANG FOIA Requests
111 South George Mason Drive, AH2
Arlington VA 22204-1373
Phone: (571) 256-7838 or (703) 607-5901
Fax: 703-607-3684

Service records on former civilian and military members are NOT maintained by the Air National Guard. They are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administrations' National Personnel Records Center. Records request instructions and contact information is listed on their Web site.

Additional FOIA Links

Public Affairs Office

186th Wing Public Affairs
186 ARW
6225 M Street
Meridian, MS  39307-7112
601-484-9580
Click to e-mail the 186ARW Public Affairs Office!