AR 25-55 — The Department Of The Army Freedom Of Information Act Program
AR 25-55 governs the Department of the Army’s Freedom of Information Act requests, access to records, and release procedures.
- Publication number: AR 25-55
- Title: THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM
- Date: 10/19/2020
- Proponent: CIO
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 25-55 on armypubs.army.mil
AR 25-55 covers legal authority, applicability, processing requirements, exemptions, appeals, fees, training, the FOIA Library, and reporting. It requires Army activities to process requests, protect exempt information, release reasonably segregable nonexempt portions, and submit annual reports.
Applies to: This regulation governs FOIA requests received from members of the public (U.S. or foreign citizens, organizations (including State or local governments, and businesses)).
Topics covered
- Freedom of Information Act requests
- Record release and searches
- FOIA exemptions
- Appeals and judicial actions
- Fee schedules and procedures
- FOIA Library
- FOIA education and training
- Annual FOIA reports
Questions and answers
What is the statutory basis for the Army FOIA Program?
FOIA (5 USC 552), as amended by the Freedom of Information Reform Act of 1986, is the statutory basis for the Army FOIA Program. (paragraph 1-6)
Can Army activities create records to answer a FOIA request?
Army activities are not obligated to create, compile, or obtain records, or answer questions to satisfy a FOIA request. (paragraph 3-5)
What records are subject to the FOIA?
A records that exists and is in DA possession and control when searched for is subject to the FOIA. (paragraph 3-5)
When may records be withheld from public disclosure?
Records that meet the exemption criteria of the FOIA may be withheld from public disclosure and need not be published in the Federal Register, made available in the online FOIA library, or provided in response to a FOIA request. (paragraph 3-1)
What must Army activities do with nonexempt information?
Activities will take reasonable steps necessary to segregate and release nonexempt information. (paragraph 3)