Freedom of Information Act
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island / Eastern Recruiting Region Freedom of Information Act

About

MCRD PI Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) Office is responsible for the administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act Programs aboard MCRD PI and within the Eastern Recruiting Region (ERR), to include 1st, 4th, and 6th Marine Corps Districts. All requests for records from the previous mentioned commands MUST be submitted to this office.

FOIA/PRIVACY ACT REQUEST MAY BE SUBMITTED VIA FOIAONLINE OR BY CONTACTING THE FOIA/PRIVACY ACT COORDINATOR AT:

Mailing:

STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE

ATTN: FOIA

PO BOX 19001

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, SC 29905-9001

Telephone: (843)228-4095

Email: MCRDPIFOIA@usmc.mil

 

FILING AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT

Requesters who have issues concerning the processing of their request should direct questions to the SJA’s Office on MCRD PI at (843)228-4095. If you are not satisfied with the response received, you may contact the Marine Corps FOIA Public Liaison at hqmcfoia@usmc.mil or (703)614-4008.

For additional assistance, you may contact the DON FOIA Public Liaison at donfoiapublicliaison@navy.mil or (703)697-0031.

FOIA Frequently Asked Questions

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 1 - What is FOIA?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), (5 U.S.C. § 552), allows an individual (regardless of nationality), a private organization or company, or a local, state, or foreign government to seek access to Executive Branch agency records, such as those held by the U.S. Marine Corps. As a component of the Department of the Navy, Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5720.42G, Department of the Navy FOIA Program, governs the Marine Corps FOIA Program.

 2 - What is the Privacy Act?

The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) regulates the federal government’s collection, safeguarding, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal identifiable information (PII) about individuals that is maintained in system of records by federal agencies.

 3 - How do I submit a request?  

Both FOIA and Privacy Act requests may be submitted via FOIA Online following the below steps:

1. Create an account (not required but recommended).

2. Create a new request.

3. Select an agency:

I. Department of the Navy – including Marine Corps

II. Sub Agency: United States Marine Corps

III. Sub Agency: Marine Corps Recruiting Command

IV. Sub Agency: Marine Corps Recruit Depot / Eastern Recruiting Region Parris Island

4. Request Type: either FOIA or PA (Privacy Act)

5. Complete all contact information to include a reliable telephone number, email address AND address.

6. Describe in detail specific records requested, ensuring not to include any PII in description.

7. Apply for a fee waiver or expediting processing (if applicable).

8. Attach any supporting documentation to request.

9. Submit.

 4 - May I ask questions under FOIA?

The FOIA does not require Federal agencies to answer questions, render opinions, provided subjective evaluations or create records in response to a FOIA request. Requesters must ask for existing records.

 5 - How much does it cost to submit a FOIA request??  

There is no initial fee required to submit a FOIA request. However, if the request is expected to exceed $25, the requester will be notified. Below is the fee schedule.

Requesters may also submit a fee waiver. Under FOIA, fee waivers are limited to requesters who can show that disclosure of records is in the public interest as it will contribute to the public’s understanding of the operations/activities of the government.

1. Commercial Use Requester: required to pay all fees to include search, review and duplication.

2. Educational/Non-Scientific Institutions and News Media: required to pay duplication fees where first 100 pages of duplication are free.

3. “Other” Requesters: all others who do not fall within either of the previous categories. Required to pay search and duplication fees where the first two hours of search are free and the first 100 pages of duplication are free.

 6 - How long does it take to process a FOIA/PA request?

All requests will be processed in the order they are received. The processing of all requests will be completed within 20 working days (excluding federal holidays and weekends). You will be notified if more time is needed to process your request.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island