FOIA and Research

[bogeyman]

Due to the complexity of the DOD (Department of Defense) doing research to obtain classified and unclassified documents is a very difficult job, and unless you undertake the research yourself many may fail to appreciate the amount of effort required to obtain any documentation or information via the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act )
The DOD uses various types of database systems, including NIRPNET (for unclassified information), SIPRNET (for SECRET information), JWICS (for TOP SECRET and SCI), skiweb (for processing OPREPs) and Cavenet (for historical information) to name just a few.

In order to access the information within these data bases one must learn how these systems function, the terminology used by the DOD internal communications, and the parameters need to conduct an appropriate search. This in itself is a tremendous task to accomplish, since between different Commands and DOD entities different jargon’s are in use in the form of code words, acronyms and nicknames. Also an understanding of specific designations and contract numbers is required for OPREPs (Operational Reports) for example.

You may also find that certain DOD entities refer you to the National Archives for records, which sometimes leads to no records being found such as those that were generated by the defunct USSPACECOM (US SPACE COMMAND), the whereabouts are still being looked into.

It is a vast problem in trying to identify specific documents unless you have exact location, and specific designations pertaining to documents generated by the DOD, even if you provide their own documentation sometimes they may not find the information you requested originally. This has happened to me on a few occasions.

The famous AFI (Air Force Instruction) 10-206 pertaining to the reporting of CIRVIS material which included unidentified flying objects disappeared from this instruction when a updated version was introduced, yet the USAF could not find the authorisation which is required by their records program instruction, this is still in the appeals stage at the Pentagon.

Unfortunately it is the requester that has to reasonable describe the records and the burden of proof is also the requester’s responsibility. Due to the regulations limitations, common sense isn’t in the view of the FOIA officers in general who process the records.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

If it's controversial enough sometimes they simply ignore the request.

Deidre Tynan tried to get them to talk about Mefloquine in the Middle East and at Gitmo and the DoD has refused to answer as far as I know.
the requests are not closed.

[gripreaper]

FOIA's are limited to what they want you to see. I asked FINCEN for the original CUSIP files on a mortgage, I've asked the IRS for the 1099's on the original issue, abandonment or discharge of the negotiable instrument, I've asked the Dept of Commerce for my original Birth Certificate bond, I've asked the Securities and Exchange Commission for the securitization of the security, along with many other FOIA requests which they always answer:

This information is proprietary and not available. They're not going to show you any proof that you are the creditor, the surety, the grantor, the beneficiary of the trust, or any links to the origination of the currency, how it was bonded or how it was marketed.

[bogeyman]

Another aspect of research which is still on going is accessing NORAD records a bi national organisation. Apparently through a conversation NORAD no longer provides a direct response since 9/11. If you wish to access their records you have to go through the FOIA and Canadian ATIA. I have managed to obtain a USNORTHCOM/NORAD instruction which provides some information on how to go about this, but I have yet to acquire a NORAD only version on how to access their records classified as well as unclassified. The records I want are on a self proclaimed "Canadian system" even though it is a bi national organisation, only accessible via ATIA and a Canadian citizen can only use that act. This in itself is bias and I have told them that in conversations and in writing. I shall not give up I will follow every available avenue to obtain the records I know can be released....Unknown Tracks are one of these records, which are at present classified SECRET REL USA and CAN.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

thanks for that info, Bogeyman.

when i got out of the air force i started researching the consolidation of Canadian and US assets and did not like the smell.

now that you mention this, i realize how badly we been sold out and can only shake my head.

those of us who served were just duped while our country sold our secrets to UK etc.


edit: Double Intl wrist slap for us! don't ask don't tell!

[Zaya]

Even if you do know the system, the FOIA is bogus, bogus, bogus. They have denied THOUSANDS of requests this year and simply cited "National security" as a reason not to comply.

How is it an issue of "national security" to disclose how much water that new NSA building in Utah is using via water bills? I would not say it is a national security issue so much as it is an issue of the NSA not wanting us to know the scope of their archiving of our activities.

President Obama claimed this would be the most transparent administration yet. However, they have been singing the song of deny, deny, deny all day long. Check it out:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/othercomments/2014/04/16/obama-administration-cites-national-security-to-deny-freedom-of-information-requests-a-record-8496-times/


Anyone who seeks information through the law is generally supposed to get it unless disclosure would hurt national security, violate personal privacy or expose business secrets or confidential decision-making in certain areas. The government cited such exceptions a record 546,574 times last year.
The government’s own figures from 99 federal agencies covering six years show that half way through its second term, the administration has made few meaningful improvements in the way it releases records despite its promises from Day 1 to become the most transparent administration in history.

What's the point in the FOIA if everything we want to know has an exception attached to it or if the government gives it to us with ALL KINDS of important information blacked out?

Thank you for your post and telling us how much trouble is on the FRONT end of requesting this information, as I had no idea. I only knew of the backhand troubles. They are trying to make it very very hard to get information.