Guidance Documents
Guidance documents come in a variety of formats. For example, guidance documents include memoranda, statements of policy, interpretive rules, staff manuals, circulars, bulletins, advisories, or frequently asked questions that are designed to advise parties outside the federal Executive Branch about legal rights and obligations falling within the Department’s regulatory or enforcement authority. Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. The Department of Defense (DoD) may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on this website, except to establish historical facts.
Public Comment or Feedback
Any person may petition the DoD to withdraw or modify a particular guidance document by sending a written request to osd.mc-alex.oatsd_pclt.mbx.guidance-documents@mail.mil. Please use the words "GUIDANCE: [Insert the title of the significant guidance document from the list below]" in the subject line of the e-mail message. The component should make an attempt to respond to all requests within 90 days after receipt of the request or as timely as possible given any constraints of the request.
When the DoD is developing a significant guidance document, a notice will be published in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the draft guidance document, and the draft guidance will be uploaded in the electronic docket at www.regulations.gov. The public can submit comments on the draft documents by following the instructions in the Federal Register publication and on Regulations.gov.
Alternatively, comments and petitions may be mailed to:
Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency
4800 Mark Center Drive, Attn: Mailbox #24
Suite 05F16
Alexandria, VA 22350-1700
Submissions must include the docket number. The general policy for submissions from the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing at www.regulations.gov, as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information.
Additional Resources