Who may release records that are minimally required to accomplish the VC's intended use?

• A. The SJA
• B. The VC
• C. The TC
• D. The DC

Answer: (A)

When releasing records to support a victim’s stated purpose, the disclosure must be limited to what is minimally necessary, and the authority to authorize that release rests with the Staff Judge Advocate. The SJA, as the command’s legal adviser and the proper point of contact for disclosures, reviews the request, ensures it complies with privacy protections and military policy, and determines exactly what information is needed to accomplish the victim’s use. The victim’s counsel or advocate can identify the need and coordinate, and the trial or defense counsel may request access, but they do not independently authorize disclosures. They rely on the SJA to approve the scope of release. Hence, the SJA is the correct figure to authorize releasing only what is needed.