22.  IMPLICATIONS ON VARIOUS METHODS OF DISTRIBUTING LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENTS

Three basic methods of distributing leave and earning statements (LES) in the Department of Defense are:

a. The LES is mailed to the individual's home address;

b. The LES is handed out by office clerical personnel, either with or without the pay check; or

c. The LES is handed out in an envelope by office clerical personnel either with or without the pay check.

The LES contains information about individuals that is protected by the Privacy Act. Distribution may be made in any manner so long as the information is not disclosed to persons other than those that have a requirement to process the statements in the course of their official duties. Hence, any of the methods indicated would be acceptable if the procedures preclude unauthorized disclosure to individuals outside the leave and earnings system.