Providing a list of where and why information will be disclosed outside the DOD best describes which mandatory item of a Privacy Act Statement?

The correct answer focuses on the concept of "routine use." This term refers to the specific scenarios or conditions under which personal information may be disclosed to entities outside the Department of Defense (DoD). In the context of the Privacy Act, routine use outlines the circumstances and reasons for sharing information, ensuring that individuals are informed about the potential dissemination of their data.

The "routine use" portion of the Privacy Act Statement specifically educates individuals about how their information might be used beyond the original purpose for which it was collected, thus providing transparency and fostering trust. This is crucial for maintaining privacy while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks governing data protection.

In contrast, "purpose" pertains to the reasons why the information is collected, while "authority" refers to the legal basis for collecting the information. These elements are essential for understanding the framework of the data collection process but do not specifically address external disclosures. "Disclosure," while related, generally refers to the act of sharing information rather than detailing the ongoing nature and instances of such sharing, making "routine use" the more precise choice for this question.