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What is a Security Clearance?
The military possesses information and technology which could
be helpful to our enemies. The unauthorized release of this
information can compromise our nation's national security.
Unauthorized release can cause battles/wars to be lost,
missions to be ineffective, and can result in the death or injury
of military and civilian personnel.
Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) and security
clearances are key elements in protecting the security of the
United States. PSIs and security clearances are required to
counter the threats that may stem from:
Foreign intelligence services;
Organizations or people who wish to overthrow or
undermine the United States government through
unconstitutional means, violent acts, or other terrorist
group activities;
Individuals who:
May be susceptible to pressure or improper
influence.
Have been dishonest or demonstrated a lack of
integrity that has caused others to doubt their
reliability.
In the military, all classified information is divided into one of
three categories:
CONFIDENTIAL: Applied to information or material
the unauthorized disclosure of which could be
reasonably expected to cause damage to the
national security.
SECRET: Applied to information or material the
unauthorized disclosure of which reasonably could
be expected to cause serious damage to the
national security.
TOP SECRET: Applied to information or material the
unauthorized disclosure of which reasonably could
be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage
to the national security.
In addition to the above, some classified information is so
sensitive that even the extra protection measures applied to
Top Secret information are not sufficient. This information is
known as "Sensitive Compartmented Information" (SCI) or
Special Access Programs (SAP), and one needs special "SCI
Access" or SAP approval to be given access to this information.
"For Official Use Only" is not a security classification. It is used
to protect information covered under the Privacy Act, and other
sensitive data.
Who requires a Security Clearance?
Basically, anyone who requires access to classified information
to perform their duties. If your job requires you to have access
to CONFIDENTIAL information, you would require a
CONFIDENTIAL Security Clearance. If your job requires you to
have access to SECRET information, you would require to have
a SECRET Security Clearance, etc. For military personnel, two
things determine the level of security clearance required; your
MOS/AFSC/Rating (Job), and your assignment. Many military
MOS/AFSC/Rating's require access to classified information,
regardless of where one is assigned. In other cases, the
MOS/AFSC/Rating itself may not require a Security Clearance,
but the particular location or unit that the person is assigned to
would require giving access to classified information and
material. For example, when I first enlisted into the Air Force
into the Aircrew Life Support AFSC, the job required a SECRET
clearance level. A few years later, however, I was considered
for an assignment to a unit which required me to have a TOP
SECRET clearance with SCI. Even before I knew I was being
considered for the assignment, the Air Force initiated a TOP
SECRET/SCI background check.
I should mention here that merely having a certain level of
Security Clearance does not mean one is authorized to view
classified information. To have access to classified information,
one must possess the necessary two elements: A level of
Security Clearance, at least equal to the classification of the
information, AND, an appropriate "need to know" the information
in order to perform their duties. Just because I have a SECRET
Clearance, would not give me access to ALL Secret Information
in the military. I would need to have a specific reason to know
that information, before I could be granted access.
It's also worth mention that the Department of Defense (DOD)
operates its security program separate from other government
agencies, with its own procedures and standards. A TOP
SECRET Clearance with the Department of Energy, for example,
would not necessarily transfer to DOD.
In the military, only United States Citizens can be granted a
Security Clearance.
How are Security Clearances Granted?
Once it is determined that a military member requires a Security
Clearance because of assignment or job, the individual is
instructed to complete a Security Clearance Background
Investigation Questionnaire. As of May 2001, DOD requires that
this form be completed by use of a computer software program,
known as ESPQ, instead of the old paper form, the SF-86. You
can even download the software to use on your home
computer (if you reside in the United States).
However, it's not necessary to download and install the
software in order to see what questions are asked in the
questionnaire. You can see the questions asked by viewing the
ESPQ SF-86 Questionnaire. Worksheet (Word 97 file), or by
viewing the SF-86 (PDF File).
When completing the questionnaire., for CONFIDENTIAL, and
SECRET Clearances, it's necessary to provide information for the
previous five years. For TOP SECRET Clearances, one must
provide information for the previous ten years. It's important to
note here that giving false information on a Security Document
constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code,
Section 101, and Article 107 of the Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ). Under the United States Code, one may be
fined, and imprisoned for a period of five years. Under the UCMJ,
the maximum punishment includes reduction to the lowest
enlisted grade, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement
for a period of five years, and a dishonorable discharge.
You may wish to note that page 10 of the SF-86 contains a
statement which you sign authorizing release of ANY information
about you to Security Clearance Investigators. This means that
investigators can access any and all information about you,
including sealed records, juvenile records, expunged records,
and medical records.
Once you complete the ESPQ, the document is sent to the
Defense Security Service (DSS), (Formerly the Defense
Investigative Service - DSS). DSS is responsible to verify the
information and perform the actual background investigation.
The level of investigation depends upon the level of access to
be granted.
For CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET Clearances:
A National Agency Check (NAC)-A computerized search of
investigative files and other records held by federal
agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations
(FBI) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
A Local Agency Check (LAC)-A review of appropriate
criminal history records held by local law enforcement
agencies, such as police departments or sheriffs, with
jurisdiction over the areas where you have resided, gone
to school, or worked.
Financial checks - A review of your Credit Record.
For Top Secret Clearances, a Single Scope Background
Investigation (SSBI) is performed which includes all of the
above, plus:
Field interviews of references to include coworkers,
employers, personal friends, educators, neighbors, and
other appropriate individuals.
Checks of records held by employers, courts, and rental
offices.
A subject interview - An interview with you by an
investigator.
These inquiries are performed by one or more investigators who
work in the geographic area where the information is to be
obtained. NACs, however, may be performed electronically from
a central location.
The DSS uses two types of investigators to conduct these
investigations; DSS Agents and Contractors. DSS began
obtaining investigative support through two contracts awarded
in September 1999 with MSM Security Services Corp and
Omniplex World Services Inc. In the past year, DSS began
adding other contractors, including Management Technology
Corp (ManTech), Dyncorp (Information & Enterprise Technology
Division), and Government Business Services Group (GBSG).
When conducting field interviews, the investigators will normally
begin with individuals you list as references in the questionnaire.
They then use those references to develop names of additional
references, etc., ad infidium. These references will be asked
questions about your honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness,
and their opinion on whether you should be given access to
classified information or assigned to a sensitive position or
position of trust. Your references will also be asked questions
about your past and present activities, employment history,
education, family background, neighborhood activities, and
finances. During the investigation the investigator(s) will try to
determine if you have had any involvement with drugs,
encounters with the police, or problem drinking habits, and
other facts about your personal history. The investigator(s) will
attempt to obtain both favorable and unfavorable information
about your background so an adjudicator can make an
appropriate determination.
The objective of the subject interview is to obtain a complete
picture of you as an individual so that an adjudicator can
determine whether you will be able to cope with having access
to classified or sensitive information without becoming a
security risk. Therefore, the interview will be wide-ranging and
cover most aspects of your life. During the subject interview,
expect to be questioned about your family background, past
experiences, health, use of alcohol or drugs, financial affairs,
foreign travel, and other pertinent matters.
What Determines Approval or Disapproval?
It's important to note that DSS does not make any security
clearance determinations or recommendations. DSS simply
gathers information. Once the information has been verified, and
the investigations completed, DSS presents the information to
the specific military service's adjudicator authority (each
military service has their own), who determine whether or not
to grant the security clearance, using standards set by that
particular military service.
It's impossible to say if any particular thing will result in denial
of a security clearance. The adjudicators use the Adjudicator
Guidelines to determine whether or not the individual can be
trusted with our nation's secrets. Primarily, adjudicators look for
honesty, trustworthiness, character, loyalty, financial
responsibility, and reliability. On cases that contain significant
derogatory information warranting additional action, the
adjudicator may draft a request for additional
investigation/information, or request psychiatric or alcohol and
drug evaluation. Even so, adjudicators are not the final
authority. All denials of clearances must be personally reviewed
by a branch chief, or higher.
Because of a recent change in the law, there are some factors
which will positively result in the denial of a clearance. As a
result of the Smith Amendment, the FY01 Defense Authorization
Act amended Chapter 49 of Title 10, United States Code, and
precluded the initial granting or renewal of a security clearance
by (DoD) under the following four specific circumstances:
(1) An individual has been convicted in any court of
the U.S. of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment
for a term exceeding one year.
(2) An individual is (currently) an unlawful user of,
or is addicted to, a controlled substance (as defined
in section 102 or the Controlled Substances Act
(21U.S.C. 802))
(3) An individual is mentally incompetent, as
determined by a mental health professional
approved by the DoD
(4) An individual has been discharged or dismissed
from the armed forces under dishonorable
conditions.
The statute also provides that the Secretary of Defense and
the secretary of the military department concerned may
authorize an exception to the provisions concerning convictions,
dismissals and discharges from the armed force in meritorious
cases.
How long does the process take?
It depends on several factors, and the type of investigation. In
the past three years, DOD has had a significant backlog of
security clearances and reinvestigations pending, most
especially for TOP SECRET level access. In general, expect a
CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3
months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8
months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the
results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one
year. In general, the more there is to investigate, the longer
the investigation will take. Expect the investigation to take
longer if you have:
Lived or worked in several geographic locations or
overseas.
Traveled outside of the United States.
Relatives who have lived outside of the United States.
Background information that is difficult to obtain or
involves issues that require an expansion of your case.
If your technical training (AIT/Tech School/A-School) requires
access to classified information, you may be assigned to do
details (such as answering the phone in an office) while waiting
for your Security Clearance to be granted. In some cases, you
may be authorized to attend non-classified portions of the
training while awaiting the results of your security clearance
application.
Can I Appeal a Clearance Denial or Revocation?
If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a
sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current
clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal
the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be
provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for
the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you
believe the information gathered about you during the
investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the
opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.
DDO maintains a web site which gives a pretty good overview
about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DOD
contractor personnel.
How long are Security Clearances valid?
A Periodic Reinvestigation (PR) is required every 5 years for a
TOP SECRET Clearance, 10 years for a SECRET Clearance, or 15
years for a CONFIDENTIAL Clearance. However, civilian and
military personnel of DOD can be randomly reinvestigated before
they are due for a PR.
A security clearance is a valuable commodity outside of the
military. This is because civilian companies who do classified
work for DOD must bear the cost of security clearances for their
employees, and clearance investigations can cost several
thousands of dollars. Because of this, many DOD contractors
give hiring preference to ex-military personnel with current
clearances. However, you want to do your job-hunting right
away, after separation. Once your clearance expires, you
cannot simply request that DOD issue a new one, or conduct a
Periodic Reinvestigation, simply to make your job-hunting
prospects easier. To be issued a clearance, or to renew your
clearance by DOD, your present duties/assignment, or pending
duties/assignment must require such access.
Are polygraph (lie detector) tests required?
The use of the polygraph for any Department of Defense
program is governed by DoD Directive 5210.48 and DOD
Regulation 5320.48R.
A polygraph examination is mandatory for employment by or
assignment to the DSS and the National Security Agency (NSA),
and for assignment (or loan) of DOD personnel to the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA). It is also mandatory for some SCI
and SAP access programs.
Additionally, the polygraph may be used for any other personnel
security investigations to resolve serious credible derogatory
information, and then only with the consent of the examine. No
adverse action may be taken solely on the basis of a polygraph
examination that indicates deception, except upon the written
finding by the Secretary or Under Secretary of Defense, or a
Secretary of one of the military departments, that the classified
information in question is of such extreme sensitivity that
access under the circumstances poses an unacceptable risk to
the national security.
Polygraph examinations may also be used to supplement
investigations of federal felonies, of unauthorized disclosure of
classified information or of alleged acts of terrorism, or when
requested by the subject of a personnel security investigation,
for exculpation with respect to allegations arising in the
investigation.
The DOD regulation details the exact manner in which the
examination must be conducted. No relevant question may be
asked during the polygraph examination that has not been
reviewed with the person to be examined before the
examination, and all questions must have a special relevance to
the inquiry. Certain "validating" questions may be asked without
prior disclosure to establish a baseline from which the examiners
can judge the validity of the answers to the relevant questions.
The probing of a person's thoughts or beliefs, or questions on
subjects that are not directly relevant to the investigation,
such as religious or political beliefs or beliefs and opinions about
racial matters, are prohibited.
What About these Companies that Advertise to Hire People
With Clearances?
If you already have a valid security clearance, that's a valuable
commodity for government contractors whose employees
require a security clearance. Processing security clearances
cost money, and requires time (sometimes several months). The
average cost to process a SECRET clearance can run from
several hundred dollars to $3,000, depending upon individual
factors. The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance
is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon
individual factors.
The government pays the cost of clearances for military
personnel and civilian government employees. The law requires
that contractors pay most of the costs of obtaining clearances
for their employees. That's why contractors quite often
advertise to try and find employees who already hold a valid
clearance. It saves them several thousands of dollars.
Additionally, it saves them time, as they don't have to wait for
months for the new employee to obtain a clearance, and begin
to do the job they were hired for.
You cannot simply request a clearance for yourself and offer to
pay for it. To obtain a clearance you have to have a job which
requires one (either by being in the military, or a government
civilian job, or a contractor job).
However, there is no reason why you should not apply for these
jobs. If it comes down to a choice between you and a
candidate who already has a clearance, the contractor will
probably choose the other candidate (saving thousands of
dollars in the process). However, if the contractor can't find
anyone else who already holds a clearance, they may decide to
hire you anyway, and pay for your clearance process.
Information Courtesy of the Defense Security Service (DSS), the U.S.
Army, and the Department of Defense (DOD)
