If you get an opportunity for a position with a government or defense agency, you probably need to acquire a security clearance. This is a somewhat arduous process that requires a background check and maybe a special interview, depending on the level of the clearance. Obviously, approval is a must for you to begin working in that role.
With earning a clearance in mind, here are some of things you must consider during the process. Failure with any one of these items likely dooms your chances at this opportunity. So pay close attention to ensure your security clearance is accepted.
Having a Criminal Record
Not surprisingly, a criminal record is arguably the leading reason for denying a security clearance. Depending on the level of the clearance, letting one or two older misdemeanors pass is possible. However, committing serious crimes or having a dishonorable discharge from the military will undoubtedly lead to a denial.
Evidence of alcohol or drug abuse is another obvious reason to have a security clearance denied. Investigators look for issues that may identify abuse, like a DUI, public drunkenness, or a previous arrest. Once again, the level of the clearance influences whether or not it gets denied.
Poor Credit Rating and Other Financial Issues
Financial issues, like a bankruptcy or poor credit rating, also hurt the chances of a clearance approval. Serious debts are a definite security risk, as agencies feel that person is ripe for being bribed or blackmailed. A record of gambling is something else to avoid if you want your clearance to be approved.
Incorrectly completing forms when applying for a security clearance raises a red flag. Perhaps there are unexplained gaps in employment, misspellings, or other discrepancies compared to your public record? You need to treat a security clearance application with extreme care. Make sure to follow the instructions closely and proofread every form before submission. Of course, being honest is a must.
Disreputable Personal Affairs
Investigators probe into your personal life before approving any security clearance. They even analyze relationships with others, including relatives, business associates, foreign contacts, and more. For example, multiple divorces might raise a red flag. Keep this in mind if your clearance gets denied and you want to file an appeal.
You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
Fortunately, there is an appeal process that you can follow when you're denied. But first, they will most often tell you why you are being rejected. The appeal process is done in two steps. The first is an internal appeal, and as soon as you hear back from them, you can decide what to do next.
How to Respond to Interrogatories During the Security Clearance
Always Tell the Truth. This is not the time to “forget” to mention something questionable about your past, nor is it wise to mislead investigators in any way. ...
Many security clearance applications are denied due to specific financial concerns. For example, large quantities of debt that are potentially unmanageable or unpaid taxes are both considered red flags.
Unfortunately, these clearance documents are not quite as easy to get as you might have perceived them to be. Just under 10% of applicants are denied by the National Security Agency.
Federal contractors, civilian government employees and military personnel can reapply for a security clearance after a period of one year. Don't be discouraged by a previous denial. It's no big deal to reapply; it happens successfully all of the time.
Is Having Bad Credit a Disqualifier from a Security Clearance? The list of SEAD 4 guidelines used in the background checks that determine whether you can be granted a security clearance includes finances, so bad credit can derail your application. It also can be a reason your existing clearance might be revoked.
However, if you were denied clearance, you have the right to appeal the denial and have it reversed. When issuing a denial, the authority that issued the denial is required to provide a written explanation of their decision to deny you clearance. This is referred to as a Statement of Reasons (SOR).
You don't get the job that requires the clearance. If you are a military member you will probably have to change your career path. If you are a civilian you will likely lose your job. Not getting a job or promotion that requires the level of security eligibility you were denied.
You may reapply for a security clearance through your employer if there's a need for access to classified information. You'll need to provide documentation that the circ*mstances or conditions which resulted in the denial or revocation are rectified or sufficiently mitigated to allow reconsideration.
According to the Good Security Questions website, answers to a good security question should meet these criteria: Safe: Cannot be guessed or researched.Stable: Does not change over time.Memorable: Can be remembered.
The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.
The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.
Illegal drug use/involvement. Mental incompetency or psychological conditions. Dishonorable discharge from the military or revoked security clearance. A history of financial problems.
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 (DIS)).
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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