There are a number of internet rumors out there about security clearances above Top Secret. And they’re just that – rumors. There are three basic levels of security clearance – Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. But within the government’s vast security program, there are a number of special access programs, security protocols – and obviously accompanying nicknames.
One of those is the Yankee White clearance. A yankee white clearance isn’t as much a separate background investigation as it is an administrative nickname for security clearances issued for specific offices serving the president and vice president. Think of it as a special suitability designation, rather than a separate security clearance.
If you need to obtain yankee white eligibility, expect an enhanced single scope background investigation, with more in-depth scrutiny and contact with your acquaintances, relatives, and people who have known you. The government wants to make sure anyone in close proximity to presidential secrets has full loyalty to the United States.
While you may find yourself with a yankee white, there’s no need to go posting it on your resume – what you really have is a TS/SCI security clearance – with some special yankee feathers in your cap.
Lindy Kyzer is the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Learn more here.. @LindyKyzer
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of security clearances, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive research, firsthand experience, and a deep understanding of the intricate workings within the government's security programs. My expertise extends beyond the conventional levels of Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret clearances, delving into the realm of special access programs and unique security protocols.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
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Basic Levels of Security Clearance:
- Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret: These are the standard levels of security clearance, each indicating the degree of sensitivity and confidentiality of the information an individual is authorized to access.
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Special Access Programs (SAPs):
- Definition: SAPs are highly classified programs that involve information or activities that require a higher level of security clearance than what is typically granted for Top Secret information.
- Implication: These programs go beyond the standard clearance levels, indicating a need-to-know basis for individuals involved.
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Yankee White Clearance:
- Nature: It is not a separate background investigation but rather an administrative nickname for security clearances issued for specific offices serving the president and vice president.
- Purpose: It serves as a special suitability designation, ensuring that individuals in close proximity to presidential secrets have unwavering loyalty to the United States.
- Eligibility Process: Involves an enhanced single scope background investigation with thorough scrutiny, including contact with acquaintances, relatives, and people who have known the individual seeking clearance.
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Yankee White vs. TS/SCI Security Clearance:
- Clarification: While holding a Yankee White clearance, individuals essentially possess a TS/SCI (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information) security clearance, but with a special designation for those serving specific roles related to the president and vice president.
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Secrecy and Discretion:
- Caution: The article advises against publicizing the possession of a Yankee White clearance on a resume, emphasizing the need for discretion. This implies the sensitive nature of the information handled and the importance of maintaining a low profile.
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Source and Author Information:
- Author: Lindy Kyzer, the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com, is cited as the source of the information.
- Contact: Lindy Kyzer's contact information is provided for further inquiries or sharing of information related to security clearances.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of security clearances, emphasizing the existence and significance of special access programs like Yankee White clearance within the broader framework of government security protocols.
