Due Process For Denying or Revoking Security Clearance
Due process procedures for denying or revoking security clearances vary from agency to agency and can require patience and a better understanding of the forms and common delays.
View ArticleWhy Many Letters of Recommendation Still Lead to Clearance Denial
Over the years, I’ve seen scores of recommendation letters written for security clearance applicants who didn’t bother to provide any guidance to the people who wrote the letters. Most of these letters...
View ArticleDrug Involvement and Security Clearances
When does drug abuse become a security concern? Using illegal drugs a few months prior to submitting a clearance application form can be considered current use. A 2003 national survey of drug use...
View ArticleDo Written Interrogatories Translate to Clearance Denial?
As with SORs, it’s wise to get professional help in answering Interrogatories. It’s not just a clearance a stake; a denial or revocation could negatively affect your career and future career...
View ArticleThe Impact of Delinquent Debt on Security Clearances
No doubt, financial problems are the number one killer of security clearances. Our special three part series on what delinquent debt can do to clearances, and how to get "good" in the eyes of...
View ArticleMajority of DOHA Appeals Still Result in Clearance Denial
If your security clearance is denied or revoked, you have a right to an appeal. However, an appeal at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) may not be what you think it is.
View ArticleSexual Behavior and Security Clearances
Many people have concerns about how their past sexual indiscretions may negatively affect their security clearance eligibility. Most sexual misconduct is either not a potentially disqualifying...
View ArticlePersonal Conduct and Security Clearances
When an applicant has been involved in multiple incidents of conduct that individually fall below the threshold for denying a clearance, the conduct can be evaluated in its totality to determine the...
View ArticleAlcohol Consumption and Security Clearances
When does drinking become a security concern? Alcohol is legal and its consumption, regardless of quantity, does not by itself trigger a security concern.
View ArticleMental Health and Final Security Clearances
Mental health issues can adversely affect an individual's eligibility for a federal security clearance, but many clearance applicants worry unnecessarily and sometimes choose not to seek treatment due...
View ArticleChanges To DOHA VTC Hearing Procedures
VTC hearings can represent significant cost savings and offer more flexibility in the process. But they also include downsides.
View ArticleHandling Classified National Security Information
Deliberate or negligent failure to comply with rules and regulations for protecting classified or other sensitive information raises doubt about an individual's trustworthiness and ability to safeguard...
View ArticleWhen a Security Clearance Comes with Conditions
Yes, conditional clearances can be granted. But with the implementation of continuous vetting and changing roles within government agencies, the process can be confusing.
View ArticlePublic Trust Position or Sensitive Position
Even the government sometimes misuses the term public trust when they mean "sensitive position" - or something else.
View ArticleDCSA and ODNI Need a Security Clearance Ombudsman
The lengthy security clearance delays and the lack of government response highlights the need for an ombudsmen to support the system.
View ArticleSubstantial Evidence: What Is It And Why Does It Matter?
Substantial evidence is the standard of proof used for security clearance eligibility determinations. Like other standards of proof, it isn’t well defined.
View ArticleRap Back Program and Security Clearance Continuous Vetting
Rap Back is short for “Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background.” Here's how information gets from the FBI to the security clearance continuous vetting program.
View ArticleDrug Use and Involvement -Excluding Marijuana – In the New Security Clearance...
Section 12 of the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire has 5 threshold questions about drug use and other involvement.
View ArticleMarijuana Use and Involvement in the New Security Clearance Questionnaire
Part A, Section 13 covers Marijuana and Cannabis Derivative Use. While the form seems to streamline some of the reporting requirements, the simple word 'receive' could trip up more applicants than ever.
View ArticleThe Case for Equal Reporting Standards in U.S. Security Clearances
People with Top Secret clearances are not required to be more trustworthy than people with Secret clearances.
View Article