5 automatic disqualifiers for security clearances

One that might be a problem with some folks is having family members that have a substantial financial interest in another country or foreign-owned business. Certain things will exclude you automatically from receiving any kind of security clearance in the U.S. You want to reflect that you have good discretion and judgment when it comes to sex. A medical diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence is problematic for security clearance. The federal government can take up to six months to approve your application for security clearance. For the most part, the military uses the same criteria for judging eligibility with the three levels. You are also subject to an interview by an SSBI investigator along with field interviews of your references. The Department of Defense also obtains your criminal history records and credit record. A single serious crime (involving more than a year in prison) or multiple lesser offenses are potential security clearance disqualifiers. Additionally, “compulsive or addictive sexual behavior when the person is unable to stop a pattern of self-destruction or high-risk behavior” is analyzed. So it’s best not to lie and stay truthful as you fill out the personnel security questionnaire. What is a security clearance? For the most part, the DOD wants to confirm that you were not dishonest when filling out your security clearance questionnaire. Finally, a periodic reinvestigation (PR) is required every five years for top-secret security clearance. Those applying for secret security clearance realize that “unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to national security”. Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. The Department of Defense examines medical records for any signs of emotional, mental, or personality disorders. After the questionnaire is completed it’s sent through a National Agency Check (NAC) and Local Agency Check. How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Military Dental Requirements and Disqualifications, Confidential Security Clearance Disqualifiers, Top Secret Security Clearance Disqualifiers, Military Security Clearance Disqualifiers, 9. 1. Additionally, a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is conducted for top-secret clearance applicants. Top secret clearance holders must have no significant financial concerns. If you remain in a job that requires a clearance for a long time, a re-investigation is something you will have to undergo in order to maintain your clearance. Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. The difference is the government studies any evidence of dual citizenship which might conflict with your duties of having a security clearance. Financial problems that are related to gambling, alcoholism, or drug abuse also are security concerns. Dishonorable discharge from the military. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? She loves the NISPPAC, social media, and the U.S. military. Confidential security clearance refers to “unauthorized disclosure that could cause damage to national security”. Not all of the above examples will result in the decline of an interim eligibility. Certain disqualifiers could prevent you from obtaining the job because there may be concern about your general suitability for the position and your ability to obtain necessary security clearances. Top-secret clearance takes four to eight months to complete (sometimes closer to a year depending on the applicant). You must sign a waiver granting the government the right to access any of your records, including medical records, juvenile records, expunged records, or sealed records. Obtaining security clearance is required to make sure you are eligible to access national security information. Accordingly, a drug arrest or DUI charges can adversely affect an applicant’s ability to obtain, renew, or keep a security clearance. You’re best to take the question in chunks: 1. Confidential security clearance disqualifiers include careful examinations of the following: A periodic reinvestigation (PR) into your character and record is required every 15 years for confidential security clearance. Essentially the DOD is confirming that you don’t have signs of alcohol abuse or dependence. Thus, applicants are highly encouraged to consider speaking with an experienced attorney prior to taking a polygraph examination. If a qualified mental health professional has made a diagnosis and that diagnosis may interfere with judgment, reliability, or stability the clearance status is at risk. 5 automatic disqualifiers for security clearances. For example, an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts is a red flag. Disqualifying conditions for a U.S. Security Clearance: From Federal Regulations, PART 710—CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED MATTER. You must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a security clearance. Any applicants with immediate family members or a person to whom the individual has close ties of affection or obligation AND is a resident or present in a foreign country might serve as a national security threat. The major difference is that some areas of your record may not get scrutinized as closely as someone applying for top-secret security clearance. The military needs proof that if you were put in a position to maintain secrecy in the past you didn’t abuse that privilege. A security clearance is the process of certifying that you are not a security risk in situations where an institution needs to employ someone it can trust. debt settlement and security clearance. The U.S. government issues military clearance to select personnel at one of three levels. Basically, the DOD wants to establish that you are honest and trustworthy based on previous behavior. To learn more visit gogovernment.org . A deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant and material facts from a questionnaire is among the security clearance disqualifiers. A 2011 report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence estimates that there are approximately 4.2 million individuals with security clearances in the United States. Automatic disqualifiers. Both multiple lesser offenses and one serious crime can be considered a reason for disqualification. Top secret clearances are reviewed every five years while secret clearances are reviewed every 10 years and confidential clearances are reviewed every 15 years. Of those, Guideline I, psychological conditions, resulted in just five cases before the board. Every case is different. ClearanceJobs is a DHI service. Learn more, the ClearanceJobsBlog Discussions site recently asked, there is only one thing that is an automatic disqualifier, Channeling Controversy: 10 Patton Quotes That Define Good Leadership, Russian Spy and FBI Traitor Robert Hanssen Arrested 20 Years Ago Today, DCSA Considers Changes to SF-86 as it Continues Epic Clearance Reform Efforts. The MOS you select determines what type (if any) military security clearance you need for the specialty. Booz Allen Awarded Contract for a Major Activity of the National Security Education Program, SME Networked Command, Control, and Communication (C3). The blog refers to “automatic disqualifiers” for security clearance applications, but in reality the reason many people may find themselves in trouble or needing to provide further information for the security clearance screening has nothing to do with what that particular blog identifies as an “automatic … In practice, waivers have been granted in each of these instances except for the continuous, ongoing use of illicit drugs. Confidential security clearance disqualifiers include careful examinations of the following: Allegiance to the United States; Foreign Influence; Foreign Preference; Sexual Behavior; Personal Conduct; Financial Considerations; Alcohol Consumption; Drug Involvement; Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders; Criminal Conduct; Security Violations; Outside Activities A security clearance is a specific designation required for any employee or government contractor who performs duties for the U.S. Government that require access to classified information. A top-secret security clearance is the highest level granted to members of the military. However, everyone makes mistakes which means if you can prove you’ve learned from your past and your current track record is much stronger you could receive a waiver. You might not see how your financial history ties into serving the military yet the government considers a track record of not meeting financial obligations as irresponsible and untrustworthy. Federal positions involving access to classified information require incumbent employees to hold a security clearance. Requirements for Security Clearance for Federal Job. It’s obvious that if you serve the United States and access sensitive information that you should have an allegiance to the country. Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include: The exercise of dual citizenship; Possession and/or use of a foreign passport; Disqualifiers for a Security Clearance There are a number of factors that can disqualify you from gaining a security clearance. An SSBI investigation checks records held by employers, courts, and rental offices. The three levels of personnel clearance in the military are confidential, secret, and top-secret. After it is determined you need some form of military clearance, like secret security clearance, the government has you fill out a Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. Lastly, even those with top-secret clearance sometimes need to apply for more clearance to access classified information. Level 4 National Security SF86 SSBI 5 Top Secret w/SCI eligibility or DOE “Q” SSBI-PR or PPR 6 every 5 yrs Special Sensitive Level 5 Public Trust (PT) 7 SF85P 8 MBI Moderate Risk NACLC 9 Level 5 National Security & PT SF86 MBI Secret & Moderate Risk NACLC every 5 years The same is true of having associations with persons involved in criminal activity. It’s best to tell the truth with your Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. Related Article – 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com. It's important to be aware of the 15 security clearance disqualifiers shown further below that will be scrutinized in detail in order for the investigator and adjudicator to determine if you should be granted a clearance or not. Keep in mind that while recreational marijuana is now legal in many states in the country, the U.S. military still considers it a controlled substance and therefore illegal. – Below are specific elements that will automatically disqualify job candidates for employment with the FBI. If you’re denied clearance, you will be issued a notice (called a “Statement of Reasons” or SOR) that outlines the specific reasons, disqualifiers, or areas of concern that determined the decision. Most of the connections that will raise the eyebrows of government officials are straightforward. Drug involvement. The job requires some security clearance, and I'm curious to know if there's anything that makes me automatically ineligible for the job, and if I'm wasting my time with the rather long application process. Contact an experienced security clearance lawyer at Claery & Hammond, LLP today for appropriate legal guidance in the application or appeals process. Seek or hold political office in a foreign country. The updated SF86 further clarifies the government’s disapproval of any illegal drugs (including marijuana) by clarifying it applies federal, not state, marijuana laws when adjudicating clearances. If that is the case a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP) is required for clearance. Related Article – Military Dental Requirements and Disqualifications. The same is true regarding a pattern of high risk, aggressive, irresponsible, or emotionally unstable behavior. For example, unauthorized disclosure of classified information or violations that were deliberate, multiple, or due to negligence is disqualifiers. The government has connections to your criminal record so it’s best to be upfront and honest about any criminal past. You are in possession of a foreign passport. Can Weapons Like THOR Give the U.S. Military Superhero Powers Against Drones? Obtaining any form of military security clearance demonstrates that the military trusts you with sensitive information even if you need extra clearance for classified information. An individual may have access to classified information if they are at a place where such information is kept and the security measures in force do not prevent him or her from gaining knowledge of such information. Back to the original question – how should you answer an employment questionnaire that includes a similar qualifier? The only difference is that top-secret applicants receive more analysis and scrutiny compared to confidential security applicants. Institutions that require a security clearance before they can employ someone include security agencies such as the CIA and the FBI. A security clearance may be required even when working in a building or area where such information may be stored. You also cannot have association or sympathy for those that commit these types of crimes or organizations that advocate overthrowing the U.S. government. does a repossession affect your security clearance. You said when you were convicted, you never said when the offense occurred. Outside of citizenship, there is only one thing that is an automatic disqualifier for obtaining a federal security clearance – that is current, ongoing use of an illegal drug. Step 2.a. Attention Job Seekers: DARPA Awards L3Harris and Palantir Picks Anduril as Subcontractor. Copyright © 2021 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Alcohol consumption and drug involvement 2. Outside of citizenship, there is only one thing that is an automatic disqualifier for obtaining a federal security clearance – that is current, ongoing use of an illegal drug. The Department of Defense uses the Defense Security Service (DSS) to conduct background checks for security clearance. Adjudicative Guideline H: Drug Involvement is one of the 13 adjudicative criteria which could lead to the denial or revocation of a security clearance. Please ensure you meet these standards before submitting an application. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Consequently, you can expect the most scrutiny and thorough background investigation of any of the three levels. Any service (whether compensated, volunteer, or employed) with a foreign country, national, or interest is questioned. You served another country in the military. Polygraph exams (or “lie detector tests”) raise a great deal of concern to applicants. Your email address will not be published. The three most common security clearance levels, which vary based on the sensitivity of the … Any illegal or unauthorized entry into information technology systems is security clearance disqualifiers. The four criteria are criminal conviction resulting in a prison sentence over 1 year; a person discharged from the military under dishonorable conditions, a person who is criminally incompetent, or a person who is addicted to a controlled substance. You must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a security clearance. Keep in mind that some security clearance disqualifiers are automatic while others can get justified and mitigated. You may be a naturalized citizen, but you can’t be an illegal immigrant or green card holder. While not everyone in the military is required to have a security clearance, it helps to know the process. The background check looks into your personal character, conduct, criminal record, financial history, and may involve contacting references. It extends to cover the illegal possession (including cultivation and processing) or distribution of illicit drugs. This is considered an exception in many cases, not the rule, but this will depend on mission requirements. © 2021 ClearanceJobs - All rights reserved. These 12 will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a clearance, which can affect your job prospects. Like every aspect of the federal security clearance process, the question will get you in the most trouble if you overthink it. The DOD may also study those who you share living quarters with along with relatives or associates with connections to any foreign government. A security clearance investigation examines your personal conduct for a reason. 15 posts ... Secret clearances in general aren't too difficult to get, although credit is one of the factors used for a Secret. That’s thanks to the Bond Amendment, which became law in 2008. Criminal conduct is pretty straightforward. Mitigating factors can include whether or not the crime was recent, isolated or involuntary. The government might ask more questions if: Basically any duties that might serve in the conflict of the interests of the U.S. government may disqualify you from security clearance. Sign up! FBI Security Clearances & Background Investigations 16 • What things should I consider prior to obtaining clearance? That’s thanks to the Bond Amendment, which became law in 2008. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. Employment pre-screening is a controversial topic. Aligning OPM Investigative Levels With Reform Concepts (memorandum), 24 August 2010; DOE M 470.4-5, Personnel Security, 2005 "Security Clearance Frequently Asked Questions" – www.clearancejobs.com "Security Clearance Process for State and Local Law Enforcement" – www.fbi.gov "The Industrial Personnel Security Clearance Process Frequently Asked Questions" … Compensation Post Military: Pay Gap in Some Industries and Locations? The Department of Defense conducts a thorough background check to see if you qualify for one of the levels of clearance. Periodic reinvestigations (PR) are required every 10 years for the “secret” level. Required fields are marked *. Several Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including Fire Control Technicians and Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analysts, require you to have some form of security clearance. A foreign preference is comparable to foreign influence. Regardless of any armchair advice you receive here, there are 2 rules you need to keep in mind: Learn more about the background check process, the security clearance background investigation, the most common background check disqualifiers, and how these components may affect employment: Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders, 12. Unless you’re not a U.S. citizen or you are an ongoing drug user, the answer is ‘yes.’ Don’t bother to research the other adjudicative criteria and try to ascertain your chance of obtaining a security clearance. Now that you have a solid foundation of the three different security levels (confidential, secret, and top-secret), let’s study the specific security clearance disqualifiers in more detail. These include: • Non-U.S. citizenship • Conviction of a felony (Special Agents only: conviction of a domestic violence The paperwork is lengthy and the investigation may take 120 days to complete. It is considered the midlevel security clearance, your personal record scrutinized more than confidential clearance yet not as thoroughly as top-secret clearance. If the background check reveals a considerable amount of debt, missed payments, tax evasion, collection judgments, check fraud, foreclosures, embezzlement or bankruptcies, your application might be rejected. Requests for clearances are sent to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for military and civilian employees, and the In theory, confidential security clearance is not as high up on the pecking order as secret or top-secret clearance yet that is not to suggest the security clearance lacks clout. Advertiser Disclosure: This site may be compensated through the advertiser affiliate program (at no cost to you). Many Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) require some form of security clearance. Of course, there are things, like drugs for example, which can be a lot worse than say, traffic tickets and thus require more explaining. However, the government still needs to safeguard against possible intruders, like spies. Mental incompetence determined by a mental health professional. This is the crux of the question. Check the below sections for more detailed information about the different security clearance disqualifiers. Secondly, the military needs to examine your immediate family members. The Department of Defense does study some habits of your sexual behavior. Therefore, the background investigation studies to see if there are any signs of sabotage, espionage, terrorism, treason, or sedition against the U.S. government or country. The military treats mental health very seriously so making the military, in general, is an achievement, much less gaining security clearance. In some cases, an interim security clearance may be granted. Clearances may be at the TOP SECRET, SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL level. Learn more about obtaining confidential, secret, or top-secret clearance as well as security clearance disqualifiers. As courts go through processes it could be a long time between the offense and the indictment/charge and the conviction. That’s one issue adjudicators have thus far been unwilling to budge on. RE: Are there automatic disqualifications for getting US security clearance? In order to be eligible for employment with the FBI, applicants must violate none of the automatic employment disqualifiers, and adhere to the FBI’s pre-employment drug policy. – Interim Clearances § An interim security clearance can be granted based on the partial completion of the background investigation after the SF-86 is submitted.9 § Interim clearances can be issued for all levels of potential clearances, including Confidential, Secret, Top Secret. Security clearance re-investigations are referred to as “Periodic Reviews” and are conducted every decade for Secret clearances and every 5 years for Top Secret clearances. Being accused of or admitting to committing a crime may disqualify a person from attaining a security clearance, regardless of formal charges. Interview questions range from what you like to do for fun to job history and family. Misuse of Information Technology Systems, DEVGRU: 7 things you didn’t know about SEAL Team 6, Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire, 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military, Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), military treats mental health very seriously, Military Hearing Requirements and Disqualifications, How To Become A Marine Corps Police Officer, confidential security clearance disqualifers, top secret security clearance disqualifiers, 12 Military Drones Employed By The US Military, How to Switch From Reserves to Active Duty. personnel security clearances for U.S. citizen employees who require access to classified information. Top-secret status is described as having access to information that “unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security”. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Security clearance qualifiers get established by the Department of Defense to make sure the service member is capable and trusting of not disclosing sensitive information. Your email address will not be published. A security clearance is the determination by the federal government that a person is eligible for access to classified information or restricted physical areas. Disqualifying conditions for a security clearance may include but are not limited to: arrest and/or conviction of a felony; Driving under the influence, alcohol-related fights, child or spouse abuse, or criminal incidents related to alcohol use all get studied. That's why they investigate. While the questions are personal they are basically just making sure you don’t show signs of sexual behavior that is criminal in nature. Related Article – DEVGRU: 7 things you didn’t know about SEAL Team 6. Drug involvement includes the abuse of illicit and legal drugs. You need to provide 10 years worth of history and information for top-secret levels compared to 5 years for confidential and secret status on the Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. Keep in mind that the requirements for receiving confidential security clearance are similar to secret or top-secret clearance. Security, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Reserve, and so on. But for the federal government, and many defense industry employers, you will likely be asked to complete some form of federal suitability paperwork before even being asked to fill out an SF86, the application to obtain a security clearance. Service members applying for secret clearance (along with confidential clearance) must provide five years worth of information. You don’t need to be a boy scout but “a pattern of dishonesty or rule violations” is a red flag for the DOD. Any recent drug involvement is frowned upon heavily. Most importantly you don’t want to demonstrate deceptive or illegal financial practices such as employee theft, check fraud, tax evasion, or embezzlement. See our advertising policy here. 5. A felony or misdemeanor is not an automatic disqualifier for anything other than special level clearances sci, ssbi, whiskey. Below, however, are answers to some of Allegiance to the United States and any foreign influence or preference 3. Very few things in and of themselves are automatic disqualifiers for a clearance. Have foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another land. External links. Learn more about the various security clearance disqualifiers for confidential, secret, and top secret security clearances. I'm applying for a Job with the US govt. For example, recent drug use, illegal drug possession or drug dependence. All Rights Reserved. Are you a U.S. citizen (a security clearance requirement)? Citizenship? Many security clearance applicants contact the National Security Law Firm seeking information about the polygraph examination. While the majority of the security clearances are held by government employees, more than 1 Security clearance - what factors could be "gotchas"?  – Can someone please elaborate on exactly what is meant here by “ability to obtain?”. Accept some type of benefits from another country. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. You may be a naturalized citizen, but you can’t be an illegal immigrant or green card holder. It includes illegal or unauthorized modification, manipulation, destruction, or denial of access to information on a system. Alcohol-related incidents at work such as reporting to the place of employment intoxicated or impaired reflect poorly on a record. However, a review of security clearance cases demonstrates that marijuana continues to be a concern for many applicants. There are no automatic disqualifiers from the process. The Cleared Brief - Latest security clearance news - delivered monthly. A history of gambling also might result in rejection. There are three adjudicative criteria not included on the Top 10 list.