5 automatic disqualifiers for security clearances

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. Employment pre-screening is a controversial topic. A Department of Defense military security clearance investigation examines your character, conduct, criminal background, financial responsibility, and emotional stability. Both multiple lesser offenses and one serious crime can be considered a reason for disqualification. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Thus, applicants are highly encouraged to consider speaking with an experienced attorney prior to taking a polygraph examination. The misuse of information technology systems is a fairly new addition to the background investigation with growing technology as well as the advent of social media. Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders. Attention Job Seekers: DARPA Awards L3Harris and Palantir Picks Anduril as Subcontractor. You must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a security clearance. As courts go through processes it could be a long time between the offense and the indictment/charge and the conviction. The Department of Defense conducts a thorough background check to see if you qualify for one of the levels of 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. Related Article – 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military. 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. 5. 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. Certain things will exclude you automatically from receiving any kind of security clearance in the U.S. 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. – 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. A top-secret security clearance is the highest level granted to members of the military. Citizenship? Of course, there are things, like drugs for example, which can be a lot worse than say, traffic tickets and thus require more explaining. 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. The purpose of a security clearance reviewis to ascertain whether a federal government agency or department deems a candidate is able and willing t… Federal positions involving access to classified information require incumbent employees to hold a security clearance. The U.S. government issues military clearance to select personnel at one of three levels. Please ensure you meet these standards before submitting an application. Additionally, a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is conducted for top-secret clearance applicants. Any service (whether compensated, volunteer, or employed) with a foreign country, national, or interest is questioned. The major difference is that some areas of your record may not get scrutinized as closely as someone applying for top-secret security clearance. Not all of the above examples will result in the decline of an interim eligibility. 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. FBI Security Clearances & Background Investigations 16 • What things should I consider prior to obtaining clearance? Sign up! It’s obvious that if you serve the United States and access sensitive information that you should have an allegiance to the country. Several Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including Fire Control Technicians and Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analysts, require you to have some form of security clearance. 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. Dishonorable discharge from the military. 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. Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders, 12. 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. Criminal conduct is pretty straightforward. 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. Advertiser Disclosure: This site may be compensated through the advertiser affiliate program (at no cost to you). Have foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another land. 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. However, a review of security clearance cases demonstrates that marijuana continues to be a concern for many applicants. The government has connections to your criminal record so it’s best to be upfront and honest about any criminal past. Mitigating factors can include whether or not the crime was recent, isolated or involuntary. The background check looks into your personal character, conduct, criminal record, financial history, and may involve contacting references. These include: • Non-U.S. citizenship • Conviction of a felony (Special Agents only: conviction of a domestic violence Financial problems that are related to gambling, alcoholism, or drug abuse also are security concerns. There are no automatic disqualifiers from the process. Back to the original question – how should you answer an employment questionnaire that includes a similar qualifier? Check the below sections for more detailed information about the different security clearance disqualifiers. All Rights Reserved. That's why they investigate. Many Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) require some form of security clearance. – Below are specific elements that will automatically disqualify job candidates for employment with the FBI. Contact an experienced security clearance lawyer at Claery & Hammond, LLP today for appropriate legal guidance in the application or appeals process. Two aspects of the military determine your security level: A) your military job (MOS) and B) your assignment. In some cases, an interim security clearance may be granted. Any illegal or unauthorized entry into information technology systems is security clearance disqualifiers. Copyright © 2021 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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" … Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Any recent drug involvement is frowned upon heavily. However, the government still needs to safeguard against possible intruders, like spies. 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. Top secret clearance holders must have no significant financial concerns. Security clearance - what factors could be "gotchas"? 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. Alcohol is a substance that some people are able to handle and control better than others. While the questions are personal they are basically just making sure you don’t show signs of sexual behavior that is criminal in nature. You’re best to take the question in chunks: 1. 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. Top secret clearances are reviewed every five years while secret clearances are reviewed every 10 years and confidential clearances are reviewed every 15 years. 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. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. The only difference is that top-secret applicants receive more analysis and scrutiny compared to confidential security applicants. Driving under the influence, alcohol-related fights, child or spouse abuse, or criminal incidents related to alcohol use all get studied. Being accused of or admitting to committing a crime may disqualify a person from attaining a security clearance, regardless of formal charges. Consequently, you can expect the most scrutiny and thorough background investigation of any of the three levels. Requirements for Security Clearance for Federal Job. The Department of Defense does study some habits of your sexual behavior. Regardless of any armchair advice you receive here, there are 2 rules you need to keep in mind: ClearanceJobs is a DHI service. You served another country in the military. Keep in mind that some security clearance disqualifiers are automatic while others can get justified and mitigated. A single serious crime (involving more than a year in prison) or multiple lesser offenses are potential security clearance disqualifiers. Accept some type of benefits from another country. Top-secret clearance takes four to eight months to complete (sometimes closer to a year depending on the applicant). The difference is the government studies any evidence of dual citizenship which might conflict with your duties of having a security clearance. She loves the NISPPAC, social media, and the U.S. military. Drug involvement. That’s one issue adjudicators have thus far been unwilling to budge on.  – Can someone please elaborate on exactly what is meant here by “ability to obtain?”. You are in possession of a foreign passport. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. You are also subject to an interview by an SSBI investigator along with field interviews of your references. Institutions that require a security clearance before they can employ someone include security agencies such as the CIA and the FBI. For example, unauthorized disclosure of classified information or violations that were deliberate, multiple, or due to negligence is disqualifiers. 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. 1. A security clearance is the determination by the federal government that a person is eligible for access to classified information or restricted physical areas. The three most common security clearance levels, which vary based on the sensitivity of the … Periodic reinvestigations (PR) are required every 10 years for the “secret” level. For the most part, the DOD wants to confirm that you were not dishonest when filling out your security clearance questionnaire. 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. Automatic disqualifiers. Prior drug use and felonies will automatically disqualify you for a security clearance. 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. 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: A medical diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence is problematic for security clearance. External links. 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 Many security clearance applicants contact the National Security Law Firm seeking information about the polygraph examination. The military treats mental health very seriously so making the military, in general, is an achievement, much less gaining security clearance. The paperwork is lengthy and the investigation may take 120 days to complete. Security, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Reserve, and so on. You want to reflect that you have good discretion and judgment when it comes to sex. One of the most common disqualifiers is financial irresponsibility, assessed through a thorough examination of your credit history and other financial payments. does a repossession affect your security clearance. 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 … A deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant and material facts from a questionnaire is among the security clearance disqualifiers. To learn more visit gogovernment.org . You don’t need to be a boy scout but “a pattern of dishonesty or rule violations” is a red flag for the DOD. It includes illegal or unauthorized modification, manipulation, destruction, or denial of access to information on a system. RE: Are there automatic disqualifications for getting US security clearance? Confidential security clearance refers to “unauthorized disclosure that could cause damage to national security”. Mental incompetence determined by a mental health professional. Every case is different. 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. Are you a U.S. citizen (a security clearance requirement)? Disqualifiers for a Security Clearance There are a number of factors that can disqualify you from gaining a security clearance. Drug involvement is comparable to having a problem with alcohol. If that is the case a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP) is required for clearance. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Adjudicative Guideline H: Drug Involvement is one of the 13 adjudicative criteria which could lead to the denial or revocation of a security clearance. Of those, Guideline I, psychological conditions, resulted in just five cases before the board. Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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. Can Weapons Like THOR Give the U.S. Military Superhero Powers Against Drones? The same is true regarding a pattern of high risk, aggressive, irresponsible, or emotionally unstable behavior. Your email address will not be published. Top-secret status is described as having access to information that “unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security”. Essentially the DOD is confirming that you don’t have signs of alcohol abuse or dependence. Requests for clearances are sent to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for military and civilian employees, and the This is considered an exception in many cases, not the rule, but this will depend on mission requirements. The Bond Amendment outlined four restrictions specific to anyone applying for eligibility to access restricted data. You may be a naturalized citizen, but you can’t be an illegal immigrant or green card holder. Alcohol-related incidents at work such as reporting to the place of employment intoxicated or impaired reflect poorly on a record. The Department of Defense uses the Defense Security Service (DSS) to conduct background checks for security clearance. The same is true of having associations with persons involved in criminal activity. Below, however, are answers to some of The Department of Defense studies the same categories of your personal record as confidential clearance yet with a little more thorough analysis: In general, you want to avoid these things on your record or security clearance disqualifiers are likely: It usually takes 1-3 months to officially receive secret clearance, like confidential status. The MOS you select determines what type (if any) military security clearance you need for the specialty. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. It’s best to tell the truth with your Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. A comment on the ClearanceJobsBlog Discussions site recently asked about a common phrase on contract and federal suitability questionnaires: Do you have the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. That’s thanks to the Bond Amendment, which became law in 2008. A security clearance investigation examines your personal conduct for a reason. You also cannot have association or sympathy for those that commit these types of crimes or organizations that advocate overthrowing the U.S. government. The Department of Defense also obtains your criminal history records and credit record. It is considered the midlevel security clearance, your personal record scrutinized more than confidential clearance yet not as thoroughly as top-secret clearance. Secondly, the military needs to examine your immediate family members. Booz Allen Awarded Contract for a Major Activity of the National Security Education Program, SME Networked Command, Control, and Communication (C3). A history of gambling also might result in rejection. The Department of Defense examines medical records for any signs of emotional, mental, or personality disorders. These 12 will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a clearance, which can affect your job prospects. 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. Security clearances may not be given to individuals who unlawfully use or are addicted to drugs. The interviewee might also ask about alcohol or drug use, personal finances, or encounters with police. Very few things in and of themselves are automatic disqualifiers for a clearance. 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; This is the crux of the question. Accordingly, a drug arrest or DUI charges can adversely affect an applicant’s ability to obtain, renew, or keep a security clearance. I'm applying for a Job with the US govt. The DOD may also study those who you share living quarters with along with relatives or associates with connections to any foreign government. 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. 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. 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. Interview questions range from what you like to do for fun to job history and family. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com. Clearances may be at the TOP SECRET, SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL level. What is a security clearance? An SSBI investigation checks records held by employers, courts, and rental offices. Learn more about the various security clearance disqualifiers for confidential, secret, and top secret security clearances. Adjudicators consider the ‘whole person,’ so for almost any issue you might encounter, your clearance can still be obtained if you’ve mitigated the potentially disqualifying issue. Lastly, even those with top-secret clearance sometimes need to apply for more clearance to access classified information. Disqualifying conditions for a U.S. Security Clearance: From Federal Regulations, PART 710—CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED MATTER. 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. Basically, the DOD wants to establish that you are honest and trustworthy based on previous behavior. See our advertising policy here. personnel security clearances for U.S. citizen employees who require access to classified information. 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. 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. Learn more about obtaining confidential, secret, or top-secret clearance as well as security clearance disqualifiers. Most importantly you don’t want to demonstrate deceptive or illegal financial practices such as employee theft, check fraud, tax evasion, or embezzlement. Keep in mind that the requirements for receiving confidential security clearance are similar to secret or top-secret clearance. A foreign preference is comparable to foreign influence. 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 The Difference between Being Denied A Security Clearance and Having An Application Rejected After the questionnaire is completed it’s sent through a National Agency Check (NAC) and Local Agency Check. For the most part, the military uses the same criteria for judging eligibility with the three levels. Additionally, “compulsive or addictive sexual behavior when the person is unable to stop a pattern of self-destruction or high-risk behavior” is analyzed. 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. So it’s best not to lie and stay truthful as you fill out the personnel security questionnaire. Obtaining security clearance is required to make sure you are eligible to access national security information. You must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a security clearance. Your email address will not be published. You may be a naturalized citizen, but you can’t be an illegal immigrant or green card holder. For example, an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts is a red flag. Like every aspect of the federal security clearance process, the question will get you in the most trouble if you overthink it. Drug involvement includes the abuse of illicit and legal drugs. 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. Related Article – Military Hearing Requirements and Disqualifications. Related Article – Military Dental Requirements and Disqualifications. 5 automatic disqualifiers for security clearances. Service members applying for secret clearance (along with confidential clearance) must provide five years worth of information. 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. 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. You said when you were convicted, you never said when the offense occurred. The federal government can take up to six months to approve your application for security clearance. While the majority of the security clearances are held by government employees, more than 1 Allegiance to the United States and any foreign influence or preference 3. Most of the connections that will raise the eyebrows of government officials are straightforward. Those applying for secret security clearance realize that “unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to national security”. Step 2.a. 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. © 2021 ClearanceJobs - All rights reserved. That’s thanks to the Bond Amendment, which became law in 2008. The three levels of personnel clearance in the military are confidential, secret, and top-secret. Finally, a periodic reinvestigation (PR) is required every five years for top-secret security clearance. Outside activities also get analyzed by the Department of Defense. 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. 15 posts ... Secret clearances in general aren't too difficult to get, although credit is one of the factors used for a Secret. What Was Your Primary Reason For Joining The Military? A felony or misdemeanor is not an automatic disqualifier for anything other than special level clearances sci, ssbi, whiskey. Security clearances and final suitability are adjudicated by looking at the candidate’s entire profile (including court records). A security clearance may be required even when working in a building or area where such information may be stored. Alcohol consumption and drug involvement 2. 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. Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. The investigation wants to check your paper trail and interview employers, coworkers, neighbors, associates, and acquaintances to make sure you are an upstanding citizen. While not everyone in the military is required to have a security clearance, it helps to know the process. No convictions of a crime with a sentence of a year or more in prison. It extends to cover the illegal possession (including cultivation and processing) or distribution of illicit drugs. However, service members are subject to random reinvestigations at any time. debt settlement and security clearance. Disqualifying conditions for a security clearance may include but are not limited to: arrest and/or conviction of a felony; Compensation Post Military: Pay Gap in Some Industries and Locations? The Cleared Brief - Latest security clearance news - delivered monthly. Related Article – DEVGRU: 7 things you didn’t know about SEAL Team 6. For example, recent drug use, illegal drug possession or drug dependence.