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Security Clearance questions


PapaJu

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A couple of questions and one piece of advice:

to those holding dual-citizenship: Why is renouncing one hard or not desirable to do? How does one have dual-citizenship in the first place?

Not a slam, I'm just interested. I'm not in nor will ever be in that situation so I know nothing about it.

I'll admit to not reading all nine pages, but if it hasn't been mentioned, SAVE whatever you turn in. Both for this clearance and for not having to re-invent the wheel in five years when it's time to renew the clearance.

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A couple of questions and one piece of advice:

to those holding dual-citizenship: Why is renouncing one hard or not desirable to do? How does one have dual-citizenship in the first place?

I believe that if you are born in certain countries, such as England or the US, you automatically become a citizen of that country.

Here's some Wiki info on the subject...Dual Citizenship

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I believe that if you are born in certain countries, such as England or the US, you automatically become a citizen of that country.

Here's some Wiki info on the subject...Dual Citizenship

mambo, sorry wasn't clear in what I was asking, thanks for the link.

Several posts back, codename46 had a 'slight personal reluctance' to renounce his other than US-citizenship. I'm just curious as to what from a practical/personal viewpoint, does holding or renouncing dual citizenship have?

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Guest Stopher

During the TS Investigation...are you interviewed before your references are interviewed...or after?

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  • 6 months later...

My application for Secret got complicated because I have dual citizenship (US and UK...you'd think that wouldn't be a big deal)...I did all the paperwork, did an interview, wrote a memo detailing why I think I should be allowed to keep my UK citizenship, etc...anyway, I talked to the NCOs at my Det today and they said that my clearance wasn't approved, but it wasn't denied either. Instead, it came back as being "approved for favorable", or something like that. They had no idea what that meant, but they said they were going to look into it. Has anyone ever heard of something like this? It's been 4 months since we submitted the paperwork...

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I am no SSO, but it sounds like your background investigation was completed but the final determination on your clearance hasn't been made. Your NCOs should be able to get you a better answer than the one they've given you...

Do some looking around on the DSS web site, you might find some more info there or at least a POC to contact if your Det can't get you better info.

Cheers! M2

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Guest taxcollector

Lonewolf,

M2 is correct, I'm the security manager for my unit and your post appears that it means your simply waiting for OPM to adjudicate your clearance. You're in the "in between time" if you will.

Process is more or less like this (More goes into it, but this is the bread and butter of it):

1. Get interviewed/Do the paperwork

2. OPM looks and reviews - This is when your JPAS Printout would say something to the extent of "Pending PSI Adjudication of SSBI OPM."

***This is probably where you are.

3. Final Determination is then made.

The folks down at OPM do a good job as far as turn around go, so just give it a little more time.

I'll note that:

I'm not sure how it is with a TS, but for civilians it is at the commanders discretion as to what their given favorable/unfavorable. Something to ask your detachments security manager.

Tax

Edited by taxcollector
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Sorry to hijack this thread but how hard would it be to get an TS when married to a citizen from another country?

My wife is Australian citizen with a permanent resident alien card for living/working here in the U.S.

I currently have a Secret clearance but I have an interview with a Federal law enforcement agency that would require a TS clearance if I got the job. Anyone been through the process of TS clearance while married to a non-US citizen?

Thanks!

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Vertigo,

The fact that your wife is Austrialian probably will not affect your clearance status that much. A guy I work with is married to a girl from Iraq, and he has a TS clearance. She is also in the US Military though.

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Beast is correct, it may require a little more info when you do your paperwork; but for the most part I've know lots of dudes whose wives were from other countries and they had TS/SCIs...

You probably already know this, but just to state the obvious one more time...be absolutely, 100% thorough and forthright when completing your SF-86. The one thing I've seen to be a red flag more than anything is the background investigation finding something that wasn't listed on the form. It won't entirely kill your chances to get a clearance; but it will give them cause to greater scrutinize everything as if you failed/forget to mention one thing, it may be an indication that you failed/forgot to mention something else! It will also lengthen the process accordingly.

But don't fear, it is not that tough to get and maintain a clearance; and it can be worth extra bucks when you transition to the civilian world!

Cheers! M2

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Thanks for the info, Tax! ...but would you mind de-acronyming the acronyms?

OPM = Office of Personnel Managment

JPAS = Joint Personnel Adjudication System. "the Department of Defense (DoD) personnel security migration system for:

- the virtual consolidation of the DoD Central Adjudication Facilities (CAFs)

- use by non-SCI security program managers and Special Security Officers

- Special Access Program (SAP) program managers

- DoD contractor Security officers (expected July 2002)

JPAS will use a centralized database with centralized computer processing and application programs for standardized DoD personnel security processes.

JPAS automates both core and CAF-unique functionality and provides "real-time" information regarding clearance, access and investigative status to authorized DoD security personnel and other interfacing organizations, such as Defense Security Service, Defense Manpower Data Center, Defense Civilian Personnel Management System, Office of Personnel Management, and Air Force Personnel Center.

Telecommunications and automated information systems interface software will serve as the cornerstone for the CAFs virtual consolidation and ensure re-engineering of core personnel security and adjudication processes."

PSI = Personnel Security Investigation, "an inquiry into an individual's loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible to access classified information or for an appointment to a sensitive position or position of trust."

SSBI = Single Scoped Background Investigation, "a type of United States security clearance investigation required for Top Secret, SCI and Q access, and involves agents contacting employers, coworkers and other individuals. Standard elements include background checks involving checks of employment, education, organization affiliations, local agencies, where the subject has lived, worked, or gone to school, and interviews with persons who know the individual. The investigation may include a NACLC on the candidate’s spouse or cohabitant and any immediate family members who are U.S. citizens other than by birth or who are not U.S. citizens." (Wikipedia)

Try reading this and/or this for more info.

Cheers! M2

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Didn't I see somewhere on baseops/real world that a commissioned US officer could NOT have dual citizenship?

The whole 'support and defend the Constitution' thing would get a loophole with the potential other allegiance. With the lack of UCMJ application thereof.

I'm pretty sure that's the case, but damned if I can find it...

Edited by brickhistory
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Didn't I see somewhere on baseops/real world that a commissioned US officer could NOT have dual citizenship?

The whole 'support and defend the Constitution' thing would get a loophole with the potential other allegiance. With the lack of UCMJ application thereof.

I'm pretty sure that's the case, but damned if I can find it...

5.7. Dual Citizenship. A security concern could exist when a military member, DoD civilian, contractor,

or consultant is submitted for a personnel security investigation and they are a dual citizen and/or possess/

use a foreign passport.

5.7.1. Dual Citizenship. Dual citizenship in and of itself is not an automatic disqualifier for security

clearance eligibility. However, possession of dual citizenship and particularly the exercise of dual cit-

izenship is a condition that raises a security concern and may be a disqualifying factor in a security

clearance eligibility determination. There are factors that could mitigate the maintenance of dual citi-

zenship, as outlined in DoD 5200.2-R, App I, Foreign Preference. An individual’s expressed willing-

ness to renounce dual citizenship is one of the conditions that could mitigate security concerns.

I don't have a non-US passport, so that part isn't an issue. Also, check out this website. Lots of people get security clearances despite being dual. In one case on that site, a person was granted a clearance despite having US/Iran citizenship.

Edited by LoneWolf121188
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Sent out by my company's security manager today, thought I would share as it has lots of good info in it...it is from State, but many of the rules apply within the DoD as well...

Cheers! M2

This link contains very good information that explains the answers for many frequently asked questions about security clearances (directly from the U.S. Department of State website). For additional information, see:

http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm

Issuing Security Clearances (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances)

FAQs

1. Who can apply for a security clearance? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#1)

2. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the State Department? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#2)

3. What is the purpose of a security clearance? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#3)

4. How is it decided what level of clearance a person receives? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#4)

5. How many types or levels of security clearance are there? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#5)

6. What work does each clearance allow a person to do? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#6)

7. Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#7)

8. How long is my security clearance good for after I leave the federal government? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#8)

9. Can I transfer my security clearance for private sector employment? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#9)

10. Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the State Department? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#10)

11. Who does the records checks? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#11)

12. Are members of my family or people living with me subject to a security check? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#12)

13. For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#13)

14. How often is a security clearance renewed? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#14)

15. What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#15)

16. How long does it take to process a typical security clearance? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#16)

17. What happens if I'm denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#17)

18. What can I do in advance to ease the process of my background investigation? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#18)

19. Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire into the status of my security clearance for the Department of State? (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10977.htm#19)

1. Who can apply for a security clearance?

Individuals cannot initiate a security clearance application on their own. Rather, the Bureau of Human Resources (http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/) determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires access to classified information, then a personnel security background investigation must be conducted. This is only done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an individual.

2. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the State Department?

As outlined in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted to employees who are United States citizens. However, an exception is allowed in specific situations wherein there are compelling reasons for limited access to be granted to an immigrant alien or foreign national employee who possess a special expertise that is needed for specific programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants.

3. What is the purpose of a security clearance?

The purpose of a security clearance is to determine that a person is able and willing to safeguard classified national security information, based on his or her loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability.

4. How is it decided what level of clearance a person receives?

The Bureau of Human Resources (http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/) determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance, as well as the level required, based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position.

5. How many types or levels of security clearance are there?

There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret. Secret is the next level of clearance and Confidential is the final.

6. What work does each clearance allow a person to do?

A clearance allows a person filling a specific position to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold, so long as the person has a need to know the information.

7. Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies?

Federal agencies will normally accept another agency's investigation as the basis for granting a security clearance, provided your last security clearance investigation was completed within the past 5 years for a Top Secret clearance and 10 years for a Secret clearance, and you have not had a break in service of more than 2 years. Also considered is whether there have been any significant changes in your situation since your last investigation. Some federal agencies might have additional investigative or adjudicative requirements that must be met prior to their accepting a clearance granted by another agency.

8. How long is my security clearance good for after I leave the federal government?

The Department of State will revalidate a security clearance if (1) the individual has not been out of federal service for more than 2 years and (2) if the individual's clearance is based on an appropriate and current personnel security clearance investigation.

9. Can I transfer my security clearance for private sector employment?

Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government. As stated in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, security clearances are only granted to persons “Employed by, detailed or assigned to, an [executive] agency, including members of the Armed Forces; an expert or consultant to an agency; an industrial or commercial contractor, licensee, certificate holder, or grantee of an agency, including all subcontractors; a personal services contractor; or any other category of person who acts for or on behalf of an agency as determined by the appropriate agency head.”

10. Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the State Department?

No. The hiring process addresses whether someone will be initially selected for a particular position within the State Department. The security clearance process does not begin until after a conditional offer of employment is given.

11. Who does the records checks?

The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, conducts all national agency and credit history checks in support of their investigations. Diplomatic Security investigators located worldwide conduct all other investigative leads, which includes local law enforcement checks.

12. Are members of my family or people living with me subject to a security check?

There are circumstances in which limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant*. National agency checks are conducted on spouses and/or cohabitants of individuals being processed for a Top Secret level clearance, with the spouse or cohabitant's authorization. Additional investigations may be conducted when the spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national.

*A cohabitant is defined as someone with whom you live together as husband and wife and the relationship involves the mutual assumption of marital rights, duties, and obligations, which are usually manifested by married people, including, but not necessarily dependent on, sexual relations.

13. For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance?

Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The most important factors in an investigation are the individual's honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security clearance forms. Every case is individually assessed, using the National Security Board's 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/26912.htm) to determine whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

The adjudicative guidelines include: 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; and misuse of information technology systems.

14. How often is a security clearance renewed?

An individual is normally subject to periodic reinvestigation at a minimum of every 5 years for a Top Secret level clearance and every 10 years for a Secret level clearance.

15. What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process?

Some of the most common areas of delay include the submission of incomplete security packages, poorly collected fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities.

Individuals can help expedite the process by ensuring they have completed all forms in a thorough and accurate manner; familiarizing themselves with the appearance of a properly rolled set of fingerprints (http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/27647.htm) , so they know theirs are done properly; and when possible, providing stateside references that can verify foreign activities.

16. How long does it take to process a typical security clearance?

Each case varies, but the general time averages about 120 days. The Department of State has recently initiated a goal to render a security clearance decision in 90 days.

17. What happens if I'm denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process?

If you are denied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be notified of the reason(s) and be provided with the procedures for filing an appeal. You will be given the opportunity to address any derogatory information that was gathered during the investigation and either correct or clarify the situation.

18. What can I do in advance to ease the process of my background investigation?

A lot of detailed information is required to conduct a background investigation. Information such as complete names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for relatives will be required. We suggest you print the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86) (http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/sf.asp) and begin collecting that information so you will have it ready when asked.

19. Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire into the status of my security clearance?

For assistance with completing your security clearance package or to inquire into the status of your security clearance, you may email us at SecurityClearance@state.gov or you may may talk with a personnel security specialist at our Customer Service Center between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., EST, by dialing toll free 1-866-643-4636 (1-866-643-INFO) or 571-345-3186.

You also may send correspondence to one of the addresses below:

Mailing Address:

U.S. Department of State

DS/SI/PSS, SA-20

Washington, DC 20522-2008

Federal Express Address:

U.S. Department of State

DS/SI/PSS, 10th Floor

1801 N. Lynn Street

Arlington, VA 22209

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So even if you don't have to, per se, renounce your original citizenship, you do have to get rid of your passport? I understand sacrifices are made to become a military officer, but giving back my passport would mean I could no longer travel to my home country for the duration of my military service, wouldn't it?

My situation is potentially worse. As a Brazilian/American citizen, AFAIK, native Brazilian citizens are not allowed to renounce their citizenships (only naturalized ones can). Therefore, I can't apply for a passport after giving mine back to get a TS (for obvious reasons) and I can't go to the Brazilian embassy and get a VISA for my American passport because they recognize me as a Brazilian.

Brickhistory, I don't think your question has been answered yet. There is a reluctance because people develop an attachment to the place they have been born and grown up in. Having family in the original country and being part of the culture in your formative years only enforces that attachment. That being said, I do love the US and would defend it like any other American.

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positevq, I'm not questioning your loyalty or attempting anything negative. I just thought that dual-citizenship for a commissioned US officer was a no-no. I see from some replies that might not be the case.

I'd like to know in writing if it were me.

Good luck you.

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  • 3 months later...

I've been searching through here and google and trying to find out if my clearance is still "current" (or even active) if I'm still Inactive Ready Reserve. From my understanding from what I can find, now that I am seperated (and have been since late '06) the clearance is no longer current or active. However I am IRR so I'm trying to find out if that is a loophole that keeps the clearance current.

Any advice on where to look, who to ask??

Thanks

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The clearance is good for however long it's good for, regardless of your status (active duty, IRR, retired, out all together, etc...). I'm not sure how long each clearance is good for though. I think it's like 10 years for secret and 5 for TS, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, it's good for those 10 years (I think) from the time the investigation was done. A lot of military people make sure their clearances are good for a long time after they get out because there's a lot of VERY good paying jobs out there for people who already have a clearance. You can pay for your own in the civilian world, but I heard that costs like $50K. Smart people let the military do it for them.

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The clearance is good for however long it's good for, regardless of your status (active duty, IRR, retired, out all together, etc...). I'm not sure how long each clearance is good for though. I think it's like 10 years for secret and 5 for TS, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, it's good for those 10 years (I think) from the time the investigation was done. A lot of military people make sure their clearances are good for a long time after they get out because there's a lot of VERY good paying jobs out there for people who already have a clearance. You can pay for your own in the civilian world, but I heard that costs like $50K. Smart people let the military do it for them.

Might be a semantics issue, but I think the investigation is "current", not the clearance. The clearance is tied to your specific position, and if you're IRR, you have none, so your clearance is dead. Within the valid currency period of the investigation, you can get a clearance re-iisued without a full re-investigation.

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