Security clearances have been in the news a lot lately–specifically the revoking of security clearances. While the news stories are focused on high-level clearances such as those held by CIA directors and deputy directors, it has caused many of us to wonder why a security clearance at any level would be revoked.
The truth is, a security clearance can be revoked at any time.
But agencies of the federal government follow these 13 adjudicative guidelines to determine eligibility for a clearance and to determine if an existing clearance needs to be revoked. CleranceJobs.com gives us a great definition of each of these guidelines:
- Allegiance to the United States
Belonging to a terror group, advocating the unconstitutional overthrow of the government, associating or sympathizing with terrorists, terror groups or those seeking the overthrow of the government. - Foreign Influence
Association with foreign citizens, business interest in foreign countries, potential that the individual could be coerced for some reason by a foreign government. - Foreign Preference
Dual citizenship, service in a foreign military, accepting benefits such as scholarships or retirement benefits from a foreign country. - Sexual Behavior
Criminal sexual behavior, sex addiction, sexual behavior that suggests a “lack of discretion or judgment.” - Personal Conduct
Refusing to cooperate with the clearance investigation, refusing to complete requested paperwork, refusing testing. Associating with known criminals, adverse reports from past employers, neighbors or friends. Providing false information or concealing information from investigators. - Financial Considerations
Pattern of not meeting financial obligations. White collar crime. Unexplained wealth. - Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol-related incidents at work or away from work. Medical diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence. Continued alcohol use after a rehab program. - Drug Involvement
Use of illegal drugs. Drug-related incidents at work or away from work. Medical diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence. Continued drug use after a rehab program. - Psychological Conditions
“A condition or treatment that may indicate a defect in judgment, reliability, or stability.” Failure to follow prescribed treatments, including taking prescription medications. “A pattern of high-risk, irresponsible, aggressive, anti-social or emotionally unstable behavior.” - Criminal Conduct
Allegations or admissions of criminal conduct with or without charges being pressed. Conviction for a serious crime or multiple lesser crimes. - Handling Protected Information
“Unauthorized disclosure of classified information.” Deliberate security violations. Multiple violations. Negligence. - Outside Activities
“Any service, whether compensated, volunteer, or employment with a foreign country, any foreign national, a representative of any foreign interest and any foreign, domestic, or international organization or person engaged in analysis, discussion, or publication of material on intelligence, defense, foreign affairs, or protected technology.” - Misuse of Information Technology
Illegal or unauthorized access to a computer system. Unauthorized actions to alter, restrict or deny access to systems. Unauthorized removal of software or hardware from systems or adding unauthorized software or hardware to systems.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the adjudication process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the whole-person concept and each Guideline is comprised of three parts: 1) the Concern, 2) Potentially Disqualifying Condition, and 3) Mitigating Factors.
The Guidelines, just like the clearances themselves, are put in place to keep our country safe and secure. The same thoughtful process that goes into granting a clearance also goes into revoking one.
Thoughts, Comments, we live for them
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