Members of the United States military often have visibility to very sensitive knowledge and information. Access to this information is typically controlled with what is known as security clearance. The level of security clearance determines what level of information a member of the military is authorized to access. The security clearance measure itself is a way to ensure that national security interests aren’t compromised, as they could be with unauthorized access to sensitive (or top secret) information.
What about security clearance once a military service member retires from active service? For employers that frequently hire veterans, understanding security clearances and how they might apply to vets is extremely important. Discover more about military security clearance and how it is applicable to veteran candidates.
Understanding Security Clearance
Military security clearances act as gatekeepers that allow authorized service members to access sensitive information. A breach of security clearance, therefore, can be (and usually is) considered a serious threat to national security. As such, even military spouses are usually not privy to information requiring security clearance. Even an accidental breach can carry serious consequences. Military security clearances usually become inactive after a service member’s discharge. However, the security clearance can be reactivated (under qualifying circumstances) within 24 months of discharge or retirement. Even in these cases, security clearance levels are closely monitored and enforced.
The Different Levels of Security Clearance
Classified information and knowledge in the military is usually categorized into three levels of security clearances. These are:
* Confidential
* Secret
* Top Secret
Each additional clearance level represents access to increasingly sensitive information. Confidential information could still cause damage to national security interests if divulged beyond the proper clearance. Secret and top-secret information breaches could cause “serious” or “exceptionally grave” damage to national security.
There can also be additional security clearance levels in certain circumstances. Typically categorized as SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) or SAP (Special Access Programs), these security levels require special approval for anyone to access them, even with Top Secret security clearance.
How Can Candidates Obtain a Military Security Clearance?
Certain jobs in the military require a mandatory security clearance. Fortunately, after active service, veterans with security clearance can reactivate such clearance. Likewise, veterans who never had security clearance can still apply for it as civilians. In many cases, employers with a need for employees with a military security clearance will encourage their veteran employees to apply for this clearance.
Of course, the U.S. military will have the final say in granting (or reactivating) security clearance. However, the process for applying for one will usually be the same for veterans. Here’s how:
Step 1
Veterans must first have a job that requires military clearance. Being employed in such a role, veterans should then fill out Standard Form 86, which is usually the most common security questionnaire. Candidates must make every effort to ensure the information included in the questionnaire is accurate and transparent. Once done, the employer will submit the questionnaire along with any additional forms to the appropriate authority.
Step 2
Once the security agency receives the right application forms and questionnaire, it will first validate its authenticity. In particular, fingerprints, records, and other information will be analyzed and reviewed. The agency may also appoint a case investigator to conduct a background check on both the employer and the candidate.
Step 3
The veteran applicant and employer (usually the line manager) will also have to make themselves available for face-to-face interviews. These interviews are most commonly conducted by the case investigator appointed to the case. The interview serves to verify candidate info and can extend to gathering information from neighbors, coworkers, and other references. Law enforcement agencies will also be contacted in all the areas the candidate has previously lived to rule out a criminal record.
Step 4
Once the investigation is concluded, the findings are measured against a set of security clearance guidelines. These can change frequently, so only the most current version is applicable. Once the findings (and investigative process) are weighed against these guidelines, the decision to grant (or deny) security clearance.
Step 5
The final step is the granting (or denial) of security clearance. Based on how well the investigation findings scored against the guidelines, the relevant agency will inform the candidate of their status.
Takeaway
It is important to remember that not all military service personnel have security clearances. Similarly, many veterans may not have the option to reactivate (or apply) for security clearance. In addition, only businesses that have a valid need for employees with security clearance, such as defense contractors, are entertained by the relevant agencies to grant said clearance. Employers that do not have a valid need for such clearance will most likely find it very hard to obtain it.