ANSWERS: 1
  • The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) requires security clearances for many of its employees. A security clearance means an individual or a company working with the Defense Department can have access to the government's classified information.

    Types

    Confidential is the lowest clearance level. It gives you access to information that might cause measurable damage to national security. Most military personnel and lower-level DOD employees receive this rating. The next level is secret. If you intentionally or inadvertently release secret information inappropriately, you can be disciplined, fired or prosecuted. The final level is top secret, which allows you access to materials that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if revealed inappropriately.

    Who needs a DOD clearance?

    All Defense Department employees with access to classified material have to obtain a security clearance. U.S. and naturalized citizens are eligible for the process. Non-U.S. citizens are disqualified.

    The process

    A DOD security clearance check starts with confirmation of U.S. citizenship, fingerprinting and completing the Personnel Security Questionnaire. This is followed by an investigation into your background, including interviewing family, friends, employers, neighbors and old classmates. The DOD reviews the information during an adjudication phase and determines whether to grant the clearance request.

    Rejection

    Previous criminal activity, drug or alcohol abuse and recurrent financial problems are among the reasons a security clearance might be denied. Giving false information automatically disqualifies you. Sometimes during the adjudicative process, examiners consider mitigating circumstances and time passed when dealing with the problem issues.

    Warning

    Avoid companies or recruiters who guarantee to get you a security clearance or offer to pre-approve you. You can only receive clearance through the government.

    Source:

    Security Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

    How to Obtain a Security Clearance

    Security clearance means more $$$

    Resource:

    Obtaining a Security Clearance for Your 8(a) Company and/or Employees

    Security Clearances: Who, What, Why, When

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