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Thread: Anyone have a security clearance?

  1. #1

    Anyone have a security clearance?

    I will likely have to apply for a secret level security clearance soon. I'm wondering if any of my political activism will be held against be when considering me for the clearance.

    Does anyone here have a clearance that could answer a couple questions for me?
    Last edited by brandon; 06-14-2009 at 05:22 PM.



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  3. #2
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I will likely have to apply for a secret level security clearance soon. I'm wondering if any of my political activism will be held against be when considering me for the clearance.

    Does anyone hear have a clearance that could answer a couple questions for me?
    Short answer to the first part - depends, varying from unlikely to highly likely depending on what level of clearance and for what purpose.

    Short answer to the second part - depends, what questions?
    Another mark of a tyrant is that he likes foreigners better than citizens, and lives with them and invites them to his table; for the one are enemies, but the Others enter into no rivalry with him. - Aristotle's Politics Book 5 Part 11

  4. #3
    I had a Top Secret clearance back in the late 60's - early 70's.

    There is a background investigation into the past 20 years of your life.
    They check out your relatives and ancestors.

    They ask a lot of people who know you and a lot of people you don't even know if they would recommend you for a position of trust.

    When my investigation was completed, they gave me a copy of the entire file. I found it to be quite interesting. I also was able to find out who my friends were that way. LOL

  5. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Anti Federalist View Post
    Short answer to the first part - depends, varying from unlikely to highly likely depending on what level of clearance and for what purpose.

    Short answer to the second part - depends, what questions?
    I will possibly be working as an engineer either with NASA or a private defence contractor and involved with classified projects. I have a few interviews coming up and I expect they will require me to apply for a secret clearance.

    The day the war with Iraq started I participated in civil disobediance with 150 other people. We shut down the Philadephia federal building for a day by blockading the entrances. We were all charged with "Blockading an entranceway" or something like that. Will this prevent me from getting a clearance?

  6. #5
    For my Secret Clearance, it was something like only 5 years back and 3 people who knew me.

    TS Clearance was more involved, but I don't remember the details.

    But if I can pass, most anyone can!
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  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I will possibly be working as an engineer either with NASA or a private defence contractor and involved with classified projects. I have a few interviews coming up and I expect they will require me to apply for a secret clearance.

    The day the war with Iraq started I participated in civil disobediance with 150 other people. We shut down the Philadephia federal building for a day by blockading the entrances. We were all charged with "Blockading an entranceway" or something like that. Will this prevent me from getting a clearance?
    Were you convicted? Paid a fine, probation, community service or jail time?

    If the answer is yes, then it's possible, actually likely, you will be declined clearance.

    Again, it would depend on the type and level of clearance.

    My clearances are maritime related, maybe somebody will come back that has dealt with this specific type of situation.
    Another mark of a tyrant is that he likes foreigners better than citizens, and lives with them and invites them to his table; for the one are enemies, but the Others enter into no rivalry with him. - Aristotle's Politics Book 5 Part 11

  8. #7
    I have one but they told me not to talk about it.

  9. #8
    I am interested in this as well, as I am in the security clearance process right now....

    Never been charged with anything so I'm good there. (Except a speeding ticket )

    I wonder if they'll read my posts here....
    Quote Originally Posted by PaulConventionWV View Post
    You're not making the claim that there's no objective best diet, are you?
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]



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  11. #9
    My buddy has been trying to recruit me to the Ops side of CIA and he told me that political activism wasn't a big deal --- just be honest on the polygraph and don't do drugs for 12 months he said haha.

    The downside is if you are ever talking to a foreign person once you are in you need to report it --- even if it just next to someone at a baseball game, or if you were sleeping with a foreigner while on an overseas op --- and they have you on a polygraph when you report!
    "Your mother's dead, before long I'll be dead, and you...and your brother and your sister and all of her children, all of us dead, all of us..rotting in the ground. It's the family name that lives on. It's all that lives on. Not your personal glory, not your honor, but family." - Tywin Lannister


  12. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Anti Federalist View Post
    Were you convicted? Paid a fine, probation, community service or jail time?

    If the answer is yes, then it's possible, actually likely, you will be declined clearance.

    Again, it would depend on the type and level of clearance.

    My clearances are maritime related, maybe somebody will come back that has dealt with this specific type of situation.
    Just fined $200. No probation or jail or anything.

  13. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    Just fined $200. No probation or jail or anything.
    They will probably just say you were a kid doing what kids often do and let it go at that.

  14. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by malkusm View Post
    I am interested in this as well, as I am in the security clearance process right now....

    Never been charged with anything so I'm good there. (Except a speeding ticket )

    I wonder if they'll read my posts here....
    I'm going to have Josh change my username before I apply for my clearance.

  15. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I'm going to have Josh change my username before I apply for my clearance.
    So then all of your old posts would have your new username.

  16. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I'm going to have Josh change my username before I apply for my clearance.
    pfffft come on, DHS is all over this website like white on rice already --- I am sure "security + clearance" throws up a flag, and this has all been documented already
    "Your mother's dead, before long I'll be dead, and you...and your brother and your sister and all of her children, all of us dead, all of us..rotting in the ground. It's the family name that lives on. It's all that lives on. Not your personal glory, not your honor, but family." - Tywin Lannister


  17. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Cowlesy View Post
    My buddy has been trying to recruit me to the Ops side of CIA and he told me that political activism wasn't a big deal --- just be honest on the polygraph and don't do drugs for 12 months he said haha.

    The downside is if you are ever talking to a foreign person once you are in you need to report it --- even if it just next to someone at a baseball game, or if you were sleeping with a foreigner while on an overseas op --- and they have you on a polygraph when you report!
    Polygraph test, eh? Do you know if this is for secret or top secret?

    Not that I have anything to hide...
    Quote Originally Posted by PaulConventionWV View Post
    You're not making the claim that there's no objective best diet, are you?
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  18. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by malkusm View Post
    I am interested in this as well, as I am in the security clearance process right now....

    Never been charged with anything so I'm good there. (Except a speeding ticket )

    I wonder if they'll read my posts here....
    Any time you are hiring someone these days you Google them. Usually get more info than an old style security clearance...



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  20. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by malkusm View Post
    Polygraph test, eh? Do you know if this is for secret or top secret?

    Not that I have anything to hide...
    You should do some research on polygraph test:
    A P.T. Barnum creation-
    http://antipolygraph.org/blog/?p=125

    https://antipolygraph.org/cgi-bin/fo...num=1175753853


    The big lie: how America became obsessed with the polygraph--even though it has never really worked.(The Lie Detectors: The History of an American Obsession)(Book review)
    http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2...6-30176792_ITM


    Are polygraph tests lying to us?
    Tests: Mixed reading of Lee's nuclear secret data,
    federal employee opposition to taking lie detectors
    'reignite' 80-year-old controversy.
    http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2000/11/bs110300.html


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  21. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by malkusm View Post
    Polygraph test, eh? Do you know if this is for secret or top secret?

    Not that I have anything to hide...
    I am sure he has top-secret clearance.

    EDIT: I doubt you need a polygraph unless you are going to be carrying a concealed firearm or have the option of carrying one for work.
    "Your mother's dead, before long I'll be dead, and you...and your brother and your sister and all of her children, all of us dead, all of us..rotting in the ground. It's the family name that lives on. It's all that lives on. Not your personal glory, not your honor, but family." - Tywin Lannister


  22. #19
    They ask you if you've ever plotted or supported a plot to overthrow the U.S. government, and if you can honestly answer no, you'll be fine. Anarchist friends of mine have gotten State Department clearances, even though they admitted to all sorts of peaceful anti-government activity.

    The major problems come from any dealings you have with foreign nationals.
    Quote Originally Posted by JoshLowry View Post
    Yongrel can post whatever he wants as long as it isn't porn.

  23. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by Cowlesy View Post
    pfffft come on, DHS is all over this website like white on rice already --- I am sure "security + clearance" throws up a flag, and this has all been documented already
    That alone is pretty sad freakin commentary on the "land of the free".

    Independence Day my aching ass.
    Another mark of a tyrant is that he likes foreigners better than citizens, and lives with them and invites them to his table; for the one are enemies, but the Others enter into no rivalry with him. - Aristotle's Politics Book 5 Part 11

  24. #21
    I recently had security clearance for a weapons development building. I had access to the whole building. Unless you have done some really crazy $#@! you will be ok.

  25. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by ItsTime View Post
    I recently had security clearance for a weapons development building. I had access to the whole building. Unless you have done some really crazy $#@! you will be ok.
    Yeah, this is what I've heard elsewhere as well.
    Quote Originally Posted by PaulConventionWV View Post
    You're not making the claim that there's no objective best diet, are you?
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  26. #23

    Anyone have a security clearance?

    SECRET clearance is a breeze... as long as you don't have any recorded repetitive problems; DUIs, felonies, warrants, etc.

    Getting a SECRET clearance is like stealing candy for an Oxycotin Baby.

    It's when to get to Top Secret level where the investigative portion ramps up the hockey stick. TS BI, SBI, TS SCI, & so on. Here's a bit on US security clearances and terminology:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...learance_terms


    What I find amusing is getting a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance... some of the most sensitive information requiring a polygraph... but so does working the cash register at some 7/11 stores.

    The system also seems to quite flawed... the further you get away from CI3s, the more lax the security seems to be around the globe.

    Security breach stories are some very entertaining reading/movies. Falcon and The Snowman was a pretty well done movie on security breach. The latest was the FBI Robert Hanssen case and movie appropriately named, Breach. The movie was a big disappointment into the colorful history and synopsis of events that really happen. This was a A+ story made into a C-/D+ movie, which I think was poorly done(inaccuraies/omissions), because of political influence to protect the image of the FBI.

    Falcon and the Snowman was well done on an employee at TRW in El Segundo, CA. B Story into a A movie.

    If you get a chance... check them out
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  27. #24
    Secret clearances aren't that big of a deal. I've even gotten a couple of temporary ones "interim" Secret clearances to work on some things or access certain facilities simply by providing Name, SS#, etc. and having a background check via computer done, with NO paperwork! Granted, those were not permanent clearances.

    These certainly have changed over the years, for a TS it used to be a 60 page forum and they went back to birth. Yeah - people came out and talked to your kinder garden teacher. Also, no drug use was permitted - at all.

    Looking at a Standard form 86, revised 1995 (so it may have changed post 9/11) and it's only 11 pages. Name, DOB, place of birth, SS#, aliases, physical descript, phone, citizenship, where lived for last 7 years and contact that knew you at any addy listed in last 5 years, where school post jr. high, but only last 7 years, if more than 7 years, only last., employment, 3 people who know you well, spouse, relatives and associates, citizenship of relatives and associates, mil history, foreign activities, foreign countries you have visited, mil record, selective service record, medical record, employment record, police record (felony, firearms/explosive, pending criminal charge, alcohol or drug, uniform code of mil justice, any other except traffic), illegal drugs since age of 16 or last 7 years, alcohol, prior background investigations or clearances, financial record, financial delinquencies, public record civil court actions, association record (member of group advocating the violent overthrow of the united states), auth. for release of medical records.

    This form is a total pain if you have moved a lot and had roommates...

    Tolerance of drug use varies - ie: CIA, smoked pot more than a year ago and not a current user is fine, while NSA has no tolerance for drug use. Likewise, CIA is more uptight about associations with foreign nationals, while NSA says they are OK so long as they are not "close and continuing". At higher clearance levels ALL foreign travel has to be approved in advance also you loose your right to write for publication without pre-publication review. (higher clearances only)

    There are some supplemental forms depending on what you are applying for.

    then personal interview

    and if a high level clearance: polly, psych, physical.

    Things they REALLY care about:

    If you lie to them about ANYTHING! - don't worry about it - they have heard everything.
    Felony convictions.
    Poor financial history (people that need money are not the best to entrust with sensitive info)
    Foreign entanglements.
    if you are reliable, trustworthy and of good character.

    What they really don't care about:

    drug use in your distant past.
    political activity
    your sex life (but they do want to know if you will lie about it! - polly only)

    -t



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  29. #25
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I will likely have to apply for a secret level security clearance soon. I'm wondering if any of my political activism will be held against be when considering me for the clearance.

    Does anyone here have a clearance that could answer a couple questions for me?
    The company you're looking into working for will have to pay for the investigation because they cost a pretty penny. But unless you were convicted of anything major or have friends who hate you, it'll be all good.

  30. #26
    btw: a TS/SCI is worth an additional $1,000 a year in pay, as is a BS degree. Contractor circuit, but assume the same applies to gvmt employment, though you can't get most gvmt jobs without the BS.

    -t

  31. #27
    I have a TS, and didn't require a polygraph. Air Force OSI agents performed my background check while I was in basic training, and my clearance was approved when I completed my tech school.
    Last edited by Jack Parsons; 06-15-2009 at 12:09 AM.

  32. #28
    I have clearance for the Austin airport. I was never told what they were looking into, except they questioned me about my arrest and what it was for. It was a DWI. and they accidently put on my record "evading arrest" but i was able to easily talk my way out of it without them even contacting the police to confirm. Then again, Austin TSA is pretty weak.

  33. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by brandonyates View Post
    I will likely have to apply for a secret level security clearance soon. I'm wondering if any of my political activism will be held against be when considering me for the clearance.
    They will do a thorough background check, and they will review your online activity.

    "The essence of the Liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held: instead of being held dogmatically, they are held tentatively, and with a consciousness that new evidence may at any moment lead to their abandonment."

    -Bertrand Russell


    I received positive rep for extreme sarcasm from a person who thought I was serious ... please look up Poe's Law

  34. #30
    And admitting to anything, including political activism or drug use, does not in any way harm you... just don't lie.

    "The essence of the Liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held: instead of being held dogmatically, they are held tentatively, and with a consciousness that new evidence may at any moment lead to their abandonment."

    -Bertrand Russell


    I received positive rep for extreme sarcasm from a person who thought I was serious ... please look up Poe's Law

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