Keeping Your Nose Clean

I've been asked how to get through one of these checks for a government job. I just went through a security clearance update. I’ve been through many of these and even more background checks. A security clearance is similar to an extensive background check. When I was in the military, I held a Top Secret security clearance. All this means is that more time and deeper checking goes on than the Secret clearance that I hold now. Organizations that require security clearances like members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Mormons) because they usually can pass these checks easily. Not that some members would not have financial problems, but usually there is no substance use problems. Usually there are no problems in the area of sexual behavior either. There are plenty of others that are not members that pass these checks. The criteria for holding Secret and Top Secret clearances is roughly: 1. Allegiance to the United States 2. Foreign Influence 3. Foreign Preference 4. Sexual Behavior 5. Personal Conduct 6. Financial Considerations 7. Alcohol Consumption 8. Drug Involvement 9. Psychological Conditions 10. Criminal Conduct 11. Handling Protected Information 12. Outside Activities 13. Use of Information Technology Systems I say roughly because different agencies have different requirements so some of the above criteria may be slightly different. Department of Defense uses the above criteria. They also require a background check just to get on the installation and to work. Some military bases will let those who are already working on that base sponsor visitors on the installation. There are always places that not just anyone can go. Flightlines are usually a hotspot. Aircraft, and even more so, the equipment on different aircraft, can be very sensitive. Usually communications buildings, command posts, and other command and control buildings are off limits to those who have no business in that area or building. DOD is notorious for securing areas and being quite strict in its enforcement. Nothing did my heart good than to see a jerk of a person get jacked up crossing a red line. I know that’s not nice but usually it was deserved. There were a few times I found myself in “no mans land” and luckily did not get caught. Military security is pretty serious. National security eligibility determinations take into account a person’s: Stability, Trustworthiness, Reliability, Discretion, Character, Honesty, Judgment, Unquestionable loyalty to the U.S. Those who wish to overthrow or undermine the government by unconstitutional or violent means; terrorist groups; and individuals who: May be susceptible to pressure or improper influence; Have shown dishonesty or lack of integrity which casts doubt upon their reliability; Have demonstrated behavior or are subject to circumstances which may otherwise indicate unreliability. Security concerns might include supporting sedition or applying for citizenship in another country. Investigators also look out for a pattern of high-risk sexual behavior or a history of not meeting financial obligations. A single instance of concern in any area will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. The reviewers also consider the applicant's response to the concern. Was it truthful, complete, and voluntary? Has the applicant shown positive behavior changes since the concerning incident? So, if you are applying for a government job, remember to be open and honest with your answers. If you fudge the truth on this application and it is found out at any time in your career, you will be fired. You will be escorted off the installation or worse. I had a supervisor who was just accused of a crime (which he was eventually convicted of), and the commander had him escorted off his base. Base or Wing, or Battalion, etc. Commanders are “God” on their Post or Base. What they say goes. It is their small kingdom. This Commander did not want to wait for any due process, and he was not required to. So, remember that. The military doesn’t have much tolerance for impropriety. Be careful in your behavior including your uploaded content. Pictures and comments have gotten people fired from government jobs. Is it fair? Maybe not. Civilians usually are looked at with more scrutiny than military members. The reason is, commanders can do more to military members than they can civilians. How impeccable is your reputation? Could it pass government scrutiny? Staying off the radar or being the “gray man” is advantageous in this day and age. Not only is it smart for privacy reasons, but security reasons also. Be invisible if you can. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn