Learning Objective: Examine the process of achieving a U.S. security clearance As you create your master plan for success, consider the variety of tools needed to gain a competitive edge in your industry. By familiarizing yourself with the extensive U.S. security clearance process, you can begin to prepare to access opportunities that help you excel. This seminar will guide you through the process of getting and keeping a U.S. security clearance. We will also explore the future and emerging career opportunities that require various clearance levels. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: a. Identify a series of career paths and associated tools to improve job marketability. b. List a series of certification and association options. c. Understand the security clearance process and associated misconceptions and mistakes.

1. Want A Security Clearance ?
This Is What You Need To Know
LTC Prichard-Allen U.S. Army Cyber Command
Robbin Johnson, CISSP Department of Defense

2. Careers in the Intelligence Community

3. What is The Purpose of a Security
Clearance?
• The purpose of personal security clearance is to
determine whether a person is able and willing to
safeguard classified national security information
based on his or her loyalty, character,
trustworthiness, and reliability.

4. Who May
Apply for a Security Clearance?
 Individuals cannot apply for a personnel security
clearance application on their own.
 Rather, the company determines whether an
employee will require access to classified information
in performance of tasks or services related to the
fulfillment of a classified contract.
 Once the company makes this determination, the
individual may be processed for a security clearance.

5. How Many Types or Levels of Security
Clearance are There?
• There are three levels of security clearance, with the
highest level being
TOP SECRET (“grave danger to NS ”)
SECRET (“serious danger to NS”)
CONFIDENTIAL (“some damage to NS”)
• In addition, some classified information has extra
protection measures applied such as SCI and
Special Access Programs (SAP). Special approval
must be given to have access to this information

6. Who Issues Personal Security
Clearance?
• The Department of Defense issues personnel
security clearances for DOD civilians, military and
contractor personnel who require access to
classified information.
• However other DOD agencies issue clearances as
well (intelligence agency)

7. Security Clearance Process
• How long does it take to process a collateral
security clearance?
• Secret Approx. 1-6 months (no issues)
• Top Secret Approx. 3-9 months (no issues) with
issues 10, 12, 16, 18 months or longer
• What is the process?
• Pre-investigation – filling out the appropriate forms
and applications process
• Investigation –OPM conducts the background
checks on the individual (fingerprint check)

8. Background Investigation
• SF 86 (10 years of your past)
• Interviews, neighbors, friends
• Criminal background checks
• Speeding tickets
• Social media accounts
• Computer crimes, circumventing security measures, gaining
unauthorized passwords, credit checks/bank
records/bankruptcies
• Verify school records

9. Background Continued
• Foreign travel
• Foreign affiliations
• Allegiance to the US
• Interview sit down with Investigator. May need multiple
interviews before to tie up loose ends before report is
finalized
• Polygraph test CI or Full Scope Lifestyle

10. Adjudication
• Allegiance to the United States
• Foreign Influence
• Foreign Preference
• Sexual Conduct
• Personal Conduct
• Financial Considerations

11. Adjudication
• Alcohol Consumption
• Drug Involvement
• Psychological Conditions
• Criminal Conduct
• Handling classified or protected information

12. Pitfalls to Retention
• Nature, Extent and Seriousness of Conduct
• Circumstances surrounding Conduct
• Frequency and how recent was the Conduct
• Age and maturity at time of Conduct
• Extent of participation
• Presence or Absence of Behavioral Changed
• Motivation for the Conduct

13. More Pitfalls
• Extent of participation
• Presence or Absence of Behavioral Changed
• Motivation for the Conduct
• Potential for Pressure, Exploitation, Coercion or
Duress
• Likelihood of Continuation or Recurrence

14. CASE STUDY A
• Topic: Financial, Personal Conduct
-15 credit cards Totaling $100,000
-All debts settled or successfully disputed
-Sought credit counseling service and
established a viable budget plan
-Hired attorney to resolve a difficult debt
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

15. Case Study B
• Topic: Financial Personal, Criminal Conduct
-27 year old employee of defense contractor
-History of criminal actions, traffic infractions,
irresponsible financial decisions.
-Appears to be headed in the right direction but has
not yet established a track record of responsible
behavior
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

16. Case Study C
Topic: Foreign Influence, Personal Conduct
-Applicant born and educated in Morocco
-Came to US in 1999 and became US citizen in 2007
-Married a Moroccan in 2004. she intends to become a US citizen
-All family members live in Morocco
-Retained Moroccan passport after becoming a US citizen;
destroyed it when he learned it raised security concerns
-On security clearance application, failed to disclose 2 civil actions
and some of his foreign travel, because he did not understand the
questions; answered truthfully during interview
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

17. Questions