Which Periodic Reinvestigation Is Required For Continued Secret Clearance

Periodic Reinvestigation: Maintaining Your Secret Clearance

Maintaining a Secret clearance isn't a one-time event. It requires ongoing vigilance and adherence to security protocols, including a periodic reinvestigation. This process is designed to ensure that individuals entrusted with classified information continue to meet the required standards of trustworthiness and reliability. Understanding the intricacies of the periodic reinvestigation process is crucial for anyone holding a Secret clearance.

Understanding the Need for Periodic Reinvestigations

A Secret clearance grants access to classified information that could cause serious damage to national security if compromised. The government needs to be sure that those with access to this information remain trustworthy. Life circumstances change. A person's allegiance, financial stability, or susceptibility to coercion can shift over time. Periodic reinvestigations act as a safeguard, verifying that individuals still meet the stringent criteria for holding a security clearance.

Who Needs a Periodic Reinvestigation?

Anyone holding a Secret clearance is subject to periodic reinvestigations. This includes military personnel, government employees, and contractors working for government agencies or organizations that handle classified information. The specific requirements and timelines may vary depending on the agency, the individual's role, and any specific circumstances that may warrant more frequent reviews.

The Timeline for Periodic Reinvestigations of a Secret Clearance

The standard periodic reinvestigation timeline for a Secret clearance is currently every 5 years. This timeframe is subject to change based on evolving national security needs and policy adjustments. It's crucial to stay informed about the most up-to-date requirements from your security manager or relevant government agency.

The eApp: Your Key to the Reinvestigation Process

The reinvestigation process typically begins with the individual completing an electronic questionnaire, often referred to as an eApp. The specific form used will depend on the agency and the level of clearance, but it's often the SF86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions). This comprehensive form requires detailed information about your personal history, including:

• Personal Data: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, Social Security number, and contact information.
• Residences: A detailed record of all residences over a specified period (typically the last 7-10 years).
• Education: Information about schools attended, degrees earned, and dates of attendance.
• Employment History: A comprehensive list of all employers, including dates of employment, job titles, and contact information for supervisors.
• Foreign Contacts: Information about any close and continuing relationships with foreign nationals, including their names, contact information, and the nature of the relationship.
• Foreign Travel: A record of all foreign travel, including dates, destinations, and reasons for travel.
• Criminal History: Details of any arrests, charges, or convictions, regardless of whether they were dismissed or expunged.
• Financial History: Information about debts, bankruptcies, tax liens, and any other financial issues.
• Drug and Alcohol Use: A history of drug and alcohol use, including any treatment or counseling received.
• Mental Health: Information about any mental health treatment or counseling received.
• Security Violations: Details of any security violations or incidents you have been involved in.

Accuracy is Paramount: It is absolutely critical that you answer all questions on the eApp completely and honestly. Any omissions, inconsistencies, or misrepresentations can raise serious concerns and potentially lead to the suspension or revocation of your clearance. If you are unsure about how to answer a question, seek guidance from your security manager or a qualified security professional.

What Happens After You Submit Your eApp?

Once you submit your eApp, the information you provided will be reviewed and verified. This process typically involves:

• Background Checks: A comprehensive background check will be conducted, which may include reviewing criminal records, credit reports, and other relevant databases.
• Record Checks: Investigators will verify information through official records, such as employment records, education transcripts, and military service records.
• Interviews: You may be required to participate in an interview with an investigator. This interview is an opportunity for the investigator to clarify any questions or concerns that may have arisen during the background check. They may also ask about your personal life, your work habits, and your adherence to security regulations.
• Reference Checks: Investigators may contact individuals you have listed as references to gather additional information about your character, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Key Areas of Concern During a Reinvestigation

Several key areas are scrutinized during a reinvestigation to assess your continued eligibility for a Secret clearance. These include:

• Criminal Conduct: Any criminal activity, regardless of whether it resulted in a conviction, can raise concerns about your trustworthiness.
• Financial Issues: Significant debt, bankruptcies, tax liens, or other financial problems can make you vulnerable to coercion or bribery.
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Substance abuse can impair judgment and increase the risk of security violations.
• Mental Health Issues: Certain mental health conditions can raise concerns about your ability to handle classified information responsibly.
• Foreign Influence: Close and continuing relationships with foreign nationals can make you susceptible to foreign influence or exploitation.
• Security Violations: Any violations of security regulations, such as mishandling classified information or failing to report a security incident, can raise concerns about your commitment to security protocols.

The Adjudication Process: Making the Final Decision

After the investigation is complete, the results are reviewed by an adjudicator. The adjudicator will consider all available information to determine whether you continue to meet the standards for a Secret clearance. The adjudication process is guided by the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, which outline the factors to be considered in making clearance determinations. These guidelines provide a framework for evaluating potential risks and determining whether an individual's continued access to classified information is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

The adjudicator will weigh any potentially disqualifying information against mitigating factors. Mitigating factors are circumstances that may reduce the significance of a potential security concern. For example, if you have a history of financial problems, but you have taken steps to address the issues and are now in good financial standing, this could be considered a mitigating factor.

Possible Outcomes of a Periodic Reinvestigation

The outcome of a periodic reinvestigation can vary depending on the findings of the investigation and the adjudicator's assessment. Possible outcomes include:

• Clearance Reaffirmed: If the investigation reveals no significant concerns, your clearance will be reaffirmed, and you can continue to access classified information.
• Clearance Continued with Conditions: In some cases, your clearance may be continued with certain conditions or restrictions. For example, you may be required to attend counseling or undergo additional monitoring.
• Clearance Suspension: If the investigation reveals serious concerns, your clearance may be suspended pending further investigation.
• Clearance Revocation: If the investigation reveals that you no longer meet the standards for a security clearance, your clearance may be revoked. This means you will no longer be authorized to access classified information.

What to Do If Your Clearance Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Secret clearance is suspended or revoked, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process varies depending on the agency that issued the clearance. You will typically have a limited time to submit a written appeal, outlining the reasons why you believe the decision was incorrect. You may also have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony in support of your appeal.

It is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel from an attorney experienced in security clearance matters if you are facing a suspension or revocation. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the appeals process, and present the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Continuous Evaluation: A Shift in Security Practices

In recent years, there has been a shift towards continuous evaluation programs. Continuous evaluation involves ongoing monitoring of individuals with security clearances to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. This may include automated checks of criminal records, credit reports, and other databases, as well as monitoring of social media activity and other online behavior. The goal of continuous evaluation is to proactively identify and mitigate potential security risks before they can lead to a security incident. Continuous evaluation is not meant to replace periodic reinvestigations, but rather to supplement them.

Tips for a Smooth Reinvestigation Process

• Be Proactive: Don't wait until your reinvestigation is due to start gathering the necessary information. Keep your personal records up-to-date and be prepared to provide detailed information about your life.
• Be Honest and Accurate: Honesty and accuracy are paramount. Any omissions or misrepresentations can raise serious concerns.
• Disclose Reportable Information: Promptly report any incidents that could potentially affect your security clearance, such as arrests, financial problems, or foreign contacts.
• Seek Guidance When Needed: If you are unsure about how to answer a question on the eApp or if you have any concerns about your security clearance, seek guidance from your security manager or a qualified security professional.
• Cooperate Fully with Investigators: Cooperate fully with investigators and provide them with all the information they need to conduct a thorough investigation.
• Maintain a Good Record: Adhere to security regulations and maintain a good record of performance.

Maintaining Your Eligibility Between Reinvestigations

Maintaining your Secret clearance is an ongoing responsibility, not just a periodic event. Here are some key steps you can take to maintain your eligibility between reinvestigations:

• Adhere to Security Regulations: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all applicable security regulations and policies.
• Protect Classified Information: Protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure.
• Report Security Incidents: Promptly report any security incidents or violations to your security manager.
• Maintain Financial Responsibility: Manage your finances responsibly and avoid accumulating excessive debt.
• Avoid Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Avoid drug and alcohol abuse, which can impair judgment and increase the risk of security violations.
• Report Foreign Contacts: Report any close and continuing relationships with foreign nationals to your security manager.
• Be Aware of Insider Threat Indicators: Be aware of the indicators of potential insider threats and report any suspicious behavior to your security manager.

The Importance of Self-Reporting

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining your security clearance is self-reporting. You are obligated to report any information that could potentially affect your eligibility for a clearance, even if you are unsure whether it is reportable. Prompt self-reporting demonstrates your honesty and integrity and can help mitigate potential security concerns. Examples of information that should be self-reported include:

• Arrests or criminal charges
• Financial problems, such as bankruptcies or tax liens
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Mental health treatment
• Close and continuing relationships with foreign nationals
• Security violations

Understanding the SF86: A Deeper Dive

The SF86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, is the standard form used for security clearance investigations and reinvestigations. It's a comprehensive document that gathers detailed information about your background and personal history. Here's a more in-depth look at some key sections of the SF86:

• Section 1: Personal Information: This section collects basic personal data, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, and Social Security number.
• Section 2: Residences: This section requires you to list all residences you have lived in over a specified period (typically the last 7-10 years). Be sure to provide accurate addresses and dates of residence.
• Section 3: Education: This section asks for information about schools attended, degrees earned, and dates of attendance.
• Section 4: Employment Activities: This section requires you to list all employers you have worked for, including dates of employment, job titles, and contact information for supervisors.
• Section 7: Foreign Activities: This section asks about foreign travel, foreign contacts, and any other connections you have with foreign countries.
• Section 10: Criminal Record: This section requires you to disclose any arrests, charges, or convictions, regardless of whether they were dismissed or expunged.
• Section 11: Illegal Use of Drugs and Drug Activity: This section asks about your history of drug use, including the types of drugs used, the frequency of use, and the dates of use.
• Section 12: Mental Health and Counseling: This section asks about any mental health treatment or counseling you have received.
• Section 13: Financial Record: This section asks about your financial history, including debts, bankruptcies, tax liens, and any other financial issues.
• Section 22: Use of Information Technology Systems: This section asks about your use of information technology systems and your adherence to cybersecurity policies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the SF86

Completing the SF86 can be a daunting task, and it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Leaving Questions Blank: Answer every question on the form, even if the answer is "None" or "Not Applicable." Leaving questions blank can raise suspicions and delay the processing of your application.
• Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Double-check all the information you provide to ensure it is complete and accurate.
• Failing to Disclose Reportable Information: Be sure to disclose any information that could potentially affect your security clearance, even if you are unsure whether it is reportable.
• Providing Vague or Ambiguous Answers: Provide clear and concise answers to all questions. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language.
• Failing to Review the Form Before Submitting: Before submitting the form, review it carefully to ensure that all questions are answered completely and accurately.

Resources for Security Clearance Holders

Several resources are available to help you understand and navigate the security clearance process:

• Your Security Manager: Your security manager is your primary point of contact for all security-related matters.
• The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA): DSCA provides guidance and oversight for the security clearance process.
• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM): OPM conducts background investigations for federal employees and contractors.
• Security Clearance Attorneys: Attorneys experienced in security clearance matters can provide legal advice and representation.

Conclusion

The periodic reinvestigation is a critical component of maintaining your Secret clearance. By understanding the process, being proactive, and adhering to security regulations, you can increase your chances of a successful reinvestigation and continue to serve in a position of trust and responsibility. Remember that honesty, accuracy, and self-reporting are key to maintaining your eligibility for a security clearance.