Anyone have a security clearance?

[brandon]

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?

 

[Anti Federalist]

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?

 

[Dr.3D]

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

 

[brandon]

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?

 

[Danke]

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!

 

[Anti Federalist]

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.

 

[Objectivist]

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

 

[malkusm]

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....

 

[Cowlesy]

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!

 

[brandon]

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.

 

[Dr.3D]

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.

 

[brandon]

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.

 

[Dr.3D]

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.

 

[Cowlesy]

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

 

[malkusm]

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...

 

[Brian4Liberty]

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...

 

[torchbearer]

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/forums/YaBB.pl?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/summary_0286-30176792_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


if you fall for the gag- you are the fool.

 

[Cowlesy]

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.

 

[yongrel]

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.

 

[Anti Federalist]

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.