Posted on Jan 31, 2014
Do you lose your security clearance when you leave the military?
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Does anyone know if your security clearance gets lowered/revoked when you separate from Active Military Service?
Posted in these groups: 
Civilians
Civilians
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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Clearances are usually valid until the expiration date of the clearance - 10 years for Secret, and 5 for TS. But I have heard some stuff about you losing them after a year of being out if you don't get another need to know job. I don't have any specifics for you though!
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SrA Daniel Hunter
Okay, thank you. I had Secret Clearance when I separated in 1999. I got out due to a medical issue with an Honorable. Although I have tried 3 times to get back in, it is a no go. So I have looked at civilian contract work. They also require a secret clearance. Thanks again!
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MSgt Michael Durkee
If you are looking to do Civilian Contract work, they can initiate the procedures for you to get another clearance if needed for the job. Previously having a security clearance may cut down on the amount of time it takes to be finalized/granted.
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SPC John Kelly
Is it hard to get? I have multpile DUIs and bad credit, etc..but Im an IT guy with over 15 years experience, I was just a little wild when I was younger. I would love to get a job overseas with a DOD contractor but I dont think I can get a security clearance. Do any of you guys know of any resources for me to check with?
Thanks
John
Thanks
John
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Your clearance goes 'Inactive' when you are no longer in a billet that requires it.
So if you have a TS clearance based on a SSBI, and get out, it will go inactive (think of it like a light switch). It is 'off' but still there. If you get a job with the government, and are in a billet that requires a clearance, they can just turn it back 'on' up until the expiration (5 years from the SSBI Adjudication Date for TS, 10 years for S).
If you get a job in the civilian sector, they will have to convert you from Government to Industrial (this is strictly administrative and doesn't change any of the dates). The act of doing this will also turn 'on' the clearance.
One year prior to the expiration of your clearance, you should renew it, giving them plenty of time to process new paperwork. With a renewal in, they can grant an extension pending renewal.
So if you have a TS clearance based on a SSBI, and get out, it will go inactive (think of it like a light switch). It is 'off' but still there. If you get a job with the government, and are in a billet that requires a clearance, they can just turn it back 'on' up until the expiration (5 years from the SSBI Adjudication Date for TS, 10 years for S).
If you get a job in the civilian sector, they will have to convert you from Government to Industrial (this is strictly administrative and doesn't change any of the dates). The act of doing this will also turn 'on' the clearance.
One year prior to the expiration of your clearance, you should renew it, giving them plenty of time to process new paperwork. With a renewal in, they can grant an extension pending renewal.
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