Is it easy to be denied top secret security clearance?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:41:06 -0400

If you were fired from a job with that disqualify you?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2019 10:14 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:14:57 -0400

No one can tell you whether you will receive a Top Secret Clearance. The reason you were fired will be a factor. Be completely honest on all forms filled out or questions asked.

Response by PO2 Joseph Bender made Sep 18 at 2019 8:14 AM

PO2 Joseph Bender — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:14:50 -0400

The entity for which you are applying for will look into your families deepest dark secrets to identify any relevant interaction that you may have had involvement in. Once approved, you may be placed on a watch list to monitor your every move. Other than that it is easy.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 18 at 2019 8:37 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:37:25 -0400

I know more people that have received TS Clearance than those denied the Clearance; therefore, I would say it is not easy to be denied the clearance. Process is pretty simple, organization will determine a need and submit the request, you will receive a questionnaire that will include questions that cover you employment history for a specific period (I think it is last five years or back to your 18th birthday whichever is shorter), Investigators will review you application and based on that information will conduct interviews of people that know you and compile an investigative record. That investigation goes to an Adjudicator which is the person that decides whether you will be granted a clearance. The Adjudicator looks at all relevant information to include your original application, the investigative report, the FBI background check, and you credit report and makes a determination whether you at risk for divulging classified information. If you are a low risk you will get the clearance. If the Adjudicator does not consider you a low risk then the clearance will be denied with a reason and you will be given a chance to appeal.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 18 at 2019 8:50 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:50:02 -0400

Depends on why you were fired, what the job was, and who did the firing. If you did not commit a criminal act leading to your termination, then it’s probably no big deal.

Response by SFC Benjamin Varlese made Sep 18 at 2019 12:39 PM

SFC Benjamin Varlese — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:39:53 -0400

My ex wife was shown to have committed no less than 13 UCMJ violations and other acts of misconduct to include falsifying information on her SF-86 (and conspiring with others to do the same) and she was still granted a TS. “Totality of the circumstances”, “whole person concept”, and despite an unfavorable ruling by an adjudicator, the approving authority can ultimately overrule it and grant a clearance. Be honest and you always have an opportunity to appeal a negative adjudication

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Sep 18 at 2019 12:52 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:52:13 -0400

Yes. It is easy to me denied any security clearance.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Sep 18 at 2019 1:02 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:02:51 -0400

Can only answer the question in generalities. Because it is up to the security clearance granting authority to decide the weight to be placed on you being fired such as, whether the firing is egregious enough to place you in a compromising position or indicates a serious character flaw. Definitely disclose your entire history. Otherwise the investigators will ask others why your were fired.

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 18 at 2019 3:29 PM

COL William Oseles — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:29:59 -0400

List all your blemishes and be truthful about them. If you lie or omit that can get you disqualified.

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Sep 18 at 2019 3:56 PM

1SG Thomas Jasak — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:56:34 -0400

Just make sure that you are completely honest about everything when you fill out all the paperwork and when they interview you and ask any questions. If they find out you are lying or hiding anything then you will be denied for sure.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 18 at 2019 7:38 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:38:43 -0400

Anything "suspicious" can cause delay. A guy I worked with was an engineering student of German decent. When he graduated, he had a job lined up with a defense contractor. In checking his background, it was found that his father had returned to Germany shortly before WWII.
That caused a detailed investigation that dragged on for 2-3 months. The finding was the father owned businesses and property in Germany that the Nazis had appropriated. He returned only to protect his property from the Nazis, not to assist them in any way.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 18 at 2019 7:50 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:50:08 -0400

Very easy to get denied

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 8:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:31:17 -0400

Depends. If you have a need for a TS, while it will take some time (last I heard for NEW was in the neighborhood of 2 years, but that varies) your unit will submit for it and you'll be called in to complete the online questionaire.

Being fired from a job for misconduct will raise questions, but be truthful. Always be truthful. If you committed a criminal act, maybe. It will depend on the act and the kind of impression you make on the investigator. During your interview, dress and act professional, it will help. Make a positive impression and a multitude of sins can be overlooked, with some exceptions (see below).

Depending on your age, they will go back 10 years or to your 16th birthday (source: son has a clearance)

Be sure to disclose any and all drug use. A little weed shouldn't impact, but anything harder CAN be a disqualifying factor. Also, traffic fines over $300.00 IIRC have to be disclosed.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Sep 18 at 2019 9:14 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:14:03 -0400

One firing does not break a security clearance unless there are charges involved and that has to be adjudicated by a higher-up. Basically, 'fess up to what you did and do not lie. That will cost you the clearance altogether if they find out.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 19 at 2019 12:07 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 12:07:30 -0400

It is VERY easy to be denied a TS, or even a SECRET. All you have to do is Lie, Lie, Lie.

Provided you are up front and honest, and that you were not fired for malfeasance or gross negligence, you will probably be OK.