Should retired/replaced government officials retain their security clearances after leaving office?

One consideration is that some individuals need to be consulted after leaving the position, and that consultation requires that the former employee has clearance to discuss the topic. It’s not the ex-employee’s need to know; it’s the new employee’s need to ask.

When they leave or retire their clearance should end, if they are called back for whatever reason they need to be re-vetted to see if the still qualify for a security clearance.

Looking at defense industry technology jobs lately, my answer is yes, at least long enough to move into a job that requires an existing, active clearance. I only a Secret clearance, but looking at jobs, many of them require an active TS/SCI. Not eligible to get one. Not unlikely to steal silverware. Active TS/SCI. (Makes me wonder if perhaps the TS/SCI classification is being spray-painted all over the place without a whole lot of rhyme or reason to it.)

When I got out of Service in 1993 I transitioned directly to a position trucking military munitions overseas and USA for 10 years. Afterwards I also moved diretly into an 8 years position as a military instructor @ Fort Knox, Fort Benning and Overseas. Both requires clearances. I did get an automatic (can't do that now) interim while I was re-investigated.
I currently have let it lapse as of 2014, because I became an EMT in Louisville and currently now work @Larue County Jail as a Supervisor of a Road Crew - both which required a Kentucky 'Public Trust' investigation. The fact that I had a TS paved the way so I was cleared in 2 weeks. The request moved straight through the process and was returned pronto.
So there can be benefits, but you have to be debriefed and your clearance is suspended. I always had to update sign an new Official Secret Act form at each debriefing.

You need to remember "Security Clearance" does not give you ACCESS to anything. A clearance, when granted is valid for 10 years. It doesn't mean you can see or touch anything though.

When you receive your clearance you then need to go through the process of being granted access. If you are in 1st Bn. you may or may not be able to look at documents re. to 2nd Bn. for example. When you transfer to another unit, part of the checkout process is going to security where you will have your access revoked. Upon reporting you do the opposite, this time maybe not being granted access to any material at all.

The Billet you fill will have a lot to do with it. I've held Top Secret clearance but gone to new units where I could only view Secret information.

I held a TS clearance for most of my 22 year military career. When I retired I no longer needed it. Why would I even consider needing it unless I went back to work for the Government and the job required it....(Never going to happen)

Without adequate protections in place, losing your clearance could be construed as for cause. A clearance can be a huge benefit to transitioning to another position somewhere else. This is a much more complex subject when you really think about it.

Not unless needed for a new position with one that coincides with the new position no matter how low it goes. Why have a top notch super duper secret if al that is needed a confidential or none at alĺ. Look at how many from the Russian and American secrets that were traded due to an unnecessary clearence allowed.

Ours were good for two years after we got out. If not used they go away. If used at a different job set, it just saves the company you are working for time and money. So I don't think it should be an indefinite time frame. It took me almost two years to find a job that required one.

no