Should Soldiers with dual-citizenship be allowed to maintain their dual-citizenship and hold a TS/SCI if the country is a FVEY country?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:22:20 -0500

When I enlisted, I had to renounce my dual nationality to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. Being half British, I am proud of my heritage and enjoy traveling to visit my family that lives in England. I don't have an issue with not currently having a British Passport, but it would make life easier to avoid having to go through customs in England every time lol.

My question is, do you believe dual nationals should be allowed to keep their status as dual nationals and keep or be able to obtain a security clearance as long as the country is a FVEY partner?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 9 at 2021 8:29 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 08:29:01 -0500

Personally I don't believe they should be allowed to keep dual status. I spent 3 and 1/2 years working for the State Department as an Embassy Guard and saw what lengths foreign nations go to in an effort to influence Foreign Nationals. It would be an easy way to get leverage on an individual or their family. Removing the liability right out the gate may not be the popular move but in the way of security it's a smart move.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 4:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:15:25 -0500

I was under the impression even in the last few years all the TS clearances were revoked even for SM's with foreign spouses. Never mind SM's with duel citizenship.

We go back and forth on this. I remember way back when I was a SPC there was a MI CPT with an uncle that was an Iranian military officer.

Where is the line drawn??????????

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 4:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:28:31 -0500

I've always thought it was silly that Soldiers with friendly nations dual citizenship can't have a TS. But, then again people who have served in the Peace Corps within the last five years can't hold MI MOS's either, so it makes sense that there is a real threat from influence by friendly nations as SSgt Christophe Murphy pointed out. A foreign nation can leverage a lot of influence on a person when their family still resides in that nation.