Security Clearances

At Military Defender, we regularly represent service members, federal employees, and defense contractors who are concerned that foreign contacts — or even marriage to a foreign national — may jeopardize their security clearance. These fears are understandable. Security clearance adjudications closely examine foreign relationships under the “foreign influence” guidelines. However, the existence of foreign contacts alone does not automatically result…

At Military Defender, we frequently represent service members, federal employees, and defense contractors whose security clearances are denied or revoked due to financial concerns. For many professionals, this comes as a shock. Financial struggles are common, yet within the security clearance process, they are often viewed as potential indicators of risk. A clearance denial based on finances does not mean…

For many service members, losing a security clearance can be just as devastating as a criminal conviction—sometimes even more so. A clearance suspension, denial, or revocation can remove a service member from their position overnight, halt promotions, and ultimately lead to involuntary separation from the military. All of this can happen without a court-martial, criminal charges, or a guilty finding…

For many service members, a security clearance is more than a job requirement—it is the foundation of their military career and future opportunities in federal service or defense contracting. When a clearance is denied, suspended, or revoked, the impact can be immediate and devastating. Loss of assignment, stalled promotions, forced separation, and long-term career damage often follow. At MilitaryDefender, a…

The infamous Question 21 of the security clearance form (SF-86) once asked if the applicant had sought help from mental health professional within the last seven. Saying yes was a red flag and even caused at least one person to leave the military rather than answer it. With greater awareness of PTSD and other documented mental health challenges related to…

What financial issues are explored? The questionnaire for a security clearance position is a lengthy, imposing document. The financial component is one of the longest, most thoroughly treated sections in the questionnaire (section 26, starting on page 117 of the document). The issues explored in this questionnaire include: Filing for bankruptcy Struggling with financial problems due to gambling Failing to…

Why does debt matter? When it comes to your financial history, your debt is not the only things that the adjudicative agency will consider, but it does play a role. In general, your financial history is important to your security clearance because it can reflect your behavior and your level of honesty. For example, if you have not filed your tax…

Who can initiate a suitability action? In general, the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 731) outlines the rules and procedures for suitability investigations, determinations and actions. According to this authority, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the employing agency to which the OPM has delegated this authority can initiate these procedures. Generally, these investigations take place when someone…

What can prevent you from getting a security clearance? Gaining security clearance is an important step in your career. However, the Department of Defense (DOD) will vet and research you before you can get clearance. This vetting process will look at your background and search such things as: Your personal history Your sexual activity Your criminal record Your current information…

Security clearance denials When looking into a career that requires security clearance (and the same frequently holds true for seeking enlistment into a branch of the military), three of most common reasons people are denied are: A criminal conviction and judicial restraint: If you have been convicted of any type of serious crime, this could present a red flag for…