your opinions please, re can I get a security clearance??

[ima_sinnic]

A little while ago I wrote kind of nasty note to Dumbya on the MoveOn petition against the marriage amendment--with my own real name & e-mail. A few minutes later I was perusing federal job openings at JobsUSA when I saw one at USDA I'd like to apply for. Upon reading all the fine print, it does say a security clearance would be required (the job entails writing some high-level correspondence and even speeches).

I also have a web site that is totally anti-Bush, now dormant (as of mid-May), with domain name registered to me, that ran for a year until I no longer had time for it. However, when I flew to and from Kansas City a few months ago I didn't even have to take off my shoes for inspection, like many of the other passengers did, which told me they really weren't keeping that close tabs on me -- yet.

In the 60s I was a Vietnam War protestor (but never got arrested) and in the 80s a Central America protestor (participated in a sleep-in in George Mitchell's office, for one thing). I have written numerous letters to Congresspeople over the years, especially in the past year.

Whaddaya think? Those fed apps wring all the energy out of me--I just mailed off the 3rd one I've done in the last week or so--and don't really want to put in the time on something that will go nowhere b/c of this security thing.

[luaneryder]

1. It would depend on the type of job and agency

Low level clearances are fairly cursory; within the VA and military systems which are the ones I am familiar with. Even a TS in the military was not that difficult to obtain.

[ima_sinnic]

4. oh, I see

--this would be with the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)--they do a lot of work with permits and so on for international transport of plants and animals. It says they are "an emergency response agency."

[oneighty]

2. Just answer honestly

to each and every question on the application. FBI,CIA and perhaps others are going to learn everything anyway. To be caught in an outright lie will hurt or ruin your chances. Also give good references; people that have known you for many years are the best. Your neighbors might also be questioned, be nice to them.

180

[papau]

3. USDA security clearance should be about as tough as a TSA

airport clearance or a concealed carry clearance. A few folk agree that your not crazy and a file check shows no bad intentions in the past (demonstrations w/o arrest should not matter).

The CIA and NSA top clearance took 18 months for me to clear long ago - including all the special interviews - and I suspect it would be much faster 40 years later with computers. However, while I did not take the job offer, applying put me on the radar for the last 40 years - it has not been a big deal - but you will get a file that never goes away!

Good Luck.

On edit: - You can be certain that your neighbors will be questioned - just as 180 noted above!

:-)

[ima_sinnic]

5. yes, I was kinda afraid of that (the lasting file)

--hmmm, maybe will rethink this.
I have never been arrested for anything or been committed to a mental hospital or anything like that, so it sounds like I could pass okay. but, you're right. do I want to get on their radar? not so sure.

edit: can you believe I barely know any of my neighbors. I am hermit-like.

[livetohike]

6. You will have to list some personal references

and they will be called and interviewed regarding you.

Some questions include:

Do you have money problems?

Have you ever participated in a group that wanted to overthrow the government?

Do you abuse drugs or alcohol?

How did you meet?

Be sure to ask your intended references if they would be a reference for you! My husband was just interviewed last week for a friend's top secret clearance and he knew he would be called.

[ima_sinnic]

8. hmm, I do have money problems

geesh, I hope they don't think I'd turn to embezzlement or fraud or something!!

[livetohike]

12. It's got to be some really serious money trouble.

They want to determine if you would be likely to take a bribe in exchange for secret information.

[ima_sinnic]

13. oh, I see.

well, it depends on how big the bribe is. :)

just kidding, just kidding --

[BrotherBuzz]

7. Be truthful always...

and I see no problem. If you try to hide something they will find out. Always! Loyalty to the constitution doesn't translate to loyalty to Bush*co. Your political opinion is yours, and yours alone. Just my opinion.

[ima_sinnic]

9. okay, yes, I know you are right, thanks (eom)

[The Shadow]

10. It's Hard To Say.

Generally, what they look for is a criminal past, IE. felonies etc.
Then they will look at your financial history, right now in this country, post 9/11, financial issues are looked at as a vulnerability, IE. susceptible to coercion by terrorists and whatnot.

But my experience has been that prospective employees are only given a precursory check for obvious issues and after selection for a position, a more in depth clearance check will be performed, taking anywhere from 6 months to over a year. Prior security clearances, such as for those who have served in the military, tends to slow the process somewhat. This is due to the fact that they have more information to check on ex military personnel.

I hope this helps. Oh yes, never ever lie on your job applications, even if they do not catch it and hire you, if the lie is ever revealed they will remove you.

[ima_sinnic]

11. thanks, yes it does.

I do have money problems--but if I could get a good job like this one, I wouldn't. go figure.

[jayavarman]

14. #1 Be Honest!

About everything.

As far as the $$ troubles go, I've known of several people whose security clearances have been denied or held up due to bad credit/bankruptcies/etc . . .

Expect to be asked about negative things on credit reports (just as you can expect to be asked about drug/alcohol use & any # of other topics)

I know of one guy who was questioned about an expensive car loan that showed up on his credit (it was always paid on time). Car payment seemed high in comparison with his income at the time & raised a red flag. (it turned out it was a company car & the bill was paid by his employer)

Just being honest is the best thing you can do. Your financial problems may not keep you from getting the security clearance. Lying about your problems, however, will definitely keep you clearanceless!

Best of luck!