I am applying to a job that prefers a DoD security clearance. I had a secret clearance that I believe was renewed in 2008. Where do I check to see if this was updated, or who can I contact?
Answers
Hi Edward,
Your security _access_ was revoked at the time of your leaving the job for which that clearance was needed and your security clearance was deactivated at that time. Your background investigation remains current for 24 months. Your security _access_ can be reinstated by qualifying for all the prerequisites of the new job within 24 months of your last background investigation.
http://www.dami.army.pentagon.mil/site/PerSec/docs/Army%20Security%20Clearance%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Just because your security clearance is not active does not mean that you don't have a leg up on a job applicant that has had no prior security clearance. Your background investigation for your original access is a good indicator that you are more well qualified since the new background investigation will only need to bring your information up-to-date rather than go back through your entire life.
You might read some of the issues surrounding the latest story about improper handing of classified material and be sure you take circumspectual actions to ensure you avoid even the appearance of mishandling while you are waiting to get your clearance reactivated.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton_email_controversy
Secret clearances are not trivial but they are not that hard to get either. Moving from Secret to Top Secret is a big step which requires much more in-depth background investigation and analysis.
In addition to the recommendation above, you should also go back yourself through your finances for the last several decades, run a credit report on yourself, and clear up any outstanding bills that may show up there.
Also remember that the Internet's ability to reproduce anything you have ever posted on any site is a huge disadvantage to you. Don't post anything on any web site or social media at all that could be used to your disadvantage later.
Best regards,
JG
Security clearances are generally good for up to 2 years after separation or until your periodic review has expired.
Basically after you leave the service, your clearance falls into one of three categories:
Active, Current, and Expired.
Based on the information you've provided, you likely fall into the Expired Category.
Fear not, though since you've already had a clearance, you'll likely be eligible for reinstatement.
A co-worker recently went though this process, all he did was fill out another SF-86 and do an interview with a background investigator. Our SSO granted him an interim Secret clearance, and 3 months later was adjudicated for his Secret clearance.
Dice has a excellent overview of security clearances which I've linked : https://www.clearancejobs.com/security_clearance_faq.pdf
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