Want a Security Clearance? This is what you need to know As you create your master plan for success, consider the variety of tools needed to gain a competitive edge in your industry. By familiarizing oneself with the extensive US Security Clearance Process, you can begin to prepare and access opportunities that help you excel. This workshop will guide you through the processing of getting and keeping a US security clearance. Further, we will explore the future and emerging career opportunities that require various clearance levels. Learning Outcome: Increase knowledge and awareness around the US security Clearance process At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: a) Identify a series of career paths and associated tools to improve job marketability b) List a series of certification and association options c) Review the security clearance process and associated misconceptions and mistakes

1. WANT A SECURITY CLEARANCE?
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Michael J. Belzil, Security Director
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Palmdale, California

2. Agenda
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Our Goal: Demystify the Mystical!
Basics, Career Paths, Value
Certification Process
Pitfalls & How to Avoid Mistakes
Case Studies
BLUF: In most cases, “they” really don’t
care what you’ve done, as long as you tell
them!

3. Security Clearance Basics
• What is a Security Clearance?
– Approval by the US government view
classified information
• Career Paths
– Govt, Military, Defense/Bio/Tech Industry, etc.
• Value – WIFM?
– A security clearance can increase your salary
$5,000 to $15,000

4. More Basics
• What are the security clearance levels?
– Confidential
– Secret
– Top Secret
• How long is it good for?
– As long as needed; subject to periodic review
– Reinvestigations: currently 15, 10 or 5 years
for Confidential, Secret or Top Secret

5. Certification Process
• Sponsored by U.S. government or your
company
• Native born or naturalized US citizen
• Application -> investigation -> approval
• Processing time varies
• 1-3 months for a CONFIDENTIAL clearance
• 1-3 months for SECRET clearance
• 4-8 months for a TOP SECRET clearance

6. More Process
• 3 steps to getting a security clearance
– Apply via SF-86, verify citizenship, fingerprints
• Answer questions truthfully and completely
• Re-do delays processing
– Background investigation
• Interviews with you and your references
– Review (adjudication) and approval

7. Pitfalls to Retention
• Professional
– Allegiance to the United States (Disloyalty)
– Misuse of Information Technology
– Mishandling Protected Information
– Outside Activities
– Foreign Influence
– Foreign Preference

8. More Pitfalls
• Personal
– Change in Personal Status
– Alcohol Consumption
– Criminal Conduct
– Drug Involvement
– Financial Considerations
– Conduct, Behavior, Disorders
– Judgment, Social Networking

9. Questions?
Seminar
Title

10. Case Study #1
• Topic: Financial, Personal Conduct
– 15 debts totaling $82,000
– All debts settled or successfully disputed
– Sought credit counseling service and
established a viable budget
– Hired attorney to resolve a difficult debt
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

11. Case Study #2
• Topic: Financial, Personal, Criminal
Conduct
– 27-year-old employee of defense contractor
– History of criminal actions, traffic infractions,
irresponsible financial decisions.
– Appears to be headed in the right direction,
but has not yet established a track record of
responsible behavior
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

12. Case Study #3
• Topic: Foreign Influence, Personal Conduct
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Applicant born and educated in Morocco
Came to the US in 1999 and became a U.S. citizen in 2007
In 2004, bought apartment for $34,000 in Morocco for his mother
Married a Moroccan n 2004, she intends to become a US citizen
Mother, 4 brothers, father-in-law, mother-in-law are citizens and
residents of Morocco
– Retained Moroccan passport after becoming a U.S. citizen;
destroyed it when he learned it raised security concerns
– On security clearance application, failed to disclose 2 civil
actions and some of his foreign travel, because he did not
understand the questions; answered truthfully during interview
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

13. Case Study #4
• Topic: Financial and Personal Conduct
– 7 delinquent debts totaling $170,399
– Resolved 3 debts; 4 debts are unresolved
– Falsified security clearance application, failing
to disclose: delinquent debts, referral to
collection agencies and suspended credit
cards for nonpayment
• Should we grant or deny clearance?

14. Security Clearance Recap
• Security clearance validates trust to
protect classified information
• Suitable for govt, defense, high tech, jobs
• Certification after thorough investigation
• Must maintain standards of conduct
• Can be lost due to failure to self-report

15. WANT A SECURITY CLEARANCE?
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Michael J. Belzil, Security Director
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Palmdale, California